Do I need a return ticket or is a bus ticket sufficient when entering Thailand on a visa exemption?

Feb 20, 2024
10 months ago
Naj *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone, when I enter Thailand on visa exemption, I do need a return ticket within 30 days, right? Will a bus ticket to a neighbor country sufficient? Or do I need to have an air ticket which I gonna cancel most probably anyway as my exemption will be transferred into a non B within the first month (work starts and all is prepared) . Helpful advise on the topic would be great. Thank you
1,811
views
1
likes
37
all likes
20
replies
2
images
12
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When entering Thailand on a visa exemption, it's generally understood that you may need to show proof of onward travel, which could be a bus ticket to a neighboring country or an air ticket. While immigration officers may not consistently check this, airlines at check-in may ask for proof. Some users suggest that purchasing a tourist visa might be a better option to avoid dealing with onward travel proof. It's advised to check with your airline for their specific policies regarding onward travel requirements.
Phil ********
Bart **************
The law is vague on that. It's written like the immigrations officer could also accept exit travel arrangement by land. So you could argue that the IO could then also not accept it; up to him. However, you could also argue that putting a clause like this and specifically referring to land travel should be intended to mean that it is generally acceptable.

Law enforcement itself is nil; immigrations will not check whether you have proof of onward travel despite that this is required. Airlines will pre-check it though. So their interpretation of this clause now matters. Some airlines accept bus tickets (I've even been specifically asked once to buy a bus ticket out of Thailand). But others follow the stricter interpretation, perhaps as a precaution.

Airlines are technically of course not allowed to refuse boarding if you are eligible to enter the country per the letter of the law, but since those letters are vague, I wouldn't put my bets on the legal path in this. You could, as has been suggested, indeed ask the airline on their stance in this matter. Asking whether proof of onward travel is needed at all would be redundant (because the only answer they could give is yes) but this question may instead actually be valid. However, I foresee the problem that there is no strict airline policy in this. They don't have any other laws there than Thailand's, after all. So if some backoffice is then asked this question, what should they answer? I may be wrong, maybe they just know, but I think that this particular issue largely comes down to the person checking you in.

My suggestion: buy absolutely nothing at first, because you may very well get away with it. You have a good story. But do some research on cheap options both by land and by air upfront. If asked, ask if the land option is good. Then book accordingly.
William ********
Hi Naj book a bus ticket to the nearest place in Cambodia with "

"Bookmebus.com" will cost very little

And is acceptable at customs and airline I've just done it no problem.
Stuart *********
Depending on your new company set up you may find you will have to travel to a nearby consulate to get the Non B. Many companies can’t (or won’t) supply the copious amounts of paperwork immigration will require to convert in country.
Sk **********
Tourist visa of 2 months then you can change to NON B , but don’t forget to buy return ticket from onwardticket.com in 16 dollar.
Nongnuch ********
@Shahil *******
not as pretty straightforward !
Sk **********
@Nongnuch *******
he already got job so he dont have to be worry 😁
Sk **********
@Nongnuch *******
getting NON B is not easy , I am just telling him about clearing immigration.
Nongnuch ********
@Naj ************
it is the airline upon check-in to the flight, which MIGHT ask you for an onward travel proof within the 30 days you will get stamped in entering "visa-exempt". You could email the airline and ask, and if positive, print out their reply, as you might need it at the check-in . . . . keep in mind only 100% guaranteed proof is a "real" cheap one-way ticket out of Thailand
Stephan ***********
No, you don't need a return ticket, but you might need a "leave the country ticket". That can be by plane, train, bus, boat. Mostly the airline will ask for that at check in, hardly the immigration. But if the IO has a bad day... then...
Jan ******************
Rarely checked at the immigration but you could risk you air-carrier will ask for it.
Henrik *****
Avoid the need of a onwardticket ( not necessary a returnticket )

Make touristvisa

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visaexcempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

No need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Bart **************
@Henrik ****
that solves absolutely nothing in his case, and costs money. What a strange advice.
Henrik *****
Because he is not yet in Thailand (“When I enter…) it would be the best way to solve the problem.
Bart **************
@Henrik ****
what problem?! He needs proof of onward travel, and with your solution he still does, except that he now pays money for his first entry. Hence my point: wrong advice.
Graham ******
Only your airline can answer that
Bart **************
Yeah why would you use exemption at all?
Naj *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bart *************
@John *********
because I am living in china and to get a visa here would require many travels and documents I don’t have. So ill enter on exemption (German passport) and then get the non B and work permit there with the company who hired me.
Bart **************
@Naj ************
ah right, makes sense.
John **********
If everything is prepared for the non-b why not get that before you come?
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