Answered2 months ago
Do I need proof of onward travel and cash to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption scheme?
Is this correct that I google it
Airline Enforcement: While Thai immigration officers inspect tickets selectively on arrival, departure check-in staff for airlines strictly enforce this requirement and may deny boarding if you lack proof of onward travel. Airlines generally prefer confirmed flight bookings over land transport, as land tickets can be harder for them to verify.
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Thai Embassy in England:
Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Visa Exemption scheme are required at the port of entry to have proof of planned travel (confirmed air, train, bus, or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 60 days of the arrival date.” �
Thai Embassy London
Airline Enforcement: While Thai immigration officers inspect tickets selectively on arrival, departure check-in staff for airlines strictly enforce this requirement and may deny boarding if you lack proof of onward travel. Airlines generally prefer confirmed flight bookings over land transport, as land tickets can be harder for them to verify.
..................................................
Thai Embassy in England:
Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Visa Exemption scheme are required at the port of entry to have proof of planned travel (confirmed air, train, bus, or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 60 days of the arrival date.” �
Thai Embassy London
Answer summary
Yes, under the Thai Visa Exemption scheme, travelers must show proof of onward travel upon entry, which is generally required by airlines as well. They may deny boarding without it. Additionally, travelers are often advised to carry at least 20,000 THB or its equivalent in cash when entering the country. The requirement for onward travel has been consistently enforced, although experiences may vary depending on the airline and immigration officers.
84 repliesnewest first
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Wolf ******
If you enter with a non-immigration visa, they may want to see your out-bond ticket.
Normal....
Normal....
Will *****
If i apply for O Visa from London Thai embassy. Do i have to show proof of travel and date.
Phillip ******
Onward Ticket works fine because you rent a real, verifiable PNR flight reservation for $10 to $16, which auto-cancels after 48 hours, you can book it up to 2 weeks in advance. Immigration dose not have access to flight booking systems even it they did, its a real ticket with you information on it.
Ralph *******
It’s a requirement of entry as a tourist. Just comply and stop worrying.
Airlines often check but it does depend on the airline. I’ve been checked on 5 of my last 6 flights.
Airlines often check but it does depend on the airline. I’ve been checked on 5 of my last 6 flights.
Phil ******
Yes
Dave **********
Depends on airline,I just flew with Air China,one way, didn't ask about onward flight.
Ar *******
If you have a retirement visa valid until December, arrive in October with intention to extend visa for another year is it ok to have return flight booked for April , emirates flight
Eileen ***********
yup
Jonathan **********
I’ve never been asked in 13 years
Nick **********
Most "tourists" on visa 60day exempt book a return flight home within the 60day timeframe..if you plan on happy trip You should book a return Or a flight to wherever you plan on going..the days of blagging are long over
Todd ********
Nick O'reilly it’s amazing the amount of “tourists” living in Thailand. Have to hide like cockroaches and Then read about them getting deported after hundreds of days overstaying.
Simon *******
This required is required BUT only for tourist visas and visa exemption, if you have any other type of visa its not a required
Greg ***********
Simon Adams it is NOT required if you have a tourist visa. It is ONLY required when you tryto fly visa-exempt. Put on your glasses and read the official version, again
Simon *******
Greg Alexander sorry you also need it for a tourist visa definitely
Phil ********
Some people buy outbound 'tickets' from companies like Onward Ticket. They may be fine but I read somewhere recently that airlines and immigration are able to check these tickets online. Given that discovery of a fake ticket could mean being denied entry or being denied boarding before you even leave, personally I prefer a real ticket. I can only remember entering exempt twice with a return ticket dated later than my permitted my stay. On both those occasions I simply went online and looked for promotions etc. with Thai domestic airlines. There are often flights to nearby countries for 1500 - 2000 baht.
Greg ***********
Phil Wilson You are absolutely right in warning everybody.
The airline might accept a fake onwardticket, however in case Thai Immigration asks you, showing them a fake onwardticket, it is considered fraud by Immigration, and you will be denied entry, isolated and deported on your own expenses.
