Can I travel to Thailand with just a one-way flight and extend my stay without an onward ticket?

Jun 18, 2024
6 months ago
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m pplanning a trip to Thailand from the uk. However I want to stay until my money runs out. I aiming between 3 and 4 months. I understand I need a 60 day visa then extend for 30 days. But can I do this with booking a 1 way flight. Then when I have run out of money. I can book a flight back to the uk.
13,084
views
26
likes
333
all likes
131
replies
2
images
63
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling to Thailand on a one-way flight can be challenging due to visa and onward flight requirements. Typically, a tourist entering Thailand must show proof of departure, which may be mandated by the airline or immigration. It's common for travelers to book a cheap onward ticket or a bus ticket to a neighboring country as a precaution. While some have traveled without showing a return ticket, it's generally advised to have a plan for an onward exit to avoid issues at the airport or with immigration.
Eoin *******
You will run out of coin in the 1st week, then you start a "go fund me page" aka "go F U"
Leo ******
Book a bus ticket to another country. That's also a valid option to leave on.. Used to be 10 quid online
Shane *******
Don't listen to the haters ! ( most of em got no balls ). Yes my friend . Book your flight . To be on the safe side book a another flight to a neighbouring country cheap cheap with option of cancellation within 30-60 days of your stay .. the only time I had a problem with a 1 way flight was at the uk end I was transiting thru Vietnam... 🇬🇧 got big bollocks , I like your style .... bare me in mind ... I can show u the ways of the jedi style border runs ......
Luc ************
If you have a tourist visa you will not be asked for a return flight.
Brandon ************
@Luc ***********
not true. It can be asked for all tourist entries, including with a tourist visa
Peter *********
One weekk soi 6 all money 💰 gone lol 😆
David ********
The requirement for an onward flight is a

Requirement of the airline, not Thai immigration. So, why are commentators saying what airline they flew that “didn’t ask”, or “did get asked” for an onward ticket?!?! This way we know if we’re going to fly a certain airline we know if there’s a likelihood that we’ll be asked for one!
Troy ******
@David *******
You are clueless. Obviously it's an immigration rule. They just don't enforce it. Airlines go by the immigration laws of the country that's Obviously why the ask for a onward ticket.
David ********
@Troy *****
No, you are wrong!! When coming to Vietnam, where there is NO IMMIGRATION, law that states an onward ticket is required to enter the country, when boarding my connecting flight in Japan on ANA airways they randomly pulled me from the boarding line to HCMC and asked me for my onward departure ticket from Vietnam.

So YOU sir are the CLUELESS ONE!
Troy ******
@David *******
We are talking about Thailand not Vietnam. Better lay off the ganga
David ********
@Troy *****
I’ve seen you on here several times and every time you’re being a smart azz to somebody.

Time to take your privileged American hate back to America! It’s people like you that are ruining Thailand, the Philippines and other SE countries you bring your hate to!

GTFU! Stop being a Keyboard Coward!
Carl *********
@David *******
Good point I know Emirates are keen on it and Qatar
Bruce ************
A 60day tourist visa is issued at the airport increased from 30 days from 1st July. This has only just been confirmed by Thai Govt.
Darren ******
Take a look at ban chang , cheap and better entertainment 😂
Kathy ********
@Darren *****
where is ban Chang or what is so attractive there
Darren ******
@Kathy *******
it's in rayong and it's a quiet life , beach close by and a small bar scene.

Also take a look at bang saray
Kathy ********
@Darren *****
sorry Thai food or street food ,markets thanks again
Kathy ********
@Darren *****
thanks I am looking for something like that in July how about renting a place not at the beach is there a monthly like $200-400 clean places
Darren ******
@Kathy *******
I rental 2 bed house , pool next door and 9 other houses share it , in a small quiet place about 10 mins from the beach in bang saray.

A lovely beach walk , plenty of nice bars and restaurants along the beach.

