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Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand if I'm visiting Laos?

Thailand Visa Immigration Onward Flight Requirement Visa Regulations Travel to Laos Visa Stamp Family Travel NZ Passport Holders Border Crossing

Apr 17, 2023

2 years ago

Crissie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My family of 4 (all NZ passport holders) have booked to come to Thailand for 40 days. We plan to go to Laos for 10 days in that time. We had thought we might do border crossings but have heard that it is necessary to show an onward flight within the 30 days in order to get on the initial flight to Thailand? If that is the case we may book a flight to Laos and return to Thailand overland - does this all sound doable and will we just receive a 30 day entry stamp each time we enter Thailand. Many thanks 😊

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is traveling to Thailand for 40 days with plans to visit Laos. There are concerns about needing to show an onward flight ticket when boarding their initial flight to Thailand. Community members suggest that airline policies vary regarding onward ticket requirements, and it may be wise to book a flight to Laos or purchase a refundable ticket. Re-entry to Thailand can yield a 30-day stamp each time, but overland entries are limited to twice per calendar year. Additional advice includes checking with the airline and possibly extending the stay in Thailand.

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Paul *******

Are you attempting to fly into Thailand on a one way ticket? If you have a round trip (return) ticket, then I don't see the issue. No one will be checking the dates to ensure its within 30 days. You can always explain you're going to Laos. Once they see that outbound ticket in their system, you'll be good to go.

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Cliff *********

You will be going to SE Asia and then returning home to NZ, correct?

Presumably you are taking the same airline there and back. (Although that’s not necessary…)

That’s all the airline gate agent will need.

They aren’t involved in calculating the number of days you will be away.

Have a lovely time!

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Brandon ************

@Cliff ********

not necessarily true

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Brandon ************

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Giorgio ******

yesssss doable

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Bob **********

Twice a calendar year by land but fly until they pull you aside and deny entry just book a fight that you can change or cancel

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Eduard ****

Depends on airline. Some want see a ticket out of Thailand , some not. Generally you can go to immigration in Thailand and extend your stay for further 30 days, means in total 60. costs 1.900 B. But this doesn’t solve the airline problem. If you really want to go to Laos, book tickets in advance to show at check-in. Than you will get new 30 days stamp at Re-entry Thailand. Overland entry is limited to 2 per calendar year. Air is not.

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Crissie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you - this will be our only trip to Thailand this year so the one overland crossing should be fine 😊

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Eduard ****

@Crissie *******

perfect, enjoy Thailand 😊

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Eduard ****

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Stuart *********

Pre covid I once had a “discussion” with a check in person at Heathrow that said my $3 bus ticket to Malaysia was not sufficient as an onward ticket out. The supervisor overruled them and let us board. No idea post covid whether they’ll still allow that.

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Paul *******

@Stuart ********

I don't think pre or post Covid there is any difference in that regard. It depends on the airline or departing country. My passport was not inspected for a visa when I flew back to Thailand the other day, though I did have a one day stopover in Singapore first. Once in Singapore, it's all automated so no one is checking your visa documents or onward travel.

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Paul *******

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Lisa ********************

Any onward ticket is acceptable. Bus, train, plane. Saying that, I've never been asked to show onward tickets.

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Lisa ********************

I'm not bragging. I'm just saying. Re read my original comment. Have a nice day.

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Av **********

@Lisa *******************

read the rules sweetie. Just cause you haven't been caught doesn't mean you aren't doing something wrong. Then blatantly bragging about it on a public Thai forum doesn't help you either.

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Lisa ********************

yes I know all that. I live in Thailand too. I'm just saying I've never been asked about onward travel. But I know other people have.

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Av **********

@Lisa *******************

lmao no I don't. I have lived in Thailand 25 years and speak fluent Thai lmao. This is normal when you fly from the USA or Europe. This is airline rules. Now I stick to high end airlines because of the credit Cards I have so maybe they take extra care into following the rules than the rift raft you floated in on lmao. If Thailand catches the airline allowing ppl doing that then the airline is fined and is financially responsible for deportation. I'm sorry you have been breaking the rules but eventually you will get caught and it will ruin your day for sure ;)

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Lisa ********************

you probably look like a typical , young backpacker? And some airlines are stricter than others.

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Av **********

@Lisa *******************

I have at the airport from where you take off. They won't let u on the plane without it or proof of a long stay visa.

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Av **********

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Stuart *********

Check in person at Nelson for a NSN-AKL-BKK flight was asking everyone for proof. Even those with Non O visas (until the supervisor stepped in and corrected them).

Probably best to get a ticket to Laos. Alternatively you can Google “onward flight ticket” and you could rent one for two weeks for around US$10.

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Crissie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

Thank you! Yes I think booking an onward ticket is our best option - I’m a bit out of practice with travel and we will have our kids with us so will try and avoid any unnecessary stress! 😂 We might try coming back to Thailand from Laos overland to give them the experience of walking from one country to another - thanks for your help 🙏

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Crissie ********

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Brandon ************

You can try contacting your airline to see what their policy is for checking onward travel.

You could also purchase tickets from an onward travel agency which basically books you real refundable tickets then cancels them after a few days. Cost to you is $10-$15 per ticket.

Or your plan to fly to Laos would work as well.

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Crissie ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

Thank you very much! Do you have a link to one of these onward travel agencies?

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Brandon ************

@Crissie *******

just Google "onward travel" there's tons with different options and different customizations

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Brandon ************

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