Why do expats prefer Vientiane for Thai visas over places like Penang?

Question

Hello !

It seems people seem to choose Vientiane over other places (Penang for example). is it because it has proven to be faster or easier? I am curious because Laos requises visa to enter which adds to the cost.

I used to hear that things were quite efficient Penang but it seems things have changed..?

Thanks for any feedback .

Ask Thailand · Answer

Expats are increasingly choosing to obtain their Thai visas in Vientiane over other locations like Penang due to Vientiane's faster processing times. The Thai consulates in Vientiane and Savannakhet are noted for their quick turnaround, especially for common visa types such as Non-O, Non-ED, and Non-B. Visitors have reported efficient experiences, often receiving their visas on the same day or very shortly after applying. In contrast, the processing at Malaysian consulates, particularly in Penang, has slowed significantly since they moved to an online eVisa system, leading to longer wait times for approvals.

Tod ********* · Answer

People use the thai consulates in Vientiane and Savannakhet for their visas because they ARE faster.. They have some of the fastest processing times for regular visa (Non-O, Non-ED, Non-B) of any thai consulates in S/E Asia As long as you fill out the online application correctly, upload what they want, where they want it, submit the application, get the QR code and go to the consulate to pay in person (from 9-11 M-F) they are really fast on approvalz 𝗜 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱..? That's ancient news back when you queued up at the embassy and turned in paperwork. Since the three Malaysian thai consulates (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Bharu) went online with the eVisa web-portal they got REALLY slow in processing.. It's not unusual to be in Malaysia for 10 days or so waiting for approval on your eVisa

Marianne ******** · Answer

I arrived in Vientiane and submitted my Non-O based on marriage application on a Monday morning, around 10am. Paid just before noon. I got asked for additional documents on Tuesday around noon, and had my visa at 5pm that same Tuesday. Left for Thailand again on Wednesday. While going to the consulate to pay in person is a bit meh, the process is overall so fast it's worth that slight bit of inconvenience.

James ******** · Answer

What is your passport nation? Which Thai Visa are you applying for in Laos?

Why do expats prefer Vientiane for Thai visas over places like Penang?

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