Do I need to have a return flight to enter Thailand on a one-way ticket?

Thailand travel regulations Onward travel requirements Visa and immigration Flight booking advice Traveling to Thailand as a tourist

Nov 20, 2024

a day ago

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do I need to have a return flight back to the uk? Have booked a 1 way flight to Phuket for 18th April 2025 , planning on going for 7 weeks , do I have to have a return flight to prove I’m planning on going back to the UK? Heard different things off people.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When traveling to Thailand, it's advisable to have proof of onward travel, even if it's not always strictly enforced by Thai immigration. Airlines may require evidence of onward travel, which could be a return flight ticket or a ticket to another destination, such as Cambodia. Buying a cheap flight ticket that shows you intend to leave Thailand can avoid potential issues when boarding your flight and upon arrival.

Phil ******

@James *******

yes. Your airline in the UK might not let you board

a day ago

Mark ********

You can buy a cheap departing airticket to ensure you are not turned away on arrival..which ya wont be but pays to be safe. I cant remember name of the business that sells them...onward ticket or something like that. Its like 20 bucks.

a day ago

Gemma *******

@James *******

onwardticket.com

a day ago

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Mark *******

will keep my eye out thanks!!

a day ago

Reply to

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Okay , could I just book cheap flight anywhere out of Thailand such as Cambodia and they’d accept that? Realistically don’t want to be booking a flight home from somewhere in Thailand 7 weeks ahead as won’t know where we are going to end up.

a day ago

Henrik *****

You could book a flightticket that is changeable, buy be cheaper than needing to buy a new ticket close to a flightdate, which is expensive.

19 hours ago

Brandon ************

@James *******

Yes, you can do this. You can also search google for "onward travel ticket" and find many services which will essentially let you rent a real airplane ticket for about $10-$15.

a day ago

James ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

will look into that, thanks alot

a day ago

Reply to

James ********

Mark ***********

You may be asked for proof of onward travel by both your airline and or Thai immigration

a day ago

Brandon ************

Legally, proof of onward travel is a requirement to enter Thailand as a tourist.

Realistically you won't be asked by Thai immigration, though there have been more and more reports of people being asked recently.

It's your airline that is most likely to ask. So you should check what your airline's policy is for people traveling to Thailand without a visa and what proof of onward travel, if any, you need.

a day ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

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Do I need a return ticket to enter Thailand if I'm unsure of my stay duration?

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