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What is the appropriate dress code when applying for a Thai visa at the consulate in Penang?
May 3, 2017
9 years ago
Ellie *******
ORIGINAL POSTERA mini advice from Penang.
If you are going to Consulate by yourself for your any kind of visa, a tiny bit of tip here.
Dress properly. Especially when you apply Non-O/B/ED visa.
For ladies, cover your skin as much as possible - shirt with sleeve, long sleeves if possible. Not too short hot-pants style for bottoms. Wear shoes, if not, proper sandals not beach sandals style flip flops.
For gents, ware shirt with sleeves, not tank top. With collar would be better. Long pants, and if half pants, try as long as possible. Wear shoes. If not, no beach sandals, maybe sports sandals at least.
Not backpacker-ish style for Non-immigrant visa.
These are advice from the agent in Penang, who is visiting consulate for customers' visa everyday.
Malaysia is one of Muslim country, though you don’t have to wear like them. But the agent said Muslim staffs wouldn’t appreciate too-much-skin-exposure dress. Thus appropriate dress would help especially when your application is not super-perfect. Even the papers are okay, if some officer sees you don’t dress appropriate, they might try to find the reason to reject your application.
This is what one of the agent said and he also said he saw many were rejected.
I’m not sure how much this would help. Or maybe not at all. But this is what I got in Penang for Thai visa.
If you are going to Consulate by yourself for your any kind of visa, a tiny bit of tip here.
Dress properly. Especially when you apply Non-O/B/ED visa.
For ladies, cover your skin as much as possible - shirt with sleeve, long sleeves if possible. Not too short hot-pants style for bottoms. Wear shoes, if not, proper sandals not beach sandals style flip flops.
For gents, ware shirt with sleeves, not tank top. With collar would be better. Long pants, and if half pants, try as long as possible. Wear shoes. If not, no beach sandals, maybe sports sandals at least.
Not backpacker-ish style for Non-immigrant visa.
These are advice from the agent in Penang, who is visiting consulate for customers' visa everyday.
Malaysia is one of Muslim country, though you don’t have to wear like them. But the agent said Muslim staffs wouldn’t appreciate too-much-skin-exposure dress. Thus appropriate dress would help especially when your application is not super-perfect. Even the papers are okay, if some officer sees you don’t dress appropriate, they might try to find the reason to reject your application.
This is what one of the agent said and he also said he saw many were rejected.
I’m not sure how much this would help. Or maybe not at all. But this is what I got in Penang for Thai visa.
TLDR : Answer Summary
When attending the Thai consulate in Penang to apply for Non-O/B/ED visas, it's crucial to dress appropriately to avoid potential issues with your application. Women are advised to cover their skin with long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts, while men should opt for collared shirts with sleeves and long pants. Generally, avoiding beach-style sandals and casual wear is recommended as a sign of respect for local customs and to project a positive image to officials, which can be important especially if other aspects of the application may not be perfect.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Keith **********
This advice is very valid, not just for Thai consulates but for any official building. All Philippine Immigration offices etc. have dress code signage and will just refuse to serve anyone inappropriately dressed. I was at The Philippines Retirement Agency offices a couple of weeks ago to submit my visa application, and the front desk will not even let you past to go to the lifts to the agency offices if you are not appropriately dressed.
It makes so much sense, you are going to apply for permission to be in their country for an extended period of time, surely you want to give the impression that you are the sort of person they want in their country
It makes so much sense, you are going to apply for permission to be in their country for an extended period of time, surely you want to give the impression that you are the sort of person they want in their country
Tod *********
There is NO downside to dressing respectable when dealing with ANY thai officialdom.
Most if not all consulates and immigration offices have dress code signage posted when you enter the premises.
Here are some dress code signage from immigration offices.
Most if not all consulates and immigration offices have dress code signage posted when you enter the premises.
Here are some dress code signage from immigration offices.
