Are travelers from the 94 visa-exempt countries allowed to enter Thailand with a return ticket exceeding 60 days but within 90 days?

Nov 9, 2024
5 days ago
Sarah *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bit confused. Effective15 July 2024

[members only]

If there is a possibility of 30 days extension, are the passport holders of the listed 94 countries allowed to enter with a return airline ticket of over 60 days but under 90 days?

Anyone had any experience with this? I rang the consulate and they said, “ it should be ok” but would rather be sure. I also went out the the airport last month to check with Thai Airways check in desk and was told no problems, but that was with one person at the desk who I forgot to write down his name.

I have been unable to find anything regarding this from official sites.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry revolves around the new visa exemption rules effective from July 15, 2024, particularly whether travelers from 94 specific countries can enter Thailand with a return ticket that exceeds 60 days but is still under 90 days, especially considering the possibility of a 30-day visa extension. Community members pointed out that while Thai immigration may not strictly enforce the requirement for onward tickets, airlines often do, so it's imperative to adhere to the airline's policies. Suggestions include showing proof of onward travel (like a bus or plane ticket) and strategies for travelers planning to extend their stay.
Kirsten *********
It will depend on your airline. Some airlines won’t jet you board without an onward ticket. I just flew in with air Asia and there was no issue with them . Nobody asked I’d had a visa before. Immigration just asked me how long I was staying and where I was going next.
Rogerpatrik **********
They asked me, the lady said must have a ticket out within the 60 days if no visa. I showed her my 60 day tourist visa and everything was ok. Flight home within 90 days… 🤷‍♂️
Ivan *******
My wife is Thai. I am flying to Thailand on 27th Dec on a 60 day return ticket, but will extend the 60 day visa to 30 days more, then change my return ticket when i am in Thailand. I thought that was the best way to do it, since i too couldnt find the answer to the same question.
Bart **************
Indeed, you won't find this in official rules. That's unfortunate because you certainly aren't the only one in this particular situation.

Another problematic aspect of this rule is that the only real enforcement of it is the pre-check of entry eligibility, done by airlines. Immigrations rarely check anyone for it. So now the interpretation suddenly depends on a party who can't deviate and is supposed to only strictly do as the rules state. Quite a messy situation.

The most commonly accepted interpretation of the rule, as unfortunate as it is, appears that extendability is not accounted for. Not saying that it makes sense, why would a country on one hand allow anyone to extend a visa and on the other hand require having booked an exit trip before the original date, but most airlines, if they check, appear to follow this rationale. But not all, some will allow you to get aboard with proof of onward travel within the 90 days instead of 60.
Alan ********
I've booked a 90 day return flight and a 90 day accommodation stay with a 60 day visa. No problem just tell the place you are staying (only if they question you on your passport date stamp) that you will be applying for a 30 day extention because they have to vouch for you on an immigration form (T30). But they can maybephone the hotel/owner where you're staying. Don't worry just do it. Or if you are concerned get a flexible flight ticket.
John ********
Buy a bus ticket to Cambodia on line or plane ticket to Cambodia and then you can show it to the immigration if they ask you, then you can cancel the tickets
John **********
Thai immigration won't care unless they're looking for a reason to deny entry. Your airline on the other hand might not let you board your flight without an onward flight from Thailand, it's them you need to ask
Brandon ************
The consulate can't answer you for 2 reasons:

1) The consulate doesn't dictate airline policy

2) The consulate doesn't dictate immigration policy. Immigration is a different government agency.

Proof of onward travel is not normally asked for by immigration when you enter Thailand. But it is often asked for by your airline before they let you board your flight. So you need to check with your airline what their policy is for people flying to Thailand without a visa.
Bart **************
@Brandon ***********
the consulate cannot answer because it's not specified in Thai law. Of course the consulate doesn't dictate immigrations policy, but that's a strange suggestion. Thai law should dictate both the immigrations policy and the consulate's answer to this question. It's the embassy or consulate one should be addressing this type of question to. Informing prospective travelers about Thai entry rules is pretty much why they exist.
Sarah *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you. When I went to Thai Airlines check in desk they said it should be fine. I will have all the documents explaining the plan of 60 days plus possible extension of 30 days.

If not, I can always buy a return ticket on the spot from Thailand to Vietnam (where we want to also visit anyway but wanted to wait to check a period of good weather) for a few weeks, before returning to Thailand and exit on original return ticket.
Brandon ************
@Sarah ********
yes, it sounds like you already did your research. Your plan should work fine
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