thailand
Ask question

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
July 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?
1,269
views
2
likes
45
all likes
31
replies
1
images
9
users
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Mitchell *******
(I have been a country hopping tourist since September.)
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mitchell *******
Reply
Chris *********************
No iv come back from Vietnam 3 weeks ago no question asked. DM airport
a year ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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

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

************************************************************************************************************
*****
5-i3686-k
*****
848-Proof_of_onward_travel-Thailand.html#
*****
0309
a year ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Richard *********
@Shar ******
 not true, must be a flight out

Use onwardflights.com
a year ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Richard ********
 when was that rule made? Used to be proof of leaving the country by whatever method.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Lynnette ******
 there is no such rule. He has no idea.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
 thanks
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Shar *******
Reply
David *******
The airline might insist on one before letting you board. It’s very unlikely that Thai immigration will ask.
a year ago
Like
Reply
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
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
Tourist stamp? Visa or an exempt. .
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 I mean the 30 day stamp you get when you enter for tourists.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 visa exempt. If no onward flight within 30 days, airline might question that.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 thanks so much
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 there's a site does "onward ticket" for a few dollars. If you need proof of departure.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynnette ******
 yes someone shared that thank you
a year ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Shar ******
 happy travels!
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Phil ******
@Shar ******
 Visa Exempt I think you mean as no such thing as a 30-day tourist visa on entry
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 ok
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Shar ******
 then you can get an extension costs 1900 baht
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 yes that part is fine I was asking about entering thailand without a flight out. Thank you
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Shar ******
 ok....your flight may ask about your return flight and may deny boarding without one
a year ago
Like
Reply
Shar *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
 ok thanks.
a year ago
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@Shar ******
a year ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Phil ******
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
Is an onward flight ticket to Malaysia acceptable when entering Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption?
43 comments
14 days ago
Do I need an outbound plane ticket to apply for a tourist visa to Thailand?
23 comments
4 months ago
Do you need an actual onward flight ticket to get a tourist visa for Thailand, and will a round-trip ticket back to Thailand be an issue?
15 comments
7 months ago
Can I enter Thailand without a return ticket?
31 comments
7 months ago
Do I need an onward flight ticket for my visa-exempt entry to Thailand after a short trip abroad?
9 comments
8 months ago
Is a bus ticket sufficient proof of onward travel when entering Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?
11 comments
8 months ago
Do I need to purchase a flight ticket out of Thailand while on a student visa after traveling abroad?
3 comments
a year ago
What are the requirements regarding onward travel tickets when entering Thailand?
50 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show an onward ticket when entering Thailand with a tourist visa?
9 comments
2 years ago
Do you need an onward ticket to prove leaving Thailand before your visa expires?
5 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show a ticket out of Thailand when I enter with a 30/45-day stamp?
11 comments
2 years ago
Can I enter Thailand as a tourist without proof of an onward ticket?
111 comments
2 years ago
Is it necessary for foreigners to book a return flight before entering Thailand?
32 comments
2 years ago
Do I need a new onward ticket to enter Thailand if my previous one has expired?
17 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show onward travel when entering Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption?
24 comments
2 years ago
Is it acceptable to show a ticket from Thailand to Vietnam if I don't have a return ticket to the United States?
9 comments
2 years ago
Do you need a return ticket to enter Thailand if planning to stay for a few months?
45 comments
3 years ago
Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand with a one-way ticket?
15 comments
3 years ago
Will I need to show an exit ticket when re-entering Thailand on a tourist visa?
4 comments
3 years ago
Do you need proof of a return flight when applying for a visa to Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a return or onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa?
24 comments
3 years ago
Do You Need a Return Ticket When Arriving on Visa Exempt in Thailand?
9 comments
5 years ago
Do I need an onward travel ticket to re-enter Thailand after visiting Vietnam on a tourist visa?
0 comments
6 years ago
Do I need to buy a ticket out of Thailand if I am entering with a one-way ticket?
2 comments
6 years ago
Does my friend need proof of return flight to enter Thailand as a tourist?
27 comments
6 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.