Do I need a return ticket when flying to Thailand on a one-way ticket?

Nov 29, 2023
a year ago
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am moving to thailand from USA, a will buy a 1 way ticket, wont they ask me fir my return ticket as well at airport
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling to Thailand on a one-way ticket, whether you need a return ticket often depends on your visa status. If you hold a non-immigrant visa, you typically won't need to show proof of onward travel. For tourist visa holders or those without a visa, airlines may require proof of a return ticket before boarding. It's advisable to check your airline's policy, as many reports suggest that some airlines may not enforce this rule strictly. To avoid potential issues, some travelers recommend purchasing a cheap onward ticket or using services that provide temporary bookings, but be cautious as they could be scrutinized at check-in.
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Janne ***********
Yes they will, unless you have a visa indication your ok to stay.
Mike ********
Came on one way. Never asked.
Carl ********
I’ve flown on a one way ticket to Thailand many times in the last 10 years, most recently two months ago, and they’ve never checked or ever even asked me anything. That’s not to say they won’t though, but it’s extremely unlikely. Your best bet is to buy an onward ticket to Vietnam for like $50.
Jack ****************
I came without one time. Airline asked and I said I was leaving by land border.
Pui *****
Many people have suggested one of the onward ticket sites. Just be aware that every onward ticketing site only makes an on-hold reservation that shows as pending, not an actual paid ticket with an e-ticket number. This means there is always a chance that a knowledgeable person reviewing your proof of onward travel will know it isn't a valid ticket and is nothing more than a hold. You could actually do the same thing yourself by booking a flight on any airline website that allows a ticket hold for a few days or that allows a ticket hold to pay at the counter or at a store. It would generate the same reservation with a valid PNR booking code pending your payment. If you are using it at an airline check-in counter when they ask for an onward ticket, the check-in staff usually knows to look for an actual e-ticket number as PNR codes don't indicate it is an actual ticket. Onward ticket sites work well when applying for visas where consulate officers typically don't know the difference, but it is risky using it at an airport check-in counter when you have a one way ticket.
Graham ******
What Visa will you be entering with?
Steve ********
Just get a fake one. Works great. Five bucks.
Richard *********
SOMETIMES airline will ask for forward or return>if you dont have a visa

Use these guys

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NA'Ahulelua *********
When you checkin and give them your passport, they will check to see if you have a return ticket in your reservation. At that time they will ask you for whatever documentation you have to allow you to stay in Thailand if you don’t have a return ticket.
Diana ********
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Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you for the information
Paul ********
Buy a cheap ticket out of the country, it may be wasted money but it may save you a lot of stress
Andrew *******
@Pablo *******
stupid and unnecessary airline regulation....many are just buying fake tickets now
Paul ********
@Andrew ******
yes, I totally forgot about that
AliJames *****
If you have a Thai wife get a non-immigrant O spousal visa in USA then you should be fine.
Rj ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ****
how long does it take
AliJames *****
@Rj *****
I can't say for USA but from my experience in Savannakhet and HCMC it only took a couple of days.
Marc *********
It’s down to the airline to check for this usually.
Brandon ************
If you have a non-immigrant visa then you won't need proof of onward travel out of Thailand.

If you have a tourist visa or are traveling without an visa at all, then your airline might require proof of your ticket out of Thailand before they'll allow you to board your flight.
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