What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa in Penang?

Mar 23, 2018
7 years ago
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thought I would give back a little instead of just asking questions. I just did a 60-day tourist visa in Penang this week (third in a row, first in Penang) and it was not the breeze everyone said it would be there. Apparently, they have a new guy and he is strict. So just a heads up. Make sure you have good bank statements. That seemed to really help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shared their experience of obtaining a 60-day tourist visa in Penang, indicating that the process was more challenging than previously reported. They advised future applicants to ensure they have strong bank statements, as this was a key factor during their application. Comments from others sought clarification on other requirements like onward travel and the frequency of tourist visa applications.
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My whole point with posting was just to alert people going to Penang. I follow everything they outline on the embassy site every time and this time I had to do a significant amount of talking at the embassy and even on my way through immigration back. Everyone told me this was an “easy” visa run and I found the process less so. My run to Ho Chi Minh in December was way less stressful.
Naomi ********
I was under the impression the tourist visa count starts new each year - like 2 land crossings per year - you said you had 3 tourist visas..you mean just in general back to back starting from last year? Because its only March..
Lucian *********
A Visa company in Penang has told me that 3 Tourist Visas per year are allowed there.
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Our first was starting September 2017. They did not seem to reset the visas as this would have been our first for 2018.
Tod *********
@Naomi ***********
, there is no tourist visa count :/ I know people who have been here 5 or 6 years on tourist visas now.
Tod *********
@Ter***
, a visa on arrival and a visa waiver or visa exempt are completely different things.

People from 21 countries BUY a visa on arrival when they enter thailand for 2000baht and it lets them in for 15 days.

People from 51 countries get a 30 day visa exempt or visa waiver entry for free.

People from 44 countries are limited to TWO 30 day visa exempt entries in a calendar year.
Terary **********
The land crossing deal is 'visa on arrival' or 'visa waiver' not the same as visa.

But I would be impressed if the OP blew through 3 visas in as many months
Robert *******
So no need of onward travel and proof of accommodation. Only proof of funds with a minimum of....?
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mick ****
I had a lease for the house I rent here.
Mick *****
@Erin *****************
May I ask if you had proof of accomodation and for how many days?
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I went to the embassy.
Christine ***********
@Erin *****************
did you go directly to the thai embassy there or work through a visa company?
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marco ********
no it wasn’t. They did say that was preferred.
Marco *********
@Erin *****************
can I ask you if your onward travel was a flight to your homecountry?
Robert *******
Thanks for this information..
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sure. I figured no one would show up for a visa run without all the things they ask for. So I had... proof of onward travel within 60 days, over 5k USD for bank statement and the lease for my house.
Robert *******
Okay than, you only mentioned good bank statement. That's why I asked. So you need bank statement with minimum 20.000 Thb, proof of onward travel, you gave within 60 or 90 days? And you need proof of accommodation, for the whole 60 days or a shorter period. Some details are nice if people go to Penang for a Tourist Visa.
Skyote ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
NO!! Have EVERYTHING! I had everything and they still gave me some hassle. It was when they looked closer at my bank statement that he sighed and put the paperwork through.
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