My house is 8000b a month ( $250 about ) my bills are electric $20 and water $3 a month.
Kathy ********
@Darren *****
thank you so much
Paul **********
🤔
Andrew ********
Buy an open return ticket?
Ryan ********
Just book the cheapest flight out of the country 🤷‍♂️ then don’t board the flight.
Charlie ********
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
VD ********
You can't reserved only one ticket in Thaïlande you do round trip
Randy ******
Another kathoeys victim… SAD!
Oliver *********
You can rent a ticket online takes a few min if they ask show them that
Franky ******
Ppppppppppppick up a Penquin .
Russell ********
If you to Pattaya you could be skint in four days!
Donna *******
Just purchase a flexi ticket then cancel . Also some airlines will refuse boarding unless u have return. We have been pulled a few times had to bookflight in airport nighmare . You willget people stating . Travelled and never been asked lucky them i say 😁
Armando **********
No, to get tourist visa you need to provide proof of round trip when applying
Ed ********
Onward flight needed
Stuart **********
I’ve always been asked for my visa and onward flight by qantas at Auckland airport.
Andy **********
Just seen you want a 60 day tourist visa, I think you need to show an onward ticket for the visa anyway, to get the visa approved.
Gordon *********
Go to spain
Brown ********
I'd just get the 60 day visa and hang out on WS or at LK metro. You'll likely be out of money before your visa ends if you do it right
Hugh **********
Buy a REALLY expensive return ticket then cancel it in Thailand.
Jeannine **********
Your visa will not be granted without an outbound flight of sorts, they check upon arrival, maybe you can buy a ticket to Cambodia or Vietnam, which will be a cheaper option. Although they did put a line across our visa when we flew out eventhough our visa was still valid for another 2 months thereafter, so maybe get further advise.
Russell *******
Wonder one could get away with a train ticket out of the country … border hop..to show proof of exiting?? It’s prob a lot cheaper
John *******
You want to stay until your money runs out 🤣🤣🤣Hookup with a bar girl or 2 no problem with 60day visa not required no need for extension happy days
Nigel ********
It's all depends on the immigration Officer on the day , whether you need a return ticket Officially you do.
Nigel ********
What happens if you get sick and you're insurance if you have any doesn't cover you
John ********
@Nigel *******
Curl up and die could be the option 😂😂😂
Andy **********
@Nigel *******
as long as the person has got adequate travel insurance, you can't cover every single possible scenario 🤷
Gordon *******
@Nigel *******
Good point
David ********
Check out 12GO. Outbound Bus ticket from Hat Yai to Bedang Pasar Malaysia $10
Carl *********
If you get a 60 day visa online you don't need a return ticket. I've done many times, one way on a visa. If you turn up without a visa, you may get stopped at the airport on a one way ticket. Way round it, if you are stopped book a train ticket thats what a mate of mine does, whenever he gets stopped with no return, buys a cheap ticket Cambodia
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Carl ********
thanks mate I might do this
Robin *********
If you are entitled for 60 days visa exemption on arrival then book a dummy onward tkt showing departure from Thailand around 58 days from your entry date which might cost around $15/-.

50 days into Thailand apply for extension and by then you’ll know how to handle going forward
Jake *****
Book the refundable ticket
Vaness ******
Pay a little extra so that you are able to change your ticket when the time comes
Brendon *******
Go and extend. Go to Vietnam etc. For a few days go back, extend. I've been to 30 countries in the last 5 years on one way tickets and I've never been asked to show proof of an onward flight. I have about 6 or 7 times used best onward ticket but I havent had to show it. Maybe once, but I cant recall.
Darren *******
@Brendon ******
whereas I've seen people in front of me at check in being made to buy either a return flight or a flight out of Thailand before being allowed to check in. As others have said, it depends on the check in person.
Greg ********
@Darren ******
On the front of the thai immigration booth where the officer is sitting it says to be ready to show your onward ticket. In the last 2 years i've been there 3 times and every time they've asked for an onward ticket from me. I swear those long immigration lines sometimes me be a planeload of dummies that live by the seat of their pants and they're at the immigration booth buying tickets and slowing the line down
Lynda *******
Get a cheap ticket to the closest airport out of the country
Kathy ************
I entered last year without returning ticket

Whe I got extension they didn’t ask

Just had to have documents where I was staying

Good luck 🤞🏽
Adam *********
@Kathy ***********
I’ve never been checked from Australia and never had a return flight
Brian ********
***************************************************************************************************************************
Cody *********
@Brian *******
that is an amazing service!

