penang thai tourist visa

Thai VISA Application in Penang Malaysia (2022 Update)

Since the whole pandemic thing, Thai visa runs have been all up in the air at best with border closures, travel restrictions, and just a whole lot of unpredictability. It wasn’t until July 2022 when Malaysia opened its land borders again and it was just in time for my first tourist visa application since my 9-month STV (special tourist visa) expired and the tourist visa application in Penang will forever be my visa run of choice given it’s the only one I actually enjoy. So I hopped on a train from Bangkok and made a holiday out of it travelling from Bangkok to Singapore by train via Penang, Kuala Lumpur. Anyway, you can follow directions on the Bangkok to Penang stretch in the video below (up to11mins 20secs) .

Application for Thai Visa at Embassy/Consulate in Penang (2022)

So this is more of a post-pandemic (2022) update on the Thai visa application in Penang , as things have changed slightly since my article below, although not drastically, as the whole process was still relatively simple and painless with lesser numbers of applications compared to pre-Covid times. This could of course change in the future and I will update the best I can.

What Time Does the Thai Consulate in Penang Open?

The Thai consulate in Penang is back in business with similar opening times as before, where it opens in the mornings for Thai VISA Applications and in the afternoons for collection . It now (or at least currently) takes 2-days to process Thai visa applications in Penang so collection is 2-days after the application date .

Thai VISA Application Times

Between 09:00AM – 11:00AM

Thai VISA Collection Times

Between 14:00PM and 16:00PM

You will be given an acknowledgement slip outlining the day of the collection which should be 2-days after the application date.

What Documents do I Need for a Thai Tourist Visa Application in Penang?

Rules have changed since my last visa run to Penang where proof of finance, onward travel, and accommodation during your stay in Thailand, are needed to make the Thai tourist visa application . The visa agents on Chulia Street said they could sort this for me but it sounded a bit sketchy. Some agents say that proof of arrival to Thailand is also needed but I’m not certain about this. It’s not something I have provided as I normally cross land borders.

Otherwise, the sum is not much (20,000 Baht or so per person), a bus across a Thai border should suffice for onward travel, and Agoda and Booking.com are both handy for flexible bookings etc. They’re really not huge hurdles. Also, the dress code is Long pants, no shorts, just in case.

Anyway, the full list of requirements is below.

• Original Passport with at least 6-month validity and 2 blank visa Pages.
• A photocopy of the main passport photo page.
• A completed VISA application form (can be provided at the embassy).
• One passport photo.
• Proof of onward travel from Thailand (and maybe to Thailand).
• Proof of finances (bank statement for past 3 months etc.)
• Proof of accommodation during stay in Thailand.
• 160RM Visa fee in Malaysian Ringgit (although I paid in Thai Baht).

Where is the Thai Embassy in Penang?

It’s actually a Thai consulate in Penang (the main embassy being in Kuala Lumpur). The Thai consulate is in the hills of Penang ( map here ) and is really within walking distance of much of Georgetown (I did it once but not again). Otherwise it’s a quick taxi ride, or, if you have a working phone/internet I find it a lot cheaper using Grab (the most expensive trip was 11 RM on Grab on the most recent pickup). It’s by far the most scenic and least stressful embassies/consulates to apply for a Thai tourist visa with tropical birds and monkeys hopping about on the surrounding trees and power lines.

Address: 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Taman Barat, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Where Can I Print Documents for Thai VISA Application in Penang?

I arrived on a Sunday with no passport photos or documents for the Thai Visa application in Penang. So I was straight out on the Chulia Street stretch to find everywhere closed. It wasn’t until Monday morning when I printed documents at a nearby store and had some passport photos taken at a print shop in Chulia Street ( map here ). I then turned up to the Thai consulate in Penang to find a mobile passport photo/print shop parked conveniently opposite the Thai consulate gates. At least mine were cheaper.

Do Thai VISA Agents Still Operate in Penang?

I did check the main agents originally along Chulia Street who would normally charge a couple of hundred baht extra to have them do the legwork for you. But most agents had either given up or were charging extortionate prices (the cheapest was 2,500 Baht up to 5,000 +Baht). I’m guessing this is just due to demand where, instead of hundreds of weekly Thai visa applications, they were lucky to find a handful (this could therefore change with an uptick in demand). Anyway, I was otherwise happy to go alone.

Why Penang for the Thai Visa Application?

Georgetown Penang for me is by far the best Thai VISA run from Bangkok as Laos I now find tedious, Cambodia involves lengthy bus treks and flying to Singapore et al. requires bigger budgets. In fact, I live near the borders of Laos and Cambodia for much of the year, yet I still choose Penang for my Thai VISA runs. This is mostly because it is stress-free and easy and it has the least complications.

Malaysia is also the only country bordering Thailand where a VISA is not necessary to enter. Otherwise I have written my Top Ten VISA Runs here .

Anyway, for travel to Penang, the overnight train from Bangkok to Butterworth (1,200 each way) is my usual route (alternatives below) which is relaxed and even enjoyable. At the border, there will be a quick stop for the passport stamp out of Thailand, and then into Malaysia before continuing on to Butterworth. From Butterworth, the ferry to Penang Island departs regularly and costs next to nothing. Then from the arrival port, I would walk to Chulia Street which is the centre of Georgetown’s Unesco area. This is the ideal spot to kick back for a couple of days, with cheap hotels, amazing food and (there used to be) reliable agencies to do the legwork of the Thai VISA application (more on these below). Anyway, here is a video from my previous Thai VISA run to Penang from Bangkok.

The Simple Thai Tourist Visa Application (TV)

The usual tourist VISA will be for 60 days in Thailand with the option of an extension (90 days in total) . The 60-day tourist VISA currently costs 160RM in Penang Malaysia and, for convenience, The Thai Visa Application should be made between 09:00AM and 11:00AM on a weekday at the Thai Embassy in Penang (be sure to check for holiday closures).

The process is quick and painless. Just turn up with the necessary documents (as below), fill in the VISA application form, and wait in line to hand it over. It should take no more than 40 minutes.

You then pick up your passport with the Thai VISA stamped the following day (now it is 2-days later in 2022) between 14:00PM and 16:00PM. Alternatively, you can have agencies do the leg work for an additional fee (more on that below).

Here are the necessary documents for the standard tourist VISA to Thailand.

• Proof of accommodation during the stay in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Penang?

If planning to make the VISA application in person, the Thai Consulate is found in the leafy back hills of Georgetown (1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town) which can be reached on foot from two nearish tourist areas. The usual choice for most travellers would be the Unesco and backpacker area around Chulia Street which is roughly 5km away. I have walked it before and the simplest route is to just follow straight up Burma Road, then take a left onto Cantonment Road until Jalan Tunku which is on the right. The Thai embassy is then found at the beginning of the road, and is simple to spot as there are normally minivans and taxis waiting outside. A taxi is around 20RM each way (Grab 11RM). Here for hotels around Chulia Street . 

Alternatively, I occasionally stay in the Gurney Drive area, a more modern and high-rise setting in Georgetown (below right) which is also a lot closer to the Thai Embassy (2km away) by again just following Cantonment Road. A taxi would be 10RM to 15RM (8RM by Grab).  Here for hotels in the Gurney Drive area .

Thai VISA Agents in Penang

It is possible to have agencies do the leg work on your Thai VISA application for an additional 20RM ( this has changed during the pandemic and I have updated for 2022 above ). There are a whole bunch of these agencies on Chulia Street and the Love Lane are where you just drop in your passport on the day you arrive, fill in the forms, then pick it up the day after. It is definitely worthwhile considering, given it costs around 15RM each way, when taking a taxi from the popular tourist areas to the Thai Embassy. But I do prefer doing the Thai VISA application in person, so I can then pick it up first thing when the Thai Embassy opens at 14:00 on collection day to start my return journey to Bangkok before rush hour traffic. The agencies normally won’t return your passport and VISA until near 16:00PM, or later.

