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Do you need a return ticket to enter Thailand or can you show onward travel instead?

Visa Rules Onward Travel Thailand Immigration Business Visa Travel Requirements

May 11, 2022

3 years ago

Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi there, just wondering about a plane ticket...

We are leaving for Thailand from Europe in November and we are opening up a business. So we aren't coming back to Europe in a years time. But you can't get into Thailand on a one way ticket, right? 

So do we have to buy a return ticket and not use it? Or can we buy a flight out to the closest neighbouring country? 

TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post discusses the requirements for entering Thailand from Europe with a one-way ticket, indicating that direct return tickets may not be necessary. Several responses suggest that travelers can present onward travel tickets to nearby countries, buy refundable tickets, or purchase 'throwaway tickets' as alternatives. The necessity of having an appropriate visa is mentioned, along with the possibility of airlines checking for onward flights or return tickets at check-in.

Sean *********

You can book a outbound ticket that can be cancelled without charge if you look around. Once you land just cancel it. Job done without it costing you👍👍

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David *******

depends if you have long term visa or not, every time I come back its on a single ticket

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Danger ******

Hmmm. To be safe...buy a cheap ticket to Singapore. Malaysia. Etc

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Brett **********

Return tickets tend to be cheaper than one way anyway so you might be better off getting that. Even if it's a non refundable you should still get your taxes back if you cancel the return leg

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Pauline *******

It's the airline at check in who will ask about onward flight. As already stated if you have correct visa in place it's not a problem but bare in mind a tourist visa is issued on the understanding you will be leaving the country again so onward flight would be expected.

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Pauline ******

thanks!

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Sabine ***********

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Deanna *******

We would purchase a "throw away ticket" to Singapore or Malaysia, and just didn't use it.

But yes. You do need to show onward travel.

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Lisa ********************

Onward travel ticket is acceptable. Bus, train , plane any will do.

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Yvonne *********

Not sure but it could depend on the visa you are using to enter Thailand if you will be asked for a return flight

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Yvonne ********

thanks for the information!

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Sabine ***********

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Klaus ***********

If you open a business you are most likely return home within the following 12 month. With the question you ask it’s more likely within 6 month.

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Ken ********

You don't need a return ticket.

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

just like that? I am reading mixed signals and really wanna enter Thailand when we get there

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Dave ***********

If entering on visa exempt you should have an onward ticket. If arriving with a visa already in hand then generally not required.

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Ken ********

You don't need one. I came in visa exempt on a one way ticket. Best to call the airline before booking. I did that and they said it wasn't necessary.

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Michael ********

just because you did doesnt mean its not required. Its a pain in the @ss stuggling to get an onward ticket when airline refuse to allow you to board

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

agree, I will make sure I have an onward ticket. Better safe than sorry 😎

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Sabine ***********

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dave **********

okay, that sounds plausible. I'll look into that, thanks!

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Dave ***********

And just to say, Thai immigration at arrival don’t check for onward tickets but many of the airlines do at departure.

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Dave ***********

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Dave ***********

********************************

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hannes Torgrimsson really? Never knew this existed but thanks!

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dave **********

but that's not a real ticket.... how can it be legal? I was kinda hoping not to be arrested on arrival. 😎

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Dave ***********

it’s a real ticket - but they just hold it for you for a certain period of time and then cancel it. I’ve used them 3 times in the past but not within the last 4-5 years.

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dave **********

okay, good to know, thanks!

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Sabine ***********

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Garrett ***********

Buy a refundable ticket, cancel it once you're here.

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

But that's an option too, thanks!

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Garrett **********

yes, but we will probably have to leave the country after a year. So is it also possible to fly to the closest country? Will they take that at the border?

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Amy ******

Get a flexible ticket which allows you change the date.

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Andy ***********

if u have a non imm B or O u can travel on a one way ticket …

And you cannot run any business in Thailand on a retirement visa … u need a work permit… so u need a B visa

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy **********

yes I know but it's not in the pocket yet so I'm doing some backup research. Thanks for the info!

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Sabine ***********

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Sabine ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Not sure yet, we are going to Thailand again in July to look into things and get our company sorted with the work visas that come with it.

But worst case scenario, I am also turning 50 soon so retirement is also a backup

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Garrett ***********

@Sabine **********

What visa are you entering on, how will you stay one year?

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Garrett ***********

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The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

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