You have used it in the past?
Jamie *********
@Cody ********
I was just going to recommend, this helped for every trip I’ve taken. Saves a lot of money and effort
Brian ********
@Cody ********
yes for a friend
Mark *******
If you run out of money how will you fund your return flight ?
Cody *********
@Mark ******
some people do this crazy thing called budgeting where they have one pile of money reserved for one thing, and yet have a completely different pile of money that they reserve for something else.🤷
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cody ********
some people don’t understand this lol
Manuajomtien *********
NO
Bart **************
How are you going to book a flight when you have run out of money? I must admit that I find the requirement of having it booked upfront stupider than stupid, but now they I read your story, I'm starting to believe it has some merit.
Andy **********
You need to prove a return flight for an e-visa, I had to for my 60 days in October, your best to just go there and get the 30 days then extend, then do a land run in a bus to Cambodia or wherever the nearest border is.
Bal *********
Book a return flight direct with the airline

Most airlines will let you change your return date
Martin *********
Go to Pattaya Soi 6, your money will be gone in two days, no need for a visa, problem solved.

You're welcome.
Gary *********
If you get caught without a return ticket it can cause a bit of a problem
Phil ******
@Gary ********
any ticket showing an exit within your visa or exempt time from Thailand
Jonesx **********
If you don’t mind losing £30 do what I did and buy a ticket flying from hat Yai to kuala lumpa within your 60 days . I didn’t mind losing the £30 as a legitimate booking and it’s only £15 more than the onward ticket that expires after 24-48 hours ,
Mark *********
@XNatell *****************
this is the most sensible comment, this is what I do on a regular basis.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@XNatell *****************
yes I think I might do that.
Lee ***********
@Paul *****
you can get a ghost ticket for as low as £5 online in a couple of hours, I've been researching options myself
Jan ******************
First question is if you’re embassy in UK will issue a tourist visa without an onward ticket as it’s formally required. If you manage to get a tourist visa without an onward ticket, it’s anyway formally required for entering Thailand. It’s rarely checked at the immigration unless you’ll get pulled aside for some other reason regarding your travel patterns but you could risk that your airline will ask for it. So therefore, if you manage to get a tourist visa without an onward ticket, call your airline and ask if THEY require onward ticket if you’ve got a tourist visa. At the immigration in Thailand you’ll most probably will be fine anyway.
Clive ********
How ya gunna pay for flight home when your outta money numty
Thomas *********
John *******
how much will you put to one side? Do you know how much a flight will be right now and when you leave as the prices vary day to day week to week
John *******
yeah but I can go out with intention of spending 1k bhat and end up spending 5,6,7k instead….easy done in Thailand
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ******
I will have more than enough out a side
Jaye ********
@John ******
You answered your own question. Every few weeks, he checks the price and spends accordingly. That kind of logic some people learn at primary school.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Clive *******
I will have money put to a side for a flight home. Obviously
Clive ********
@Paul *****
oh well make sure it's plenty coz they ain't cheap one way , plus you might wanna think that thai immigration allso like to see onward flight details when filling out visa info, just saying but look into a bit more paul.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Clive *******
yeah that’s why I have posted in here. I am wanting to know other peoples expiernces who have done the same thing I’m planning
Rob *******
Just did 7 months there, Entered on a 60 day UK tourist evisa, Was never asked for onward travel & booked my flight home a month before i came back
Sonya *****************
@Rob ******
hi there, did you extend you 60 day voa? 🙏
Rob *******
@Sonya ****************
I didn’t get VOA, i arrives on a 60 day tourist visa
Sonya *****************
@Rob ******
and managed to extend that? Thanks
Rob *******
@Sonya ****************
Yes you can extend a Tourist Visa or Visa Exempt entry for 30 days while in Thailand (UK)
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob ******
that’s what I was wanting to hear. But just a little worried incase they do check me.
Tony ********
@Paul *****
that may be what you want to hear. It may not be what you will hear. I was asked for an onward ticket before they would let me board ticket to Bangkok only last week. That said...... you may not be. As others have said by an onward ticket. Not rocket science and not stupid money either.
Regina **********
@Paul *****
I was asked at baggage drop. DSo get an onward ticket or a disposable ticket. It won't cost much at all. Possible even at check-in as mentioned above, depends on your stress tolerance.
Andy **********
@Paul *****
if the airline staff refuses to allow you to check in, just step away from the desk and book a cheap ticket on Skyscanner to a neighboring country (usually about £20) within the amount of time you get stamped into Thailand for, the booking is instant, go back to the desk and you will be allowed to check in, get to the airport early!!
Phil ******
@Paul *****
I was asked by Singapore Airlines for proof of exiting Thailand in January. I showed an onward travel ticket to Cambodia
Rob *******
@Paul *****
They might. they might not 🤷🏻‍♂️i was never asked
Jan ******************
@Rob ******
so you’re saying that even it’s formally stated at the embassy in London’s website, the e-visa application don’t ask for it?
Rob *******
@Jan *****************
I was asked for it on my online Evisa application i wasn’t asked for at check in/boarding.
Jan ******************
@Rob ******
🙏🏻
Rob *******
@Jan *****************
I only sent my one way flight. as thats all i booked & it was accepted
Steven *******
All airlines serving Thailand are required by law to check for an onward ticket within the visa timeframe. Most airline clerks check; some don’t. Follow the advice already given.
David **********
@Steven ******
they have never checked for this in my experience flying many times.
Joseph ****
@David *********
They've certainly asked me. Can and does happen to many. Often.
Steven *******
@David *********
I’ve been asked sometimes and not other times.
John ********
Airlines don't have open tickets these days. When I was living in Thailand in 2000 to about 2006, you could buy twelve month open tickets with all the airlines I used.
John ********
@Steven ******
No such thing as required by law. I flew in & out of Thailand dozens & dozens of times on one-way tickets. It's Upto the airline whether they require to see a return ticket, or a ticket onward out of Thailand. I was never ever asked at Thai immigration for a return ticket, only presented my passport and the immigration card, can't remember which TM it was that you were given in-flight.
Cody *********
@Steven ******
my personal experience has been different.