Travel to Penang from Bangkok and Thailand?

Flights to Penang are of course the quickest route but they are normally expensive and flights to Kuala Lumpur are often cheaper. Personally, most of my journeys between Penang to Bangkok are by train ( full details here ) but this was made harder recently when the Malaysian trains were upgraded and Thai trains could no longer cross the border. So now it is necessary to transfer at Padang Besar. But there are many alternative routes, my own preferred being via Langkawi (and Satun), making it a holiday, but this is also the longest and most uncomfortable route when it comes to the long-haul bus journey from Satun. Otherwise the cheapest and easiest route from Penang to Thailand would be by minivan which have a pickup outside the embassy, and leave soon after the VISA collection time (shown below left). There are normally touts waiting around to help you at the entrance to the Embassy. The minivans also go to various destinations throughout the south of Thailand, first crossing the Thai-Malaysia border at Danok, and a good option here is Hat Yai where cheap flights are almost guaranteed through both Air Asia and Lion Air. This is the option I went with recently with a last-minute 1,000 Baht flight to Chiang Mai which is similar to the overnight train to Bangkok. So it is always best to check flight options.

Georgetown: Worth the trip alone

Georgetown is easily one of my favourite Asian cities with its unique cultural harmony and mixed heritages of Chinese, Indian and Malay. One of the better examples is in the Unesco area, not far from Chulia Street, where three prominent temples sit side-by-side, Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Indian Hindu), Han Jiang Temple (Chinese Ancestral) and Kapital Keling (Muslim Mosque), near the corner of Queen Street and Kapitan Keling. The food is also unbeatable and my VISA runs tend to centre around the local Mamak Restaurants and Nasi Kandar stalls. And there’s also the delightfully garish nightlife of Red Garden Food Paradise. Otherwise, the picturesque backstreets are what drives the tourists, the wall art, and wall caricatures can be found dotted throughout Georgetown’s Unesco Heritage area (and beyond). There is other stuff .

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

64 thoughts on “Thai VISA Application in Penang Malaysia (2022 Update)”

Thanks for writing this! Are you American? If so what documentation did you have to supply along with your passport to get the visa? Did you get a 90 or 60 day? Was it single entry? Is it ok to cross back into Thailand by land or do you have to fly back. Thanks so much!

I have a British passport but it is no different for US citizens. All I bring is my passport and 2 passport photos. The VISA forms are available (free) from the agencies in Georgetown Penang. On two occasions I got the 60 day tourist VISA which can later be extended inside Thailand for a further 30 days. Costs 1,200 (i think) for the 30 day extension. I never stick around long enough. The 60 day tourist VISA is single entry and you can cross back into Thailand overland. Twice I’ve travelled to Langkawi and up through immigration at Satun pier. Other option is Butterworth to Thailand by train. Best of luck 🙂 A

Thanks so much!! I’m actually using your post as a guide and I’m on the train to Butterworth now. 🙂 Thanks so much.

Best of luck. Let us know if I get any wrong 😉

Hi Allen I’ve just read your article about Thai Visa Application Penang Malaysia. Found it very interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly I live Deep South Pattani/Yala. I’m British Passport Holder. Secondly I’m a crazy cyclist and have cycled as far as the ferry to Penang from Yala. Also have a car and have drove in Malaysia. I’ve been living in Thailand over five years last 3 years in Pattani on Extension of Stay married to Thai National all these years. I also love Malaysia great for cycling. I’m try find out more about visa applications in Penang married to Thai National if they do this visa and the requirements they need for this and advantages/disadvantages. Basically the financial requirements compared to Extension of Stay I get at Pattani Immigration office up until now. TYIA

Hey Martin. Unfortunately I don’t know much about these visas or at least I’ve not had any recent experience. I have applied for a non o before in Penang under marriage but this would have to be renewed after a year within Thailand as far as I can remember. Think there’s a finance threshold as well with either 400,000 in a Thai bank or 40,000 per month etc. I wouldn’t trust my knowledge on this tho.

Excellent post, an option we would have never considered. Just a few of questions when you have time. Are the agencies easy to find? Are they located on Chulia street? I’m traveling with my wife so I’m a bit more cautious than usual, did you feel safe there (assuming you act like a normal person and use common sense and respect the culture)? We only need to bring the passport photos, we don’t need to show a bank account info or departure tickets?

Yes agencies are very easy to find on Chulia Street. Every tour and travel agent should offer the service. Banana Travel & Tours likely the most famous; it recently relocated to a couple doors up from the 7/11 at Love Lane on Chulia Street. 100% safe in fact I rarely feel safer when travelling. I’ve been there a couple of times with my wife and she loves it. Even in early hours 2am / 3am I was happily stumbling down backstreets. A cool city to see at this time. Only need passport photos and passport for the 60 day tourist VISA. Best of luck 🙂

Does this have to be done on a weekday? We’re on a time crunch in that my husband has to leave Thailand by Dec 30. We’d like to go to Penang together, but the only time both of us have off is Dec 28/29, which is a Saturday/Sunday.

Unfortunately it is only weekdays (mon – fri) which is the same for (I think) all Thai embassies. They also close during Thai and Malaysian holidays. I turned up during Thaipusam in Penang once and I was forced to wait 4 days.

I am on Koh Lipe and must go somewhere to get a 60 day tourist visa before my 15 days run out. I thought to go to The Immigration office in Satun. Any experience with that?

Hi Roksvag. I think you need to leave Thailand to get a new tourist VISA and Penang is easily the closest Embassy for the 60 day tourist VISA. You can cross the border (travel to Langkawi) and return at Satun but this will only get the 30 day tourist VISA (or 14 depending on nationality). Your best option is travel direct from Lipe to Langkawi if the ferries run at this time of year (i think they do). Then from Langkawi a ferry to Penang. If the ferries aren’t running then you will have to travel to the mainland and either do the same route via Satun to Langkawi and Penang or travel inland to Hat Yai then travel to Butterworth / Penang by train. Not 100% on this area but close to certain this is the situation. If you find alternatives do get back to us. Best of luck 🙂 Allan

Alltight, now I understand! Thank you so much, great informaton! I look forward to Georgetown.

Hi, great article. Quick question. Can I renew a 90 day Non Immigrant O visa for Thailand in Penang? Many thanks for your time and invaluable info. Tim

Hi Tim. I’m not 100% on the ins and outs of different VISAs but will try. Is it a 1 year VISA which needs to be renewed every 90 days? If so you maybe able to just cross the border, stamp in / stamp out. Visiting an embassy may not be necessary. If it is a non immigrant VISA issued within Thailand it may also be renewed at internal immigration offices. Again not 100% on this so best to double check. Hope this helps. A

Can any of the mods or other readers tell the names of specific guesthouse or tour agencies (names and location if possible) that they used to.

It may be true that ‘any’ of the shops can help, but some actual experience would be appreciated. You can’t be too careful with passports; some owners are more trustworthy than others.

Also, what is the fee for non-immigrant single entry visa?

Hi Fox. The best tour agency would be http://bananapenang.com/ found at the start of Chulia Street near the 7/11. They process bags full each day and to date I’ve heard no complaints. I think the non-immigrant prices are 220RM (although haven’t done this myself).

The process is documented here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728728-single-entry-non-o-visiting-family-visa-run-penang/ . This one details how to do it yourself. It’s actually quite easy. Non-imm single entry is 220RM

hello , im from vietnam and i would like to do visa run on next tuesday . can u tell me more information about this pls ?. becuz my visa will be expire on 15/4.

Hi Andy. You asked on probably the worst day possible. Today the VISA situation changed and multiple land border crossings are no longer allowed. If you haven’t arrived via a land border to date you should be fine and rules maybe different with Asean countries. Sorry I can’t be of use and I’ll update when situation is clearer…

Thanks for the info. I’m gonna hit Penang for a 60-day single-entry visa next month. I’m flying to Hat Yai from Chiang Mai – planning to arrive in Hat Yai early in the morning to make the bus from Hat Yai to Georgetown by the afternoon. Do you know what time the visa services close at night? I can just hand off my passport at night and get it back with the visa the next day at 4pm?

