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Do you need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand on a visa-exempt entry?

Apr 27, 2018
8 years ago
David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Travelling from HK to BK on return flight VISA exempt entry using airport express train checkin. No proof of onward travel required. Maybe if it is return flight and not a single they dont care :-)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the necessity of providing proof of onward travel when entering Thailand on a visa-exempt basis. It highlights that the requirement may vary depending on the airline, as some might ask for onward travel proof during check-in or boarding. However, it is noted that Thai immigration may primarily request confirmation of funds (20,000 Baht) upon arrival, rather than onward travel in all cases.
Jason ******
The proof of onward travel only applies at the ground desk when you check in for your flight into Thailand? Can anyone confirm if immigration officer at Passport control ever asks for proof of onward travel? Or is it known that the only thing they will ask for is to show 20K Baht cash? I just want to be prepared that the only thing Immigration will ask you before stamping you into Thailand is for proof of cash. They don't ever ask for anything else?
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Tod *********
It's been a rule for a LONG LONG time that when stamping in the country you can be asked to show proof of funds 20K baht or the equivalent, proof of onward travel and proof of a hotel booking or confirmed lodging.

Usually if they're going to ask for something it's the 20K baht in cash.
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Steve *******
They can ask but it's extremely rare
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Steve *******
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Tod *********
sorry I thought you were stamping into thailand. It's totally up to the airline you're flyin' on whether they want proof of onward travel when you check in without a visa to thailand.
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Ivan ************
I think it really depends on the airline and possibly just who you get on the check in. I have never been asked. I know it's a possibility.
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Donna ********
@Ivan ***********
we have always been asked flying from both Hong Kong and Manila. But we have had separate tickets out of Thailand when we've been asked. If the return or onward travel is on the same ticket, then as you say, the airline can see this and probably wouldn't ask.
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Ivan ************
Most short haul airlines in SE Asia don't. Into the Philippines being a key exception. But it's usually possible to fly on a one way without issue short haul.

Bear in mind as well that the airline can usually see if you have a return, they don't necessarily have to ask you. So your not being asked doesn't necessarily mean they didn't check.
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David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes i am on way to BK just mentioned LHR uk demand onward travel proof, HK did not.
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David *******
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Donna ********
The airline can still ask for onward travel proof at the gate. We had that happen once for the Philippines with Air Asia, we checked in at the machines but the staff were asking at the gate for onward tickets before they would let people board. You'll be ok because you have a return to show them
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David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Garrett Greenwald ?
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Donna ********
@David ******
exactly! ๐Ÿ™‚
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David *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I also have on going travel ๐Ÿ™‚ knowing my luck with issues recently had i not had ticket they would have asked lol
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David *******
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