Do I need to show proof of onward travel to enter Thailand without a visa?

Nov 26, 2017
7 years ago
Hi folk, we are flying to Bangkok then planning to travel around south east asia with no fixed dates.

I understand we can come into Thailand for 30 days without a visa... do we have to show proof of a departure flight?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The general consensus from community experiences is that while it is possible to enter Thailand without showing proof of onward travel if you're arriving from certain countries, it largely depends on the airline and specific immigration authorities. Many users have reported entering Thailand without being asked for a departure flight, while others have faced requests depending on the country of origin and airline policies. It's recommended to check with your airline to avoid any issues at boarding.
Amornrat **********
I close comments. I will go through and delete hate post. If you can not keep it straight go to Thai Visa or other groups.
Alan ******
I would say yes and at immegration they ask you where is your place of stay etc, there really good xx
Alan ******
Your 30 day on your passport is actually 29 because your losing a day flying over, my local Thai consulate advised me , for £25 you can have a 60 day visa on your passport, better to be safe than sorry 😉
Alan ******
My friend I'm not a troll and that comment upset me, we all have our opinions and we're not all perfect, you mentioned time zones, flight times, arrival, I never mentioned any of these comments, anyway it's my bedtime mate , good chat ☺️
Alan ******
It would be very difficult to fly from the UK and not lose a day to Thailand, I wish I could show you my passport as proof.
Ivan ************
@Al**
maybe you are just trolling, I am just trying to explain this as it is a common source of confusion, 30 days is 30 days but you have to count both the day you arrive and the day you leave in that 30 days, it's as simple as that and has nothing to do with anything else, time zones, length of your flight, the views of the consulate in Cardiff or your expat mates.
Alan ******
Have you been drinking the Thai whiskey
*****
Ivan ************
@Al**
no, that's irrelevant. All that matters is what day it is *in Thailand* when you stamp into Thailand. How long your flight took to get here or how many time zones or days it took or where you came from is completely irrelevant. You could get a boat here and take three weeks and you would still get 30 days on arrival.
Alan ******
Yes mate and it says +1day so it means flying from the UK we're actually losing a day , that's why it's 29 days.
Ivan ************
@Al**
the time difference makes NO difference, it's irrelevant. Yes the 30 days is a single entry.
Alan ******
Time difference ok, and the lol 30 days is a single entry?
Ivan ************
@Al**
how many days are there in a week? The way you put it is misleading, suggesting you "lose a day" because of the long flight from the UK. That's not the reason. It's simply counting the number of days. It makes no difference if you get on the flight from the UK the day before, or take a 1 hour flight the same day from Malaysia, or cross over a land border same day from Laos or Cambodia... in every case, you will get the same 30 days starting the day your passport is stamped. The law says 30 days, everyone gets 30 days, and the people who think it is 29 days are simply counting wrong. Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun - how many days is that? 6 or 7?
Alan ******
So how do you explain this when I know IV been veted in imagragion at survanarboon.
Alan ******
@Ivan ***********
my Thai consulate in Cardiff Wales told me numerous times, and all my expats friends agree with me , anyway it's a subject that all could talk about for a long time, xx
Ivan ************
@Al**
the law says 30 days and 30 days is what you get. She can go out into Burma and return by land twice per year without issue without a visa, I did it myself twice this year. She can extend the 30 days to 60 in Thailand as well if she needed to. I agree with you the METV saves a lot of hassle and is very advisable if you think you want to stay longer than three months but she only wants to stay 3-4 weeks so she really doesn't need it. The site you quoted above is not the Thai consulate, it's some random blog that like many misunderstands how to count visa days.
Alan ******
@Ivan ***********
I'm just stating what the law says, uk and Thailand mate, thanks for the education ok.
Alan ******
Ok mate but it's what my local Thai consulate briefs me on every time I visit Thailand , and if
@Karen *****************
has a 30 day stay,lol it's called a one entry so if she goes out of the country , say Burma the chances are they won't let her back into Thailand, etc, personally I would get a multi visa for a year, it's 125 pound and there's now worries about crossing borders , I hope this has been a help xx
Ivan ************
@Al**
the way that site puts it is misleading, it's not "actually just 29 days". It's 30 days. It's just that people count that 30 days wrong.

Put it this way: if you arrive on a Monday, and stay until Sunday, how many days is that? It's 6 nights but it's 7 days, and it is the days that are being counted. Any part of a day counts. The point is you can't just add 30 to the date you arrive, but that doesn't mean it's "officially" one thing and "actually just" another, it means that people can't count right.

