Hello everyone,
I have a US passport and planning on going to Thailand on an exemption tourist visa (45days) this month. I applied for my COE online and waiting for approval. Can my return flight date be later than 45 days? I would like to stay there until May. Will that prevent me from entering the country? Do they thoroughly check the return flight to make sure that it is within 45 days of arrival?
Thanks and stay safe.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is seeking clarification on whether they can book a return flight for a date later than the 45-day duration of their tourist visa exemption when traveling to Thailand. The community responds with various experiences and advice, indicating that while it is essential to have a flight booked to obtain their Certificate of Entry (COE), it doesn't need to be a return flight. Travelers have shared that approval for COE is often contingent on booking a flight within 45 days, but alternatives, such as travel tickets to other destinations, might also be acceptable. Several comments highlight differing experiences regarding entry checks and extended stays.