Do I need to book a return flight before traveling to Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption with an open return ticket?

Dec 15, 2021
3 years ago
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
A question about coming in on 30day exempt with one way ticket. I have Pass etc and due to fly next week, and have an open return ticket from cancellation earlier this year. Plan to extend to 60 day and thats in my Thailand Pass. Do I need to book return date bf travel?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is inquiring about the necessity of booking a return flight prior to traveling to Thailand on a 30-day visa exemption with a one-way ticket. Several comments indicate that airlines may require proof of onward travel to board the flight. Some users mention having to show return tickets or cash reserves when asked by airline staff, while others suggest contacting airlines for their specific policies regarding booked return tickets when traveling under the visa-exempt category. Overall, it appears prudent to secure a booked return flight before check-in to avoid potential issues.
Robert *******
OFFICIAL: Immigration is allowed to ask each and every visitor:

1. Proof of accommodation

2. Proof of finance, 20.000 Thb in cash a person or 40.000 Thb in cash as family

3. Proof of onward travel.

That you never get stopped or asked HAS nothing to do with rules, regulations and laws, it was just your lucky day.

Your choice to follow the rules and be prepared or face the consequence's.
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Martin ********
i was in the same situation, the day before my flight cathay airways called me and asked me about my return flight, i told them i dont need it, and they made me show about 600usd in cash in order to board.
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martin *******
that's interesting. I can show I have funds etc. Guess shd book the return - if mods keep thread open til xmas will report back on check in experience.
Martin ********
@Will *****
they wanted to see the cash... worked for me.
Kathy ********************
I have been asked twice to show my departure prior to the 30 day visa exempt runs out. The gate didn’t care that I planned to get an extension. I had to buy a “throw away” ticket at the gate to be allowed to board 🤦‍♀️. Both times they were Asian airlines as connecting flights
James ********
I removed two sarcastic replies and muted the poster.

If you have something POSITIVE to contribute..Say it.
Ellie *******
As long as you have a Thai Pass approved, You wouldn't have much problem at passport control at the arrival airport.

It's more like a problem when you are checking into the airline without a booked outbound ticket intending to enter Thailand on a visa-exempt scheme. Maybe better to ask your airline.
Daniela *********
@Ellie ******
Thai airways answered to me : We don't know, depends from the immigration 😅
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
One last question, if I book the return it'll be approx 55 days after arrival. The date shdnt be an issue with airline at check in I guess?
Ellie *******
@Will *****
It depends on your airline. You need to check with yours. Some airlines don't care much about the date on the outbound ticket as long as you have a booked ticket, but some are strict and require you to have the ticket within the first stamp.
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
well that's impossible for me to do because scoot don't reply to messages. Hmm I cd end up changing dates twice, the price of a ticket.

Cd apply for evisa but then I'm not sure that's on pass.

Thanks for replying, IL try and figure it out. Maybe book the return literally at check in.
Benjamin ******
@Simon *******
That's not the question being asked
Simon ********
@Benjamin *****
chill..misread
Ellie *******
@Simon *******
OP isn't asking about the extension of stay
Will ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thanks so maybe I better just call Emirates and get return date booked bf travel.
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