Thai Visa in Kuala Lumpur

The primary reason I’m writing this post is to help any future travelers who want to go to “KL” for a visa run. There are numerous sources online but I have yet to find simple, laid out instructions explaining the exact process. If you are looking for direction please scroll down to step by step.

On a total whim I decided to head to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to complete the 2nd to last official step I have to personally take to obtain my 1 year education visa for my Thai language studies at Language Express.

I stayed in a nice serviced apartment less than a 5 minute walk away from the Thai embassy so getting there was no problem. I did make a mistake which probably cost me 60-90 minutes though. I was one of the first dozen or so people in the line outside, waiting to get the form to enter the embassy gates.

Once I got the form I made the costly mistake of immediately sitting down to fill it out instead of rushing in to get my number ticket. I sat and filled out the form while probably 30-50 people went in front of me and got a number.

This made me angry but luckily again, my hotel was nearby so I got some cold snacks at 7/11 and walked to the apartment in 5 minutes where I twittered my situation, watched some TV and most importantly chilled out in the dual super-powered air conditioning units which was a highlight of Lanson Place for about a half hour before I went and handed in my paperwork.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Make sure you arrive at the embassy as early as possible. It opens at 9:30am so try to head there around 9:00am so you can get one of the few spot in line in the shade. They will not open early.
2. When it is your turn in line, show the guy your passport and he will hand you a form. He hands the same exact form out to everyone, regardless of the type of visa you are applying for.
3. As soon as you get your form, IMMEDIATELY head to the right and you will see an open door on the right side of the building in front of you. Enter the door and immediately to the right is a number tag machine. Push the button for visa or passport and get your ticket.
4. Fill out the form inside the building or if you have a high number you can walk outside and fill it out on the tables under the fans. On the form there will be a section which says, “Thai guarantor.” Leave this section blank unless you are applying for a work visa.
5. If you are there early enough you will get to the counter and be done. It is likely there will be many people in front of you. If your number is dozens of numbers off you can leave and return later. If you exit the embassy and walk to the left there is a 7/11 and a couple restaurants within 5 minute walk. BE CAREFUL: They can skip over around 10 numbers (no-shows) at a time so make sure you’re in the room when your number is within 15-20.
6. After you pay the fee 220 Ringgits you will get a receipt with the time you are supposed to pick up the passport/visa the next day DO NOT LOSE THIS SHEET or the number tab stapled to it. The sheet will tell you the exact time they will open passport collection the next day.
7. Return the next day 20 or so minutes early if possible, there will be no line in front of the embassy but there will be a group of people waiting in the back. If you want to save time stand right in front of the door (same door of room you gave passport the day before). A line will form after you and when the door opens it is first come/first serve and the process of handing out your visa will take no longer than 15-30 minutes unless you were extremely late.
8. Congratulations you now have a fresh visa!