Sorry Zach I only got this. Hope I’m not too late. Most tour operators open late in the Chulia area so my guess would be 9pm+ although Banana also operate as a guesthouse and they may process them even later / all night. I’m not certain on this but worth a try if you’re desperate.

Hi Allan, I am flying Chiang Mai, KL, Penang.

Do I clear immigration in Penang or KL?

My travel document is Apec Business Travel Card.

Any idea how long a permit Malaysia gives/ Some countries, ie Thailand and NZ are 3 months but it varies country by member country.

I am guessing Penang if you have connecting flights and no plans of leaving the terminal at KL. Here’s the Malaysia VISA policy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Malaysia

Hi Allan, your post has convinced me to check out Penang for my next visa run. With the current restrictions on land crossings, do you have any idea if it’ll be an issue if I go to penang by overnight train but return to thailand by aeroplane?

You’ll have no problem flying back into Thailand and if you’re planning on getting a tourist VISA your fine for land border crossings. The restrictions are for the ‘Visa Exempt’ stamp on arrival to Thailand when travelling overland where you cannot be stamped twice back-to-back. Best of luck 🙂

Is it possible to get a Double Entry Tourist Visa in Penang or just a Single Entry one?

Many Thanks,

Hi Roy. I am almost certain it’s only the single entry VISA. Few SE Asia embassies offer more. Maybe Vientiane but again I’m not certain.

Keep working ,impressive job! edddkfkfkdge

HI Allan, love the post. I checked a few times but couldn’t find any indication of exactly how long your train ride was departing from Bangkok and arriving in Butterworth. Also not sure what time the train arrived in Butterworth (approximately)? We’d (Canadians) like to leave this week and mirror your trip. We have about 5-7 days to spare. Any help appreciated, Thanks!

Hi Ryan. Can check details here. Old post but should be the same https://live-less-ordinary.com/southeast-asia-travel/bangkok-to-malaysia-by-train-penang-butterworth . Best of luck. A.

We just completed our visa run to Penang and enjoyed it very much. We were not able to complete the journey by train unfortunately as it was a bit too difficult to co-ordinate (neither me or partner speak any Thai) and H.I.S Tours now has a disclaimer on their site saying “We do not handle the Malay railway ticket from the Butterworth station now.”

We took the cheapest bus to Phang Nga, spent a couple days in Khoa Lak and took a minbus from our hotel in Khoa Lak across the border and directly to Chulia Street (1150 Baht/person). We stayed at Chulia Heritage Hotel one night and then the Sentral Seaview Hotel which I highly recommend for anyone looking to fall asleep to the sound of waves and lay about on the beach to get away from the city hustle. It is on the main route of Bus 101 making it very easy to get to Gurney Drive and Georgetown Center. It was costly by backpackers standards (approx $45US/night) but came with an enormous free buffet breakfast. We walked to Little India one day and it was a long but very enjoyable walk.

We flew back to Bangkok via AirAsia which was fairly reasonable as well. This choice was non negotioable as my partner had to fly back to Canada the following day.

Thank you very much for your post about Thailand/Malaysia Visa run. We referenced your blog continually throughout our trip for places to stay and eat.

Cheers for the update and info Ryan. Will update the HIS part. The last time I travelled I turned up at Hua Lamphong and sorted it from there. Means turning up on the day which is always risky. I really have to check out the beaches in Penang at some point. Langkawi is on the cards with most visit (for duty free) so I generally skip past. We flew Bangkok to Penang before for 2000 Baht return but it was booked long in advance. Cheaper than the train journey but then add in the 50RM taxi ride to the airport and it evens out more. Thanks again Ryan. Will update the full blog again at some point with more of this. A

Can anyone recommend a tour agency on Chulia Street in Georgetown that can complete the thai visa run for me. I am thinking of using Banana Travel and Tours and will be dropping my passport off this weekend so that they can process it on Monday/Tuesday. I just want to be sure that my passport will be safe as start volunteering in Thailand in less than a week and my flight to Krabi is already booked. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Banana will be the safest I would say. I was actually there earlier this week and walked to the embassy and back, but it does take around an hour each way. Taxis are 20RM each way. Banana will have a pile in their hands as most people would use them. They are reliable. Hope this helps. A.

Thanks Allan! I dropped my passport off with them today and will be off to Ko Lanta on Thursday. In fact, I just read your post about visiting there out of season so looking forward to relaxing times ahead 🙂

You should get there for the end of the good weather 🙂 Hope you have a great time.

Hello im i was thinking of doing this visa run in around 8 days dose anyone know the price for the 60day visa? (acually i only need 25days) this post is from 2013 i figured they have prob changed the visa prices?

Prices are still the same 🙂 If only 25 days is needed then it isn’t necessary to apply for a VISA at all (with most western passport holders). 30 days, VISA exempt, will be granted on entry for free on crossing the border.

Hey, verry helpfull article. I will travel to bangkok on 1st of April, and I am thinking to go directly to Malaysia for my visa run, so when I return to bangkok to have the visa solved. My question is, if I do that, I will get the visa for 2 months since the moment of stamp, or since my 2 weeks visa will expire? An other question would be, if I stay in Malaysia for one month, will I still be able to get the 2 month visa when returning to thailand? Thanks!

Hey Claudio. I think you will be arriving to Thailand originally on ‘VISA exempt’ status for 30 days? In Malaysia you will need to apply for a 60 day tourist VISA which will start on the day you cross the border to Thailand. Yes you can apply for the 2 month VISA at any time. It will only be a single entry VISA which means once in Thailand you cannot cross borders again without losing the VISA. Beat of luck. A

Does anyone by chance have the link to the Tourist Visa Application in Penang?

Hello. Is visa run to Penang still available? Because I read that it was ruled to be illegal last Sept. 2015.

Thanks for this helpful guide! My husband Nate & I are planning to do a visa run to Penang so that we can stay longer in Chiang Mai. We stayed in Penang for three months in 2015 and really loved our trip. Can’t wait to go back. I’m glad to hear that acquiring a 60 day visa is possible in Penang. Sounds like the perfect option for us! 🙂

How can I find an agency to help me when I’m there?

Chulia Street. There are about 5 or 6 of them around Chulia Street and Love Lane, the guesthouses etc. Banana are one of the better known. Best of luck and make sure to eat some Mamak 🙂

Good evening, Allan. Thanks so much for the info. Must one have proof of exiting Thailand if one uses an agency or only for in-person applications? Thank you, kindly.

Things change so I can’t be certain but I just booked a cheap bus crossing the border last time the situation came up.

Excellent, thank you for the response. I think I may go to Laos though as it seems cheaper and less of a headache.

Excellent post, I have one doubt please clarify, I am Indian working in bangkok, and my wife came to thailand in tourist visa, her 60 days entry is ending by Jan 2018, I need to extend it for another 30 days, but thailand permits only 7 days for Indians. If I travel to malaysia and apply visa, will they give me another 60 days ?

Good blog mate, I will actually try this Penang run as a newb to this and recent new digital nomad. This Penang looks like the go.

Nice article. But I can’t understand why you leave out vital timeframe info and how to get back to Bangkok. It’s not possible to go back with the sleep train on the same day you pick up your visa, even if you did this at 2pm yourself. You need to be at Padang Besar (Thai) station at 5pm Thai time to get the sleep train to Bangkok. But the customs office at the trainstation border is closed at 4pm. We had to go out of the trainstation by foot to the border to get our stamp out of Malaysia and stamp into Thailand, and then a 1km walk to the Thai trainstation. To do all this you have 25min. We missed our train and had to stay the night in a sleezy pay by the hour hotel room in Padang Besar and take a mini bus the next day to Hat Yai, and from there a 15 hour bus ride to Bangkok. For everybody that wants to make this visa run, it will take you minimum 6 days if you do it with the sleep train from Bangkok, which makes it a long and expensive visa run. Good thing Georgetown was a very nice place.