This was a topic of a public announcement from Phuket Immigration a while ago!
The airline might accept a fake onwardticket, however in case Thai Immigration asks you, showing them a fake onwardticket, it is considered fraud by Immigration, and you will be denied entry, isolated and deported on your own expenses.
This was a topic of a public announcement from Phuket Immigration a while ago!
Gregory ********
Greg Alexander the tickets I buy are not fair. They’re from a travel agency. They’re a legitimate ticket put in your name and it’s deleted the day after you enter.
Lynnette *******
You've checked on Thai govt official page about requirements but want social media to tell you if it's correct? Lol. 🤷 These are all things required. They may or may not check if you've complied. Up to you.
David ******
The only time I've ever been asked is by airline staff at check. It's rare but it does happen.
Jo **********
after well over 100 entries never been asked. lots one way tickets. It is true I fly business class so that may make a difference.
David ******
Jo Clemente you had to get the business class boast in, of course it doesn't make a difference you clown. Are you suggesting flying business is the cheat code to coming and going whenever you want? What a clown.
Jo **********
David Kemp well in no boast for me it’s I work all over the world for multi-national company rather be with my family. Yes for airlines it makes a difference not to ask as they suspect you’re well funded and not a risk. that’s what they told some people I know. But according to you these people you don’t know are liars. And never in no way suggested cheating or flying business just explaining my situation with specific.
Greg ***********
Jo Clemente it is common knowledge, you do not have to repeat it. You belong to the people shown at the very right, that's why you won't ever be asked
Steve ********
I've been asked at my departure airport. I've said yes, and reached for my phone, but they've never wanted to see the tickets - they just wanted confirmation and to know where I was going next.
Ian ********
the reason why the airline wants to sight an exit ticket is because they are otherwise responsible for exiting you back out if immigration deny you entry.
Same for every international flight.
I prebought a 50 baht bus ticket from Nong Khai to Laos and ended up throwing it in bin once I passed immigration and customs
Same for every international flight.
I prebought a 50 baht bus ticket from Nong Khai to Laos and ended up throwing it in bin once I passed immigration and customs
Dan **********
Why do you think asking on Facebook will be more accurate than the information published by the Thai embassy?
Jo **********
Dan Morrison actually yes because enforcement in Thailand is not always linked to the written law
Dan **********
Jo Clemente yes enforcement is inconsistent depending on port of entry and time of the month. Quite true.
But the law stands.
Traveller: “do I have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Thailand?”
Traffic law: “yes”
Facebook: “it’s seldom enforced, so no, go freebird! Everyone does”
🙄. True? Mostly. Good advice? Up to you.
The checking for onward travel that we hear about is most often enforced by the gate agent at check in time, as the airlines are responsible for repatriation if your entry is refused. It seems most variable based on the training of the check in agent, not Thai immigration.
I’ve not heard of anyone with genuine plans being fully bounced on arrival for not being able to show an onwardticket. But it’s legal and possible and should be anticipated. So having a departure plan is a good idea.
“Coming to convert my visa and stay long term” is also a valid plan. The officers understand that.
But the law stands.
Traveller: “do I have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle in Thailand?”
Traffic law: “yes”
Facebook: “it’s seldom enforced, so no, go freebird! Everyone does”
🙄. True? Mostly. Good advice? Up to you.
The checking for onward travel that we hear about is most often enforced by the gate agent at check in time, as the airlines are responsible for repatriation if your entry is refused. It seems most variable based on the training of the check in agent, not Thai immigration.
I’ve not heard of anyone with genuine plans being fully bounced on arrival for not being able to show an onwardticket. But it’s legal and possible and should be anticipated. So having a departure plan is a good idea.
“Coming to convert my visa and stay long term” is also a valid plan. The officers understand that.
Mitchell *******
The 3 haves...
