Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand with a one-way ticket?

Feb 15, 2022
3 years ago
Nguyễn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just got my Thailand Pass today with only a One-way ticket from Hanoi To Bangkok. My question is it required to show a returning ticket in order to get to Thailand, or would they stop me? And what if I purchase one near the time of departure so I can cancel it in 24 hours? Thanks
1,474
views
2
likes
37
all likes
15
replies
0
images
10
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
When entering Thailand on a one-way ticket, whether you need to present an onward flight ticket depends on the type of entry you are pursuing. For long-term visas like Non O, Non OA, or Thailand Elite, an onward ticket is generally not required. However, if you're entering under visa exemption or a tourist visa, you must usually show a ticket out of Thailand within the duration of your visa. Airlines often enforce this rule, so it’s advisable to have an onward ticket to avoid issues at check-in, even though immigration might not ask for it. Many travelers suggest booking a refundable ticket or using services that provide onward flight itineraries for a small fee to address this potential concern.
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.
Isaac *****
Immigration in Bangkok asked me how long I would stay when I landed 2 weeks ago. I just answered 1 week and they never asked to see my onward ticket. This being said your airline may ask the same question when you check-in in Hanoi
Jonas *************
Vietnamese airline insists on ticket. If you don't have, they won't give you biardimg pass.
Ross ********
I have been to Thailand 22 times in the last 8 years never asked about an onward ticket
Craig *******
All the "onward ticket" services do is book a ticket and cancel it within the 24 hr window that most airlines give you to cancel for full refund. You may as well just do that yourself.
Nguyễn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Craig ******
thank you. that's what I'm gonna do..
Roger ********
Good luck 👌tell us how get on at checkin and immigration in bkk
Marc ********
@Roger *******
Immigration in BKK don't check. But boarding might is a problem. Officially it is not possible entering with one way
Stuart *********
Stock answer as asked many times here.

If you are entering on a long term visa, like a Non O or Non OA or Thailand Elite you do not need an onward flight out from Thailand.

If on a visa exempt entry or tourist visa you need to have a flight ticket out of Thailand within the amount of days that your initial entry allows, regardless that you can get an extension in country. It doesn’t need to be a return ticket, any ticket out of Thailand will suffice.

In theory immigration can deny you entry if you don’t but they rarely ever would, because they know you can get an extension.

Almost always the hang up will be when you try to board your plane. Many airlines will not allow you to board without an onward ticket within the number of days.

Some will let you. Many won’t. You probably don’t want to be the one scrambling to buy an onward ticket at the check in desk. Best option is a changeable ticket, and just change the date when you’re here.

Alternatively you can Google “onward flight ticket” and you’ll find a plethora of companies willing to sell you one for around $10. A real ticket, Phuket to Singapore, would be approx £25/$35 depending on the time of year.

You’ll probably get a number of replies saying “I managed to enter with no problem, therefore you won’t have one either.” Well you won’t find out which way it’ll go until you get to the check in desk.
Nguyễn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your helps. I'm really appreciated.
Nguyễn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And Is it possible to enter Singapore from Thailand, with an approved Thai pass now?

Right now it's not possible for me to go to Singapore from Vietnam. What is the requirements at the moment to go from BKK to Singapore for a person got in Thailand with a Thaipass? Thanks a lot
Stuart *********
@Nguyễn *******
sorry I don’t know about Singapore entry rules. Perhaps someone who’s travelled recently can help.
Nguyễn ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Problem is i haven't decided which country i will go next after 30 days period cause the rule might change during my stay so i want to keep it open.

So a random "onward flight ticket" would work eventhough it's a throw-away one? If you said so, would they check my destination to see how likely will I take that flight or they just don't care at all? If i don't look like I can get into Singapore at the moment but having a ticket to Singapore, would they reject me?
Brandon ************
@Nguyễn *******
they don't check. They just want to see that you have a ticket out.
Kevin ***********
@Stuart ********
I arrived on a one-way ticket visa exempt. I had a separate ticket out to PP which I kept in my hand luggage to see if they'd ask for it.

They didn't.
John **********
@Stuart ********
Thank you for not only spending the time on an answer but it was succinct and to the point. An oasis in this FB Page !! :-)
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else