What are the best visa run options for a South African passport holder with a Non-B visa expiring in January?

Dec 28, 2018
6 years ago
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
South African passport holder, best place to do a visa run? (NonB expiring in January) Singapore, KL? Any advice?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A South African passport holder is seeking advice on the best locations for a visa run as their Non-B visa is expiring in January. Comments suggest Vientiane as an easy and efficient option, highlighting the English proficiency of the consulate staff and the simplified process if all documentation is prepared. Other recommendations include Savannakhet and using the online application process through the Thai consulate in Singapore. KL is mentioned but noted to have a longer processing time of around four weeks.
Fred *********
Vientiane was so easy that I was amazed. Everyone there seemed to speak better English than anyone in Thailand. The officers at the consulate wanted more than just my Embassy income letter. Fortunately, I brought all the documentation I had on my income sources, they looked them over briefly and told me to come back the next day for my passport with O Visa. I wish it were this simple at Chonburi Immigration.
Robert *******
And as nice this report is, what has this to do with an application of the Non Immigrant B visa for South African passport holders?
Tod *********
@Alyssa *********
Holding a S/A passport is gonna be NO visa from Penang, and a 4 week wait in KL before you go back and get the visa inked into your passport.

Go to Lao, either Savannakhet or Vientiane..

OR as
@Chrisna *********
, recommended use the online visa application process with the thai consulate in Singapore and they'll email you if you're approved and you can fly down and get the visa
Susan ******************
@Tod ********
, my daughter followed your advice and applied online to get her Non B in Singapore last week. They informed her that she can bring in her original forms and passport between the 14th and 16th Jan .She handed the forms in on Monday morning and collected the new Non B Tuesday afternoon

Thank you for all the good advice. You make it easy for all us with your knowledge.

A South African colleague went to KL to do her Non B a few days earlier and was told to come back in 45 days. She applied online with Singapore and she managed to get the Non B with my daughter yesterday. So your advice in KL for South Africans is also spot on.
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks guys.
Ellie *******
Singapore basically would reply in pretty good time as first response. Still earlier is better. (and 1 hour advance)

My friend got followup messages (because of lack of documents) even in the evening or Saturday. Though I wouldn't reply on it since it's new year's holiday season.

Anyway seems like you have enough time.

BTW, my friend got the notification of the date for actual application (in person) in a couple of days from the first applying online.
Tod *********
@Alyssa *********
You could have probably applied online today IF you had all the documentation from your employer to scan and submit to the singapore consulate.

Go here, make a user name and password and submit your documents. They'll review them once they re-open after the new year and email you back

********************************************************************
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Non B only expires on the 13th of January, is it sufficient time?
Tod *********
@Alyssa *********
You're out nothing by trying the online Singapore program. You scan all the documents and send them to them. If it's approved or not, they email you.

Good Luck
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Chrisna **********
Singapore.
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes some writing regarding my reasons for being here. Work permit valid for 6 months, however I need to leave the country to obtain a new NonB. A few people I know are doing KL, any other embassy’s anyone could recommend, staying in Khao Lak.
Nico *********
Malaysia takes 4 weeks to proccess visas for South African passport holders. I was there 2 weeks ago. Rather go to Laos of Vietnam
Ellie *******
There were reports that South africans need to be legal residence in Malaysia to apply.

Also reports that South African can apply in Kota Bharu.

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Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Trying to find the cheapest and easiest way so I don’t hit any brick walls.
James ********
Tod and others may share info re SoAfr at KL
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Nope..
James ********
@Alyssa *********
but did it take 4 weeks to get their visa?
Alyssa **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes many of my colleagues go, over a period of 4 days... just not sure how they feel about South Africans.
James ********
@Alyssa *********
have your friends actually go to KL?

Especially since:

KL takes 4 weeks according their website.
Robert *******
You can apply with documents from your employer at the Immigration Office for an Extension of Stay.
James ********
What does your current South African visa say? Is there any Thai writing on or above it?
Robert *******
KL takes 4 weeks according their website.
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