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Do I need to book a return ticket before my visa exemption expires or before my extension would expire?

Visa ExtensionVisa ExemptionThailand ImmigrationProof of Onward TravelTravel TipsExpat Life in Thailand
Sep 23, 2024
6 months ago
Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
i went to extend my visa exemption today and I was told to come back with a booked return ticket.

do i need to book a return ticket for before my original exemption expires or for before the extension would expire?

UPDATE: It was before the extension would expire, booked a ticket with for 1 day before the extension would expire, problem solved - hopefully that helps someone else in my situation.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user initially sought clarification on whether a booked return ticket was required before their original visa exemption expired or before the extension would expire. An update revealed that the ticket should be booked before the extension expires. The discussion included various suggestions and insights from other users regarding ticket requirements and alternative travel options.
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Michael *******
There are a number of sites on line that will give you a ‘dummy’ ticket that will serve your purpose, $12 I think , can’t recall the one I used but very efficient and user friendly can dig it out if you need, pm me
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
*************************


however i am enquiring about the date the ticket needs to be booked for
6 months ago
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Michael *******
Just before your visa expires , it will seem odd to immigration that you “plan” overstay 🤔
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
i dont 'plan' to overstay i plan to get an extension lol
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
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Robert *****
Just buy a bus ticket to Lao for $12. It doesn’t have to be an airline ticket.
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ****
 not what I asked
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
i was asking when the ticket needs to be shown to be booked -before the original expiration date or before the date the extension would expire?
6 months ago
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Jamie ******
@Jake **********
 before the original expiration date
5 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
nope it was before the extension expiry, all sorted now :)
5 months ago
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Jake ***********
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Greg ***********
@Jake **********
 it's exactly the solution to the question you asked. It needs to be proof of onward travel exiting Thailand
6 months ago
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Greg ***********
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Guddu *************
Return ticket close to intended extension expiry.
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Guddu ************
 thank you
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
this was the correct answer all sorted, thank you :)
5 months ago
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Jake ***********
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Lewis ********
Instead of buying a flight ticket you won’t use, get the ferry to Samui for the day and do it there
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lewis *******
 cheaper and easier to get a ticket
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
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Brandon ************
A ticket out before your original stamp would mean you don't need an extension, so that doesn't make much sense.
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 many things don't make sense here 🤣
6 months ago
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Declan **********
@Brandon ***********
 TiT though... TiT 🫣🤣
6 months ago
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Declan **********
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Damian ******
You still need to leave Thailand when your extension stays, so maybe you can just buy a ticket. But if you really don't want you can get an onward ticket, ex:
************************************
6 months ago
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Jacques *****
@Damian *****
 onward is the way to go
6 months ago
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Jacques *****
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Todd *********
Wow. Interesting…
6 months ago
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Stuart *********
Ok that’s sounds weird. What office were you using? You generally don’t need a flight ticket to get an extension.

You may if you’ve already had an extension and are applying again (which will be refused and you get a 7 day stamp).
6 months ago
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Bucky ********
@Stuart ********
 New Visa requirements start Dec 1
5 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Bucky *******
 You seem to be referring to the ETA requirement that may happen on Dec 1st. There have been press reports of this, but like many instances press reports aren’t law and are quite often way off base. We will have to wait until there is anything officially announced.

It may happen, but it may not.
5 months ago
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Stuart *********
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 phangan. Haven't had an extension yet on this entry. He said it's because I have a lot of stamps.
6 months ago
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Stuart *********
@Jake **********
 Ok. That office is known to be a bit of a “rogue”. I’ve not heard of anyone needing a flight ticket out for a “normal” extension but each office may dictate their own rules.
6 months ago
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Stuart *********
I’m not at all sure it would help if you asked to speak to a supervisor. A flight ticket out is not a requirement for a “normal” 30 day extension off a tourist visa or visa exempt entry.

You may find that going to Samui or Surat Thani to get the extension would be an easier process. Come to the Phuket office and you won’t be asked.
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 it's no problem I will just rent an onward ticket just need to confirm what date. Should have asked when I was there but was in a hurry
6 months ago
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Jake ***********
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