Answered2 years ago
Can I extend my visa exemption in Thailand before leaving for the UK on a return flight?
If I book a return flight to the Uk after 90 days, hoping to get a 30 day extension at immigration, after 60 days and have a throwaway onward ticket to Malaysia before the expiry of the visa exempt. Can anyone foresee any problems ? Thanks in advance.
Answer summary
The user is inquiring about the viability of extending their stay in Thailand using a return flight after 90 days while also planning to secure a 30-day extension at immigration. They mention having a throwaway onward ticket to Malaysia before the expiration of their visa exemption. Comments suggest that, generally, there should be no major issues if the user meets the requirements for entry and extension. The airline is likely to check for an onward ticket, but problems may be unlikely unless there is a restrictive travel history. Ultimately, the discretion of immigration officials remains a factor.
19 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Ralph *******
The only issue I see is the very unlikely event that you don’t get the 30 day extension. It’s at the discretion of the immigration office. But, as I said, it’s very unlikely.
John *********
I was flying from South Korea to Thailand and anticipating getting the visa exemption on arrival. The airline demanded to see the onward flight. My flight from Thailand to the US was for 4 months in the future. The date was no issue as long as I showed the ticket.
Christopher ***********
@John ********
Either the check-in agent didn’t understand (or didn’t care). I was once permitted to board using a one way ticket because the agent didn’t think it was fair that if she had been checking me in for another airline it wouldn’t have been an issue. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop the airline deboarding me at my first transit stop.Ralph *******
@John ********
On my last 3 trips my onward ticket has been checked, including the dates. I guess it just depends on how thoroughly the airline checks.Bart **************
The only problem I see is that the throwaway ticket costs you money and may be unnecessary.
Jan ******************
@Bart *************
You have a point that’s important in two perspectives: 1) First people use money for something they don’t need 2) In a bigger environmental context you risk that planes leaves with empty seats only because people need to buy throwaway tickets to fulfil formal requirements. The ideal would have been if the immigration clearly stated that you could travel on a visa exemption with an exit ticket within 90 days, but you had to take responsibility for getting an extension yourself. I assume much will become clearer regarding this if the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is introduced and visa-free travels must be notified and registered before departure.
Bart **************
@Jan *****************
agree with your points.
Roger ********
OP@Jan *****************
I lived there for 8 years and I know, nothing is straightforward at immigration in Thailand. The onward ticket costs $14. While I take your point, I’m trying to avoid potential problems. 🙏Roger ********
OP@Bart *************
Yeah the consequences of continually changing Thai immigration requirements. I think it’s possibly about government job retention. I will cancel the ticket after receiving extension without refund. The seat is paid for, the plane is lighter. Win win.Bart **************
@Roger *******
if it's only $14, you are beating onward travel suppliers where you rent the ticket. And for Jan's (and your) peace of mind: airlines know that not everyone will show up, especially if tickets were sold at such rates. That's why planes are sometimes overbooked. But it would be fair to say that the whole scene with unnecessary onward tickets does make it harder to predict how many people will actually come, which does indeed lead to more empty seats.
Roger ********
OP@Jan *****************
I used to dread Yearly non O retirement extension requirements at Immigration. The visa got cancelled one year and I was directed to go on a 2 day trip by bus, to get a new one. To this day, I don’t know why, I got the feeling afterwards, that it was a huge expensive scam. But that’s just how it is, in paradise. 🙏Jan ******************
@Roger *******
I will do the same, this was just a wish now as the visa exemptions are 60 days and several people don’t need to apply for a tourist visa anymore.Roger ********
OP@Bart *************
I would buy the throwaway ticket to fulfill immigration exit requirements after 60 days. I would have a return ticket with the airline, after 90 days ?