Hi there.. 😀 I’ve seen your video about going to Penang from BKK.. I just wanted to ask, is it still the same thing like the requirements and the process for visa run in Penang for this year, 2019? I can no longer go to Myanmar, cambodia or Laos both Vientianne and savanakhet border for visa run… So I’m planning to do the Penang visa run… Hope you’re doing well nowadays… 😀

I don’t know of any changes. It is still a simple stamp on arrival and the Thai Visa process hasn’t changed. It’s still easy to have agents do the leg work as well. It’s best to do this from the Chulia Street area.

Allan, very good write up on getting thai visa. One thing you might like to inform your readers about is dress code, “Long pants, no shorts”.

Thanks John. I never knew this (because I always wear long pants) will update here thanks.

Hi Allan, As I holiday in Koh Samui, for 3 Months, I will fly in on 30 Days, then go Hat Yai via minivan 500 baht, 6am KS arrive HY15.25ish stay in a cheap Inn 300 baht. Get the 7am train to Butterworth. I stay in little India pay about 40 Ringgit a night. Once I knew how to get to the Thai Embassy, I just walk it. It’s about 1 hour from Chulia St. Firefly used to do USM – PEN book early $40USD one way. BKK Airways own Samui Airport, so they can charge ridiculous prices. The only way to get to Penang by air is, USM-HKT then HKT-PEN. If money isn’t an issue. Important to have all the correct documents, otherwise you have to go back, which happened to me a few times, because they always change requirements. So, if it’s a Thursday, then you won’t get it back to Monday, because you lodge it on Friday. I think you mentioned 2 Day turnaround now. So, Wednesday would be needed to lodge, if you want to leave by the Weekend. Also, the visa was 150 Ringgit in 2018, gone up 10 Ringgit. I don’t like the 10 Ringgit a night charge on accommodation. It should be 10%. That’s why I stay in Malaysia for a short stay. I wished Thailand would give a 90 Day visa free, like Malaysia.

Thanks Ian. Great info. Yes, Samui always annoyed me with the airport so we’d take the Lomphraya to either Surat Thani or Chumphon then fly with Air Asia etc. but Hat Yai is the only option I think. Will always do a 1-way with flights because you never quite know what will happen at the embassy these days.

Hi for Thai Visa applications in Penang. I cannot see anywhere if you need to book an appointment online or via phone first or is it just walk in present documentation then come back in two days? I looked everywhere on the Thai embassy website, though could not see definitive information. Your advice is appreciated. Thank you for a great blog

Hi Stephen. You do not need an appointment. During Covid this did happen and I messaged directly to find if it was the case but no more. You do not need an appointment. Just turn up.

Please let me know if its compulsory to book an appointment in advance to apply for visa in thai embassy at penang or without booking an appointment. Thank you in advance

Not Compulsary

This is a great write-up. Thank you.

I am in KL now having left Thailand in late November (did 40 days in HCMC). Thinking of going to Penang instead of the embassy here for my next SETV. I was on a 6 month METV last year that I did treat like a tourist visa (traveled a lot, no extensions). Anyway, I hate the booking accommodation regulations with the in-person visas. I have been able to list just an entry hotel on my online applications from the US.

Question: anyone have any anecdotes about Penang being easy about short accommodation bookings for the SETV? My girlfriend is in Chiang Mai and I could list her apartment as a place, but that seems like it gets complicated (and she stays at a government house so does not have access to the yellow book or registration they seem to ask for). Any tips on reducing needs to the Agoda book and cancel routine?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• SEE & DO
• EAT & DRINK
• Penang Mainland
• Itineraries

The Ultimate Guide to Doing a Thailand Visa Run from Penang

Travelling overland between Penang and Southern Thailand is no longer the straightforward affair it used to be. We have done the crossing and got back with a few annoying details everybody should know before heading to Thailand via the Kedah/Perlis land borders.

Penang is a perfect spot for a Thailand visa run: it’s very close to Southern Thailand and has one of the most efficient Royal Thai Consulates in Malaysia  (not forgetting, a lot of great Western restaurants that foreign visa-runners love). No wonder then that for well over a decade, Penang island, with its smorgasbord of delicious food  and a vibrant nightlife , has been an easy option for most visa runners, especially those living in the south, looking to stay long-term in Thailand.

READ MORE – A Guide to Photographing Thailand

Since I arrived in Penang in 2008, there has always been a constant flux of white travelers shuttling between Penang Ferry terminal and the guesthouses and bars of Chulia Street and Love Lane. Their mission: waiting for their Thai visas. Back then, it was still pretty easy to border hop between the two countries multiple times in one year, without worrying too much about immigration formalities.

But in 2017, the situation slightly changed: people still come to Penang to get their 60-days and Non-Immigrant B’s Thai visas, but unfortunately, it’s now much harder to just hop back and forth on both sides of the border . Especially in Thailand, immigration has become stricter, less friendly, and definitely rigid towards European and Anglo-American foreigners. So keep this in mind before thinking of doing a border hop south to renew your Thai visa, and then return to some of Thailand’s famous island, such as Koh Phi Phi .

The information in this post is based on my personal experience crossing from Padang Besar to Hat Yay in October 2017 . At current, you should not take lightly any overland crossing from Penang into Thailand. Flying still seems to be alright, without the same rigid rules and screenings. If you want to reach the border by train, check our guide on train travel from Penang/Butterworth .

And if you have time to kill in the area, our ultimate guide to Bukit Mertajam and the best hikes in Penang Mainland will come in handy. They include Cherok Tok Kun Recreational Forest , Bukit Juru , Bukit Pachor State Park and the scenic Frog Hill . Also, refer to this guide if you need a Tourist SIM Card for Malaysia .

READ MORE : Best Budget Hotels in Penang

What Borders are Open for Penang Thailand Visa Runs, and How to Get there

There are three main border crossings between Kedah and the Hat Yay region of Southern Thailand.

1. The most trafficked is Bukit Kayu Hitam/Changloon , at the end of the North-South Expressway, and used mostly by tourist mini-vans plying the Penang-Butterworth-Hat Yay route.

This border used to be pretty straightforward: vans would park on the Malaysian side, passengers would queue up at Thai immigration and get their passport stamped in, and then would get back in their vehicle to proceed on the other side. Without your private car or public transport, however, it’s hard to get here and cross.

2.The second choice is Padang Besar , a Perlis town that straddles both the Malaysian and the Thai sides of the border. This crossing is ever-popular with train travellers, as it sits directly on the Malaysia-Thai train link .

Customs is in the train station, where passengers disembark, walk through the immigration booth on one side, get stamped in/out on the other, and resume their journeys by catching another train to Hat Yay — from where there are many daily connections to Bangkok and other Thai cities — or south to Butterworth . Read our guide to how to get to Padang Besar from Penang, and what other train services you can take from Butterworth.

3. The third, less known and extremely less used (but more scenic) border crossing is also in Perlis, at Wang Kelian . This checkpoint sits right after a mountain pass in a once-thriving border town that’s literally dead after the police found the mass graves of Rohingya migrant workers , and it’s the fastest way to reach Satun in Thailand.

Being a rarely visited backwater, immigration personnel here tends to be more relaxed and open to foreigners — but without your own transport, it’s pretty hard to get here, unless you charter a taxi in the nearby village of Kaki Bukit — make sure you visit interesting Gua Kelam if headed this way.

Difficult Overland Entry into Thailand

Entering Thailand by land it’s not as easy as it used to be. It’s a pity, because Thailand is not only an easy country to travel to but also one offering many incredible photography opportunities . In a bet to crack down on visa runners suspected to work illegally in the country, Thai immigration is enforcing strict control of travelers’ personal finances. In other words, once you cross overland into Thailand you may — and you will, as I was — be asked to produce at least 10,000 Thai Bath in cash in order to be allowed into the country.

