Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Do you need a return flight ticket for a Thai visa application?

Nov 29, 2020
5 years ago
K ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do you need to have a return date when flying for a visa? I was going to get a 30 extension and then go home then.
1,393
views
48
all likes
37
replies
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The requirement for a return ticket when applying for a visa in Thailand varies by visa type. For tourist visas, proof of a return flight is generally required, as many airlines enforce this rule before check-in. In contrast, long-term visas such as retirement or marriage visas do not require a return flight. Some travelers suggest purchasing a flexible ticket that can be canceled to meet this requirement temporarily. While there are conflicting reports about border policies, travelers emphasizing the current situation indicate it's best to check recent rules and guidelines before making travel plans.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
No. absolutely, return tickets not required for this current TV. I am proof of that. Please, will others who have recently come to Thailand on a TV without a return ticket also validate this so we can put this issue to rest.
Like
Reply
K ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Did you come on an American tourist?
Like
Reply
Reply to
K ****************
Reply
Marie **********
Can anyone tell me how this works, I have read all info on this embassy website etc on getting a tourist visa, to travel from uk. I am reading so many mixed reports that you can travel for up to 60 days on tourist visa. But iv also read boarders still closed for tourist all very confusing, I give up on what we can do and carnt do. I would like to come out in March 2021 if possible.
Like
Reply
Lance *********
@Marie *********
21 days and spending 14 of them in quarantine ? 🤔
Like
Reply
Darren ********
Hi
@Marie *********
, you can apply for 60 day tourist visa and apply for 30 day extension at immigration office , but not guaranteed to get it, I was refused extension last year and had to make a dash for a border run, ( to many tourist visa stamps & extensions in passport)
Like
Reply
Marie **********
@Darren *******
thanks for advice I would only be coming out for 21 days as a holiday
Like
Reply
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Marie *********
And do 15 nights in quaratine.
Like
Reply
Marie **********
@Edward *******
exactly no one is ever going to go back to Thailand until boarders reopen, I just feel for the economy out there, it’s so sad. Like everyone else I will have to find somewhere to start travelling to
Like
Reply
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Marie *********
What do you mean. I am in quarantine in Thailand now. Many longtermers were locked out when the pandemic hit. Also. the Chinese market before the pandemic made up 25% of the tourism market, and a significant percentage of them will be coming in, also Chinese are always looking for an exit strategy, whether for when the next virus hits, financial crisis etc. So yes, numbers won't be like before, but people are coming.
Like
Reply
Marie **********
@Edward *******
I hope so I just won’t be coming to sit in a hotel room for 2wks and all the applying for tourist visa, test etc, holidays are supposed to be something you look forward to, not having to jump through hoops to get there, it all seems like too much hard work, which is a shame as I love going to Thailand twice a year to the point we wanted to move there on a retirement visa in a couple of years.
Like
Reply
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Marie *********
Yes, I would say definitely, nowness not the time for any kind of short holiday.
Like
Reply
Darren ********
@Marie *********
, no problem I’m using a visa agent to do my visa as I’ve had no joy doing it online, just less hassle and worry
Like
Reply
Reply to
Darren ********
Reply
Jim *********
buy a tix that will let you cancel free within 24 hours (expedia) print what you need. Cancel the ticket. It's what EVERYONE does when going on border bounces
Like
Reply
David ********
More information please.

I have a retirement visa expires 27th January and a one way ticket flying in on the 10 th December.
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@David *******
Any long term visa does not require a return flight booked.
Like
Reply
Johnny ************
@Stuart ********
Does this also apply to marriage visa?
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
Like
Reply
Reply to
Stuart *********
Reply
David ********
@Stuart ********
many thanks.
Like
Reply
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Wanda ****************
Yes I needed to show return ticket to issue COE
Like
Reply
David ********
@Wanda ***************
what type of visa did you get Wanda?
Like
Reply
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Kool *******
For the tourist visa you must have a return flight booked and paid for.
Like
Reply
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
I was specifically informed I was not required and came in OK.
Like
Reply
Adrian ***************
@Kool ******
I believe the stipulation have changed to where you can apply for another 60 while inside the country but to honestly find out contact the consulate
Like
Reply
Kool *******
Adrion Darius Henry, you are talking about something completely different. The opening back up of tourist visas stipulates that they can only be extended for 30 days. This has nothing to do with people already here on amnesty extensions. People that come in on these tourist visas will not be allowed to stay longer than 90 days total. They will not be able to go on amnesty, unable to return status.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
David ********
How about a non immigrant retirement visa?
Like
Reply
Alessandro **********
@David *******
if you are qualified for a visa 1 year extension, then you need not.
Like
Reply
David ********
Like
Reply
Reply to
David ********
Reply
Ruth *******
Kool Breez do you need that for a retirement OA visa too?
Like
Reply
Kool *******
Ruth Regal, no, as you can extend your visa for another year inside Thailand, and do that again and again. You can only extend the tourist visa once for 30 days, then you must leave, and with 60 day tourist visa allowed again, they are going to be strict on that stipulation.
Like
Reply
Benjamin ******
@Ruth ******
A Non-OA visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year, and the Thai government knows that airline companies do not sell tickets one year in advance.
Like
Reply
Mel ********
@Ruth ******
just the outbound flight need for an O-A
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mel ********
Reply
Benjamin ******
What visa? A non-B, Non-O or tourist?
Like
Reply
K ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks!
Like
Reply
K ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
US Tourism Visa.
Like
Reply
Benjamin ******
@K ***************
You probably need a return date and a return flight.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Benjamin ******
Reply
Alessandro **********
Yep better to have. Many airlines are enforcing a check before check-in
Like
Reply
K ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks!
Like
Reply
Reply to
K ****************
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
The ask: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.