Do I need to book a return flight to enter Thailand on a tourist visa?

Nov 6, 2023
a year ago
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all can anyone help me with this question please,

I want to fly to Thailand but I don’t won’t to book a return flight will I have a problem with this?
2,750
views
2
likes
62
all likes
29
replies
0
images
19
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers to Thailand may face issues if they do not book a return flight, especially if entering without a visa or on a tourist visa. Many airlines require proof of onward travel and have been known to deny boarding without it. Immigration officials in Thailand may also ask for return flight information upon arrival. Having a long-term visa often alleviates this requirement, but it is essential to verify the airline's policy beforehand, as experiences may vary widely.
Regina **********
Visa exempt last 2 trips I had to show the onward flight- Thai Airways
Shane *******
I had no problem flying one way from UK to Thailand on 30 day entry visa no questions asked but sometimes they do
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shane ******
who did u fly with
Shane *******
@Debbie ******
Thai airways
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shane ******
ok thanks
Steve *********
Been 9 times in last 25 months ( from Uk. ) never been asked for return ticket
Luc ************
@Steve ********
you never stay longer then 30 days.
Steve *********
Brandon ************
@Steve ********
that means nothing because you haven't listed what visa you're traveling on, what airport you're flying from, and what airline you're using.
Daniel ************
if you have a visa - no
David *********
The airlines when you check in for your flight if you do not have travel booked out of your destination will require proof that you have a right for long stay in that country. This can be a retirement visa, citizenship or right for long term stay. At your destination immigration can ask you for your outbound travel. If you do not have proof of outbound travel you can be denied entry. If you are denied entry it is the airlines responsibility to put you on the next available return flight. The airline is the one that has to pay for the ticket and airline can be fined or worst case have their landing rights taken away if they have to many infractions of not checking passengers properly when they checkin.
Lee ********
I came here last month from Arizona. Round trip ticket 35 days out for return. Delta Airlines asked for my visa. I told them visa exempt for 30 days and would get an extension. They put in a call to a supervisor who okayed it.
Seb ***********
Perhaps. Book a cheap air asia flight to Cambodia and cancel it on arrival
Jeffrey *******
Flying Korean Airlines three months ago...one way tic and never asked for a return flight. Depends on the airline, and maybe other factors too.
Nigel *********
@Jeffrey ******
did you come in on visa exempt?
Jeffrey *******
Paul ********
Times have changed, I came here in 86 on a one-way ticket with 100 quid, ....still here 🕶
Jacob ********
Yes and why?
Richard *********
Maybe on check in if u dont have a visa> If going for the visa exempt use

**************************
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
have u used this yourself
Richard *********
@Debbie ******
twice in the past year
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
ok do you book this days or weeks before needed
Clive *********
Immigration stopped me to check my return flight details had to prove that had an e-ticket for return journey
Cliff *********
If going visa exempt you may have problems with the airline and/or immigration. I have been asked for this several times in the past year.

So be prepared to possibly get sent home….
Will ************
If you don’t have a long term visa then you will have problems at your point of departure
Peter *********
Yes
Brandon ************
Depends on what visa you'll have when you fly. If you have a long term visa non-immigrant visa then onward travel from Thailand is not required.

If you're flying with a tourist visa or no visa, your airline might require you to show proof you're leaving Thailand in 60 or 30 days or they won't let you board your flight. Contact them to find out their policy.
Debbie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
flights from uk on just entry Visa would it count if I book a room in Cambodia as this is what I won’t to do, could I use this as proof of leaving Thailand 
Brandon ************
@Debbie ******
booking a room in another country isn't proof of leaving. You need to show a ticket out of Thailand to another country.
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