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Do you need to show an onward flight ticket when entering Thailand with a DTV visa?
Mar 11, 2026
2 months ago
Tom ********
ORIGINAL POSTERDoes anyone been asked when entering Thailand with DTV to show a flying ticket to exit Thailand?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The need for an onward flight ticket when entering Thailand with a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) is typically not required by Thai immigration, as the visa allows for a stay of either three or six months. However, experiences vary widely among travelers depending on the airline and individual immigration officers (IOs). Some individuals reported being asked for an onward ticket by airline staff during check-in, while others noted they were never asked for it despite multiple entries. The main takeaway is that while Thai immigration might not require it, airlines sometimes do, particularly for travelers entering on a visa exemption. It is advisable for travelers to be prepared with a ticket just in case.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Alan ******
Never ever overstayed.
Alan ******
Yup
Bobbie *************
Been asked?
Hǝınz ***********
With a visa you dont need an onward ticket, not for Thai Immigrations anyway. Its the airline that might not board you without a ticket out of the country.
Christopher ***********
@Hǝınz **********
Check-in desk at Lisbon Airport (they check-in for various airlines) told me that they require one of three things; 1) Return ticket, 2) Onward ticket or 3) ‘Some sort’ of visa.Hǝınz ***********
@Christopher **********
Thats not correct. E.g. some sort of Visa. Portugese citizens can enter Thailand on visa exemption 60 days. Since this is not a visa, the airline can ask you for an onward/return ticken.Christopher ***********
@Hǝınz **********
Sorry but I don’t think you have read and correctly understood what I wrote. I have a UK passport and was travelling to Brasil. It doesn’t only apply to Portuguese citizens or Thailand either. It’s one of three things; 1) Return ticket, 2) Onward ticket or 3) ‘Some sort’ of visa.Hǝınz ***********
@Christopher **********
sorry but I don’t think you have read and correctly understood what I wrote in my first answer you replied to.Christopher ***********
@Hǝınz **********
You wrote; ‘With a visa you dont need an onward ticket, not for Thai Immigrations anyway. Its the airline that might not board you without a ticket out of the country’. I’m confirming that airlines will permit boarding providing the passenger possesses one of these three; 1) Return ticket. 2) Onward ticket or 3) ‘Some sort’ of visa.Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
Justin ********
I'll share my trick NO ONE on the internet has EVER MENTIONED EVER, even though it's the easiest. While waiting in line to check-in for your flight, you can go online to buy a ticket and get to the very last step. Hold your finger over the submit button and if the check-in girl demands it, you can go ahead and buy it it takes under 5 seconds - this is less time than most people spend finding their ticket anyway so she won't suspect a thing. You can repeat this exercise when your flight lands... possibly... depending if it is a country that just trusts the airlines already checked or not. I generally don't do it a second time, but I'm less experienced with Thailand. How many times have I ended up having to buy a ticket this way? Once so far in 7yrs. haha
Bert **********
No
สมองควาย ******
I does not been asked yet.
Eric *************
Never been asked at me but last year they asked my wife and she has thai passport…….
Christopher ***********
@Eric ************
Totally bizarre. That shouldn't ever happen!Reply to
Christopher ***********
Reply
Gary ********
Yes
James *******
Yes! actually no.
Philip ***********
Just put exiting via bus
André ******************
Nope
Gerald ***************
Never been been in and out a few times already.
Douglas ********
Got asked yesterday by a newbie IO and I told him “no I don’t have one, I’ve got a DTV so I’m not sure if I’ll be here for 3months or 6months” he acknowledged what I said and gave the 6 months stamp. Just depends on the IO on the day
Stephen ********
I have never been asked. Technically you dont need one with a visa, only with a visa exemption.
However my wife, on a one off flight with Qatar Airlines had a situation where they insisted on an onward ticket. We had quite a row at Heathrow airport, hence of the usual 12 to 16 long haul flights my wife and myself do a year. None are ever booked with Qatar🤷♂️
However my wife, on a one off flight with Qatar Airlines had a situation where they insisted on an onward ticket. We had quite a row at Heathrow airport, hence of the usual 12 to 16 long haul flights my wife and myself do a year. None are ever booked with Qatar🤷♂️
Ja***
@Stephen *******
Sometimes the airline staff misunderstands the information shown on Timatic (the system used by airlines to show travel document requirements). They sometimes don't realize the return ticket only applies to visa exempt entries and need to be educated on reading comprehension.Ishmeal ********
@Stephen *******
I had this issue checking in with Thai Airways a few months ago. They were requesting I had a return flight. After about a minute of explaining the DTV, it was no issue. Also, at Heathrow Airport, Thailand, I’ve never been asked to show a return on the DTV.Marc ********
@Ishmeal *******
weird Thai Airways is one of the airlines not askingReply to
Marc ********
Reply
James ********
The airline might. And it’s up to them
Andy **********
@James *******
No, it isn't up to them. A visa does not require an onward ticket. A waiver on arrival does.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Dylan ******
I always have a cheap exit flight booked to another country in southeast Asia, however I have never been asked to show it. I find it better to have it and not need it versus need it and not have it. Same thing with having more than 20k baht in cash on me at the time of entry.
Andi ***********
Never been asked for an onward ticket in around 10 arrivals with a DTV..
Reply to
Andi ***********
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