That’s not all, folks: there’s also a limit of only two overland entries per year that is rigorously checked upon your entry. Mind your entries, people!

At last, what was previously a common form of institutionalized border bribery inflicted to Malaysian nationals has actually become the law . If arriving at the border outside of normal working hours (roughly outside of 8 am—12 pm, and 2 pm—5 pm), one is obliged to pay the immigration officer an “overtime fee” of 25 Thai Baht .

Apparently, all these hassles are not carried out if you enter Thailand by plane . However, they are a problem for those long-term North Malaysian residents and PR-holders who were well-used to crossing the border to go shopping in Hat Yay at weekends. Well, now you must either fly or limit your visits to two per year. And be prepared to show a lil’ wad of cash on your way in, too.

Land of Smiles? Well… more clenched teeth, at the moment.

The Padang Besar border in Malaysia is stiffening up, too

Malaysia, fortunately, does not have the same hard restrictions of Thailand, but it’s also stiffening up. If you don’t have a Malaysian Long Term Social Visit Pass or MM2H Visa and think of crossing the border, turn on your heels and returning on the same day, that’s not the best of ideas, especially if you have other expired 90-days Malaysian Social Visit stamps in your passport.

Indeed, Malaysian immigration is equally afraid of people coming into the country to work illegally. They will ask what is your purpose of staying in Malaysia, especially if your passport will reveal evidence of previous lengthy sojourns in the country.

Some sound advice is to actually spend some time in Thailand, at least a couple of nights, and bring a flight ticket out of the country with you when you re-enter.

We hope that the above information will be useful for those attempting one of these three border crossings, and help them avoid being turned back.

If you have crossed any of these three borders recently and you can report on any changes, please contact us or leave a comment below .

We aim to maintain this page as updated as possible to inform travellers about the nuisances and risks they can face when going overland between Penang and Thailand.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Ultimate 2023 Guide to MM2H Malaysia My Second Home Visa: Still Worth Applying to Live Long-term in Malaysia?

Penang Ferry: Ultimate 2024 Guide to traveling by sea between George Town and Butterworth

All you Need to Know about De Rantau Nomad Pass, Malaysia’s Digital Nomad Visa

Thanks for the info. I’ve just extended my visa exemption in Thailand for another 30 days but I may want to stay another 30 days before I meet a friend in India. I was thinking of doing the border run to Padang Besar as it is much cheaper than flying in and out of Penang. Do you think I will have issues on either side of the border’s immigration checkpoints if I try do the visa run on the same day? Thanks.

Yes, you will certainly be grilled when returning to Thailand. Remember that now there’s also a 2-entries-overland-per-year rule that applies, so check your passport carefully. I suggest you go to Penang, chill for a week, and apply for a tourist visa there – it seems the most legit way to quiet down immigration officers (and even avoid the 10,000B rule). Don’t risk going and coming back on the same day. Good luck.

Another possibility is to take the ferry to langkawi and then via ferry to lipe, Thailand. I experienced that an easier way. A bit more expensive but also quicker, but lipe was my final destination anyway. I’ll get a visa in penang in April and will most likely take the ferry trip. Thanks for your insight! Always helpful to be up to date, since it constantly changes haha

Small Question. What if you are holder of a valid 6 month Thai tourist visa with Multi Entry and you want to do a border run to Penang to get a new 60 day stamp ? Can you hop en come back like before or do you also need to stay in Penang for a few days ?

Davy, having a visa in your passport is different from asking for the free 30 days VOA. You should have no problem turning on your heels and going straight back into Thailand. However, as you are essentially at an immigration officer’s whim, I think it’s always better to stay out of any country for a couple of days before going back in. I have recently been told by several travellers that crossing into Thailand by train from Padang Besar is easy peasy even for those without a visa, so I’d try that in your same-day-return case. You just have to get the train until Hat Yai (cheaper) and then buy an onward train ticket to wherever you are going once you get to Hat Yai station. There’s a post on the site explaining how to take the train to Hat Yai from Penang 🙂 Good luck!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

EDITOR PICKS

9 Striking Things to See in Singapore’s Civic District

The 8 Best Must-Try Food And Cafes in Joo Chiat, Singapore’s...

Popular posts.

48 Hours in Penang the Smart Way

Blood Sweat and Tears: What I Learned about Friendship in Penang

Popular category.

• See & Do 76
• Getaways 59
• Eat & Drink 29
• Accommodation 18

Stress-Free Train Travel Guide from Penang to KL, Thailand and Taiping

Mark Walker: Penang’s Scottish Story Teller

Easy Peasy Thai Visa Run to Penang, Malaysia

by Chris | Last updated Apr 9, 2018 | Published on May 2, 2016 | Destinations , Not Thailand , Visa and Immigration | 0 comments

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest

We’ve been to a few different Royal Thai Embassies and Consulate-Generals but our latest Thai visa run to Penang, Malaysia has been by far the easiest, least stressful run we’ve done to date. After a cheap international flight down to this island, we enjoyed an easy-to-explore city, delicious food, and a comfortable hotel while we waited to get our next Thai visas. What more could anyone ask for?

PIN IT FOR LATER!

What to Know Before You Go

• This office  grants  single entry Tourist Visas to foreigners; only Malaysians (or applicants with residency in Malaysia) are eligible to apply for  multiple entry Tourist Visas .
• This office issues single and multiple entry Non Immigrant Visas to foreigners.
• The office is open Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends and official Malaysian and Thai holidays. Be sure to check their calendar for any closings before you go.
• Apply for a Thai visa Monday through Friday from 9am to 11:30am. Pickup your passport with your new Thai visa between 2pm and 4pm the following business day.  Same day processing is not available. 
• The Royal Thai Consulate-General is in George Town, which is Penang’s capital and located in the northeast corner of the island. If you plan to stay in town for a few days, book a hotel in George Town for convenience. 

Map of Penang, Malasia

Address: 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Local Phone:  (04) 226-8029 or (04) 226-9484 or (04) 228-6784 Email: [email protected] Visa Application Hours: 9:00 am to 11:30 am, Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and holidays) Pick-up Visa Hours: 2:00 pm to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and holidays)

Application Requirements for a Thai Visa Run to Penang

To apply for a Thai visa in Penang, bring the following to the Royal Thai Consulate-General in George Town:

• Actual passport
• Completed application form (blank copies are available at the consulate)
• One photocopy of main passport photo page
• Two passport photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm)
• NEW Requirement: Tourist Visa applicants must show a printed copy of a flight (confirmation ticket) exiting Thailand
• NEW Requirement: Tourist Visa applicants must show a printed copy of a bank statement featuring the equivalent of 20,000 THB for individuals and 40,000 THB for families
• Non Immigrant Visa applicants have additional requirements
• Visa fee (cash only in Malaysian Ringgit)

Extra tips:

Blank application forms are provided by the office so there is no need to print them out in advance. However, it’s a good idea to bring a black or blue pen because the consulate does not provide pens to applicants.

Sitting outside the consulate is a van with a photocopy machine. The process costs 2 RM for the first copy and 1 RM for every extra copy.

Be sure to have the following information on hand to properly fill out the visa application form:

• The address of where you are staying in Thailand (i.e., your first hotel or friend’s place)
• The address of where you are staying in Malaysia
• Transportation vessel type and number to Thailand (i.e., AirAsia flight number AD939)

When booking your flight out of Thailand, it can be a maximum of 90 days after you plan to enter Thailand. This corresponds to the 60-day single entry Tourist Visa (from the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang) plus a 30-day extension (from any Immigration Office within Thailand).

How to Apply for a Thai Visa

The visa process at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang was a bit unorganized because there were no obvious signs or directions and there were several queues forming and crisscrossing each other. Here’s what to do:

STEP 1 As you pass through the Royal Thai Consulate-General’s gate, there is a standalone registration booth to the right. It has a logbook where all applicants are required to print their name, nationality, passport number, and type of visa for which they are applying. First, stand in this line (#1 in the photo above) and fill out the logbook.

