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Do I need a round trip ticket when arriving in Thailand with a non-O visa?
Thailand immigrationNon-O visavisa requirementsretirement visaone way ticketmulti entry permitvisa extension
Jan 28, 2026
3 months ago
Tom **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have applied for my non o visa. I will be apply for the retirement one year extension and multi entry permit after 60 days. My question is do I need a round trip ticket upon arrival or can I do a one way ? Thanks for the help
TLDR : Answer Summary
When arriving in Thailand on a Non-O visa, you generally do not need a round trip or onward ticket. Most comments clarify that if you have applied for a long-term visa like the Non-O for retirement purposes, showing a one-way ticket is acceptable. Airlines may occasionally request proof of onward travel, but having the long-term visa typically allows you to board with a one-way ticket. It's best to confirm with your specific airline regarding their policies, as experiences may vary.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Dave ************
Long term visa doesn't require a return ticket.
Andy ********
No you definitely don't need a return ticket.
I won't name the airline but I once had an issue at check in flying out of Manchester. I just held my ground and asked to see a supervisor. The supervisor was more knowledgeable on Thai visas and I was allowed to fly. A school day for that check in agent.
I won't name the airline but I once had an issue at check in flying out of Manchester. I just held my ground and asked to see a supervisor. The supervisor was more knowledgeable on Thai visas and I was allowed to fly. A school day for that check in agent.
Steve ***********
I flew from lax on Philippines airline (the worst) I had the QR code all done by Thai government. She still wanted the flight information out
Graham ******
Steve Fortefyve Probably because you didn't have a long term visa so they needed to see that you had an onward ticket to leave Thailand before your 60 day entry stamp expired.
Steve ***********
Graham Seal correct, but nothing to do with Philippines. I had the form for entering into Thailand
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Steve ***********
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Gerg **********
It’s some airlines that want to see a round trip or an onward travel ticket before you board, but if you show them your long term visa you’ll be able to board with a one way ticket.
Deborah *******
No you do Not need an onward ticket. You are applying before coming to Thailand. When you get approved they are giving you 90 days to get your Thai phone #, your TM 30 (proof of residence) and open a bank account. Once the retirement application is approved you get a 1 year retirement visa giving you a total of 15 months. I’m on a Non OA multi entry retirement visa.
Hal ********
@Deborah ******
Yes incorrect on Visa/Permit wording but result is the sameNongnuch ********
Hal Turner All Non-Imm-O visa types are for 90 days single entry only. If you want a multi re-entry after having entered on a Non-Imm-O visa, you can buy it as soon as you get issued the 1-year extension of the stay permit based on retirement. . . Why is Deborah Hines wrong? Because she has a Non-O/A visa and she has no idea how Non-O visas work
Nongnuch ********
Hal Turner a VISA is for entering the country. It is a STAY PERMIT that lets you stay in the country, The VISA itself becomes invalid when you enter. NOT the "same result"
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Nongnuch ********
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Nongnuch ********
@Deborah ******
please do not write such a rubbish. You don't get any "retirement visa" at all . . the "retirement visa" is the 90-days visa with which you enter Thailand. You get stamped in for a 90-days stay permit. The visa will become invalid when you enter. You then apply for the 1-year Extension of the Stay Permit based on Retirement. The 1-year extension is not a visa. It is an extended stay permitGreg ********
Nongnuch Kamdee kind of harsh for only a miswording. The process she describes is correct.
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Greg ********
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Dava ***********
I had only a one way ticket, and no forward travel plans. My husband is Thai. I don’t know if that made a difference…
Graham ******
Dava Bunyaratt What matters to the airline is if you have a valid visa or not.
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Graham ******
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Shawn ********
Just have a forwarding ticket to a neighboring country
Ian **********
Shawn Lawrie A return or onward ticket is only required for visa-exempt entry and visa on arrival. Please stop giving false information
Lynnette *******
Shawn Lawrie doesn't need it for Non-O
Graham ******
Shawn Lawrie it is not required, now look who is stupid
Gary ***********
Graham Seal correct not required on a Non O
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Gary ***********
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Graham ******
One way if travelling with a Non-O. You apply for your multi-entry permit after your extension or it will expire the same as your 90 day entry stamp.
Deborah *******
Graham Seal you can leave it blank as the Non O is for the purpose of retirement. They are giving you 90 days to get your act together. No one is gonna wait til day 89 to complete the application. When you do the application it ask if you want multiple entry and it does cost more.
Nongnuch ********
@Deborah ******
you CANNOT apply for a multi entry Non-Imm-O visa. Only single entry is issued. You can however buy a multi re-entry permit for the 1-year extension of the stay permitLiam ***********
Nongnuch Kamdee yes only single entry is the only option given on an initial 90 day non o
Shane ***********
Nongnuch Kamdee stop being a F..kwit, what Deborah is saying makes complete sense to us English speaking people
Nongnuch ********
Shane Kinneally well, she is handing out wrong advice. When you chose the Non-Imm-O Retirement Visa option in the e-visa online system, you CANNOT chose multiple re-entry. That would be the Non-Imm-O/A Longstay Visa which comes with a multi re-entry included. All Non-Imm-O visa types are for 90 days single entry only. If you want a multi re-entry after having entered on a Non-Imm-O visa, you can buy it as soon as you get issued the 1-year extension of the stay permit based on retirement. . . Why is Deborah Hines wrong? Because she has a Non-O/A visa and she has no idea how Non-O visas work
Graham ******
Shane Kinneally but you don't understand what you read it seems
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Graham ******
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Nongnuch ********
@Deborah ******
in the application you HAVE TO enter an "intended date of departure". If you leave it blank, the application will be deniedReply to
Nongnuch ********
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Glnn ******
Graham Seal I have the same question as when you apply for the non-o it asks how long you are saying and when your departure date is. Do you not have to show evidence of that departure when you arrive ( ie an onward ticket) ? Thanks for your help
Graham ******
Glnn Hrdy for the visa application put any date between 61 and 90 days after your proposed arrival date
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Graham ******
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