Do you need a return flight booked for an arrival visa in Thailand?

What type of visa have you got? Tourist, Non-O?

If you are flying to Thailand on a one-way ticket, or without a visa, you can expect that the airline will ask you to provide proof of onward travel from the destination country within the expected length of stay stamped upon entry. In your case it’s a 60-days visa exempt entry.

It does not necessarily have to be the "return flight". It CAN be a return flight. But it can also be a one-way flight "out of Thailand" within the permitted period.

For example, a cheap one-way ticket with Air Asia from Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur for $35.00, is a 100% secure onward travel proof

Even if you have a visa, the airline can ask for proof of onward travel if you are leaving Thailand outside the length of stay stamped upon entry, or if you want to fly with a one-way ticket.

They "can", they don't necessarily do so. But if the check-in crew implements the rules consistently, they will definitely ask for it.

Because this IATA rule does in fact EXIST, even if many people don't believe it or want to accept it, just because they have never been asked for proof of onward travel.

The penalty for the airline that does not follow the rule is 10,000 U.S. Dollars if the passenger is rejected at the border of the destination country.

And if a flight is overbooked, the airline uses the onward travel proof as a proven means of thinning down the number of passengers. And that's what they will surely do in such a situation!

Thai immigration normally is not interested in proof of onward travel or the return flight. They only ask for it randomly - this usually happens to those entering the country who got an extensive stamp history in their passport, or passengers who turn up in ragged clothing or drunk.

The airline is only enforcing a guideline from Thai immigration. The IATA, as the highest aviation authority, has committed to applying these guidelines. And because Thai immigration has passed the check-duty to the airlines, it does not check again when you enter the country. They tacitly trust the airlines did check already

It is also important to know that many airlines do NOT accept a train or bus ticket to a neighboring country as proof of onward travel, but insist that it must be a FLIGHT ticket.

** You also often read that you can provide proof by booking a hotel in a neighboring country.

** or by presenting a visa for the neighboring country.

** or by signing a form in which you accept responsibility in the event of entry being refused.

** or by taking a speedboat ride from Koh Lipe to Langkawi.

** or a bus ticket to Cambodia

** or a train ride to Singapore

** or a cheap "onward ticket" (but at your own risk)

All of these are just half-hearted suggestions. There is NO guarantee that it will work. The airline decides whether to accept it or not

Of course there are people in every group who claim the opposite, but they can NEVER GUARANTEE their statements

Where as a “real” one-way flight ticket out of Thailand is always a 100% guarantee

Then there are people who firmly claim that the proof of onward travel does not exist, just because they have never been asked

These people can never guarantee that you will not be asked. Such a behavior is irresponsible towards those asking in FB groups

There is NO guarantee that you will not be asked at check-in. It could just as easily be the other way around and proof of onward travel will be asked.

Then you are left standing at the check-in counter and are refused boarding.

That is why I don't think it is a good idea to present your own experience as irrefutable. Thousands of travelers have been turned away in the past, and HUNDREDS face this problem EVERY day at airports around the world

What kind of proof of onward travel will be accepted, you should ask the airline, but it is best to do so in writing (email) In this case if you receive a positive reply, you can print it and take it to the check-in counter. Over the phone, airline employees sometimes tell you anything whatever comes to their mind, much of it might not be true.

Like someone else already noted: The airline might ask you for proof of onward travel out of Thailand within the period you will get stamped in upon entry.

Proof of onward travel means that airlines and governments want to make sure you are not illegally immigrating to their country, so they need to see proof of a return ticket home, or a ticket that shows you will leave their country.

What is this? Basically, some countries want to make sure you aren't attempting to move there on a tourist visa and never leave

They are trying to prevent illegal immigration.

Government officials need to see proof that you plan on flying out, respecting the rules of their tourist visa.

They want to see proof of onward travel back to your home or at least to another destination.

So while you can technically travel on a one-way ticket, they also need some kind of official ticket confirmation showing that you are leaving the country eventually.

They won’t necessarily care where that ticket goes, just as long as it’s out of their country.

Many countries actually pass this responsibility on to airlines, meaning that it’s the airline check-in desk who will ask to see proof of your onward travel before they let you board the flight.

Because if they don’t check, and allow you on the flight with a one-way ticket, but immigration officials refuse to let you in, the airline will be responsible for the costs of flying (deporting) you back to your home country. And the airline can be fined up to 10.000.- US Dollar.

Some airlines are very strict about the proof of onward travel rule.

