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Why is Penang airport not recommended for visa runs?
Visa RenewalPenang AirportMalaysian TravelChinese New Year TravelKLIA ExperiencesTransportation Options to MalaysiaTravel Experiences of Expats in Thailand
Feb 9, 2026
3 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERI don't recommend flying into Penang, Malaysia when resetting your 180 days. Terrible airport! 3 hour line upon arrival last week.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges faced when traveling to Penang, Malaysia for visa purposes, particularly around the time of Chinese New Year when airport congestion is high. Commenters share their personal experiences with wait times at Penang Airport, suggesting that other airports like KLIA may offer better efficiency. Some recommend alternative travel methods such as taking a train or road trips to avoid the hassle of flying during busy periods.
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Boaz *****
I was there, and it took me three minutes to pass through immigration.
Daygo ********
That’s true, arrived here yesterday and waited about 4 hours for immigration check. 😂
Anonymous ******************
Yes Penang took me 90min+ to clear immigration
KLIA is much better as they have the autogates that eligible country citizens can use. Super easy. KLIA2 now also has e-gates.
KLIA is much better as they have the autogates that eligible country citizens can use. Super easy. KLIA2 now also has e-gates.
GenuinePin**********
I’d recommend any other country lol, theirs is among the hottest, not cheap, and flight checkin was the slowest I’ve ever experienced. KL is also overrated imo. Expensive hotels for someone simply biding their time while working on a visa. But if you want to check off another box…it’s somewhere to go.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERGenuinePineapple2858 It certainly felt awfully hot in Georgetown.
D *****************
GenuinePineapple2858 the food is good, the coffee is great. Lol 2 days in KL, DTV renewed. Following week spent in Krabi. Not the worst set up
GenuinePin**********
@D ****************
Nice! If the visa was that fast then it’s worth it for that purpose. I ruled out spending money there in general, but that’s the fun of travel, finding new places you like.D *****************
GenuinePineapple2858 exactly! Cheers and safe travels!
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D *****************
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Arthur ******
take the train don't fly, such a nice experience.
Anthony ******
@Arthur *****
Have you ever taken a long distance train here? 18 hours plus stuck with crying babies and noisy families. Not a great experience unless you are a first time backpacker.Arthur ******
or else a nice road trip down south and then catching the train from Padang Besar right at the border is another option.
Arthur ******
You may have had a bad experience in the past but don't assume its the case all the time, if you wanted privacy and more comfort maybe book a better section, and yes i have taken many trains in Thailand also more often to and from Malaysia which is the reason I recommended it as from my experience it was wonderful.
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Arthur ******
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LavenderD*********
KL international was a 1 hour wait at least, 4 weeks ago
DioPar******
It's almost Chinese new year, not a smart move to travel in Chinese areas during this time
DioPar******
It has already started at the beginning of the month (in terms of Chinese people going on vacation). You should have seen HCMC airport during new year 😉
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERDioParco3474 Penang airport is problematic. Phuket airport had even more arriving passengers yet it took 25 minutes to clear the line, not 3 hours. I don't even want to know what Penang airport will be like in a week from now when Chinese New Year actually starts.
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Anonymous *************
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