STEP 2 Obtain a blank visa application form and a blank pickup receipt (numbered) from the visa application area. This is located up a few steps on a raised open-aired but covered platform area with a few rows of chairs and one large window. On the left-hand side of the window, there is a line (#2) for the blank application forms and  the blank pickup receipts. Grab one of each from the (not so obvious) consulate officer behind the window.

STEP 3 On the right side of this same window, there is a small blue and white sign that says ‘Visa Section’. Stand in this queue (which may be jumbling into the other queues to sign the logbook or getting the application form) and fill out the visa application form and the pickup receipt. Submit your pickup receipt, passport, paperwork, photos, and visa fee to the officer behind the window on the right-hand side (#3). He or she will double check everything and then hand you the pickup receipt with a collection time and date stamped on it. You are done for now.

STEP 4  On the following business day, any time from 2 pm to 4 pm, pick up your passport with a new shiny Thai visa from the same window you dropped it off. Be sure to bring the pickup receipt. Remember, the consulate is closed on weekends and official public Malaysian and Thai holidays .

We did our Thai visa run to Penang on a Monday and there were about 20 people in the queue when we arrived at 9:15 am. Not long after that, at least 50 more people showed up. It took roughly one hour to submit our application requirements and visa fees before heading back to our hotel. The next day we arrived just after 2 pm and it only took 15 minutes to pick up our passports. Very painless, indeed.

Getting to Penang

Malaysia offers a FREE 90-day visa exempt stamp to many international visitors  so it’s fairly easy to make this a last-minute visa run trip. This is without going through the added expense or hassle of arranging for a visa to one Thailand’s other neighboring countries. For example, Americans must pay for 35 USD (or 1,500 THB) per person for Laotian visa upon arrival (at select airports and border crossings) but to visit Burma (50 USD per person) and Cambodia (40 USD per person) we have to apply in advance for a tourist visa.

Getting to Penang from Thailand is entirely dependent on where you are coming from . We flew to Malaysia’s Penang International Airport (PEN) via  AirAsia , a budget-friendly airline that often has ridiculously low fares.  AirAsia has direct flights to Penang, Malaysia from Bangkok (DMK), Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Krabi, and Pattaya.  Our international flights home to Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX) from Penang, Malaysia (PEN) cost 2,900 THB (83 USD) each.

Public bus routes combined with taxis or direct private ‘visa-run’ service vans are affordable options if you’re coming from Thailand’s southern provinces. If you’re coming from the central, northern, or Isaan regions of Thailand, an international flight or  a train ride to Butterworth plus a ferry ride  are most time effective.

Having Fun in George Town

We turned this Thai visa run to Penang into a mini vacation just as we did with our Thai visa run to Vientiane, Laos a few years back. Once in Penang, we spent the next several days exploring George Town’s iconic landmarks on foot (with the help of the ‘George Town Map and Walks’ app), drinking the greatly anticipated Carlsberg Royal Stout beer, and eating delicious Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian cuisine in the area.

Our hotel was a fantastic find, too. Starting at around 40 USD per night the Chulia Mansion in George Town  offered clean, spacious rooms and more free amenities than any hotel we’ve ever stayed in. This included free breakfast, free tea and snacks in the dining area throughout the day, a free glass of wine per person every night booked, and free 1kg laundry washed per day.

For Chulia Mansion’s best rates, book on Agoda or Booking.com .

Chulia Mansion was within a close walk of many food stalls and restaurants (several offering late-night dining options) and there was a good choice of cafés and bars, too. Chris got an excellent haircut at the highly rated barber shop  Son & Dad Barber  before we applied for our Thai visas at the consulate. And although we didn’t use the services, there was a passport photo shop just across the street from the hotel if we had needed photos.

It’s definitely worth mentioning that we had pleasant taxi experiences the entire time while we in Penang . The drivers were courteous and always used the meter, which was a stark contrast to our trip to Kuala Lumpur! That alone has us looking forward to another trip to Penang in the future.

Hi, I’m Chris and I sold it all, paid off my debt, and left the rat race in the US. Today, I live as a full time, financially independent expat in Chiang Mai, providing future expats and travelers firsthand knowledge about all things Thailand! Learn more about my story here…

If you are a human, do not fill in this field.

• Train to Penang
• Book Train Tickets Online
• ETS Train Timetables
• Komuter Trains
• Book Bus Tickets Online
• Langkawi Ferry
• Penang to Langkawi
• KL to Penang
• George Town
• Batu Ferringhi Hotels
• Tanjung Bungah
• Attractions
• Batu Ferringhi Beach
• National Park
• Search Our Site

Thai Embassy Penang

The Thai Embassy Penang or to use the proper name, The Royal Thai Consulate Penang is located in the suburbs of Georgetown and is not that easy to get to, unless you want to pay for a taxi.

If you planning to travel from Penang to Thailand for a period longer than 15 days and are not flying in (with an onward ticket), then you may want to get a Thai tourist visa.

There are many places down Chulia Street and many guest houses that offer a Thai visa service and they will do all the hard work for you for around RM40.

If you do not like giving your passport over to a complete stranger, then you will have to go there in person.

From November 2013 citizens of G7 countries, the UK, USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, France and Canada can get a 30-day visa on entry at any land border.

For all other nationalities, you can check your visa requirements at the

• Thailand Immigration website by clicking here >

Opening Hours

****Warning - Please Read - Very Important!

Since mid-October 2017 into 2018, the Thai embassy in Penang has put a limit on the number of visa applications it will accept a day.

The limit for visa applications was set at 200 per day.

With new rules from the 14th of May 2018 , this number has now been further reduced to only 100 applications a day . You now also have to show additional documentation otherwise you will be turned away at the gate: Have a photocopy of your Malaysian immigration stamp in your passport (as well as the copy of the main page). Proof of accommodation ie a hotel booking or house rental agreement. An airline ticket leaving Thailand.

Please see a copy of the full set of new rules below.

*****************

This reduction in visa applications means a large number of people visiting the consulate are being turned away and told to come back the next day.

If you want to apply for a visa in person, make sure you get there before the gates open at 9 am (especially during the high season).

Try to avoid Mondays and Thursdays as these are the busiest times when many organised Visa Runs from places like Phuket turn up.

Turning up early, however, is still no guarantee of getting your visa as the "Agents" will make sure their visas are done first, leaving just a few slots left for those who are applying in person.

Another thing you should be aware of:

If you are planning to cross the by the main road border at Padang Besar , they are now applying the "show cash rule."

This means you have to show either:

10,000 Thai Baht (or other currency equivalents) for a visa on arrival up to 30 days.

20,000 Thai Baht (or other currency equivalents) if you have a 60-day tourist visa.

If you can not show the cash, they will not let you into Thailand , even with a tourist visa.

As far as we know this is the only border currently applying this rule strictly and it may relax the rule at any time, but the other border crossings may also start to apply this rule strictly at any time - you never know until it happens - so be aware of this rule and make plans to have enough money on you, just in case you are asked to show your cash.

New opening times for 2018 :

You have to apply in the morning between 09:00 and 11:00, then you can pick your passport up again the next day between 14:00 to 15:00.

The consulate is open from Monday to Frida, but closes on both Malaysian Public Holidays and Thai Public Holidays.

You will need 2 recent passport-sized photos and a photocopy of the main page of your passport.

If you forget, there is usually a van parked outside that offers photocopying and passport photos, but it is much more expensive than what you would pay at a normal shop.

The fee for a 60-day Tourist Visa is RM 150 (payable in Malaysian currency only).

For other types of Thai visa (type "O", student visa etc) the processing time is also one day.

•   You can visit the consulates official website here >

However, last time I checked there was not much information on the website and most of it was in Thai, so not much help really!

But it might have changed?

