thailand
Ask question

Do I need to purchase actual flights out of Thailand for my METV application, or is an onward flight sufficient?

METVVisa RequirementsOnward TravelAirline PoliciesVisa ExtensionsFlight BookingThailand Immigration
Sep 9, 2023
a year ago
Julie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi. We've finally booked our flights - we were waiting to see if the prices dropped at all, but, not a chance! We're going to be applying for an METV and I've already received great advice from this group. One thing I'd like to check though - when we're booking our flights out of Thai within the first 60 days, have I heard correctly that it's no longer possible to use an 'onward flight ' as proof you're leaving and returning? Do we have to actually purchase flights in and out? Thank you.
2,294
views
6
likes
54
all likes
18
replies
0
images
13
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the necessity of providing proof of onward travel when applying for a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) for Thailand. Most comments suggest that while onward flight reservations may have been accepted in the past, it is now safer to purchase a real flight ticket, as airlines have tightened their policies. Many users recommend booking a cheap one-way ticket to a nearby destination, like Malaysia, to ensure compliance with visa requirements.
Victoria *******
Last year I was asked to show flight out and back in but this time I was not asked
a year ago
Like
Reply
Paul ***************
Hmmm I've never been asked, must be my charm😎
a year ago
Like
Reply
Steve *******
Any onward travel is acceptable
a year ago
Like
Reply
Peter *******
Do you know how long your going to stay ?

I come in with a tv60 knowing I’m going to extend with a 30 day. I book a return flight from the UK with Quatar airways for 90 days never been a problem
a year ago
Like
Reply
Julie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ******
 6 months approximately. We arrive on 1st November. Depart on 27th April...
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Julie **********
Reply
John **********
In order to get an METV you need to show why you need one. So you need your initial flight, travel to somewhere else and then a return from there to Thailand again. There are many reports of only an SETV being issued if you do not do this and the embassy keeping the difference in price.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
I just heard that there cracking down on onward flights it’s your airline that will require it your most likely going to extend 30 days so I would book a cheap bus ticket to Cambodia
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Bob *********
 bus tickets are a no no and not accepted 99% of the time

FYI onwardflights.com is a rel ticket not just a reservation, ur issued the code
a year ago
Like
Reply
Richard *********
its a REAL booking with a real code
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Richard ********
 for $15 real ???
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Bob **********
Reply
Gregor **********
@Bob *********
 there is no guarantee an airline will accept a bus ticket for an onward travel proof, because they could say that the bus will only get you to the border but not across it 😃 The only safe and 100% guaranteed onward travel proof is a "real" cheap one way ticket out of Thailand. You can use Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur as a perfect proof. Why do we hear about "onwardtickets" soon to get refused? Because they are not "real" flights but just reservations, one can clearly sort them out in the TIMATIC system, and since the beginning of the year the fine for violating IATA rules has risen five-fold, it can be up to 10.000.- USD per case.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Bob **********
@Gregor *********
 buy the ticket all the way to Phnom Penh but with a METV I doubt they’ll be asked
a year ago
Like
Reply
Gregor **********
@Bob *********
 yes, you could be right, normally when you hold a valid visa, the airline doesn't ask for an onward travel proof. However I guess the ticket "within 60 days" is needed for the METV visa application, which is a whole different story
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gregor **********
Reply
Nongnuch ********
a real flight ticket out of Thailand will always & guaranteed be accepted as onward travel proof. Likewise I would book a cheap one-way ticket with Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur, which sometimes can be booked for just 33.- USD
a year ago
Like
Reply
Derek ***********
@Nongnuch *******
 excellent suggestion
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Derek ***********
Reply
Leigh *****
I booked an outward flight to Malaysia on the first 60 days for my metv application
a year ago
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
Onward flights are actual flights. You can even search the airline system and find them. But they're only valid until the agency cancels them and how long that is will depend on the options you pay for when you purchase the onward ticket.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Julie **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 thank you so much. I wasn't sure about that.🙏
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Julie **********
Reply
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
Do I need a return flight within 60 days for a multiple entry Thailand visa (METV)?
36 comments
3 months ago
Do I need an outbound plane ticket to apply for a tourist visa to Thailand?
23 comments
6 months ago
What are the requirements for obtaining a multiple entry visa to Thailand when traveling without a return ticket?
40 comments
7 months ago
Do I need to book flights for all entries and departures when applying for a multi-entry tourist visa to Thailand?
8 comments
7 months ago
What are the requirements for applying for a tourist visa or METV in Thailand, particularly regarding proof of air tickets?
9 comments
9 months ago
Do I need an additional flight ticket after my METV visa application in Thailand?
6 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements for exit plane tickets when applying for a METV in Thailand?
6 comments
a year ago
Do I need to book a flight out of Thailand during my initial visa stay if my return is for next May?
12 comments
a year ago
Do I need a throwaway flight to apply for a 60-day SETV to Thailand?
9 comments
a year ago
Can I apply for a multiple entry tourist visa (METV) to Thailand without showing a return flight confirmation?
3 comments
a year ago
What are some suggestions for obtaining a cheap onward travel ticket for a Thai tourist visa application?
56 comments
a year ago
What do I need to know about traveling on a METV and extensions in Thailand?
10 comments
a year ago
Do I need evidence of onward travel when flying to Thailand with a 60-day Tourist Visa?
51 comments
3 years ago
Is proof of onward travel required for a Single Entry Tourist Visa in Thailand?
6 comments
4 years ago
Will my one-way ticket to Thailand with a METV cause issues during immigration or with the airline?
3 comments
5 years ago
Do I need to book an outgoing flight from Thailand within 60 days or 6 months for a multiple entry tourist visa?
18 comments
5 years ago
What Can I Use as Proof of Exit for My Thailand Visa Application?
3 comments
5 years ago
Do I need to show a flight for onward travel when applying for a SETV in Kuala Lumpur?
0 comments
6 years ago
Is a flight ticket within 90 days acceptable for proof of onward travel when applying for a Thai tourist visa?
10 comments
6 years ago
Do you need to show an onward ticket every 60 days when on a METV in Thailand?
17 comments
6 years ago
What are my options for proof of onward travel when applying for a visa to stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
39 comments
6 years ago
What are the flight reservation requirements for applying for a METV to Thailand?
14 comments
7 years ago
Do I need to show proof of onward travel with a METV for entry into Thailand?
8 comments
7 years ago
Will I need to provide proof of onward travel when entering Thailand with a METV?
7 comments
7 years ago
Do I need to buy two onward tickets for my Thai visa application and entry?
20 comments
8 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.