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Does my daughter need a return ticket for a Thai tourist visa, and is there a better visa option for a 6-month stay?

Thai Visa Tourist Visa Visa Requirements Onward Travel Visa Types NON-O Visa METV (Multiple Entry Tourist Visa)US Citizen in Thailand Immigration Advice

Aug 17, 2019

5 years ago

David **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My daughter (American citizen) is planning to come back here to Thailand to visit us for a few months.  She may end up being here as long as 6 months.  

She will be sending here passport off to the Thai Embassy in Wash.D.C. to request a 60 day tourist visa that can be extended for another 30 days here in Thailand.  

Two questions.  

1.  Does she have to have a "return to America" airline ticket in order to receive that visa?

2.  Is there a different (or better) visa that she should be requesting?  

Thanks.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires whether their daughter, an American citizen, needs a return airline ticket to obtain a 60-day tourist visa extendable for 30 days when visiting Thailand for up to 6 months. Responses indicate that proof of onward travel is generally required, not necessarily a return ticket. Some suggest the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) might be a better choice for a 6-month stay, although it requires showing financial proof and employment status.

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Robert *******

And it seems OP can start thinking what to do. Now we have experience of nobody cares just jump in the plan till others with experience of not allowed and buy a ticket. As we can only advice, make a smart choice to have a pleasant start of your holiday.

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Debbie **********

My son was not allowed to board the plane in the US to travel to Thailand as his round-trip ticket was for 31 days--he did not have a visa. While he was waiting by check-in, my husband bought him a cheap ticket to Viet Nam which did the trick allowing him to board.

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Arthur *************

I was asked recently at LAX for proof of onward travel at the ticketing counter by Japan Airlines and my ticket was thoroughly checked. I had bought a cheap ticket that I never used. Foolish to not do this

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Robert *************

cheaper to buy 2 60 days

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James ********

METV for 6 mths, but she will need to show 7000USD in her account and a letter of employment to obtain

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Haldis **********

If she plans to stay 6 months she should get a METV.

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Haldis **********

Bus ticket from Thailand to Laos is what my family and I use.

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Martin *********

Why don't you ask the Thai embassy in the USA.

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Henry *******

I've travelled many times to BKK & CNX from Canada. At times I've booked return tickets and quite often just one way. I've never been asked to show any proof of onward or a return ticket. If asked, I would have just said that I didn't have any definite plans. I always had sufficient cash and a valid credit card... I don't know if that would suffice but again, I've never been tested.

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Henry *******

Okay... I heard ya! So let me write this a little slower...

I didn't offer any advice, and it wouldn't take much power deduction to see that. Robert Lagos mocked my comment. Is this a blog where we should not convey our personal experiences as it relates to OP?

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Bobby ********

. I don't know the conditions relating to the Elite visa, so I'm not prepared to offer any wild and potentially useless advice. I have the O-A visa so I don't need to show onward travel, but I am aware of the conditions relating to other short-term entries. I think

, although his answers are often hard-hitting was basically saying don't offer misleading information.

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Henry *******

I think it's up to the discretion of the officer. I wasn't offering advice, but just a comment of my past experiences. As I had indicated that I don't know whether being truthful of saying 'no definite plans' would have gotten me in trouble, since I have never been asked for proof of a way to leave Thailand.

I totally understand the purpose and officer's inquiry, and I wonder if someone holding an elite visa would also be required to show a return flight? Do enlighten us.

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Bobby ********

. It is a condition of entry on most visas and exemptions that proof of onward travel be provided. This is an advice blog where people should be given correct advice, not be told "it's never happened to me so it's all OK". Telling an immigration officer that you have "no definite plans" goes against the whole Thai immigration notification scheme. They want to know where you are every day.

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Steve *********

I've been visiting Thailand for 25 years. Sometimes 3 times a year. Never once been asked for onward flight ... BUT ... I've always had an itinerary and ticket in my bag just in case.

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Henry *******

... are you serious or just being patronizing? I merely offered my experience.

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Robert *******

And you think that those people who get questions can use your name and story and Immigration will quickly pick up their stamps to approve everything?

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Robert *******

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Steve *********

Buy the cheapest ticket to the closest point (anywhere in thailand to anywhere in a neighbouring country) to cover your rear.

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Bobby ********

People should not get confused with a "return" airline ticket. The proof that is often requested is that of ONWARD travel out of Thailand, not RETURN to country of origin.

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Dawn **********

I bought a $30 one way ticket to Yangon last year.

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Dawn **********

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Robert *******

She has to check with the Embassy but they could have the requirement of onward travel within the period of the visa. As you state she may end up longer, i would say this is the best visa, the alternative is the more expensive Multiple Entry Tourist Visa but if she decides to only spent 60 days here it is a waste of money.

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Robert *******

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