Do I need a return ticket for the 30-day tourist entry in Thailand and how does the non-OA visa work?

30-day tourist visa US citizens return ticket requirement Non-OA visa Non-O visa for retirement onward travel visa application procedure 90-day reporting immigration rules

November 6, 2023

a year ago

Lucia *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, I am a US citizen, Do I need to show a return airline ticket to get the automatic 30 day tourist? I am also interested in the non-immigrant 0 A visa, if approved will that allow me to travel to other countries for vacation? Is it best to apply throu the e-visa site or apply there in Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

As a US citizen, you may not necessarily need to show a return airline ticket to obtain the automatic 30-day tourist visa, but some airlines may require proof of onward travel. The Non-OA visa, which is a long-term option, allows for travel to other countries during your stay in Thailand; however, it must be applied for from your home country. In terms of visa applications, while you can apply for a Non-O visa in Thailand if you're considering retirement, it's recommended to consider your long-term plans before making this decision.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Bobby *********

It will let you travel any where

a year ago

Bobby *********

You do not need a return ticket I been here 5 years

a year ago

Terary **********

Welcome to Thailand. The worst part is long-term visa.. My buddy said its better to get the non-O retirement visa in country.. But you can also get it from the US. I think you may be able to do it as eVisa.

If you have no definite plans and you are not 100% certain you want to stay in Thailand for a year, I would recommend a tourist visa, or come on exempt.

I have been messing around with visa for about 9 years - I still don't understand everything. Things are different depending on your passport (nationality) and based on the immigration office you use.

It's better to come to Thailand, find a place you like and then start to grow roots.

One headache about Thailand that is different than the US is the banking. In many cases you will need to go to the branch office where you opened your bank account. If you make all of your decisions on the fly, you could end up living in Koh Lipe but required to go to Bangkok to get a bank statement. There are bunches of little things like that. Much better come, enjoy yourself, then start to figure out next steps.

a year ago

Lucia *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

what is this 90 day reporting? if you have a non-immigrant O visa for a year. Are you required to leave Thailand every 90 days, or just report where you are currently staying every 90 days? Do I need a multi entry visa along with a non-immigrant retirement visa if I want to travel to other countries during my 1 year retirement visa.

a year ago

Brandon ************

@Lucia ********

If you have a 1 year non-O multiple entry visa then you have to leave every 90 days. If you enter Thailand with a 90 day single entry non-O visa or apply for one inside Thailand, then you'll have to apply for the 1 year extension if you want to stay in Thailand. An extension and visa are not the same thing and the 1 year extension does not require you to leave.

a year ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Jeffrey *******

Onwardticket.com. Accepted for visa purposes. About $18. Had one a few months ago when I arrived, flying one-way ATL-BKK on Korean Airlines. KE never asked, Immigration never asked, and no one never asked on any previous trips.

a year ago

Graham ******

The three Immigration proofs are:

- proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel bookings for at least a few days)

- proof of onward travel (an international travel ticket leaving Thailand within your permitted-to-stay period, i.e. 30 days for visa exempt or 60 days for a Tourist Visa and

- proof of funds (20,000B or equivalent in any major currency in CASH per individual, or 40,000B for a family)

a year ago

Bob ********

@Graham *****

But very rarely asked for upon entry.

a year ago

Reply to

Bob ********

Brandon ************

Your airline is the one who might ask to see your flight out of Thailand within 30 days if you travel without a visa. Check with them on what their policy is. If they require it then they won't let you board your flight without proof of a ticket out of Thailand.

An OA visa is only available from your home country so if you want one you would need to apply for evisa before you travel to Thailand.

A non-O visa based on retirement can be obtained inside Thailand but will require you to have a Thai bank account with 800,000 baht in it.

a year ago

Lucia *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thank you this is very helpful

a year ago

Reply to

Lucia *********

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