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What is the quickest way for South Africans to obtain a Non-B Visa for teaching in Thailand?

Non-B VisaThai VisaVisa ApplicationTeaching VisaSouth African ExpatsKota Baru VisaConsulate Services
May 2, 2019
6 years ago
Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
A very good day to all🍀☀️🙂,

It’s that time once again where a new Non-B (teaching) Visa needs to be gotten due to a change in schools.

I’ve completed the first part of the procedures, cancellations of work permit and visa, and I’m in Vietnam 🇻🇳 on holiday with the missus.

Question: I’ve been told that South Africans have a harder time now (hoping for changes post election) and that Kota Baru in Malaysia 🇲🇾 seems the “easiest” path to take for South Africans living in the South of Thailand.

I do not wish to travel. I want to get it down as quickly and efficiently as possible (shortest hours needed).

Anyone can help me out with some Thai visa advice?

Thank you in advance 🤗
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A South African teacher is seeking advice on obtaining a Non-B (teaching) Visa while currently in Vietnam and looking for the fastest options available. Community members suggest that Kota Baru in Malaysia is a viable route, possibly offering same-day processing if the correct paperwork is provided. They also mention that consulates in Vientiane and Savannakhet are alternatives but emphasize that processing times can vary.
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Tod *********
the thai consulates in Vientiane and Savannakhet are fine for S/A passport holders too.

Unfortunately it's gonna take as long as it takes. <- meaning if it's a two day turn around at that consulate that's what you're gonna wait out.

MOST consulates do not offer same day service anymore. and instead you turn it in the passport one morning and you pick it up the next afternoon.

IF Kota Bharu does same day service it's news to be (but that's always been a squirrelly thai consulate to begin with :O) Keep in mind the holidays and the fact they are open Sunday until Thursday at that location.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Jean-Jacques *************
 I would plan on 3 days in Kota Bharu, like I said it's a quirky consulate and you don't want to cut yourself short on time IF you need the visa..
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Jean-Jacques *************
 then you just decided to go to Kota Bharu OR wait the 4 weeks it takes to get approval for S/A passport holders applying in KL..
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Not going to Laos.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod so Kota Baru, it would take 2 days minimum then? Which one is quicker, the van or train from Hat Yai.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
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Jason *********
We send our South African teachers to Kota Baru and they don't have problems. You can even get the visa the same day if you arrive early, have the correct paperwork and request same day processing.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason ********
 by what means do your teachers usually travel by? Van or train?
6 years ago
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Darron ********
I don't think they do same day processing anymore. They didn't have the option last year.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Jason thank you. That same day processing, how do I go about getting that done?
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
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Robert *******
With what visa do you plan to come back to Thailand?
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason ********
 yes, first heading back home to Thailand and then would like to start the “fresh procedure”.

I think I overcomplicated the situation.

Should’ve just asked what’s the quickest way to do it.

Apologies 😅😆
6 years ago
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Robert *******
I don't care about old visa's and old work permits. There is a possibility at Immigration Offices to convert a Visa Exempt Entry or a Tourist Visa into a Non Immigrant B visa. If you come back from Vietnam with a new 30 day Visa Exempt Entry and the Immigration Office can and will convert this to a new Non Immigrant B visa, you do not have to travel abroad.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I only mentioned me holidaying in Vietnam as an indication that the visa has already been canceled since I’ve left the country already.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ******
 Once again, as mentioned the visa and work permit has been canceled already.

Ok, let me start again. I’m now on holiday in Vietnam. No relevance to my question.

I’d like to know what’s the most efficient way to get the Non-B from Thailand. Getting back from this holiday isn’t an issue or question at hand. Just would like to know how to do it once I do to for the Non-B in Malaysia
6 years ago
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Jason *********
Jean-Jacques De Villiers I think you misunderstood Robert's post. I think he is asking are you going to come back to Thailand from Vietnam first before you go to get your new Non-B?
6 years ago
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Robert *******
Than the easiest way is to let your school contact the Immigration Office and ask if it is possible to convert your Visa Exempt Entry into a Non Immigrant B visa. That saves you another travel abroad.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert to answer the hanging question though, South Africans are eligible for Visa Exemptions so I’d come back from “holiday” Vietnam with that and then would like to proceed to Malaysia after the public holiday on Monday. Perhaps that created the confusion.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
Ok, good luck.
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob***
 I do appreciate your attempt at trying to assist, however you seem to not understand the what I’ve written above. Thanks for trying though.
6 years ago
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Robert *******
You are in Vietnam and you can not get a Non B visa there. You mention you need a new Non B,
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Robert Lagas Non-B as stated in the first sentence. 🙂
6 years ago
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Jean-Jacques **************
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