Address & Contact Details

Thai Embassy Penang Address: No 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 10350 Penang, Malaysia. Thai Embassy telephone number: 04 226 9484

How to get to the Thai Embassy Penang

If you are on a budget and don't want to use a taxi there are a few options :

You could walk, but this could take between 1 and 2 hours depending on your speed and how many times you get lost.

Another way would be to hire a motorcycle or bicycle for the day and do some sightseeing for the rest of the day.

Catch a bus and walk for about 20 - 30 minutes.

This is the way I've done it in the past.

Catch Bus 101 from the Jetty, Chulia Street or KOMTAR and ask the driver to let you off at Jalan Cantonment.

The bus will drop you off near to the Burmese Temple and Thai Reclining Buddha Temple .

Just walk up to the road for a minute or two and turn left onto Jalan Cantonment and follow the road until you get to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, which will be on your right.

Location Map

More pages on our site that may be of interest to you

How to Travel Between Penang and Thailand

How to travel by train from Malaysia to Thailand

Butterworth to Padang Bear (border) Komuter Train timetable

Padang Besar to Hat Yai Shuttle Train timetable

Padang Besar Border information

Travel by Train from Penang to Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Chumphon & Bangkok

Travel options from Penang to Bangkok

Penang Hotels by location

Penang Island Tourist Attractions

Book Tickets Online

• Trains Malaysia >
• Trains / Bus Thailand >
• Langkawi Ferry >
• Flights >

Copyright © 2024

Please Click to Read our Privacy Policy / Disclaimer

All About Us

About Island Travel

Why Choose Island Travel?

Island Travel Mission & Values

How To Ring In The New Year on Koh Tao

Diving News: We Have a New Hyperbaric Chamber on Koh Tao!

Volunteering on Koh Tao

How to Extend Your Tourist Visa on Koh Tao

Koh Tao Songkran Celebrations

Where to Buy Weed on Koh Tao

Nightlife on Koh Tao

Koh Tao Post COVID

Where to eat Christmas dinner on Koh Tao

Celebrate Songkran at the B2TG festival

Is Koh Tao Safe for Travellers?

The Top 5 Snorkeling Spots on Koh Tao

Exploring on Koh Tao – The Island’s Best Kept Secrets!

Getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok

The Best Beaches on Koh Tao

Top 10 things to do on koh tao, sponsored by island travel scooters:.

Thai Visa Information

Trip to Samui Immigration Office

Victoria Point Border Bounce

Visa Run trip to Penang

Joint tickets, ferry & train.

Ferry & Flight

Ferry & Bus

Ferry Companies

Travel Tips

Advice & information.

How to Stay Safe on Koh Tao

Koh Tao Packing Checklist

Money Saving Tips

Typical Costs

Solo Travel

Couples Travel

Family & Senior Travel

Getting Around Koh Tao

Getting Your Visa

Koh Tao History

Conservation & Eco

Birds of Koh Tao

Swim for Sharks

Koh Tao Eco Bottles

S & S Water Delivery

Bans Conservation Centre

The Coral Tribe

New Heaven Reef Conservation

Koh Tao Clean Up

Restaurants.

Koh Tao Restaurants

Vegetarian & Vegan Food

International Food

Gourmet food, cafes & bakery.

Cafes & Bakeries

Koh Tao Attractions

Koh Tao Beaches

Festivals and Events

Shops & Services On Koh Tao

Koh Tao Viewpoints

Sponsored by island travel scooters:, all activities.

Things To Do On Koh Tao

Land activities.

Thai Cooking Class with Joy

Treasure Island Challenge

Flying Trapeze Class

Rock Climbing Courses

Tik Tok Escape Room

Water activities.

Diamond Tour Snorkel Trip

Oxygen Koh Tao Snorkel Trip

DPV Adventure Koh Tao

SUP TAO Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Diving services.

Diving Information

Diving Centres

Scuba Diving Agencies

Dive centres.

Big Blue Diving

Bans diving.

Goodtime Thailand

Pura Vida Diving

Koh Tao Divers

Fifty Six Diving

Impian Diving

Pimp My Dive

Koh Tao Diving Sites

Beginner Diving Sites

Intermediate Diving Sites

Advanced Diving Sites

Artificial Diving Sites

Courses & learning.

Underwater Photography and Videography Courses

Koh Tao Diving Courses

Scuba Diving for Children

Discover Scuba Diving

Scuba Diver

Advanced Scuba Diver

Open Water Course

Rescue Diver

Koh Tao Marine Life

• Accommodation On Koh Tao

Accommodation on Koh Tao

East Coast Accommodation

Chalok Accommodation

Mae Haad Accommodation

Sairee Accommodation

Visa run trip to penang, visa run trip to penang.

This page is designed to help you make the Tourist Visa Run Trip by yourself to the Thai Consulate, Penang. For booking your travel to Penang contact us to discuss the options. We recommend booking your return tickets to Koh Tao after you receive your passport back from the consulate/ your visa agent. If you get a 60-day tourist visa you can apply for 30 day extension at Koh Tao Immigration upon your return.

Updated January 2024

To apply for a 60-day tourist visa at Penang we recommend you prepare ahead. Take note of the latest requirements;

Note these requirements change often,  so contact Island Travel  to confirm before your departure. We can also recommend a local visa agent to assist you. Please contact us to ask for his details.

• All documents must be in English language.
• Print a rental contract/ hotel reservation in Thailand. Proving you have accommodation for your first 2 months.
• Print your bank statement for the previous 3 months. To show the equivalent of 60,000 baht minimum in any currency.
• Print out your flight itinerary showing your flight out of Thailand. This can be to any destination.
• Print a copy of your passport page. Ensure you have a minimum of 6 blank pages in your passport Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival to Thailand.
• Ensure you have no record of overstay in your passport.  Just 1-day overstay & your application could be denied.
• Allow 4 business days for the visa application to be processed. We recommend not booking return travel until you get your passport back.
• In your passport you can not have had a tourist visa less than 12 months ago. Also, in your passport maximum of 2 border bounces with 30-day extensions are allowed in the last 12 months.

For your visa-run trip to Penang, we can recommend a local visa agent to assist you. He can help with Tourist Visas, and also Non-O & Non-B. Please contact us to ask for his details.

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

Thai embassy and consulates in Penang, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

Address Royal Thai Consulate – General No. 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 10350 Penang, Malaysia

Contact Numbers (604) 226-8029, 226-9484, 228-6784

Email [email protected]

Website https://penang.thaiembassy.org/th/index

Office Hours 8:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 Monday – Friday 9:00-11:00 (Visa Application) 14:00-15:00 (Visa Collection) 9:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:00 (Legalization)

Visa and Consular Services Visa Inquiry Thailand Citizen Services

Office Location

Choose your location

Please select the country where you are currently from.

Country Select your country Argentina Australia: Canberra Australia: New South Wales Australia: Queensland Australia: South Australia Australia: Tasmania Australia: Victoria Australia: Western Australia Austria: Salzburg Austria: Vienna Bahrain Belgium: Brussels Belgium: Liège Brazil: Brasilia Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Brazil: Sao Paulo Canada: Alberta (Calgary) Canada: Alberta (Edmonton) Canada: Ontario (Ottawa) Canada: Ontario (Toronto) Canada: Vancouver Chile China: Beijing China: Chengdu China: Guangzhou China: Hong Kong China: Kunming China: Nanning China: Shanghai China: Xi’an China: Xiamen Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Finland France: Bordeaux France: Lyon France: Marseilles France: Monaco France: Paris Germany: Berlin (and outpost Bonn) Germany: Düsseldorf Germany: Essen Germany: Frankfurt Germany: Hamburg Germany: Karlsruhe Germany: Stuttgart Greece Hungary Indonesia Italy Japan: Nagoya Japan: Naha Japan: Osaka Japan: Sapporo Japan: Tokyo Japan: Ube Japan: Yokohama Kenya Korea Laos: Suvannakhet Laos: Vientiane Malaysia: Kota Bharu Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia: Penang Mexico Morocco Nepal Netherlands: Amsterdam Netherlands: The Hague New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines: Cebu Philippines: Manila Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia: Moscow Russia: St. Petersburg Russia: Vladivostok Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Senegal Singapore South Africa Spain: Barcelona Spain: Madrid Spain: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Sweden: Gothenburg Sweden: Stockholm Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates: Dubai United Kingdom United States of America: Alabama United States of America: Chicago United States of America: Colorado United States of America: Florida United States of America: Georgia United States of America: Hawaii United States of America: Los Angeles United States of America: Louisiana United States of America: Massachusetts United States of America: New York United States of America: Oregon United States of America: Texas (Dallas) United States of America: Texas (Houston) Vietnam: Hanoi Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

New embassy locations are added regularly. Existing embassy information are updated regularly. If you think the information is not accurate or the location of the embassy has moved to a different location, please email us with the updated information and subject “Thai Embassy Information Update” to [email protected] .

