Do You Need a Return Ticket When Arriving on Visa Exempt in Thailand?

Visa Exempt Airline Policies Immigration Rules

Nov 19, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Do you need a return ticket, if you arrive on VISA EXEMPT ? or does a ticket out of thailand is sufficient?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When arriving in Thailand on a Visa Exempt, having a return or onward ticket can be required by airlines and immigration officials, but experiences vary widely. While formal requirements state that passengers without onward or return tickets may be refused entry, many travelers report never being asked for such proof by immigration officers. However, some have faced scrutiny at check-in by their airline, particularly if their stay exceeds 30 days. Overall, it is advisable to have an onward or return ticket, especially to avoid issues with airline check-in.

Michael *********

Earlier this year when I entered on visa waiver during a stopover for a day immigration at DMK asked me for proof of onward travel out of Thailand and further for onward travel out of the next country which was Vietnam. They really wanted to see my ticket going from Vietnam to Taiwan. Funny thing was the next stop was Vienna and the clerk asked me why I would go to Taiwan for just a few hours before going back to Vietnam. I explained the difference between Vienna and Vietnam and made her smile.

5 years ago

Michael ********

You usually don't need an onward ticket or return ticket when you arrive. But you might need it before you check in to leave your home country ;)

5 years ago

John ******

Airline can refuse you, immigration can. Lat time i was flying with lufthansa they required to see my visa. Have a non o 1 year so no problem.

5 years ago

Martin *******

Since my first visit to Thailand in 1996, on Visa Exempt, Tourist Visas and lately Non O based on marriage, averaging 3 visits a year, I have NEVER been asked for an onward or return ticket by an Immigration Officer. It has been a different story at check-in at Glasgow, all visits over 30 days have been queried by the staff. KLM were once on the verge of refusing me on a Visa Exempt, saying you can't stay 31 days, until I pointed out that I didn't get there until tomorrow !

5 years ago

Mikko **********

@Martin ******

I've been asked to show onward ticket twice at Suvarnabhumi airport while entering Thailand. So occasionally they do ask for a ticket.

5 years ago

Reply to

Mikko **********

Steve *********

A common misconception. As an airline employee and Visa-checking specialist, I can confirm that the wording in TIMATIC (the reference book used by all airlines) is "passengers without an onward or return ticket may be refused entry".

5 years ago

Patrick ******

One can learn something new every day. 😀😀

5 years ago

Reply to

Patrick ******

Robert *******

The airline company can ask for onward travel within 30 days, Immigration can also ask this but normally no problem if the ticket is within 60 days as Immigration knows you can Extend your stay.

5 years ago

Bert *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks. i heard on other forum some untrue information about needing a RETURN ticket on visa exempt, and only a TICKET OUR OF THAILAND on a tourist visa.

so this was untrue information now it seems. thanks

5 years ago

Reply to

Bert *******

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Do I need a return ticket or is a bus ticket sufficient when entering Thailand on a visa exemption?

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