Answered2 months ago
Do I need a return ticket when traveling to Thailand on a tourist visa for three months?
Hi All, we are planning on heading to Thailand from Aus in January for around 3 months or so, we aren't sure when we will come back, is this going to be a problem if we don't have a return ticket?
We are still figuring out which visa will be the easiest for us, any advice would be appreciated.
We are happy to duck over the border for a week or so if need be, in fact we were probably going to go into Cambodia and Vietnam anyway.
We are still figuring out which visa will be the easiest for us, any advice would be appreciated.
We are happy to duck over the border for a week or so if need be, in fact we were probably going to go into Cambodia and Vietnam anyway.
Answer summary
Traveling to Thailand without a return ticket may pose challenges, particularly with airline check-in procedures that often require proof of onward travel. While most travelers report that they have entered Thailand on a one-way ticket without issues, it's advisable to either hold a tourist visa (which typically grants 60 days) or show a dummy flight itinerary as a precaution. Those over 50 years old might consider a Non-O visa, which provides a 90-day stay without the need for an outbound ticket. However, it's wise to investigate potential border crossing options and stay updated on regional policies, especially in light of potential border closures between Thailand and neighboring countries.
39 repliesnewest first
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Paul *******
It's not even on the TDAC to have a RTN ticket, first night stay yes. Crazy ppl.
Paul *******
Never a problem not to have a rtn ticket.
Brian ********
You need to have a return ticket. Otherwise, they may deny you entry, send you back, or question you extensively.
Graeme ********
At least just have a screen shot of a dummy flight itinerary which may suffice and at worst they'll drop you from the queue and you can buy a flight online and rejoin the queue which sucks but I saw I guy next to me the other day who had to do that at BKK.
RadiantC********
Graeme Buxton You won't be let on your flight without an onward ticket (except for flights from neighboring countries, who often don't check...although it depends on where you're departing from). Hong Kong, Vietnam, Japan etc will check but Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore might not.
James **********
This is asked multiple times a week, you will get the same panic merchants over reacting, the answers are
*****
. I've enter on a 1 way ticket many times, never had an issue. You could always buy a 6 month ticket that allows a date change, then move the date back when you know you want to leave.Graham ******
James Mitchell but you could be asked so you take the risk, your choice
Jim *******
James Mitchell Yes, you can buy a flex ticket, it is double the price of a no-change ticket.
James **********
Jim Davis they are not double price at all, there are different classes of tickets and vary between airlines. You don't get the choice with sites like skyscanner.
Ray ********
I have entered the Kingdom at least 15 times on tourist visas and visa exempt without an exit ticket. I have never been asked about an exit ticket. I always thought that if asked, I was leaving by bus.when entering on a multiple entry tourist visa, how do you plan 180 or more days ahead? I have trouble planning a week in advance.
Brandon ************
@Ray *******
What do you mean how do you plan 180 days or more ahead? You still only get a 60 day stamp with a multiple entry tourist visa.
Arnold **********
Read it
Graham ******
Arnold Johnston the infographic is correct and does not say return ticket ;)
RadiantC********
Graham Seal a ticket out of the country has been a requirement for decades...if arriving on visa exempt.
Shellie ******
OPArnold Johnston do you have to have the return ticket back home or just out of the country?
Mike ************
Shellie Neal
Out the country
Out the country
Shellie ******
OPMike Veldhuizen cheers
Marianne ********
If you are above the age of 50, you could apply for the Non-O which will give you 90 days straight out of the gate. Then they usually won't bother asking for the outbound ticket at the airport either.
But no real quick and easy extensions of stay if you would like to stay longer. The only option would be a 1 year extension and all the requirements that go along with it.
But no real quick and easy extensions of stay if you would like to stay longer. The only option would be a 1 year extension and all the requirements that go along with it.
Jim *******
Marianne Holmen
"Then they usually won't bother asking for the outbound ticket at the airport either."
That is true, it is not the will or the mood of an Immigration Officer to ask. Simply, no ask with Non O 90 days visa.
"Then they usually won't bother asking for the outbound ticket at the airport either."
That is true, it is not the will or the mood of an Immigration Officer to ask. Simply, no ask with Non O 90 days visa.
Garry ********
Ring the Thai embassy in Canberra
Alicia *******
Garry Stokes well is not working for me
Alicia *******
Garry Stokes is that a joke?
Nobody answer the phone
Nobody answer the phone
Graeme ******
Alicia Croce I've called, no answer, left messages, emailed, no response. I emailed Sydney to ask if perhaps Canberra was closed! Sydney thankfully sussed out my question and replied to me.
Garry ********
Alicia Croce called 3 times had no problems
SharpPe********
Cheap train tix out of Thailand or onwardticket website (16USD)
Graham ******
SharpPeapod1663 train ticket is ok if the airline will accept it
Brandon ************
It's normally the airline that will require proof of onward travel. Having a tourist visa may help as often if they see a visa they won't ask. Technically to enter Thailand as a tourist, you can be asked to show proof that you're leaving within the number of days you'll receive on entry, so that would be 60 days with a tourist visa.
It's highly unlikely the Cambodian border will be open during your trip. And Vietnam does not share a border with Thailand. So you'll be flying if you plan to go to either.
It's highly unlikely the Cambodian border will be open during your trip. And Vietnam does not share a border with Thailand. So you'll be flying if you plan to go to either.
RadiantC********
@Brandon ***********
Most people fly to Cambodia from Thailand even when the land borders are open. It's cheaper and easier.I noticed that when the borders were open the majority of Westerners who crossed were border runners except for actual tourists using buses to travel one way to Siem Reap, but not back into Thailand that way.
Hat Lek / Koh Kong attracted some backpackers but the numbers were never really very high compared with Nong Khai or the Malaysian borders.
Anyway, Cambodian borders could be closed forever or until at least sometime next year. Anyone's guess at this point.
Shellie ******
OP@Brandon ***********
why will the Cambodian border not be open? ThanksRadiantC********
Shellie Neal You can however travel overland from Thailand to Cambodia via Laos and then to Vietnam if you wish. The land borders between these countries are open...just not Thailand to Cambodia directly as those 7 international border crossings as well as the local ones are all closed.
RadiantC********
Shellie Neal Any talk of the borders possibly reopening attracts serious rebukes from most Thais who want them to remain closed forever as in permanently. There would probably be riots and blockades if the 2 governments tried to reopen the borders.
Gall *******
Shellie Neal wow, you want to visit two countries and you don’t know about the border issues between these two nations. It is a very serious subject for lots of Thais and Cambodians. Please research topics like this before you visit and risk insulting citizens. You should also read your countries travel warnings for your own safety.
Seren *******
Shellie Neal do a quick google. The countries are not friends and are unlikely to be in the near future. Hence border crossings will remain closed.
Philip *******
@Brandon ***********
30 days as of mid September this yearBrandon ************
@Philip ******
What are you talking about? I very SPECIFICALLY said tourist visa. That is 60 days.Graham ******
Ken Williams and others say visa for visa exempt then say "you know what I meant"
Ken **********
@Brandon ***********
it's ok Brandon, some people simply don't read fully.Activity
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