Related Posts

Thai embassy and consulates in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Thai embassy and consulates in hanoi, vietnam.

Thai embassy and consulates in Houston, United States of America

Thai consulate in dallas, united states of america.

• Penang Info
• Visa Requirements
• Travel Tips
• Attractions
• Exhibitions
• Restaurants
• Shopping Centres
• City Guides

Penang City Info

Sign up to our newsletter, things to do, penang, malaysia » city info » visa requirements.

All Visitors Must Enter Malaysia through Airports only.

Visitors must obtain a Visa Without Reference (visa is issued by Malaysian mission in the respective country) or Visa With Reference (The Immigration Department approves visa) at the nearest Malaysian embassies/consulates before entering Malaysia.

Exemption of visa is given to nationals of African countries (Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Congo Democratic Republic, Congo Republic, Cote D' Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda) who wish to visit Malaysia under the government's sponsorship program or as a government's guest. The period of stay is based on the period required to achieve the purpose of the visit.

Conditions for Visa Without Reference (VWTR): Posses confirm air ticket back to the country of origin or current residing country or possess a visa and confirm air ticket to country of onward destination.

Visitors will be given a maximum of 14 days to stay with no extension or a shorter period of stay for those on transit journeys.

Conditions for Visa With Reference (VWR): This visa is issued for those travelling for business or investment purposes only. Trip must be sponsored by a local high-level individual or a local business company that invites them to Malaysia (the sponsoring company needs to be well established and must submit copies of Form 9, 24 and 49 to the Immigration Department of Malaysia).

The sponsor must deposit RM 2000.00 per person to the Immigration Department of Malaysia as a security deposit. Visitors can stay a maximum of 30 days of stay with no extension allowed.

Extension of Social/Business pass is not allowed unless approved by the Director-General or Deputy Director-General of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Documents Needed : passport, travel cocument

Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid national passport or internationally recognised travel document valid for travel to Malaysia. Any person not in possession of a passport or travel document recognised by the Malaysian government must obtain a document instead of a passport. Application for the document instead of a passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of travel documents like a Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country's Certificate of Permanent Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed. The documents shall be valid for more than six months from the date of entry into Malaysia.

Fulfil visa requirement Foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country.

Valid return travel ticket and sufficient funds A visitor needs to show proof of his financial ability to finance his/her stay in Malaysia together with a confirmed return ticket.

Not a prohibited person Any person classified under Section 8 of Immigration Act 1959/63 will not be allowed to enter Malaysia even though he/she has a valid passport or travel document, visa, travel ticket and sufficient funds.

Complete in the arrival/departure card A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card upon arrival at the gazette entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative Office abroad or travel agency.

A visitor must present his/her passport together with the duly completed arrival/departure card to the immigration officer on duty. He/she must ensure that the passport or travel document is endorsed with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.

Pass Other than an application for entry for tourism, social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes mentioned must be made before arrival in the country. All applications must have sponsors in Malaysia. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it should become necessary.

Foreign nationals who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the entry point besides a visa (where required), allowing them to stay temporarily. A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.

Please note: The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Please get in touch with Malaysian Government's website or nearest embassy for accurate, up-to-date information.

• Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

• Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

Thai tourist visa from Penang requirements?

By Trevor23 December 30, 2023 in Thai Visas, Residency, and Work Permits

Recommended Posts

Hi! Im about to go Penang next week. I have never been there before and now I have one tourist visa from Finland in my passport.

Is it still ok place to apply?  But I just notice some travel company in koh tao this  https://www.islandtravelkohtao.com/visa-info/visa-run-trip-to-penang

"In your passport you can not have had a tourist visa less than 12 months ago, also in your passport maximum of 2 border bounces with 30-day extensions are allowed in the last 12 months.",

 If anyone has experience lately or tips, please share. Anyway, I already planned a trip to Penang and have flight so i guess I prepare documents and find out.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

1 hour ago, Trevor23 said:   "In your passport you can not have had a tourist visa less than 12 months ago

What a stupid BS rule. Is that only for Penang?

How things have changed. Years ago there were people who had been here for years on back to back TR visas from Penang.

The time of living in Thailand continously for longer period on back to back visa/border run is over (may come back one day, who knows).

Better to stay few months outside the country before trying to come back, anyway you should think of a different visa solution.

StayinThailand2much

On 12/30/2023 at 2:34 PM, bbi1 said: On 12/30/2023 at 1:31 PM, Trevor23 said: "In your passport you can not have had a tourist visa less than 12 months ago

Fun fact, I fell victim to such a 'rule' at the Penang consulate about two decades ago. Never bothered to apply there again after that.

38 minutes ago, pub2022 said: Better to stay few months outside the country before trying to come back, anyway you should think of a different visa solution.

Seconded. Before Covid-19, it was clear that Immigration at the borders didn't want me. Right after the pandemic I went travelling to other countries for six months (spending money that I would otherwise have spent in Thailand). No problem returning after half a year overseas.

• 3 weeks later...

Hello -- I saw that post on the travel site also and thought it must've been a mistake. I'm about to go to Penang for a 60 days TR after having an METV last year (that I did not max out and never got any extensions).

I've been out of the country for a couple of months and didn't think a new single entry visa (60 day) would be an issue. Any further reports or opinions on this referenced rule of only one TR per year from Penang? It seems unlikely to me because I got a new TR in KL last year after having a six SETV.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Recently Browsing    0 members

• No registered users viewing this page.

Announcements

• Subscribe to our Breaking Newsletter
• Property to Sell or Rent ? - Try our ALL NEW Property For Sale section

webfact · Started 9 hours ago

webfact · Started 3 hours ago

webfact · Started 4 hours ago

webfact · Started 10 hours ago

webfact · Started 6 hours ago

webfact · Started 5 minutes ago

Asquith Production · Started 20 hours ago

KhunBENQ · Started Yesterday at 05:16 AM

advancebooking · Started May 6

webfact · Started 2 hours ago

webfact · Started 53 minutes ago

webfact · Started Saturday at 02:19 AM

GammaGlobulin · Started Saturday at 05:36 PM

georgegeorgia · Started Yesterday at 04:45 AM

Popular Now

By webfact Started 6 hours ago

• Existing user? Sign In

Offers, promos

• PrikPot | CBD & THC
• SpiritHouse | Wine delivery
• Thailand Forum
• Visa and Immigration Forums
• Thailand News
• Thailand Explore - Travel & Save in Thailand
• International Money transfer by DeeMoney
• Thailand Local Forums
• Golfing in Thailand
• Schooling and Education in Thailand
• Thailand Motor Forum
• Thailand Real Estate Forum
• Thailand Extra Forums
• Health Insurance (sponsored Pacific Prime)
• Health Insurance by AA Insurance
• Car Insurance by Roojai
• Social Media
• ASEAN Countries
• Contact Support
• Forum Rules
• All Activity

My Activity Streams

• View New Content
• ThaiVisaDailyDigest
• View New Content Copy
• Online Users
• Create New...

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.