I always book a return flight 5-6 months after my arrival. A round trip ticket, but since I am getting a 30 visa exempt entry the return date is clearly well outside my ability to stay in the country (without a border bounce or other uncheckable factors)

And I have been doing this since 2017 and I have never even been questioned.

I suspect it helps that I speak thai and have impeccable thai style manners, but only at the thai end of the flight.

When I get on my flight here in the states they never even ask me about it either. 🤷
Steven *******
@Cody ********
doesn’t surprise me. Some airline clerks check. Some don’t.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ******
this may sound stupid but let’s say I want to stay for 120 days. But I will only have a 60 day visa when I first arrive. So will that not be an issue?
Steven *******
@Paul *****
As I said, it will be a problem if they ask you for an onward ticket when you check-in for your flight to Thailand. It won’t be a problem if they do ask for one and you don’t have one. It’s easy to buy a refundable ticket, in case they ask, then cancel it after you clear check-in. Or, as already recommended, by an onward ticket online that is a real ticket that they automatically cancel after a short period of time. They cost around $15US. Good peace of mind.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ******
thanks mate good advice
Steven *******
@Paul *****
what we all recommended is done by people daily or almost daily.
Brandon ************
@Paul *****
it would be an issue
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
how do I overcome this issue
Brandon ************
@Paul *****
GOOGLE SEARCH FOR ONWARD TRAVEL TICKET

I'VE TOLD YOU THIS 3 TIMES NOW
Lisa *******
@Brandon ***********
louder for the people at the back .
Martin *********
@Brandon ***********
jai yan yan lug pi 😂
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
what do you want me to do?
Lee *********
@Paul *****
if you can’t follow the advice someone gave you three times I’d stay at home mate
Phil ******
@Paul *****
book an ONWARD TRAVEL TICKET within your visa or extension as Brandon recommended 3 times
Brandon ************
How are you booking a flight if you've run out of money by then? That's kind of the entire point of requiring proof of a ticket out of Thailand, so they see you don't run out of money and become their problem.

Google "onward travel ticket" for other options.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
but the whole point is a kind of want to not have a specific date to come home.
Hugh **********
@Paul *****
ummm.. and what happens if they don’t let you extend your visa because you don’t have enough money you then lose out on your return ticket. Like most people do, onward travel and buy throwaway ticket for 30 quid or so then buy ticket in Thailand for return home.
Steve ******
@Paul *****
buy a flexible return airfare
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *****
thanks mate. Can I ask how does this work?
Lisa *******
@Paul *****
l Brandon has given a great tip. Google “onward ticket” it works out cheaper than an open return .
Steve ******
@Paul *****
you pay extra when booking the ticket so you can change
Luit *****************
@Steve *****
but you also pay extra when you buy 2 oneway tickets, especially if you might need them soon as the money runs out.
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *****
thanks mate
Brandon ************
@Paul *****
that's why I told you to Google "onward travel ticket"
Paul ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
I will have money put to a side for a flight home 😂
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else