Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What is the current visa situation for expats in Penang, Malaysia, and can I apply with an empty passport?

Penang Visa application Thailand visa rules Passport change Visa types Expats in Penang Immigration advice

Jan 8, 2019

6 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! What is the situation in Penang? Do they give visa without any problems? Changing my passport, will apply with empty one, hope it's not a problem?

1,083

views

2

likes

37

all likes

22

replies

0

images

8

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses the visa application process for those in Penang and addresses concerns about applying for a visa with a new, empty passport. Key points include requirements for a tourist visa, such as proof of funds, onward travel, and accommodation confirmation. It also touches on how a passport change may affect visa applications, emphasizing that while it does not erase entry history, consulates may not have access to the full history. The importance of knowing the specific type of visa being sought is also highlighted.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Thai Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Tom **********

Would a long-term apartment lease be a plus, or a negative when applying?

Like

Reply

Tod *********

, I ALWAYS recommend to people who have long term leases at an apt or condo here to just book a hotel for a few days when applying for a tourist visa.

This makes you LOOK like a tourist in the eyez-of-the-thaiz, NOT like a foreigner living here on back-2-back visa exempt or tourist visa entries :O

Like

Reply

James ********

ask yourself that question...with a long term apartment lease are you really a TOURIST? I THINK NOT!

Like

Reply

Tod *********

when applying for a tourist visa? Good point :/ I don't know that answer :/ I mean how many 'real tourists' <- the kind that come, tour and leave actually have long term apartment leases ?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tod *********

Reply

Tod *********

how about stating what kind of visa you're wanting to get :/

For a tourist visa Penang requires proof of 20K baht or the equivalent in a bank account, proof of onward travel and proof of a hotel booking or confirmed lodging for at least 3-5 days

Like

Reply

Thomas ********************

Some consulates (Bali, I'm pretty sure) might require a signed copy of the condo owner id (or some other additional doc) along with the lease.

Like

Reply

Tod *********

, ahh, that's a TM.30 and seeing as you have to file a new one every time you come back IN to the country it's worthless at a thai consulate for proof of anything

You can show them a lease, or a booking,

Like

Reply

Alexandr *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

as I know it's a new rule, when farang wants to stay longer than 1 month need to register the place of staying in immigration, that called receipt of notification

Like

Reply

Tod *********

, I don't know what a receipt of notification is sorry.

Like

Reply

Alexandr *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

need tourist visa, thanks. Even forgot that I need to book flight. Do they accept receipt of notification from condo instead hotel's booking?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Alexandr *****

Reply

Daniel ************

they cant check history at the consulates / embassies

Like

Reply

James ********

@Daniel ***********

not yet...but on reentry to Thailand Thai Immigration does have history. Thats becoming the challenge for some.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Joe ***********

What kind of visa? What is wrong that you can't just apply ?

Like

Reply

James ********

Changing your passport means nothing anymore. The digital world of technology ended has ended that. Thai Immigration knows all.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Michael *******

YET...

Like

Reply

James ********

I am learning from the Guru Tod 😉

Like

Reply

Tod *********

oh ok. The system used when you stamp in is tied to all entry points and matches against surname, age, sex, nationality, dob, etc They can see your entry history and previous passports as far back as they want to look at it.

Like

Reply

James ********

thanks for clarification...that is what I was really inferring...the key to ENTRY TO THAILAND.

Like

Reply

James ********

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

Like

Reply

Tod *********

actually that's not correct. NO thai consulate seems to have a data base, all they do is page thru your passport looking for tourist visas from them and other consulates.

Getting a new passport 'wipes the slate' clean as far as getting a visa from a thai consulate. It does NOT however wipe your entry history to thailand out of the data base that passport control and immgirations uses when you stamp in or go to get extensions

Like

Reply

Michael ********

embassys dont have the tech to show history. Yet.

Like

Reply

Alexandr *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

It doesn't mean I had overstay or something, better if they really could check the history

Like

Reply

Reply to

Alexandr *****

Reply

Thai Visa Advice

... members · 40% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.

Thai Visa Advice

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice

What is the experience and processing time for applying for a tourist visa in Penang or Kuala Lumpur?

18 comments

10 months ago

Is Penang a good option for obtaining a Thai visa, and is a plane ticket necessary?

15 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to book an appointment or use an agent to apply for a tourist visa in Penang?

11 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for applying for a tourist visa when doing a visa run to Penang?

15 comments

2 years ago

What is the current situation with obtaining a Non-B visa in Penang?

6 comments

2 years ago

Can I Get a 60-Day Tourist Visa in Penang and Extend It?

2 comments

5 years ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a tourist visa in Penang after a Non-Imm B visa?

14 comments

5 years ago

What are the current requirements for obtaining a tourist visa for Thailand in Penang, Malaysia?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the experiences of expats obtaining a single entry visa in Penang?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the current visa restrictions for Penang based on passport nationality?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa in Penang after holding a NON-B visa for almost a year?

0 comments

6 years ago

Can I obtain a new 60-day visa in Penang after receiving one in the UK?

0 comments

6 years ago

Can I leave Thailand with my old passport and enter Penang with my new passport?

19 comments

6 years ago

How is the experience of applying for a Tourist Visa in Penang, Malaysia?

0 comments

6 years ago

What should I consider when planning a visa run to Penang with a Russian passport?

0 comments

6 years ago

What are the visa requirements and potential issues when applying for a Thai tourist visa in Penang or doing a border run in Satun?

48 comments

6 years ago

What should I know about visiting Penang and applying for a Non-B visa to return to Thailand?

28 comments

7 years ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Tourist Visa in Penang, Malaysia?

3 comments

7 years ago

Is Penang becoming stricter with issuing tourist visas, and what alternatives do you recommend?

32 comments

7 years ago

What are the current challenges and requirements for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa in Penang?

18 comments

7 years ago

Is Penang a good choice for a visa run for a tourist visa to Thailand?

5 comments

7 years ago

Can I go to Penang again to get another tourist visa after having three already issued?

12 comments

7 years ago

What is the process and requirements for obtaining a 60-day tourist visa from Penang?

21 comments

7 years ago

How can I switch my passport and obtain a Thai tourist visa in Penang?

17 comments

7 years ago

How many blank pages are required for a Thai tourist visa and can Malaysia stamp anywhere?

27 comments

8 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.