Answered4 years ago
Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand if I'm visiting Laos?
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 😊
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.
22 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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.
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!
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!
Brandon ************
@Cliff ********
not necessarily true
Giorgio ******
yesssss doable
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
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.
Crissie ********
OP@Eduard ***
Thank you - this will be our only trip to Thailand this year so the one overland crossing should be fine 😊Eduard ****
@Crissie *******
perfect, enjoy Thailand 😊
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.
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.Lisa ********************
Any onward ticket is acceptable. Bus, train, plane. Saying that, I've never been asked to show onward tickets.
Lisa ********************
@Av *********
I'm not bragging. I'm just saying. Re read my original comment. Have a nice day.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.Lisa ********************
@Av *********
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.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 ;)Lisa ********************
@Av *********
you probably look like a typical , young backpacker? And some airlines are stricter than others.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.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.
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.
Crissie ********
OP@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 🙏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.
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.
Crissie ********
OP@Brandon ***********
Thank you very much! Do you have a link to one of these onward travel agencies?Brandon ************
@Crissie *******
just Google "onward travel" there's tons with different options and different customizationsActivity
10 joined10
people
Related
25Why am I having trouble getting my stamp at the Malaysian border while re-entering Thailand on a DTV?
1.4k425mo
How fixed is the return date on a re-entry permit to Thailand?
1.1k21710mo
Do I need to reapply for the digital arrival card every time I enter Thailand?
3.1k4131y
Can I get a new 2-month visa stamp if I return to Thailand after leaving for 5 days?
974731y
Can I get another 60 days after re-entering Thailand with a tourist visa after visiting Malaysia?
3.1k28182y
How can I extend my stay in Thailand if my 60-day visa exemption is about to expire?
5.8k44602y
Will I be considered to have overstayed my non-B visa if I leave Thailand on the day my visa expires?
785362y
Can a Belgian citizen automatically receive a new 30 days upon exiting and re-entering Thailand during a visa-free period?
1.1k5113y
Do I need a re-entry visa for my 60-day Thailand visa if I travel to Vietnam?
3.4k29263y
What is the best visa option for a family traveling to Thailand for 78 days?
1.4k8113y
Can I enter Thailand on an exempt visa and use a 60-day visa for a later entry?
9734103y
Do I need to purchase a flight ticket out of Thailand while on a student visa after traveling abroad?
929373y
Will I have issues using my UK-issued 60-day tourist visa if I do a border bounce into Thailand?
699344y
Is it possible to do back-to-back tourist visa runs to Laos for entry into Thailand without issues?
1.6k10134y
What type of visa should I apply for if I'm traveling from Canada to Thailand for an extended trip including Laos and Vietnam?
1.2k694y
Can I travel to Laos during the 28-day consideration period for my visa renewal?
1.1k5134y
How long does the 60-day tourist E Visa for Thailand take to process and do I need an onward ticket if I plan to extend my stay?
768415y
What should expats do if they notice an error on their visa stamp in Thailand?
2.8k10557y
When does a new tourist visa start after a border trip in Thailand?
1.3k1137y
What are the fees and potential issues for an Australian citizen getting a Laos tourist visa and re-entering Thailand?
1.5k9117y
Can my friend with an METV fly into Laos and then enter Thailand via Nong Khai without issues?
37918y
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand if I have a UK passport and am re-entering after Cambodia?
2.7k2698y
Can a family of 6 extend their stay in Thailand beyond 60 days during a visit in late August?
1.2k1038y
Can I extend my visit visa in Thailand without leaving the country?
1.3k988y
Does the 20,000 baht cash requirement apply to those re-entering Thailand with an active METV?
3.3k29239y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served