What are the requirements for applying for a Thai tourist visa while in Malaysia?

May 10, 2024
6 months ago
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My plan. From USA (as a US Citizen), arrival Kuala Lumpur Sept 9. Visit Malaysia for 3-4 weeks. Apply IN PERSON for a Thai tourist visa (60 days, single entry) at the Thai immigration office in KL or Penang. After approval and with my visa IN HAND, I would like to take the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

Q1: Do I need a minimum of days of stay in Malaysia before to apply in person at the Thai immigration office?

Q2: I pretty sure but can I buy the ferry ticket online in advance to put in my visa application? (also it will be my proof to exit Malaysia on my flight from USA on Sept 9. Also my proof for my port of entry for Thailand in my Thai visa application)

Q3: Do I miss something?

Q4: It will work or not?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster plans to obtain a Thai tourist visa while in Malaysia and seeks clarity on specific requirements and processes. Key points include that there is no minimum stay required in Malaysia before applying for the visa, proof of accommodation for the entire stay in Thailand may be needed, and it’s possible to book ferry tickets in advance. Users emphasize the ease of obtaining the visa and the importance of checking with the respective consulate for any specific requirements.
Duncanc **********
Get the visa in your home country - it’s easier
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Duncanc *********
I replied to a similar question earlier. Because, I learned that if you apply before leaving USA for a Tourist Visa. You must enter Thailand from USA. You cannot stay in Malaysia for 30+ days prior to enter Thailand. If you stay in Malaysia 30+ days prior to Thailand, you must apply in person in KL or Penang. But I will email the Thai embassy if the scenario to apply in USA in advance and have a proof of US to Malaysia + stay 30 days in Malaysia +Malaysia to Thailand proof is acceptable. Stay tune!
Duncanc **********
@Jacques *******
Where did you learn this?

It’s not true at all
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Duncanc *********
Few weeks ago, from my previous post on this same group. Anyway, I just emailed the Thai embassy in DC with my questions and concerns. Stay tune! Thanks!
Duncanc **********
@Jacques *******
Its scary how much bad advice is shared in this group 🫣
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Duncanc *********
I just read again my previous post from May 1st. I think that I miss understand the reply from another user. Originally (on May 1st), my thoughts was to apply online with my laptop FROM Malaysia during my 30+ visit. The person who replied to me was right. I cannot apply online FROM Malaysia during my visit. It must be in person in KL or Penang. But applying online in USA prior to my entire trip is another story. Sorry for the confusion.
Todd *********
1- no

2- yes

3- no

4- yes

Should all be no problem. KL consulate needs an appt made online. Penang takes walk ins
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
Thanks Todd for all your confirmations. I just emailed the Penang office with my concerns. Let's wait for their answers. Thanks!
Todd *********
@Jacques *******
it’s a good plan overall and should be no issues. You can apply early for the tourist visa also, but I forget how early. You can also extend that TV60 by another 30 days in Thailand for 1900 baht at any immigration office. The ferry from Langkawi to Lipe is great, nice trip and very easy. Thai immigration is right on the beach there. Have fun
Graham ******
Why not get your Tourist Visa before leaving the US as it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
Because, I learned that if you apply before leaving USA for a Tourist Visa. You must enter Thailand directly from USA. You cannot stay in Malaysia for 30+ days prior to enter Thailand. If you stay in Malaysia 30+ days prior to Thailand, you must apply in person in KL or Penang. If you can prove me the opposite, let me know with solid proof.
Jan ******************
@https://www.faceboo*******************
Miller we have discussed this previously, could you please confirm this for this guy.🙏
Graham ******
@Jacques *******
You can provide flights tickets USA-Malaysia then Malaysia-Thailand to get your Visa. I don't know if one of the US Consulates have this rule but many have got Visas prior to travelling with a stopover days/weeks in another country before finally travelling to Thailand. There are no direct flights from the US to Thailand so you cannot enter directly so that seems like a stupid rule.
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I didn`t want to mean "direct" as really direct flight. Of course, US to KL is not a direct flight. (0 stop). I will check your statements with the Thai embassy. Thanks!
Jan ******************
@Jacques *******
You’re required to show proof that you physically are in the US when you apply for a tourist visa in the e-visa portal. You might also prove that you started your travel from the US, but when you’ve got your tourist visa I’m quite confident that you’re allowed to enter all borders into Thailand within the three months validity of your tourist visa as Graham also assumes. I mean you could easily wait until the last days before your visa expires and enter Thailand from the US by any other third country without any restrictions or issues. The tourist visa is just a pdf file you print out and put in your passport before you enter the border. The immigration doesn’t have any insight in the documentation you provided when you applied at home. If you can -if asked at the border- show proof of documentation for accommodation and a ticket out of Thailand within the validity of the visa, it should be sufficient.
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
Thanks for your precious information. I really appreciate it. Many things got clarified with this post. it's my 1st experience to travel to multiple countries with visa rules and regulations.
John ********
@Jan *****************
correct answer
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The Thai Penang TOURIST VISA (TR) website said for one of requirements... Proof of accommodation for the WHOLE period of stay in Thailand.

Q5: In reality, do I REALLY need the WHOLE 60 days proof of accommodation? I have no clue when I will be exactly in Chiang Mai in the next month.

Q6: Do you know if my 2-3 days hotel reservation in Koh Lipe will be enough?
Jan ******************
@Jacques *******
I know Penang based on feedbacks can be quite strict regarding proof of accommodation and people are asked to provide a confirmed booking for the whole stay in Thailand. If this is the case for everyone, I don’t know and I’ve read that the embassy in Kulala Lumpur could be less strict.
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
I can always reserve online accommodations somewhere in Thailand for 60 days and cancel after I pass Koh Lipe. Right?
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
I read that same document earlier. I will check if KL is less strict. Thanks for your help.
Jan ******************
@Jacques *******
I know one guy just booked the whole stay in a hotel app and cancelled everything after he applied for his visa in Penang. This is from Penang consulate.
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
Yep! I saw that also. I should be in line at the door 1 hour before the opening in the morning. I'm scheduling to stay in Penang for 5 business days. Just in case. I just emailed the Penang office with my questions. Let's see...
Jan ******************
Brandon ************
1) no

2) you'll probably need proof of leaving Thailand in order to apply for a tourist visa. Check the website of the embassy you want to apply at for their requirements.

3) I believe Kuala Lumpur requires an appointment to apply there.

4) a tourist visa is easy to get as long as you meet the requirements
Jacques ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For (Q2), Of course, I will have a proof of leaving Thailand and also a Thailand hotel proof. I didn't want to overcharge my post and questions. Thanks Brandon for your help.
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