Answered2 months ago

What is the best embassy to apply for a Non-O visa nearby?

Non-O Visa Visa Application Process Thai Embassy Embassy Locations Immigration Expat advice

Karl **********************

asked Aug 25, 2026

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What is the best nearby embassy to go to when initially applying for the non-o visa ? 

Thanks,

Kris

Answer summary

When looking for the best embassy to apply for a Non-O visa, the options include Thai consulates in Laos (Vientiane and Savannakhet) and Vietnam (HCMC and Hanoi), as well as embassies in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, and Penang). Experiences vary, with some finding the Laos consulates efficient, while others have reported delays in Malaysia due to increased documentation requests and slower processing times following the introduction of the eVisa online system. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your proximity to these locations and their current processing speeds.

11 repliesnewest first

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BronzeH********

Applied twice for a non o visa in Vientiane and it was very simple. 1st time approved in 4 days. 2nd time approved in 1 day. No extra questions asked.

Only tiny inconvenience is having to go and queue up to pay the visa fee the queue gets long very quickly so arrive early. Would be much easier if this could be done online.

2 months ago

Lennys*******

Have been doing some research on that myself and KL seems the best option for me as they allow foreigners to apply via KL embassy (obviously e-visa online system)

easy requirements from what I can see, upload proof that you’re in Malaysia (passport stamp)

2 months ago

Tod *********

Lennyslife_🌴 Since the eVisa online web-portal went live in Malaysia those three consulates there (Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu and Penang) have gotten REALLY slow with their visa processing..

I would say your research is a little lacking and ANY feedback on those consulates being fast was well before they all went to the online eVisa processing

2 months ago

Lennys*******

interesting, the new KL embassy website states processing for non-o within 7 business days and suggests to apply for the visa approx. 15 days prior to travel date

Surely that must be somewhat correct?

2 months ago

Lennys*******

Thanks Todd, but there was a post in June about this in this group showing that it has been done in that timeframe 🤷🏼‍♀️

2 months ago

Tod *********

Lennyslife_🌴 you seem to not want to believe the answer I'm giving you.

I will leave you to it and wish you well on your upcoming extended stay in Malaysia. ;)

2 months ago

Graham ******

Lennyslife_🌴 Your research has shown something different from what is regularly posted on here that in Malaysia they very often request more documentation sometimes the same thing multiple times and it can take many weeks.

2 months ago

Lennys*******

I know, but that might refer to DTV - i’ve only checked

the non-o specifically

2 months ago

Terry *******

The best one is closest to you.

2 months ago

Tod *********

Some people feel the two consulates in Lao aren't as good because once you apply online via the eVisa system you get a QR code and have you go to the consulate and pay in cash for the visa

But

They are pretty fast for approvals on "regular' visas (Non-O, Non-B, Non-ED), usually just a couple business days after you pay you're approved.

2 months ago

Tod *********

There really is no best one.

Meet the requirements, get the visa

The two Thai consulates in Lao (Vientiane/ Savannakhet) or the two in Vietnam (HCMC /Hanoi) are where most people already in Thailand go for visas.

2 months ago