Penang Visa Run
Last updated 2007-10-25
Penang is a very popular destination for expatriates in Thailand who need to renew their visa. You have many transport options to make the journey. Flights are available from Bangkok on budget airlines, you can do the journey by train from Bangkok, which of course takes all night and you arrive lunchtime the following day... and of course, there is the bus to Hat Yai, where you can switch to a minibus to complete the journey.
It is also possible to drive yourself across the many land check points but be sure you have any vehicle documents required and make sure you buy insurance. Also be sure to have some Malaysian Ringgit for the motorway toll booths and the crossing to Penang Island itself.
The Penang Royal Thai Consulate is at No. 1 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 10350
You can apply for the visa yourself or make use of one of the visa agents but whatever the case, you'll need to submit early in the morning if you're to have any chance of getting your passport back the next day. Be aware that this consulate closed on Thai AND Malaysian public holidays so if you get your timing wrong, you could be in for quite a long stay.
As is always the case, the Thai visa situation is in a constant state of flux and the best way to keep yourself abreast of the current status is to visit our forum and ask for advice from our experienced expats. Find out if Penang is currently issuing Non-Immigrant visas and which ones, are they still restricting the amount of back to back tourist visa etc... It seems to change from one week to the next so it's pointless writing about the current situation on this page as it would be out of date in no time at all.
Furthermore, our forum thread has lots of advice about accommodation in Penang to suit all budgets. If you've been to Penang recently, why not register for free and add your thoughts and experiences...
Go to our Penang visa run thread.
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Thailand Forum