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Do airlines in the USA require an onward or return ticket for travelers with a DTV visa in Thailand?

Dec 12, 2025

15 hours ago

I have a question. I'm already on DTV and I'm in Thailand. But may plan a trip to USA to see family and then return. Do the airlines in USA know what DTV is? Because will they require me to have an ongoing or return ticket? Or do they know it's not required for DTV? Because I honestly don't know which country I will fly to 6 months later. It's too far in advance.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Travelers with a DTV visa in Thailand generally should not worry about needing an onward or return ticket when flying from the USA. Responses from various users indicate that airlines typically check for onward travel requirements mainly for passengers without visas. Most users reported that they were either not asked for onward flight information, or successfully showed their DTV to the airline without issues. However, it's advisable to check with specific airlines as practices may vary.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
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Jesada ***************

If you worry just buy the cheapest ticket out from Thailand within 6 months for $50.- just for ease of mind

6 hours ago

Shin ******

I just arrived from the US today, when you book, it will ask if you have visa, under the passport area. That's the only time, you will provide that information until you arive in Thailand. This is my second trip from the US amd no forwarded flight info needed, just skip when your booking your trip.

10 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

Airline in the states asked to see my return ticket before boarding... I showed them my dtv and was on my way.

11 hours ago

Bob **********

Doubt your the first person that flew out of the US with a DTV

12 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

People ask some stupid questions on this group, questions I wouldn't even bother to type. Does it really matter? You would tell the airline you have a DTV.

12 hours ago

Johnny *************

You don’t have to worry

12 hours ago

Gianni ********

Airlines, all of them, access a database that contains all the entry requirements… and they read what they need to check for each traveler nationality and if it applies for each visa type…. In general for Thailand a return tag is checked only for visa exempt passengers. If you have a visa you are not supposed to have an onward flight

12 hours ago

Luit *****************

@Gianni *******

what is different with what I said?

11 hours ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Anonymous ******************

There’s a not zero chance the airline asks for an onward flight but it’ll almost certainly depend on the airline and whatever system they use to check people in.

Generally those with valid visas aren’t asked but obviously the DTV isn’t considered a long stay visa.

13 hours ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer 309 The chance is higher than zero only because not every airline employee does a perfect job. DTV is a visa, and indeed not a long stay visa, but that is irrelevant here. The check for onward travel is only for people not having a visa.

11 hours ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Airlines only should check for onward travel when you do not have any visa at all, the checks for people with visa are already done by embassy in case necessary for the type of visa.

So there is no need for the airlines to know what DTV is, and what requirements are, they only have to know it is a valid visa.

15 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

DTV only matters when coming back into Thailand…why would America ask you for a return flight?

15 hours ago

Klint ******

Anonymous participant 958 it wouldn’t be “America” asking, it would be the airline. They check that travellers meet the entry requirements for the destination country because they’re liable to return passengers who do not meet them. It’s a good question. Might be worth printing out official DTV entry requirements for Thailand? Or you could just buy a flight on Expedia and make sure to cancel it for free within 24 hours.

15 hours ago

Toni *******

@Klint *****

theres a sign at laos border bridge 4 tho, a notice for dtv holders which lists some paperwork people should have with them, one of them is onward ticket which is weird. I did 5minute border run there 2 days ago, and wasnt asked any questions tho, ive been here since 31.8.24 and done 3 landborder runs always about 5min and back

13 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

Klint Rock If he is going back to America and doesn’t know when he is returning to Thailand it doesn’t matter lol airline doesn’t need to know about the DTV visa they check for onward travel when you do not have any visa

15 hours ago

Joe **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 958 no the question is going from America to thailand, but doesn't know when I'll leave Thailand again.

13 hours ago

Reply to

Joe **********

Do I need to show a flight ticket when entering Thailand on a DTV visa?

6 comments

a month ago

Do you need an onward flight ticket when entering Thailand with a DTV?

2 comments