David ********
@Roger *******
it is not an immagration requirement. This debate has been ongoing for sometime. It is the airline that is supposedly putting this question to it's passengers. I had it happen to me once in 20 years. I had a one way ticket to bkk and simply said l haven't sorted my itinerary on when l leave and from where l am traveling around Thailand and have a visa it's my responsibility to leave prior to experation or pay a fine. They allowed me to board. I think it is a marketing ploy by the airline to get more money out of you. If you book a return and as what normally happens in Thailand you want to stay longer your ticket may be forfeited thereby the airline cashing in. By a one way ticket and challenge the airline. Ask to see the supervisor if they insist on a return ticket. It's the travelers right to choose a one way. Everyone just bows to them because they come in and out of Thailand it's not the airlines right to question that it is Thai immagration. That's my take on it and l would fight the airline on that matter. If they didn't let you board l would be taking that higher also with the ministry of aviation. We will see how long they continue this farse.Bart **************
@Roger *******
why not wing it? And if you can't otherwise board then you buy it.Bart **************
@Roger *******
even at 77 I am not recommending donating money to airlines as if they were charities. Then get at least a fully refundable ticket and refund it after the event.And donate the money saved to e.g. Trees for Travel.
Roger ********
OP@Bart *************
I’m 77 and I like to have all potential problems sorted before I get to the airport. 🙏
Alistair **********
No. The requirement is just a ticket leaving within the allowed period of entry. You won't have an issue if you meet the requirements and generally only the airline is likely to ask for proof of onward travel.
Jan ******************
Not regarding onward ticket and if you don’t have any recently excessive travel history in and out of Thailand, you should be fine and get your 60 days visa exemption and free stamp upon arrival.
Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25Do I need to stay in my home country while my DTV visa application is processed?
509187mo
What should I do if I haven't booked my flight and accommodation for a Thai Non-O visa application?
2.8k24228mo
Is it possible to return to Thailand for a month after a 30-day stay, considering visa exemption limits?
2.7k24229mo
Do I need to show a booked exit flight when entering Thailand on a DTV visa?
930749mo
Can I extend my 60-day tourist visa exemption by 30 days next year after already extending it this year?
2.3k211210mo
Can I expect my visa application to be approved by December 30th if the embassy says it takes up to 15 business days to process?
3.1k29131y
Can I get a 3-month visa to Thailand due to my age?
2.5k16321y
Is the DTV visa worth it for long-term stay in Thailand, and can you reapply after 6 months?
2.5k23131y
What is the process for obtaining a 60-day visa to Thailand and how can I get help with my application in Liverpool?
4k34341y
Can I apply for a Non-O visa based on marriage while in Malaysia?
1.3k1071y
Do you need to keep 500k baht in the bank if using border runs instead of visa extensions in Thailand?
778472y
How can my partner and I extend our holiday visa in Samui for an additional 30 days?
1.5k7202y
Do I need a TM30 form for my 30-day visa extension in Thailand?
8.9k81532y
What should I do if I'm in Thailand on a visa-exempt entry while my DTV application is pending?
3.8k28402y
Can I activate my DTV visa by exiting and re-entering Thailand after arriving on a visa-exempt entry?
908342y
What do I need for immigration when I leave Thailand after extending my retirement visa?
1.1k4132y
What are my options for extending my stay in Thailand due to a visa conflict with Cambodia?
2k13223y
What steps should I take to secure a retirement visa for Thailand when I don't have specific travel plans?
6.1k58393y
Is the Thai tourist visa still 30 days, and what is the maximum extension allowed?
1.6k7243y
Can I apply for a two-month e-visa online and later extend it for an additional month while having a return flight beyond that period?
8032104y
How can I extend my 60-day tourist visa in Thailand for another 30 days?
1.2k694y
Do I need an onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa with plans for a 1-year visa?
5.7k39744y
Can you enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa without a return ticket, and is it possible to extend your stay?
2.2k18114y
Can I extend my 90-day NON-O visa a day or two after the due date without issues?
3018y
What do I need to extend a visa exempt entry stamp in Hua Hin if the TM30 hasn’t been filed?
1.3k1068y
Resources
Need help with 90-day reporting?
Trusted service that gets people to a real agent fast