Answered8 years ago
Do I need a return or onward ticket within 30 days of entering Thailand on a visa exemption?
I’m planning on entering Thailand on a 30 day visa exemption and then plan to extend by another 30 days at immigration. When I arrive in Thailand, do I have to have a plane ticket out of Thailand within the 30 days of my arrival or can I have a plane ticket out after like 50 days of me arriving in Thailand?
Answer summary
When entering Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption, having a return or onward ticket is often recommended, as airlines might require it for boarding. Some travelers have successfully entered without an immediate ticket but faced challenges with airline check-in. While extending your stay is possible, it’s best to have proof of onward travel—this can be a flight or a bus ticket. While air tickets are usually safer to present, legitimate bus tickets could also suffice. In general, to avoid complications, try to have a ticket that aligns with your initial 30 days.
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Robert *********
Check you may have to leav country at border crossing to get another 30 days
Christopher *********
Is that correct? I thought airlines only considered air tickets as onward travel proof.
Christopher *********
That's not even mentioning the refundable onward tickets that you can buy a few hours before flying.
Christopher *********
Thanks for the tip. But 700 baht is getting close to the cheapest one way air tickets. I'd still use the air option, and no butterflies in the belly at check-in.
Tod *********
@Christopher ********
you can buy a bangkok to Siem Reap bus ticket online for 700 baht and it WILL work as proof of onward travel at thai consulates when buying a visa AND as proof of onward travel when stamping in to the country (if you're asked) BUT
you're right I don't know IF it'd work for proof of onward travel to check in at the airline comin' here visa exempt.
Steve *******
@Christopher ********
yep, me too, but onward travel is what it is in any shape or formChristopher *********
I think I'd go with Tod on this one, no offense. I have dealt with some pretty sticky check-in people, some of whom even looked up my ticket in their system. I can see trouble if I showed them a bus ticket with a company they never heard of. In Thailand moreover, air tickets out of the country can be had for as little as 40 dollars so I think that's the safe way to go - consider it the cost of hassle free travel.
Steve *******
@Christopher ********
Most airlines will accept proof of any onward travel, you just have to prove you're leaving the countryTod *********
It is TOTALLY up to your airline carrier on what they will accept as far as proof of onward travel when you fly here visa exempt.
Terary **********
Bus tickets are an acceptable alternative for "Onward Travel", Can be purchased online, are legitimate tickets.
Terary **********
I have to wonder about that.. When I came to Thailand I had bus ticket as proof of onward travel.. But I don't recall if they asked to see it or not.
Ross ********
True this
Tod *********
as a rule bus tickets are only used for proof of onward travel when you BUY a visa from a thai consulate that requires it OR when you show proof of onward travel to an immigration officer when stamping in to the country.
I have not heard that you can use it to show your airline you have onward travel when checking in,
I have not heard that you can use it to show your airline you have onward travel when checking in,
Casey **********
OPOk great. Thank you for the help everyone!
Tony ********
Make it easy, get a 60day tourist visa! Cheaper and less hassle
Steve *******
You're more likely to have a problem boarding your flight without return/onward travel within 30 days
Robert *******
But cheaper and easier option is get the Single Entry Tourist Visa,which gives you 60 days of stay on entry and avoid all the possible hassle.
Linda *********
Casey Crowther ... Are you coming on holiday only? Or planning to stay longer?
Robert *******
You can get a visa when visit in person or by mail, this means using the post office, but in the next few years there will be a tourist visa application on line. And than we will still see the same questions. Same as the 90 day report, online, mail, and every body complains about the long wait at immigration.
Danielle ******************
In South Africa, there have been some problems with some courier services and the post office, and my closest consulate is a 13 hour drive away so the visa exempt does help a lot. But yeah, tourist visa is a better option if you have time.
Tyson ********
Tony Dadson lol. We left the States to come here and a week later they closed the consulate in my state, said we have to go to LA from now on. Good to know they have courier service though in case we come back later down the road!
Tony ********
@Tyson *******
obviously! I see many here every day! LolTyson ********
Tony Dadson or the time, maybe it was a whim they chose to come last minute. Especially if they're in a different country other than their own. Happens a lot.
Tony ********
@Tyson *******
most home countries have mail and courier serviceTyson ********
Tony Dadson some don't live near a consulate in their home country
Casey **********
OP@Tony *******
I don’t have enough time to get the tourist visa as the Thai embassy in my country is in another city otherwise I would definitely get the 60 day tourist visaTony ********
@Robert ******
I'll never understand why so many seem so against simply getting a visa!!??Robert *******
If you travel without a ticket within the 30 days of allowed stay, the airline company could make it difficult to board the plane. For Immigration in Thailand it does not matter as most tourist never get asked for this and Immigration Officers do know you can get the Extension of Stay for another 30 days.
Ross ********
Vietjet refused a ticket at 58 days...had to waste $40 on a throw away ticket
Danielle ******************
Within 30 days is usually best. My boyfriend got away with 50 days once, but took some convincing to get the immigration officer to allow him in.
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