Traveling to Malaysia from Thailand
Traveling to Malaysia from Thailand is simple and offers a variety of options, whether you’re visiting for a short vacation, handling visa-related matters, or planning a longer stay. Knowing the best way to cross the border and manage any visa requirements will help you plan a smoother trip and avoid travel disruptions.
Keep reading to explore the most convenient ways to travel from Thailand to Malaysia, how to apply for a Malaysian tourist visa, and the important steps to take before you go.
How to Get to Malaysia from Thailand
Thailand shares a land border with Malaysia in the South, so there are two main ways to travel between the two countries: by air or overland.
Flying to Malaysia from Thailand
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Thailand to Malaysia. There are many low-cost carriers that operate flights between the two countries, making air travel a popular choice if you want to save time. You can easily book flights departing from major airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.
Common destinations in Malaysia include Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. Since the flight duration is usually less than two hours, it’s a quick and easy option. Be sure to book tickets early to secure the best deals.
Crossing into Malaysia from Thailand by Land
If you prefer a slower, more affordable, or more scenic route, crossing the land border is another viable option. Traveling by train, bus, or car gives you good views and is especially popular for travelers starting in southern Thailand.
Border crossings include the Sadao-Dannok checkpoint in Songkhla and the Padang Besar checkpoint in Satun. From these points, you can continue your trip into Malaysian cities like Penang or Alor Setar. For train enthusiasts, the service from Hat Yai to Padang Besar is a scenic and budget-friendly way to cross the border.
If you’re driving or taking a bus, check the border operating hours and make sure you have the necessary documents for immigration clearance. These options may take more time than flying, so give yourself extra time to account for travel distance and possible delays at the border.
How to Get a Malaysian Tourist Visa
If you’re planning to visit Malaysia, you might need to get a tourist visa depending on your nationality. The visa requirements and processes vary, so you need to check your eligibility and choose the application method that suits your needs.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens from certain countries, including Thailand, enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for a specific duration. For example:
- 90 Days: Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and others.
- 30 Days: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and more.
- 14 Days: Visitors from Afghanistan (VDR required), Angola, and others.
If you are eligible for visa-free entry, simply present your passport at the border for stamping. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your travel date. Check with the local embassy to determine if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry.
Malaysian eVisa
The eVisa is a convenient option for eligible travelers. It’s valid for three months, allowing you to stay for up to 30 days per entry. You can apply online through the official MYVISA website, which is accessible worldwide except from within Malaysia, Israel, or North Korea.
To apply for an eVisa:
- Complete the application form on the MYVISA website.
- Upload required documents:
- Passport bio page (valid for at least six months).
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Confirmed return flight ticket.
- Pay the visa fee (varies by nationality).
Applications are processed within two working days. Once approved, the eVisa is emailed to you. Print it out and present it along with your passport and supporting documents at the Malaysian immigration checkpoint.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Similar to the Thailand visa on arrival, Malaysia also offers a Visa on Arrival for travelers who meet specific criteria, such as arriving directly from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand. The VoA is valid for up to 15 days and costs RM200. This option is especially useful for short visits or transit.
Standard Tourist Visa
For travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry, eVisa, or VoA, applying for a tourist visa in person through a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate is the best option. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 90 days.
To apply:
- Submit a completed visa application form.
- Provide a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
- Include two passport-sized photographs.
- Present proof of travel plans, such as accommodation and return tickets.
Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate.
What to Do Before Traveling to Malaysia from Thailand
If you’re heading to Malaysia, it’s a good idea to get your documents ready and plan ahead to keep things simple for both entering Malaysia and returning to Thailand if that is your plan. Preparation is even more important if your trip includes renewing your visa, resetting your stay permit, or applying for a new kind of visa.
Get Your Documentation in Order
Before traveling to Malaysia from Thailand, make sure all your necessary documents are prepared to avoid complications at immigration checkpoints. This includes checking the requirements for both Malaysian and Thai visas to ensure you have everything you need. It’s always a good idea to bring extra paper copies of your passport, visa, travel itinerary, and any supporting documents.
Since both countries offer eVisas, travelers should also ensure they have high-quality scans or images of their required documents saved on their smartphones or uploaded to a secure cloud service. These digital copies can be a lifesaver if you misplace your physical documents, and are acceptable for eVisa applications.
Convert Some Currency to Malaysian Ringgits
Before heading to Malaysia, it’s a good idea to convert some of your currency to Malaysian Ringgit. This is especially important if you plan to apply for a Visa on Arrival, as you’ll need cash to pay the visa fee. Additionally, having local currency on hand can make it easier to handle small purchases, transportation, or other fees upon arrival at the airport.
Exchanging currency at the airport is a safe and convenient option, though it may come with slightly higher rates. To get the best value, consider comparing rates at your departure airport in Thailand and upon arrival in Malaysia. Having some local currency on you makes things a lot easier when you arrive and saves you from scrambling at the last minute, but be on the lookout for unscrupulous or dishonest exchangers.
Apply for a Re-Entry Permit
If you hold a single-entry Thai visa, such as the standard tourist visa, you will need a re-entry permit to maintain its validity when you leave Thailand. This permit can be applied for at Thai immigration offices or international airports before your departure. Without it, your visa will be canceled upon exiting Thailand, requiring a new application in order to return.
Secure the Correct Thai Visa
Your Thai visa must suit your travel plans, especially if you plan to return and stay in Thailand after visiting Malaysia. If you frequently travel in and out of Thailand, consider applying for a long-term, multiple-entry visa to simplify the process.
Options like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), the Thailand Elite Visa, and the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), which allow unlimited re-entry during the visa’s validity period. These visas eliminate the need for re-entry permits or new applications every time you travel. They save you time and effort, giving you the freedom to focus on your trips and manage your plans without unnecessary interruptions or concerns about your visa status.
Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance
If you plan to travel back to Thailand or are heading to Malaysia for visa purposes, contact Siam Legal’s trusted visa consultants. Our expertise will simplify and streamline the visa application process, and we can help you remotely when you are already abroad. From preparing your documents to submitting applications on your behalf, our services make it easier for you to travel to Malaysia and return to Thailand while avoiding delays and visa-related travel disruptions.
Let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip without unnecessary stress. Contact Siam Legal today for a smoother experience.
Category: Travel
