Answered2 years ago
Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand if I'm unsure of my stay duration?
Hello, first time posting. I never been to Thailand so all this is a learning process. I bought a one way ticket to Thailand and plan to use miles to come home to USA. My question is , I know we get 60 days and a 30 day extension. I don't know how long I am staying. May be 30, 60 or 90 days. Do I need a return trip to enter? And if so is it best to set it for 60 days or 90 days? What's my best way to handle this? Like I said, I am new to all this. Any advise is appreciated.
Answer summary
The original poster is seeking advice regarding entry into Thailand on a one-way ticket, particularly about whether a return ticket is required. Multiple comments emphasize that while formal entry may not require a return ticket, many airlines will ask for proof of onward travel, especially since the traveler plans to enter on a visa exemption. Suggestions include booking a low-cost onward ticket or a cheap bus ticket to a neighboring country to satisfy airline policies. It's also discussed that these 'onward tickets' can sometimes be just reservations, which might pose a risk of being considered invalid by some airlines. Overall, the advice leans toward having either a return or onward ticket to avoid complications with airline policies or immigration upon entry.
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Kevin *******
Especially if it's your first time, I would have either a return ticket or an onward ticket, because if you do get hassled by the airline and/or at immigration it'll be difficult as so much will be new for you.
Set it for under 60 days from your arrival, like 58 days or less.
The good news is that it's quite cheap to just get an onward ticket to somewhere nearby. Fifty bucks should be plenty, that's less than a pack of Skittles at LAX. (Kidding. Not kidding.)
When I first came I was really sad to go back, and annoyed with myself that I hadn't left a door open to stay longer than originally planned (didn't have my computer, stuff like that). Keep in mind that like many of us, you might not want to leave. 🙂
Set it for under 60 days from your arrival, like 58 days or less.
The good news is that it's quite cheap to just get an onward ticket to somewhere nearby. Fifty bucks should be plenty, that's less than a pack of Skittles at LAX. (Kidding. Not kidding.)
When I first came I was really sad to go back, and annoyed with myself that I hadn't left a door open to stay longer than originally planned (didn't have my computer, stuff like that). Keep in mind that like many of us, you might not want to leave. 🙂
Gary ******
Travelfish.org
Bent *************
Your airline may demand you have a return ticket - ask them.
Sheen ************
Been asked by airlines not immigration
Kevin *********
The reason Airlines check is the Immigration rule of onward ticket.
Immigration sometimes ask too and the airline is then required to fly you back home.
If Immigration never checked airlines wouldn't bother.
Immigration sometimes ask too and the airline is then required to fly you back home.
If Immigration never checked airlines wouldn't bother.
Joe **********
I have never ever been stopped at Thai immigration concerning having a one way ticket however I was once stopped by my airline at Heathrow (Eva airlines) and they were about to refuse me boarding, luckily I had my work permit with me and they let me travel!
Bob ********
I have an app called Tripit, in that I build a proposed Itinerary of my trips. I get discounted tickets and also use points, so what I do is put in the flight details of the flight I would like to be on, and if asked open the app and show that, I also add hotels, train and bus details as well. I also add legitimate stuff as well. As others say your first airline will be your hardest, but on more than one occasion I have just opened the app and shown them as well, Again at BKK airports I have never been asked for onward bookings
Sophie *********
*************************
Chang ******
Buy the return ticket from bkk to tokyo
With new air line call . Air Japan
U can cancel the ticket with 15 dollar charges , or come visit Japan its beautiful country too .
Ok 👍 u will be surprised 😮
With new air line call . Air Japan
U can cancel the ticket with 15 dollar charges , or come visit Japan its beautiful country too .
Ok 👍 u will be surprised 😮
Michael ********
I just travelled from states on American airlines on one way ticket and they wanted to see onward ticket from Thailand. Staff bit confused when showed them my visa and she had to check with her supervisor
Kal *********
I think if you're a non-citizen/resident of Thailand .. u need to show a return flight plan when u check in ...
