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Do you need an onward ticket to re-enter Thailand after a short trip to Vietnam?

Thailand visa rulesTourist visaOnward travel requirementsImmigration policiesAirline boarding policies
Jul 12, 2023
a year ago
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We are leaving thailand tomorrow and coming back Sunday and will get another tourist stamp but do we need to have a ticket out of thailand before we Re enter?

When we arrived the first time we weren’t asked but not sure if it is in their system. Does anyone know?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses whether it is necessary to have an onward ticket before re-entering Thailand after a brief visit to Vietnam. While some responders indicated that immigration may not check for such documentation, others suggested that airlines often require proof of outbound travel to allow boarding. Many emphasized that only flight tickets are accepted for re-entry, and bus or train tickets are not considered valid. Several personal experiences were shared, corroborating the importance of having a confirmed return ticket.
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Really appreciate the answers. We are sorted. Thanks.
a year ago
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Della ********
We were denied boarding at check-in in Madrid because we didn't have an onward ticket, so we had to leave the queue and book a flight. The lady said its needed as they can't override the computer. So wouldn't chance it...
a year ago
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Mitchell *******
My airlines usually ask me for most of my SE Asian countries. So basically, wherever I travel in SE Asia, I have a flight leaving.
a year ago
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Mitchell *******
(I have been a country hopping tourist since September.)
a year ago
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Mitchell *******
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Chris *********************
No iv come back from Vietnam 3 weeks ago no question asked. DM airport
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Oh right. We are leaving Vietnam to come back in. I’ve heard you can just book a bus ticket out doesn’t need to be an air ticket. Has anyone done that? Our travel plans aren’t confirmed so don’t really want to book a flight yet
a year ago
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Richard *********
Proof of onward transit :- long happily ignored by Thai immigration, has been known to be strictly applied in some instances (Indian passport holders beware). The requirement is for an international flight itinerary - NOT train, ferry, or other departure type

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a year ago
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Richard *********
And be aware this POOT needs to be an airline ticket, a train ticket to Malaysia doesn't count.

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a year ago
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Richard *********
OK guys believe what you want> BUT people have been refused boarding with ONLY a bus ticket out

as a bus ticket is about the same price as using onwardflights. why take the chance?

From ThaiEmbassy.com (not the official website of the Thai embassy):

They must have a confirmed return ticket to show that they are flying out of Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar, etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand. You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you will be most likely to be refused entry.
a year ago
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Stephen *******************
@Shar ******
 Do not risk saying I will buy a bus/train ticket out of Thailand when your visa expires- IT does NOT work anymore the immigration and airline staff are not stupid !

But a ticket on Expedia and use the 24 hr option to cancel , that way you have a proof of a ticket out of Thailand and it costs you nothing to cancel it 👍
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Shar ******
 not true, must be a flight out

Use onwardflights.com
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Richard ********
 Incorrect, any onward travel leaving the Country will satisfy airlines and Thai Immigration, it doesn't have to be a flight.
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
@Richard ********
 when was that rule made? Used to be proof of leaving the country by whatever method.
a year ago
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Todd *********
@Lynnette ******
 there is no such rule. He has no idea.
a year ago
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Todd *********
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
 thanks
a year ago
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Shar *******
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David *******
The airline might insist on one before letting you board. It’s very unlikely that Thai immigration will ask.
a year ago
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Michael ********
I have found its the airlines that stop you boarding rather than immigration hassles.

Immigration will normally only insist if you have been flagged in there system
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
Tourist stamp? Visa or an exempt. .
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 I mean the 30 day stamp you get when you enter for tourists.
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 visa exempt. If no onward flight within 30 days, airline might question that.
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 thanks so much
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 there's a site does "onward ticket" for a few dollars. If you need proof of departure.
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 yes someone shared that thank you
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 happy travels!
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
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Phil ******
@Shar ******
 Visa Exempt I think you mean as no such thing as a 30-day tourist visa on entry
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 ok
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Shar ******
 then you can get an extension costs 1900 baht
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 yes that part is fine I was asking about entering thailand without a flight out. Thank you
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Shar ******
 ok....your flight may ask about your return flight and may deny boarding without one
a year ago
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Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 ok thanks.
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Shar ******
a year ago
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Phil ******
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