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Answered10 months ago

Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand as a tourist?

Moritz ************
asked Dec 31, 2025
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hello, I come to Thailand in ca 2 weeks, now it's necessary a return ticket?

thanks for the answer
Answer summary
Yes, for tourists entering Thailand, airlines often require proof of onward travel, which can be a return ticket or a ticket showing exit from Thailand within 60 days. It's advisable to check directly with your airline for their specific requirements, as they can deny boarding if you are unable to provide this documentation. Additionally, while the Thai immigration might not demand a return ticket, many tourists have faced issues at check-in without one.
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Mica *********
Mica *********
Now I did that last year, at Vietnam check-in they were adamant that an onward ticket was presented before boarding to Vietnam also.
Steve ***********
Steve ***********
@Mica ********
I hopefully have visa by then
Steve ***********
Steve ***********
It's not necessarily a return but rather a trip out, For me arriving from USA leaving in less than 60 days to Vietnam
Mica *********
Mica *********
It's in the rules and has been for many years
Moritz ************
Moritz ************
OP
@Mica ********
I've been many times in Thailand and they never asked me, if is a new rule then I book a bus to Cambodia
Mica *********
Mica *********
@Moritz ***********
I've done the same until I was refused boarding at Istanbul airport on the trip in as I didn't have a return flight or ' proof of onward travel'. If you look at the official regulations on visiting Thailand you'll see it's there.
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Any airline can ask for proof you will leave Thailand. They don't want to risk having to fly you back because immigration refused entry.
Mica *********
Mica *********
@Moritz ***********
Emirates and again with Etihad.
Moritz ************
Moritz ************
OP
@Mica ********
thanks, then I book a bus to Cambodia.

ps. Which flight company?
Chuck **********
Chuck **********
Can you read about at the airport? They’ve been turning lots of people away that didn’t have return tickets or didn’t do their tdak there arrival online don’t take no chance.
Steve ****
Steve ****
It’s a good precaution
Lynnette *******
Lynnette *******
Proof of leaving might be asked for by airline, it doesn't have to be return ticket.
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
The departure field of the TDAC form is not mandatory, it can be left empty, and your return flight will not be a problem at the Immigration in case they ask. . .

HOWEVER, it might be a problem with your airline. Many airlines will ask you for an onward travel proof out of Thailand within the first 60 days you will get stamped in. They won't allow you to board the flight unless you show either a fake onwardticket (which I do NOT recommend!) or a cheap budget airline one-way flight ticket for example from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur that can be had for $40 Dollar. It doesn't have to be a return ticket.

You should contact your airline by email (do not call!) and ask them on their stance, then you will get some reply you can print out and take to the check-in just in case the check-in staff has a different opinion
Alan **********
Alan **********
@Nongnuch *******
Exit out of Thailand within 90 days. I suppose it depends on the airline, but the Airlines know about the 30 day extension after the 60 day visa exempt period.
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
@Alan *********
for a visa-exempt entry, some airlines tolerate a return ticket within 90 days. Emirates for example have published exactly this text on their website, Thai Airways is known for their tolerance, too . . most other airlines want to see an onward travel proof within 60 days
Alan **********
Alan **********
@Nongnuch *******
Well, I don't travel all the airlines, so I wouldn't know. Qatar allowed it. Everything I've read from Thai Immigration clearly says a visa-exempt for 60 days, but the stay may be extended another 30. S,o Thai IOs MUST be aware of it as well, and, assuming(?) there are no issues with coming in too often v-e, they don't care as they know the extension will be granted.

Now, if the entrant DOES have v-e issues ? Different story (I guess).

I don't believe the airline would be all that concerned as (always ?) the return ticket is paid for, so the airline won't be out any money. And any flight changes the entrant would have to make, due to being refused entry, the entrant would have to pay for anyway.
Martin *****
Martin *****
U probably wont get boarded when u check in in airport
John **********
John **********
A question mostly for your airline
Amir ****************
Amir ****************
Im coming not come?
Zulu *********
Zulu *********
Andrew ********
Andrew ********
For tourist yes

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