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Do I need an onward ticket when flying to Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Type O visa?

Non-Immigrant VisaTravel RegulationsLufthansa AirlinesOne-Way Ticket PolicyThailand ImmigrationVisa TypesExpat Travel Advice
Oct 3, 2025
4 days ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am travelling to Thailand with a Non-iimigrant Type O visa from the UK, via Munich on Lufthansa Airlines. The visa is valid for 90 days as I will be staying in Thailand permanently then extending for 12 months based on marriage. Therefore I have booked a one way ticket. Will Lufthansa refuse me checking in and boarding the airplane as I do not require onward travel.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Traveling to Thailand with a Non-Immigrant Type O visa allows for one-way tickets, and passengers should not be required to show onward travel proof. However, airline policies may vary. Past experiences suggest that if questioned at check-in, asking for a supervisor could resolve any issues. Some travelers recommend purchasing a low-cost onward ticket just to mitigate potential problems with the airline, particularly because different carriers, like Emirates and KLM, have more strict policies. It’s advisable to confirm directly with Lufthansa or your travel booking company for clarity.
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Bent *************
Why don’t you just buy a train ticket out of Thailand?

Nong Khai to Vientiane costs not much more than 100 baht!
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
@Bent ************
 there is no guarantee that the airline will accept a bus, train or ferry ticket as an onward travel proof. Many airlines insist it has to be a "real" flight ticket
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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Charlimo *********
There is a good chance LH will not let you board
3 days ago
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Reinhard ********
@Charlimo ********
 Wrong.If he has a Visa they don't do anything.They will ask for a Visa and that's it.Only If He want's to travel on visaexemption they want to see a ticket out of Thailand in between the 60 days.
3 days ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Reinhard *******
 have you flown with Lufthansa ?
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
@John ********
 Lufthansa is know as being somewhat strict in ensuring the IATA conformity rules. And keep in mind: If a flight is overbooked, which happens very often, the airline will use the onward-travel proof to sweep out a few passengers. I am not kidding - this is reality, it is insider knowledge
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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Alf ***********
I bought a ticket to Laos to show just in case. Udon Thani - Vientiane about 250 baht.
3 days ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
IS that a flight??
3 days ago
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Alf ***********
@John ********
 Bus ticket - can be bought online…
3 days ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK so that is calssed in terms of an airline check in desk, 'onward travel'?
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
@John ********
 good luck with that. . you never know. There are airlines that only accept a REAL flight ticket. Not a bus or train or speedboat ticket
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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Gregor **********
@John ********
 that's a bus that actually crosses the border (many Thai busses do not enter Laos because the steering wheel will be on the wrong side after having crossed)
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My travel booking company just spoke to Lufthansa and they replied, 'He needs to make sure he has the right visa'. Booking company replied, thats not what I asked, The Trvaeller has a 90 day non-Immigrant visa with a view to extending for 12 months'. They still did not give an answer. No wonder airlines remove their contact number.
3 days ago
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Frank *********
@John ********
 it is a real hassle these days to get a straight answer to any question
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
@Frank ********
 that's why I always recommend to ask the airline by email. You can then print out their email reply and take it to the check-in. On a telephone, people like to talk all kind of nonsense
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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Gregor **********
@John ********
 that's why I always recommend to ask the question by email. You can then print out the email reply and take it to the check-in. On a telephone, people like to talk all kind of nonsense
3 days ago
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Gregor **********
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ThanyaMichael *********
What about Thai Airways?
3 days ago
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Pertti *************
@ThanyaMichael ********
 non immigrant visa holders can fly without return ticket. When we moved here we fly thai airways with one way ticket.
3 days ago
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Pertti *************
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Martyn *******
I think I would check with the airline, too risky otherwise
3 days ago
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Richard *********
Nine!
3 days ago
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Andy *****
Although Thailand do not stipulate onward ticket, the airlines own policy may do. I'm doing 1 way with an onward reservation. Emirates,KLM,Qatar all have it in their policy. I did onward ticket Approx £12 real reservation. Not worth the risk for me.
3 days ago
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Graham ******
@Andy ****
 So you're travelling without a long stay visa then? BTW the onward travel requirement is required for a tourism entry to Thailand if asked.
3 days ago
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Andy *****
@Graham *****
 ohhand by the way. It's only my preferance based on the research I've done. Individuals can take it or leave it. Take the risk if you want. Not bothered either way.
3 days ago
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Andy *****
@Graham *****
 none O visa. I've done my research. Got a visa, Thai immigration are not interested in onward travel. But the airlines are. Its unlikely that the airline may ask for onward/return ticket but for £12 its not worth the risk.
3 days ago
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Andy *****
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Gregor **********
on a 90-days Non-Imm-O family visa, you can fly one-way. You don't need an onward-travel proof. If the Check-in does not comply, ask for the manager and explain to them that this visa is the first step for a longstay in Thailand
3 days ago
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Stuart *********
Long term visas like a Non O don’t require an onward ticket. If questioned at check in ask for a supervisor. They’ll know that you aren’t required.
4 days ago
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 If only I could speak to Lufthansa!! No phone number anywhere.
3 days ago
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John *********
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