Answered3 months ago
Can you enter Thailand on a DTV without an exit flight booked?
Question about entering Thailand on a DTV 🇹🇭
We usually prefer to leave Thailand every 180 days rather than doing the paperwork to extend the stay 😂 It’s just easier for us to do a border/overseas trip.
My wife is also very pregnant at the moment, so we’d really like to make sure we can get the full 180 days when we enter.
We’ve normally purchased an onward/exit flight in advance because we’ve sometimes been asked to show proof that we’ll be leaving Thailand before the 180 days are up. However, the last time we entered, they didn’t ask for one at all.
So, for those with recent DTV experience:
Has anyone entered Thailand on a DTV without having an exit flight booked? Is an onward ticket actually required, or is it just something immigration/airlines may ask for?
Would especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has entered recently and had no onward ticket. 🙏
Many thanks to all the advice in advance
We usually prefer to leave Thailand every 180 days rather than doing the paperwork to extend the stay 😂 It’s just easier for us to do a border/overseas trip.
My wife is also very pregnant at the moment, so we’d really like to make sure we can get the full 180 days when we enter.
We’ve normally purchased an onward/exit flight in advance because we’ve sometimes been asked to show proof that we’ll be leaving Thailand before the 180 days are up. However, the last time we entered, they didn’t ask for one at all.
So, for those with recent DTV experience:
Has anyone entered Thailand on a DTV without having an exit flight booked? Is an onward ticket actually required, or is it just something immigration/airlines may ask for?
Would especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has entered recently and had no onward ticket. 🙏
Many thanks to all the advice in advance
Answer summary
Many travelers entering Thailand on a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) have reported not being asked for an onward flight ticket, especially at major airports such as Bangkok. Experiences vary depending on the entry point, with some stating that while airports like Phuket may require evidence of onward travel, Bangkok and others are less strict. Travelers have advised ensuring that documentation is readily available, especially for those who may face scrutiny at immigration. Overall, the consensus is that while an onward flight is not required by law, having it can alleviate potential issues.
28 repliesnewest first
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John ********
Nothing is fixed, everything is dependent from IO, somtime the asked for many details something only for your finger scanning. My strategy is,have ever
Elizabeth ********
We’ve never had an exit booked and they’ve never asked.
GentleTu********
So it appears that airport (on the big island west side) has gone rogue. Which is perfect when the only consistency is inconsistency.
Joel *********
OPGreat thank you for all the advice everyone. I will keep you all posted if we have trouble
Kimberly ********
We’ve flown into BKK and CM recently and never been asked about onward tickets!
John ***********
I have never had an onward ticket or a return. I have never been asked.
BronzeWa*********
I honestly think it depends on your passport. I have never been asked for an onward ticket in the 12 years I have been coming to Thailand but have traveled before with friends of a different country passport and the same officer asked them.
Dione *********
Hello, we just arrived in Bangkok and had no forward ticket. There were no questions. We have DTV visa, completed the digital arrival card and had no problems.
Cliff *********
I have entered 9 times and never been asked for ANYTHING by airline or IO.
TDAC section for exit is not required when you enter DTV.
TDAC section for exit is not required when you enter DTV.
Yan *******
Smooth at Bangkok.no question.
Oliver *****
Arriving in Survanabhum I showed them the print out of my visa—my first entry—and no questions were asked. The check in desk in Sweden asked for proof of onward travel but showing them the DTV printout was enough to satisfy them.
Phuket ************
It seems to be dependent upon where you enter. Phuket wants to see onward travel booked but it seems less likely that they will ask for that in BKK. Recently we had a good customer who did not know he needed onward travel. When he was asked about it he said no I didn’t know I needed it. They separated him and put him in a room with other DTV holders for about an hour asked to see his banking details and wanted proof that he was participating in the soft power activities. Luckily we have an app that he could open and show how subscription. We also provided our customers with access to a Dropbox folder with class pictures. He created a video and picture collage while waiting to show them. Once he showed proof of everything he was sent on his way. If your wife is pregnant I would suggest just to have everything ready and in order in case your asked. Better safe than sorry.
GentleTu********
@Phu***
this seems completely unnecessary.After 6 months, no requirement to be engaged in the soft power activity. No bank balance required.
I would have spent my time waiting booking a fully refundable onward ticket.
Phuket ************
We are simply sharing our customers experience for the benefit of others such as the OP who asked for specific information. We do not make the rules only sharing what our customers experience.
Lyndsey *******
This was the sign at the border leaving thailand at Laos friendship bridge last week but came straight back over less than 20 minutes and just showed them our DTV and was welcomed back with usual thai friendliness not a question asked.
Michael ********
@Lyndsey ******
why Laos and wasted 50 bucks?Lyndsey *******
@Michael *******
1. Recently had motorbike crash so thought of sitting on a plane isnt great, a large car i can spread out and stop whenever I want was much better.2. 2000 baht each is way cheaper than any flights I could find. Overall it cost 9000 baht for 3 people visa and travel. Flights weren't much off that per person.
3. Not a fan of VN
Michael ********
@Lyndsey ******
are you living at the north?Lyndsey *******
@Michael *******
personal preference and VN isnt for us. Would definitely do the Laos border again if wasnt planning on a trip elsewhere it was greatMichael ********
@Lyndsey ******
VN is much better than Thailand. For now.GentleTu********
@Mic****
for some the fee to be in Laos for under an hour is worth it given their proximity, flight prices and return times. For me, it’s much easier to pop into Laos, there and back home same day, then it is to book to KL, no visa fee, or VN where you still got to buy a visa.
Michael ********
GentleTurkey6967 vn is free for me
Jada **********
I entered July 11 at BKK with no onward flight. I wasn't asked any questions. It was my first time entering on the DTV. I did the THIM app and I was through in about a minute.
Ian **********
Generally speaking, an onward flight is not required with a visa. However, there have been a couple of reports that Phuket immigration disagrees. I have entered 6 times recently and have never been asked for an onward ticket: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Nong Khai
Dan ***********
I’ve entered about 6-7 times on mine in the past 18 month and never had one forward ticket. My mother in law was stopped with be at the same time of entry as she didn’t have a forward flight on a tourist visa. When I get to the desk have your visa on your phone ready and already on the screen or physical copy and give it to them with a passport, you will be scanned through at pace.
GiftedPe*********
My last entry I put 175 days in my TDAC, didnt get asked for flights (no questions at all).
My husband has entered atleast 5 times this year without onward flights and the only question he has been asked was confirming his accom.
My husband has entered atleast 5 times this year without onward flights and the only question he has been asked was confirming his accom.
Michi ********
No forward ticket required, if the airline asks for one then just tell them you have the DTV visa. That’s worked for us for different airlines.
Steve *******
I've entered 6 times. No questions, no documents, no onward tickets.
And you have a DTV. You will get 180 days regardless, unless you've somehow ended up on an Interpol wanted list while you're away.
And you have a DTV. You will get 180 days regardless, unless you've somehow ended up on an Interpol wanted list while you're away.
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