Tod *********
Unfortunately there seems to be NO dress code enforcement (at least out at Chaengwattana). :/
I am proud to be a born, bred, corn-fed american (y)
BUT sometimes I'm ashamed to be a foreigner here, given the way some people dress when dealing with thai gov't agencies. :(
I am proud to be a born, bred, corn-fed american (y)
BUT sometimes I'm ashamed to be a foreigner here, given the way some people dress when dealing with thai gov't agencies. :(
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Tod *********
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Victoria **********
Let's hope half the deadbeats that regularly go to Jomtien Immigration never go to Penang then 😂😂😂
Victoria **********
*****
55Paul ********
REALLY HAVE ONE MORE TATOO
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Paul ********
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Jeremy ******
If that's too much to ask, pay an extra few hundred baht to a visa agency. I'd do that anyway. They don't care how you look and then you drink beer and eat Indian food while your visa is processed :)
Jeremy ******
Should be common sense, but of course some people have no clue and show up at temples in their bikini. Always smile, wai and dress nice when dealing with "important" Thais
Robert *******
Yeah, I saw some backpackers dumping their bags at a shrine in the harbor. I asked them to move. answer: NO, i don't care. I asked: Are you Christian, answer yes. Me again: Do you like it if I use the nails in Jezus hands on the cross to hang up my coat. They went ballistic against me for offending Jesus.
Jeremy ******
Yeah, I'd like to see the reaction if some foreign tourists rocked up to a church in the US in their swimsuits.
Robert *******
How do they do that at home? Wearing a tanktop and shorts with passport application or job interviews? Shopping in bikini or speedo? Driving motorbikes in shorts and bikini without helmet? Wearing a halter top and short visiting a churge?
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Robert *******
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Robert *******
I always wonder. Are they traveling because their Government or Parents had enough of their behavior and funding them to be far away or is it in their home country allowed to show yourself like that.
Nic *******
It doesn't matter that it's a Muslim country, it's actually about Thai Buddhist modesty and respect. You'll find similar attitudes in most Thai consulates that you go to.
Fra *****
When ever you have to deal with officials it is almost wise to be dressed in style to represent yourself .....in a positive respectful way
Robert ********
The attire I have seen westerners wear everywhere from DMCW to the US Embassy is shall we say, "surprising" to say the least.....even with the signs advising what is considered impolite.
Jean **********************
wise...but just ......normal no ?
Reply to
Jean **********************
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Robert *******
Most of the long term travelers don't seem to have many clothes, at least thats what I observe when they walk half naked down the streets here. For common sense, I know for sure the suitcase or backpack was already to full and to heavy. They left that at home.
Cody *******
This is a common sense rule and you should always 'look the part' for what you are doing.
Robert ********
I would think appropriate attire should be worn when visiting any consulate or embassy, but I guess common sense is in short supply these days. Thanks for the reminder Ellie :-)
Ellie *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI just pass the Information of advise from Penang local and it's not any law or regulation. I Apology if my English is not good and lead misunderstandings.
Jan **********
You were kind to advise,
@El***
Fra *****
Don t shoot the messenger.....
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Fra *****
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Paul ********
TIP TOP INFO THANKS !! STAY SAFE CHOK DEE
Halim ****************
Muslim staff,
Are you kidding???
We are talking about Thai embassy in Malaysia,
So the decision in the end is Thai
Are you kidding???
We are talking about Thai embassy in Malaysia,
So the decision in the end is Thai
Roy ***********
Same for the Thai Embassy in Amsterdam - all Dutch, never seen a Thai employee there...
Julia ************
What's so funny, Halim?
Steve *******
The British Embassy in Bangkok employs Thai staff for admin work. The Thai Embassy in London and the Thai consulate Hull, UK employ British citizens to issue visas and undertake admin work. It would not suprise me that the Thai Embassy in Malaysia employs Malaysians.
David ************
Not a happy one by all accounts
Halim ****************
Really!!!
LOL
LOL
Julia ************
Thailand, especially the south, has a Muslim population.
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Julia ************
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David ************
I wear what I want and never have problems. As long as you aren't breaking rules or trying to beat the system you will be ok.
Terary **********
@Janet **************
if dress appropriate for the country visted in this story -- a burka would be appropriate.Terary **********
@Ross *****
'Americans' come on Aussies do that crap too. We do it more -- only because there is more of us.Ross ******
Exactly Janet.
Richard *******
I remember back in the 1980's people being turned away from the Thai Embassy in Singapore for looking like they had just walked off a beach in bali.
David ************
I dress like a normal guy and play by the rules. That's why I never have problems.
Janet ***************
Exactly , if you want to visit other countries then dress in an appropriate manner. You may even be made more welcome...and remember than Thailand and its people are still in mourning over the late King.
Ross ******
'I wear what I want' !!!! They have a dress code!!!! You must be American. It's the Royal Thai Embassy. Show a little respect for a couple of hours, then go home and put on your chaps and crotchless panties. If you never have problems doesn't mean you haven't offended people.
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Ross ******
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Alex *****
Oh before in embassy work budhist thai .
Andrew *******
Thank you.
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Andrew *******
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