This isn't a Thailand thing, every other country counts their visas the same way. It's just people don't realise how to count it. I don't blame them either it's not immediately obvious if you don't think about it and the natural thing is just to "add" the 30 days. But that would mean you would be 31 days in the country.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
The issue isnt staying in Thailand longer, we only want to stay 3 or 4 weeks and then leave overland, not on a flight
Alan ******
Do you agree mate, I was only told this last year and I was surprised.
Alan ******
Ivan ************
A better way of putting it is that the day you arrive in the country is day 1, not day zero. You don't "lose a day" flying over, it starts from when your passport is stamped in Thailand and when you got on the plane is irrelevant. But many people just add 30 to their arrival date, not counting it (1+30=31).
Michael **********
The answer is no. I have flown into Bangkok several times three and four weeks at a for vacations. Never had any problems. Always a one way ticket to Bangkok. When I was ready to come home I purchased a ticket back to the US.
Jim *******
When was that dated Tony?
Jim *******
@Tony ********
. That's a given right there for sometime now.
Tony *********
Jim *******
Not I.
Tony *********
That photo is on thia visa advice on the photo page.

what I said I got of the thai customs page
Jim *******
@Jonathan ***************
. Was that at Swampy? Nothing is getting easier.
Jonathan ****************
I actually saw signs like that when I arrived on Friday. Cant remember the exact wording of them though - wish Id taken a picture.
Jonathan ****************
Yet another personal anecdote:

I just flew in to Bangkok from Cape Town, South Africa (and a layover in Dubai), with Emirates. I wasnt asked for proof of onward travel at any point - and I was travelling into Cambodia via bus, so not exactly fail-safe.

Id heard stories of people being denied boarding, Id heard stories of people denied at passport control in Thailand, Id heard stories about people getting through without any problems whatsoever. No one can tell you for sure, and it seems to be a roll of the dice as to which situation it will be with you.

Good luck either way, and have a blast :)
Kari ********
Because he's a grade A degenerate sexpat.
Jonathan ****************
What the hell is your problem Ron? She pointed out that the company had closed and had a horrible reputation - why are you attacking her??
Ron *******
And another thing. Tell her not too send me message requests. I'm not interested in her.
Kari ********
Yeah real classy Ron. Your ass has been reported and blocked. Asshole!!!
Ron *******
Don't try and be clever with me you silly bitch.

You knew exactly what you was doing.

Your not that smart or you would teaching in the US rather than here like the rest of the failures that cannot get a job back where you came from.
Kari ********
Thanks,
@Jonathan ***************
. Some people. SMDH
Jonathan ****************
Ron...she literally posted a link to a review website that said fly onwards is a terrible company. She is not promoting them - she is warning people to stay away from them. Im not sure where the confusion is coming in?
Kari ********
AGAIN!
Kari ********
Yeah looks like I'M the one posting it.
Kari ********
Right 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Ron *******
I need to read nothing carefully. Your posting links helping people to buy fake tickets.
Kari ********
@Ron ******
I posted links that showed Fly Onward is NOT reliable in response to people who were promoting them. Read carefully next time before you start accusing!!!
Ron *******
But your quite happy to post links to fake ticket sites?
Kari ********
It truly is a roll of the dice. Up to OP whether she wants to play Russian Roulette. Me personally, I would hate to stand in that immigration queue and sweat as if I've a kilo of blow up my arse. 😂
Tony *********
Ivan ************
@Ka***
the Thai law also says you will not be admitted if you show "hippy characteristics" or wear a Chang singlet. The law is selectively enforced as an excuse to deny entry against people they think are living here, it is highly highly unlikely you will be asked to show money if you do not have a history of living in Thailand on tourist visas. I'd put it at higher than 1 in a million chance.
@To**
is scaremongering. I have been here a lot and I would personally carry the money because I have been here a lot but if you have not been here before really not necessary. He is however correct that it is the law, so if you want to be 100% make sure you have an onward ticket (bus is OK), the money in cash (note it doesn't have to be THB, equivaent in any major currency is OK), and get a damn haircut

*********************************************************************************************
Tony *********
Maybe you will get asked to show it maybe not.
Tony *********
That's what it says
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
You have to have that amount with you on arrival?
Jim *******
Some of those options are highly illegal and I'd imagine, could land one in trouble even before take off.
Jim *******
Craig Ritchie. That's not a tv,it's a visa exempt you're talking about.
Craig *********
Believe it...no boarding passes are issued if arriving on a 30 day without proof of departure within 30 days
Tony *********
Don't be so sure.

Thailand Coustom Rules.

For holder's of transit visa who can obtain on arrival up toTHB
*****
per person. or THB
*****
per family.

For holder's of tourists visa's up to THB
*****
per person. or THB
*****
per family.
Craig *********
Must show the ticket agent your departure ticket from thailand within 30 days of arrival or no boarding pass will be given
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Visa exempt and tourist visa both require an onward flight I believe. We just want to travel around Thailand for 4 weeks max then leave overland. Is that not possible?
Jim *******
Karen, it's a visa exempt!
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry, getting mixed up with the Vietnam visa! In Thailand it,s visa on arrival, but still need an onward flight
Jim *******
@Karen *****************
. Didn't know that they sold E visa yet.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Both visa exempt and evisa are for 30 days with onward flight I believe
Jim *******
Craig, a tv is good for 60 days so one would hardly be expected to show an onward ticket after just 30,would they?!
Jim *******
@Craig ********
. What does?
Craig *********
Only applies to canadians & americans flying direct to suvarnabum
Tony *********
Graham *******
Yes
Tony *********
And your ment to have
*****
thai bart or the equivalent in your own currency.
Velle ***********
They won't let you on the plane in the boarding country.