If you can’t provide proof, you won’t be allowed to board your flight. Or they’ll ask you to buy a return ticket from them right then and there — which can often cost hundreds of dollars more than you want to spend.

Onward Travel Rules & Digital Nomads

If you’re a digital nomad too, I feel your pain. Why can’t they just make it easy and allow me to travel on a one-way ticket, trusting me when I tell them I plan to leave in two months?

Some of us prefer to travel spontaneously, without plans!

Most backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads are on a tight budget, trying to make their money last as long as possible. Or they aren’t exactly sure which country they want to visit next. Or they want to travel overland by bus.

Buying round trip tickets just isn’t in the cards for everyone.

Don’t take it personally though. These are their rules for onward travel, and we have to respect them. We have similar laws for foreigners attempting to visit our own countries.

Luckily there are a few easy (and legal) ways to get around this proof-of-onward-travel requirement, so you can travel on a one-way ticket, and not be forced to plan your entire trip down to the last detail.

How to get proof of onward travel

If you think you may need proof of onward travel during your travel adventure, there are a few legal ways to get around the rules without having to buy round trip tickets everywhere you go.

1: Buy a refundable ticket

If you don’t mind waiting a while (sometimes months) to receive a refund, buying a fully refundable second one-way return ticket is definitely possible.

To make it work, you’ll need to buy that second ticket before you leave for your destination.

Once you’ve entered the country, cancel your exit ticket, and wait for the refund.

Just make sure to read the fine print — because some airlines charge cancellation fees, or only refund tickets using flight vouchers instead of cash.

2: Rent a ticket confirmation

The safest/cheapest option is to “rent” an airline ticket confirmation from a real-life travel agency. This is what I usually do.

“onwardticket” websites are services that book a real return ticket in your name, then cancel it for you later.

It only costs something like 12-15 USD, and you’ll get your official ticket confirmation on the spot. It’s cheaper than buying your own ticket and safer than trying to forge one (don’t do that!).

3: Book with your airline Miles

If you are a travel-hacking whiz and have accumulated a ton of points or miles on your travel rewards credit cards, you can use those points to book a one-way return flight and then cancel it later.

4: Buy a cheap ticket on A Budget Airline

Extreme budget airlines around the world can have some amazing flight deals. While the airline itself might not be the best — if you don’t plan on actually using the ticket, who cares!

Find the cheapest one-way ticket to a major city in the country next door, and eat the cost. Maybe $50 or $100.

This works best in cheaper areas of the world, like Asia or Latin America. Some examples of budget airlines include EasyJet, AirAsia, Volaris, etc.

5: Buy a bus or train ticket out

Some airlines might be placated if they can see you have a bus or train ticket that leaves the country. This is obviously much cheaper to buy than a plane ticket ($50?), and you don’t even have to use it.

In my experience, sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. I think it depends on the mood of the check-in agent. It’s a risky option.

What About Forging One?

I do not recommend forging your ticket confirmation. If you get caught, it could end up badly.

Especially if you try to show a fake piece of paper to actual immigration officials rather than airline employees.

Lying to immigration officials is illegal, and could land you in jail. Some people do this, but it’s extremely risky, and can get you in a lot of trouble!

Which Countries Require Proof?

Many countries technically require proof of onward travel, however, they don’t always enforce the rule

To reduce your chances of them asking, it’s wise to avoid dressing like a bum/hippie/vagabond with no money.

A few countries definitely require documented proof of onward travel. They include New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Peru, and the Philippines.

However, depending on the airline you use, you might also get asked for proof before visiting countries like Thailand, Mexico, and Panama. Do some research on your destination country to be sure.

Or, just rent a ticket confirmation in advance, to cover your bases. It’s super cheap.

Even though this rule might seem ridiculous, if you are a backpacker or digital nomad who prefers to travel on one-way tickets, you will eventually get asked for proof of onward travel.

I’ve probably been asked at least 10 times over the past few years.

Luckily there are legal loopholes around it. You just need to remember to get everything sorted in advance before you find yourself stuck arguing with the airline check-in agent, about to miss your flight!

Ive been asked in Suvarnabhumi at immigration for proof of onward travel, 20k baht or equivalent in cash and the address I was staying at.

I was asked for proof of onward travel so yes they do ask

No, travelled to 30 plus countries, only one that required it was the good old usa

I didn't have one wasnt asked

No

The airline will likely ask for a return/onward ticket. You can also book a cheap bus ticket to a neighbouring country. I was always asked for it when departing from Paris to Bangkok.

I've never been asked to show a return ticket, but you are at the mercy of the immigration officer you are standing in front of