Answered2 years ago

Do we need to show onward flight tickets for a 30-day extension in Thailand?

Thailand visa 30-day extension onward flight requirement visa policy for New Zealand passport holders tourist visa Air Asia

Brittany ********

asked Apr 30, 2024

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Hello, my husband daughter and I fly into Bangkok mid June

We will have 30days on arrival (NZ passports) - will we need to show leaving flights if we plan on getting a 30day extension at immigration? (60days total)

Don't want to pay for leaving flights we won't use if we are extending

Thank you 🙌

Answer summary

The original question is about whether a family flying into Bangkok on New Zealand passports will need to provide onward flight tickets if they plan to extend their 30-day visa upon arrival. Responses indicate that some airlines may require proof of an onward ticket regardless of the possibility of an extension. Most immigration checks this requirement are infrequent, but it ultimately depends on the airline's policy. There are also recommendations for better alternatives like applying for a 60-day tourist visa before traveling, which avoids the need for an onward ticket and is deemed more convenient.

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Henrik *****

When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ). Some immigrationoffices you need to go to twice, when making a extension.

Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.

2 years ago

Brittany ********

@Henrik ****

unfortunately for NZ it is not cheaper anymore. Extension of 1900baht is 87nzd. Where the 60day tourist visa is now 300nzd 😔

2 years ago

Brendon ******

I usually fly Air NZ or Singapore out of Auckland and both airlines always require either verification of a visa or return ticket within the 30 day visa free entry. Maybe buy a flexible return ticket - cheaper than a last minute purchase at the airport.

2 years ago

Brittany ********

Flying with Air Asia out of Malaysia if anybody has experience with them?

2 years ago

Jan ******************

@Brittany *******

I at least remember someone had problems without an onward ticket from Malaysia, but I don’t remember which airline.

2 years ago

Jan ******************

Formally an onward ticket within 30 days is required anyway. This is rarely checked at the immigration, but the issue could be your airline. I’ll suggest you call them and ask if you plan to go without any ticket.

@Brittany *******

It would be cheaper and less hassle if you just apply online for a 60 days tourist visa before you leave.

2 years ago

Brittany ********

@Jan *****************

thank you for advice but only want to be there 2months and it's far cheaper to pay to extend than it is to pay for tourist visa for 3ppl

2 years ago

Jan ******************

@Brittany *******

I see now. We just pay 53 NZD for single entry tourist visa in Norway. Then a cheap onward ticket bought online is far cheaper.

This is from the embassy in Norway, it’s equal in London, but there’s no official statement regarding this. It’s several ways to “leave” Thailand and I know people are allowed check in just with a bus ticket bought online from Nong Khai to Vientiane. I know someone also was allowed check in Malaysia with a bus ticket after some discussion.

As said this is rarely checked at the immigration, but the airlines can be fined and responsible for your return if formal requirements are not fulfilled. So I advise you to call your airline and ask directly. If you feel unsure a cheap flight ticket out could be a cheap insurance.

2 years ago

Wayne *********

@Jan *****************

not for nz people the cost of visa for them has skyrocketed lots complaining about the costs

2 years ago

Jan ******************

@Wayne ********

Ohh gosh I see. 300 NZD gives us 6 700 thb!! In Europe we still pay € 30-35 for a single entry, this is 12-1400 thb. Then it’s of course cheaper to buy a cheap onward ticket and do an extension, even though you’ll also need to spend some time at the immigration.

2 years ago

Wayne *********

@Phil *****

I know they are. I was replying to Jan who suggested getting a TR60. I said it was to expensive to get a visa

2 years ago

Phil ******

@Wayne ********

i think op is coming in Visa Exempt stamp so that's no cost.

@Brittany *******

'you can also extension your visa exempt stamp by 30 days. Onward travel tix the easiest if your airline whsts to see this. Good luck

2 years ago

Wayne *********

@Jan *****************

yes crazy increase. Lucky in Australia they didn't do an increase

2 years ago

Stuart *********

That’s going to be dependent on the airline you use. Some will require an onward ticket within the number of days allowed by your entry method regardless that you could get an extension. Some won’t care.

Call your airline to ask their policy. Google “onward flights” and buy a disposable ticket for around $12 if it’s an issue.

2 years ago