Thailand does not check depending on which country you are flying from. Most countries do check. The airport staff makes sure you have an onward flight before giving you a boarding pass.
Jim *******
It removes any responsibility from the airline
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
What,s that?
Velle ***********
@Jim ******
. Good idea that one
Jim *******
I've had a visa everytime, and was asked only once leaving NZ,and by what seemed to be new check-in person.Just explained that the Thai embassy sold it to me having viewed my itinerary. Not a problem then. There's always the option of signing a waver too.
Velle ***********
So maybe they are one of the countries that don't check or the staff was not trained. Good to know
Rocky ***************
That's not true. I left Malaysia, went into Thailand without presenting them any return flight. I left Canada, flew to Thailand, and they did not ask for a return flight.
Rocky ***************
I just got stamped in from Malaysia last month. They did not ask for a return flight. I was at Chiang Mai airport. But, I had the AirAisa app open with a cheap flight ready, on my phone in case I had to book it. It was smooth as silk. I remember thinking, "That's the easiest immigration stamp I've ever had". 30 days, done.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was thinking of getting a cheap flight to Vietnam and then if we decided to leave overland, not to use it and cut the loss
Tony *********
Don't lose your phone karen
Robert *******
Some get asked, others not. So you have two options: Option 1 just go without proof of onward travel in 30 days or Option 2 buy a ticket to the next destination in 30 days. In case of getting asked, option 1 will give problems option 2 is just show the ticket and of you go. With how much luck and/or problems you like to start your holiday, a time to relax and have fun?
Tony *********
When are you going to Thailand and when do you plan to leave ?

without a return ticket home you could have a problem getting a flight out of Thailand in the new year.

probably fully booked.

then your stuck in Thailand visa running out and you will have to do a border run to get another 30 day stamp.

why not get a return ticket and a 60 day visa in your own country ? planning your stay is better.

don't be in Thailand without a valid visa.
Tony *********
I was in Thailand for over 7 month's and changed the ticket. You could get in with out a return maybe maybe not.

You might be able to get on your flight maybe maybe not.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We dont want to be in Thailand more than a month, we just want to be flexible and have the option of leaving overland
Tony *********
You can always change your ticket I did
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We arent in our home countries to get the visas
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We will leave Thailand i less than a month, but dont want to be flexible and not tied to a flight if possible
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are travelling for a few months, so are leaving India, flying to Thailand, then want to travel overland to Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, possibly Cambodia
David ********
I’ve never been asked but I know people who’ve been asked for onward travel in their home port
Brian ******
Ive had no problems entering snd leaving thailand for less than 30 days as long as you have outbound flight ticket
Velle ***********
People should do a search in the group before asking.

This has been asked so many times in this group.

And the 20k question.
Velle ***********
Didn't mean to be rude. Think people can save themselves lots of time by searching.

Nothing to me or anybody to just answer again and again.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry, just joined the group and did scroll down loads of questions without seeing this one
Mark *********
Yes I got asked on Tuesday when checking in for my flight to BKK in Paris
Jim *******
Karen,it's good to just buy a tourist visa. Saves you worries and maybe money. Where are you departing from?
Steve *******
A TV wont save you at LHR but she's not flying from there, so might be OK
Martin *******
The KLM and Emirates check in staff at Glasgow certainly check if you are coming back more than 30 days later.
Christopher ***********
Air Europa will deny you boarding. Personal experience.
Steve *******
LHR too
Brian ********
Never been asked for proof of onward ticket flying in from Oz, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Dubai, Qatar, Germany, Holland and UK.
Dario **********
@Rob***
, also, note that Brazilian nationals get the 90 days automatically. Reciprocity. But, since I am here 10 months out of every year, I am delighted to still be a tourist!
Robert ********
Funny all the long staying tourists in this group ;-)
Bjørn *********
@Dario *********
same here. 12 years on metv and tourist 30 days.. never asked for return ticket..
Dario **********
10 years coming with METV. Never once had a return booked.
Michael ********
I have been asked a number of times from Perth Australia with Thai airways.
George ********
Flew in from Chennai in October on Thai Airways. Nobody asked. It may depend on your nationality too, as the Thai consulate in Chennai asks for it if you apply for a visa there.
Robert ********
My pleasure and safe travels.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Robert
Brian ********
I’ve been lucky over 30 times... Wow, I should start doing the lottery.
Robert ********
Karen, you should check with your airline for the most accurate answer.
Karen ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are flying in from Kochi, India
Robert ********
From which airports in those countries? Not all follow the same policies...
Jim *******
You've been lucky, that's all.
Martin *******
Arriving in Thailand should not be a problem, however, depending on where you fly from and the airline used, they may not let you board without proof of a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days.
Dario **********
I come with the Multiple Entry, and have never ONCE had a return flight booked when I arrived.
Tony *********
I do believe they will let you fly with a 60 day visa in your passport without a return ticket.

but no visa you might not get of the ground.
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