Do you need a return flight ticket to enter Thailand on a Tourist Visa after exiting with an Elite visa?

Tourist Visa Non-Immigrant O Visa Visa Rules Thailand Immigration Elite Visa Visa Exempt Entry Proof of Onward Travel Exiting Thailand

Apr 12, 2023

2 years ago

Pim *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi! Hoping to ask some advice about exiting Thailand and re-entering on a Tourist Visa (in order to apply for Non-Immigrant O Spouse Visa), without needing to show a return ticket exiting Thailand.

My partner is currently on the Thailand Elite visa expiring this year and Chaengwatthana immigration told him that he will need to exit Thailand and re-enter on a Tourist Visa (visa exempt) in order to apply for the Non-Immigrant O Spouse Visa. My question is that when he flies out Thailand and re-enters on a Tourist Visa, does he need to show a return flight ticket exiting Thailand? (So in total booking 3 trips out-in-out) or is there any other way he can change his visa to a Tourist Visa without needing to show a return flight ticket exiting Thailand?

Hope that makes sense and thank you for any advice!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the requirements for entering Thailand on a Tourist Visa after exiting the country, specifically regarding whether a return flight ticket is necessary. They mention that their partner holds an Elite visa that will expire soon and that immigration advised them to exit and re-enter on a Tourist Visa to apply for a Non-Immigrant O Spouse Visa. Commenters provide insights on potential travel methods and requirements, suggesting that while airlines might ask for proof of onward travel, alternative methods such as land entry from neighboring countries may not necessitate such documentation.

Pim *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tod ********

if we have all our documents in order, would you recommend leaving Thailand (with a still not yet expired Elite visa) applying for the Non Immigrant O Spouse Visa at another country’s thai embassy (eg Savannakhet) and re entering Thailand with the Non O?

2 years ago

Ellie *******

@Pim ************

, if he has a valid visa in his passport, the embassy/consulate wouldn't issue a new visa.

2 years ago

Pim *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ellie ******

thank you, so he would have to cancel his Thailand Elite visa, exit the country to apply for Non O, then re enter with the Non O

2 years ago

Reply to

Pim *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Then doing the 1 year extension of stay based on marriage, here in Thailand

2 years ago

Reply to

Pim *************

Pete **********

They don't have to fly. They can drive into Cambodia or laos and visit for a day or two and then come back and get tourist visa that way.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Pete *********

you can't get a tourist visa when you come back into the country at a border,

I believe you're confusing a real tourist visa <- that you can only buy at a thai consulate in another country, with a free entry stamp (called visa exempt entry) which is not a tourist visa.

You are correct they could bounce out and back by land,

BUT

unless they know what borders to use going to Cambodia they run the risk of being denied entry ESPECIALLY if they tried to bounce out and back at Aranyaprathet / Poipet

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Graham ******

Flying into Thailand either with a TR60 Tourist Visa or Visa Exempt entry there is a good chance that the airline will require proof of onward travel within 30 or 60 days. Check with them.

*****

B or equivalent is cash should also be carried in case he is challenged as well as a hotel booking.

2 years ago

Reply to

Graham ******

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