1. Proof of onward travel within your initial entry period
2. Proof of accommodation for at least your first few nights.
3. Some cash IN POCKET. 20,000 baht (or other currency equivalent).
1. Proof of onward travel within your initial entry period
2. Proof of accommodation for at least your first few nights.
3. Some cash IN POCKET. 20,000 baht (or other currency equivalent).
Graeme ********
Mitchell Trott Cash IN POCKET is not a stipulation but recommended other than showing proof of funds via banking app with data access at airport.
John ********
Graeme Buxton cash in pocket,immigration will not accept banking apps or credit/debit cards.
Alan **********
John Mozley Even though the Thai evisa site states "Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 20,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsorship letter)" ?
Mitchell *******
Graeme Buxton, I have had to count out $500 US there on the counter. Granted not asked very often, but it would be a dumb reason to be shipped back on the next flight. It is easy to have that much on arrival.
Alan **********
Mitchell Trott I agree with your logic, but I've VERY SELDOM carried that much $$$ on me.
And with all of today's cards and phone apps I barely hit the ATM here in the States anymore.
I certainly don't WANT to carry that much on me for 30+ hours of traveling to Thailand.
Thailand wants to become a 1st world country ? They're doing a great job in the 14 years I've been going there.
But there's still a way to go. Fix the disconnect between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior.
And with all of today's cards and phone apps I barely hit the ATM here in the States anymore.
I certainly don't WANT to carry that much on me for 30+ hours of traveling to Thailand.
Thailand wants to become a 1st world country ? They're doing a great job in the 14 years I've been going there.
But there's still a way to go. Fix the disconnect between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior.
Jo **********
Mitchell Trott after well over 100 entries never been asked for any of those. Only once how long are you going to stay
Greg ***********
Jo Clemente The topic is flying to Thailand WITHOUT a previously issued visa (visa-exempt entry) = the airline might ask for an onward travel proof.
The airline won’t ask for ANYTHING if you have a visa for Thailand, and Immigration will only ask if they suspect tourist visa misuse for a longstay
The airline won’t ask for ANYTHING if you have a visa for Thailand, and Immigration will only ask if they suspect tourist visa misuse for a longstay
Dave *******
Yes that's correct
Peter **********
Don’t risk it
Get a proper visa from Thai Embassy in your own country before you travel
Get a proper visa from Thai Embassy in your own country before you travel
Steve *******
Peter Beaumont Still need onward travel within 60 days with a Tourist Visa
Peter **********
Agreed but if you were only there for 60 days you would have a return flight anyway
Plus that is not what he was asking
Plus that is not what he was asking
Brent *********
Every country is the same .
Jo **********
Brent Rothsay lol not at all
Brent *********
Jo Clemente you tell me one !!!
John **********
This has been the requirement for visa exempt entry for a long time. Ticket out, accommodation booking and 20k baht or equivalent preferably in cash. You might get away with a printout of your current bank statement but I doubt it, they won't accept a banking app or cards
Gerar ********
If they ask for it only cash is accepted. Any currency equivalent to 20.000 Baht.
NongTong *****
For accurate visa requirements, visit the official website of the Thai Embassy in your country instead of relying on general Google searches
Alan **********
NongTong Osk Except that the embassies around the world and Thai Immigration are not under the same government department and are not always on the same page. There's a disconnect that should be addressed.
NongTong *****
They actually more reliable than google search. I do not know what you have experienced, but I had no trouble finding what I needed. If all else failed, I do contact them per email or phone.
Magnus *********************
That’s correct.
Mick *********
I’ve been checked a few times at check in. In the uk and in Bangkok when flying to Vietnam.
Steven *********
Immigration wanted me to book onward travel via flight, before allowing me in. This was 2 months ago.
Leevi ***********
Steven Tomkins strange....my train ticket to Vientiane accepted....at immigration
Steven *********
Leevi Kiviranta nothing strange about it. Depends on the immigration officer. I know a few who've had to do the same.
