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Can I apply for a long-term visa to Thailand without a return flight?
long-term visaDTV visaflight requirementsreturn flightvisa application processexpat adviceThailand immigration
Aug 25, 2025
8 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi. Most people here are asking about documents related to things like work. I have a different question – flights. Every 1.5-2 months, due to personal matters, I'll need to return to my home country for about a week. So, I need a long-term visa, but my stay in Thailand won't exceed 80/90 days. When applying for a visa, I'm asked to provide a return flight. I have few questions:
1) What if I don't have a return flight yet? I plan to move to Thailand permanently in February next year and have a one-way flight.
2) Does my departure from Thailand have to be a return flight to my home country in Europe, or can it even be to a nearby country in Asia? What if I don't use that flight?
3) What if I buy a return flight and it will be for about two months after my arrival date? Will they still consider me a DTV, or will they force me to apply for a different type of visa?
Which flight did you put into the form? Did they want any confirmation of booking?
1) What if I don't have a return flight yet? I plan to move to Thailand permanently in February next year and have a one-way flight.
2) Does my departure from Thailand have to be a return flight to my home country in Europe, or can it even be to a nearby country in Asia? What if I don't use that flight?
3) What if I buy a return flight and it will be for about two months after my arrival date? Will they still consider me a DTV, or will they force me to apply for a different type of visa?
Which flight did you put into the form? Did they want any confirmation of booking?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry revolves around flight arrangements for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) application to Thailand when intending to stay for less than 90 days while needing frequent trips back to the home country. Key points include the acceptability of a one-way ticket for entry, the flexibility of the return flight options (to either the home country or nearby countries), the need for a booked flight versus proposed travel dates, and overall recommendations regarding the application process.
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- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Phil ******
@ANONYMOUS MEMBER are you sure its required for a DTV?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Phil *****
of course. You have this in formPhil ******
Anonymous participant ok look up a flight or bus in 180 days and put that in. If the ask book an onward travel ticket 180 days after your intended trip to Thailand. You realise you won't get a bank account with the DTV?
Reply to
Phil ******
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Angela *********
If you can get a return ticket using points with an airline, then you can change the return date without a charge (normally).
Anonymous ******************
It's not a problem. But a two-way ticket is much cheaper than two one-way tickets ;)
Paul *******
Anonymous participant 515 Not always anymore but it's still a good idea to purchase a round trip ticket.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Wannikea *********
What consulate? The application has a field for intended/proposed entry date and flight, but tickets aren't demanded unless the consulate specifically asks for tickets.
Sascha **********
With a DTV you can enter Thailand on a one way ticket.
After DTV approval you have to enter Thailand within 90 days. After the first entry it doesn’t matter anymore how long you stay out.
After DTV approval you have to enter Thailand within 90 days. After the first entry it doesn’t matter anymore how long you stay out.
Dave ***********
@Sascha *********
you have 5 years to enter Thailand from the date of the DTV issue. It’s unlikely anyone will do that, but that is the rule.Siggi *******
@Sascha *********
wrong, you don't have to enter within 90 daysSascha **********
@Siggi ******
ok then I understood incorrectlyReply to
Sascha **********
Reply
Wannikea *********
@Sascha *********
it is not true you have 90 days to make your first entry, he can enter anytime within the 5 years. Although it's typical that you don't apply more than 3 months from your intended entry date.Sascha **********
@Wannikea ********
ok then I understood incorrectlyReply to
Sascha **********
Reply
Katie ***********
@Sascha *********
does the visa begin on the day you arrive or the day it was issued ? 🙏🏼Greg ********
@Katie **********
Date issued.Katie ***********
@Greg *******
ok thanks. and since it is multi-entry if you take lets say 4-5 trip/year how does that work with the resetting of the 180 days ?Wannikea *********
@Katie **********
every entry you're stamped in for 180 daysReply to
Wannikea *********
Reply
John **********
You don't need booked flights, just proposed flights with flight number
DTV_Be*******
Apply for the dtv under workcation
Reply to
DTV_Be*******
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