Do I need to book onward travel for a 60-day tourist visa if I plan to extend my stay in Thailand?

Oct 24, 2022
2 years ago
Jess ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone!

If I am applying for a tourist visa (60days) but will also apply for the 30 day extension, does my proof of onward travel need to be booked 60 days after I arrive or can it be 90 days after and I just explain that I will be applying for the extension and will leave the country after that?

Thanks!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When applying for a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand and intending to extend your stay for an additional 30 days, it's generally recommended that your proof of onward travel be booked within the initial 60 days of your visa approval. Although some travelers report success in showing tickets booked well beyond the initial visa duration, there is a risk. Airlines often require proof of onward travel before boarding, and rules can vary by airline. It's always safer to have an onward ticket aligning with your visa duration, and if you plan to extend your stay, consider flexible booking options or services offering temporary onward tickets.
Josh *********
Asked about 20% of the time.
Josh *********
Once forced to buy an online bus ticket. Another time was told to get a $5000 refundable one-way. Instead tried to book AirAsia to Singapore, but problems with connectivity at a/p. Minutes before flight, airline let us through. Had to run. Get an onward.
Terry ********
Everyone here always talks about the airline asking for proof of onward travel. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve never been asked by the airline. That was pre-covid when I was using tourist visas, so maybe things changed? On the other hand, the consulate can and will ask to see onward travel when you apply for the 60 day. Also, I always booked a flight 90 days out, no problem.
Mike ********
I always book up round trip from the day I leave. So I'm showing 90 days or more sometimes. I tell airlines I can always apply for a retirement Visa when I'm there. You can also leave the country in 45 days and return a few days later and get another 45 day's
Martin *********
You will need a return ticket date does not matter
Jess ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thanks all. I have decided to get onward travel before the 60 days is up. I am having real trouble booking a train or bus from Bangkok to Phnom Penh on the 31st January 2023. Is it too far in advance? Any help!?
Johnny *******
@Jess ***
I believe that you need to show a flight out but someone with more expertise here can confirm?
VaiAna **********
Cover your okole & have an exit strategy .
Stuart *********
Asked here every single day. No one can give you a correct answer as it’s up to your airlines policy. Ask them.

If you can’t get through to them then flip a coin. Heads you may be asked and tails you may not.
Giorgio ******
@Stuart ********
I lovethis answer . they can also try the cristal ball .

other ways to know :if they a a black cat during the day it's NO ! Idem if a snake crosses the t

road , except if it is a black and gold snake then it would be yes .

hundreds of other ways to guess . chances are generally 50% .🤣🤣
Stuart *********
Here’s my usual stock answer. Haven’t posted it for a while so it may be of interest to you and others.

If you are entering on a long term visa, like a Non O or Non OA, Non B or Thailand Elite you do not need an onward flight out from Thailand.

If on a visa exempt entry or tourist visa you may well need to have a flight ticket out of Thailand within the amount of days that your initial entry allows, regardless that you can get an extension in country. It doesn’t need to be a return ticket, any ticket out of Thailand will suffice.

In theory immigration can deny you entry if you don’t but they rarely ever would, because they know you can get an extension.

Almost always the hang up will be when you try to board your plane. Many airlines will not allow you to board without an onward ticket within the number of days.

Some will let you. Many won’t. Short haul carriers probably won’t care, but for long haul carriers they probably will. If you don’t have an onward ticket it’s the carriers responsibility (at their expense) to return you to your point of departure should immigration deny you entry for some reason.

You probably don’t want to be the one scrambling to buy an onward ticket at the check in desk. Best option is a changeable ticket, and just change the date when you’re here.

Alternatively you can Google “onward flight ticket” and you’ll find a plethora of companies willing to sell you one for around $10. A real ticket, Phuket to Singapore, would be approx £25/$35 depending on the time of year. Bangkok to Cambodia would probably be similar.

You’ll probably get a number of replies saying “I managed to enter with a one way ticket no problem, therefore you won’t have one either.” They’ve been to Thailand 20 or 30 or 100 times and haven’t been asked so they assume that no one else on the planet has ever been asked either.

When you get to the check in desk you’ll find out which way it’ll go for you. Be prepared. You might get away without one, but do you want to take that gamble?
Sri ***
After 60 days , travel onwards ticket needed
Russell *******
Hi , I booked my flight 89 days from arrival and it was accepted. That was Mexico city Thailand embassy
Brandon ************
Ask your airline. They are the only ones that might check. But generally they don't care about your plans in Thailand and an extension isn't guaranteed, so they'll want to see onward travel within the number of days you're already approved for which is 60.
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