Sylvia ********
also note you need to carry CASH, 20,000 baht or the equivalent in any currency
Alan **********
Sylvia Corley NOT what the Thai evisa website says. "Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 20,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsorship letter)"
Sylvia ********
Alan Rothwell definately 100% incorrect and no ATM machine on arrival side
Arnold **********
You now have to do to enter Thai and you must enter your travel arrangements and the date and airline number to enter Thailand and it’s all checked by AI in minutes.over 33,000 have been blocked entry this year.
Alan **********
Arnold Johnston Nice job trying to confuse everybody by implying that the 33K who've been refused entry this year were over not entering their departure details. 😡
Greg ***********
Arnold Johnston the departure date and the visa-number on the TDAC digital arrival card is NOT mandatory to fill out - it can be left empty
Graham ******
Arnold Johnston Departure details do not need to be included on the DTAC form and it just registers your arrival, nothing else
Arnold **********
Yes
Glen ********
I bought a ghost ticket from "onward travel" yesterday for this very reason.16 euros....if that fails I'll be buying a Bangkok to Cambodia ticket for £49 off Skyscanner while in the airport
Greg ***********
Glen Conboy be careful: the airline might accept it, However in case Thai Immigration asks you, showing them a Fake onwardticket, it is considered fraud and you will be denied entry.
Ian **********
Glen Conboy, the ticket you buy from onward travel is a real booking that lasts for 48 hours and is then automatically cancelled. It is not a ghost or fake ticket.
Chris *******
Ian Morrison It is a real booking, but that's all it is; a booking. It's not a paid ticket that's valid for travel. If an airline delves deep enough into the reservation system it can find that out.
Chris *******
Ian Morrison No, but if they're in any doubt they can ask the airline to check it for them.
Ian **********
Chris Blunt, the airline may be able to find out, but immigration certainly does not have access to GDS
Glen ********
Ian Morrison ghost is the term I'm using,as it's neither paid in full,or used..just borrowing the details for an hour or 2👍
Glen ********
Ian Morrison Ye,but I'm not gonna be using it or paying for it,only using the details as a mule to satisfy regulation...hence the word mule 🤷
Ant ***********
You have made a few posts about this
What is it you would like to know ?
What is it you would like to know ?
Ralph *******
Ant W Tailor Yes. Four in this group alone.
Martin *******
Yeh, ive been checked a few times by Qatar checkin desk at LHR.
David ******
Martin Baker I have also at LHR with Eva a few times
Thomas *******
David Burt I didn't have onward travel plan to show and was by asked by EVA at SeaTac. I explained that I would be going to Laos to get a non-o after 2 weeks and the nice lady accepted that. I didn't have time to do the initial non- o in the US after my house closed.
Michael ********
Immigration rarely, airlines often i travel a lot and get asked about 75 % of time. You will of course get all the numpties saying they have never been asked
Alan **********
Michael Dawson Why is someone a numpty for expressing their experience ?
Are YOU a numpty for expressing yours ? 🤔
Are YOU a numpty for expressing yours ? 🤔
Michael ********
Alan Rothwell its an official requirement by airlines and immigrations. So everytime this question comes up lots of numpties come along and say no need its never happened to me.
Lynnette *******
Alan Rothwell the point is, others not being asked doesn't alter facts of the official requirements. The answer has nothing to do with opinion because it IS a requirement and they COULD be asked and failure to comply can result in refused entry. That's regardless of anyone's experience.
Eileen ***********
Michael Dawson immigration asked me 4 months ago when on a tourist visa.
Ash **********
Michael Dawson untold entries, I've been asked by the airline once, and I showed my visa, my boarding pass printed.
Greg ***********
Ash Buckland the topic is not "showing a visa", the topic is a flight WITHOUT a visa (visa-exempt entry)
Paul *********
Michael Dawson 39 yearsof travellingto Thailand. Guess what 555
Michael ********
Paul Malcolm Only 38 years and been asked by airline to either show a visa or return ticket maybe 5 times this year.
Greg ***********
Paul Malcolm the topic is flying to Thailand WITHOUT a previously issued visa (visa-exempt entry)
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