Kevin ******
You don’t need a return ticket but it is likely that the originating airline will ask for proof of onward journey before your 60 day exemption is up (even if you intend to apply for 30 additional days). You would be best to contact the airline directly.
Tr *****
I just went in August, maybe it was just luck but no one ask to see return ticket, walked right thru immigration with no issues, got to customs and red section was closed so I just walked thru the other section. I'm headed back around Feb for 6 months
Nongnuch ********
the airline CAN ask you for a proof of onward travel out of Thailand within the first 60 days. Many airlines will NOT accept a bus or train ticket, they will only accept a REAL flight ticket. If you want to play safe, buy a real flight ticket, one-way with Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok to Siem Reap, for something like 35.- US Dollar
Kevin ******
@Nongnuch *******
excellent advice
John ********
Buy a low cost bus ticket to Cambodia from Thailand its not going to cost you a lot of money but you will be covered 😉
Steven *********
OPThank you for the advice. I think I will just book a return home closer to my 60 day limit to be on the safe side. If I need to make changes as I move along I can do those as needed. Thanks for all the help.
Baz *********
@Steven ********
Book your return around 55 to 58 days from entry date The day of entry is counted as day 1 of your 60 days..
This ensures you don't need to pay for a visa extension for 1 or 2 days or pay the overstay fine if you don't get a last minute extension..
In case of flight cancelation or schedule changes.
Check with the airline if it's possible to change the ticket booked with your airline miles just in case you decide to stay longer and extend your initial 60 day excemption entry
Linhof *********
@Steven ********
you can buy the $16 onward flight just before you go, so don't sweat it.
Richard ******
If you are going to use miles to come home you might want to book that flight as soon as possible as well as the availability for miles customers is limited. Believe me I know the last three trips to Thailand 🇹🇭 have all been on miles but did require a lot of patience and searching to finally book our trip. In this trip we are returning 14 days later than originally planned do to availability for miles customers. Now we will be visiting Laos 🇱🇦 as well so we don’t have an overstay problem.
Steven *********
OP@Richard *****
thank you. I will look into the return miles. Thanks for that advice. Can I book out closer to the 60 days no problem from immigration? My other question was do i have to have a return ticket to enter? Only because I might head to Philippines or a surrounding area after Thailand and fly home from that country. Thanks for advice.
Tony **********
Go to onwardticket.com. get a reservation from Bangkok to phenom phen for about $16. Do it the day before you travel. The reservation is valid for 48hrs. U can just let it expire. Should be for within your first 60 days.
Steven *********
OP@Tony *********
thank you, I did hear of that before or should I say read that. I will look into that as a option.Nongnuch ********
@Steven ********
these kind of "onwardtickets" are risky. They are no "real" tickets, they are only reservations, and they are blocking the ETIX ticket system of the airlines, many airlines will not accept these "FAKE tickets" any longer
Ian **********
@Steven ********
I have used onward tickets many times. They are valid for 48 hours but the airline do not check as they just want to see the booking. I have used a completely fake ticket as well.Steven *********
OP@Nongnuch *******
thank you, I am not going to go that route. Just going to get a return trip and save any headache.
Robert **********
Some airlines want to see either a visa or a ticket out of your destination country. It would appear this is becoming more the norm than not.
Declan **********
Your airline is the one likely to give you problems. Best to speak to them about their policies on non-visa travel. You don't have a history in thailand so it's extremely unlikely immigration will give you any problems or even ask you a single question.
Jan ******************
Formally you'll don't need a return ticket, but a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days if you enter on visa exemption. Travelling from US without checking this further up is sort of gambling.
Camara ***************
voici un imam qui vit avec son metier dignement longue vie a vous
Brandon ************
You need to ask your airline what their policy is for people that are traveling to Thailand without a visa. They are the ones that might give you problems.
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