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Do I need an onward travel ticket to get a Certificate of Entry (COE) for Thailand?

Certificate of Entry (COE)Onward Travel Tickets Visa Requirements Thailand Immigration Travel Tips for Expats

Aug 16, 2021

4 years ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been told, but I'm not too sure, that I will need an air ticket leaving Bangkok before I can get an COE. If so, is it possible to get a cheap ticket so I can get the COE then cancel it? Any ideas? Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) for Thailand, you do indeed need to provide proof of onward travel, which can include a ticket leaving Bangkok. Many users have suggested options like purchasing inexpensive onward travel tickets from various websites that allow for cancelation. Some also recommended booking flexible or refundable tickets, which can be cancelled after acquiring the COE.

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Ezmerelda ********

We had to show a return ticket as we were coming to Thailand on visa waiver. We flew from HCMC to Singapore (transit country)....the return ticket sbowed Singapore....cost 120usd. This is called a burn ticket. This was our proof of onward travel....and we got our COE, no problem.

4 years ago

Leslie *******

4 years ago

Craig *******

Or you could buy an expensive ticket - one that is fully refundable. Book it, obtain COE and then cancel it.

4 years ago

Jennifer *******

We bought a ticket on Scoot Airlines, BKK-Singapore. Super cheap and allows change if you do decide to use it in the future. That was enough to get our COE. We landed in BKK today.

4 years ago

Bruce *****

Bestonwardticket

4 years ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

bus ticket out of Thailand????

4 years ago

James ********

@Chris ********

will not be accepted. All land borders are CLOSED

4 years ago

Benjamin ******

@Chris ********

The land borders are closed 😕

4 years ago

Reply to

Benjamin ******

Tod *********

@Chris ********

yep, comin' in visa exempt or on a single entry tourist visa you will need to show proof of onward travel to get a COE.

Google "onward travel tickets" and you'll find enough sites that will sell you a 'throw away rent a ticket" to meet the requirements to get the COE approved.

4 years ago

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

Google "onward travel ticket" and you will find websites that will rent you a valid plane ticket with nearly any itinerary for around $10. It works great for these kinds of situations.

4 years ago

Wong **************

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

oh mine …this is genius

4 years ago

Reply to

Wong **************

Darren *******

What visa are you entering on? A non-O retirement or tourist/visa exempt?

4 years ago

Chris *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Phuket sandbov 45 day visa exempt

4 years ago

Darren *******

@Chris ********

then yes you'll most likely be asked for a return flight by either the embassy and/or airline. Either buy a return flight or just get a cheap one way flight to wherever outside of Thailand within 45 days of arrival.

4 years ago

Reply to

Darren *******

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What are the requirements for providing proof of onward travel for a Thailand visa?

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