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Are onward travel tickets accepted by airlines and Thai immigration?

Aug 26, 2025
2 months ago
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone used an onward travel ticket?, I don't particularly want to buy a return ticket, onward travel tickets are available for a 24 hour period for $12. Just wondering if they are accepted by the airlines and thai immigration if asked for proof of onward travel, thank you
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the validity of onward travel tickets for entry into Thailand, with varied personal experiences shared. While some users have used onward travel tickets successfully without issues, others advise against them and suggest acquiring refundable tickets or inexpensive train/bus tickets as alternatives. Key points include the differing policies of airlines regarding what constitutes acceptable proof of onward travel, with some accepting real travel tickets instead of reservations or onward tickets.
William ***********
Immigration itself doesn’t ask for the onward travel as often as the airlines. Immigration officials in many countries use the airlines as de facto immigration agents. They can be fined by the various countries for allowing you to enter without an onward ticket. Most people never deal with this because they have purchased round trip tickets and the airline already knows about that travel so they don’t ask.
Doug ********
I flew Qatar London to bkk and they wanted proof of onward travel.

I showed them a genuine train ticket udon Thani to Vientiane, cost 3 us dollars and they were fine with that. Bkk immigration accepted it as well. Got it on 12goasia website
Pete **********
Ive used them everytime prior to having a long term visa and entered on 1 way ticket. I was only asked to show proof of onward travel 1x and the flight itinerary was accepted
Derek *****
Total scam - just buy a bus ticket to Laos or train to Malaysia for dirt cheap.
Graham ******
@Derek ****
and then find the airline will not accept it, brilliant plan
Derek *****
I’ve been to over 27 counties and not once was a bus or train ticket not accepted. Unless you’ve been denied boarding personally, your comment is worthless.
Andriy ***************************
It's a scam. Don't waste your money
Max *************
Here is one option. There are more.

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Nongnuch ********
John Keefe . It depends on your airline if the let you board the flight without a "real" one-way CHEAP flight ticket that shows you are leaving Thailand within the 60 days you will get stamped in when you enter Thailand visa-exempt. Some airlines don't accept the "onwardticket" because it actually is not a real flight ticket but only a reservation for a ticket booking. Some airlines accept a bus or train ticket leaving Thailand. Immigration normally is NOT interested in your travel itinerary, unless the have a reason to deny entry
Gary *********
I often only By one way Ticket,,Never a Problem with Immigration,,Airlines my Query your Forward Travel
Robert *********
Just buy a refundable ticket and cancel it .

Do not commit fraud
Graham ******
@Robert ********
So showing an Immigration Officer a ticket you have no intention of using when asked about how long you intend to stay is not "fraud"? Same same but different maybe.
Pete *******
@Robert ********
you are buying a perfectly legal onward ticket, you can choose to use the ticket as intended or throw it in the bin. Nothing fraudulent at all.
Robert *********
@Pete ******
enlighten me please .

I do buy a legal onward ticket every year for years .normally 100 + dollars .

But on the sites I looked at they are so cheap ,how is that legal ?
Pete *******
@Robert ********
where is the fraud?
Robert *********
@Pete ******
you are not really buying a ticket ,you are misrepresenting ,I may be wrong but that's how it seems to me .You are showing immigration a ticket that you don't really have .

I have also seen people have been caught and rejected ( no proof but I have read in forums of this happening )

As they take fraud very seriously in Thailand I choose not to risk it .
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