Does my friend need proof of return flight to enter Thailand as a tourist?

Mar 29, 2018
7 years ago
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello all! Just a quick question. Have a friend visiting Thailand as a tourist and asked if they still need proof of return for immigration getting into the country. I know at one point they were wanting you to have a printed out return ticket for proof of when you are leaving, but have heard from others they are not requiring that anymore.

Anyone have some advice on this? Thank you!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The need for proof of a return flight ticket for entry into Thailand can vary. While it has become rare for immigration officials to ask for this documentation upon arrival, airlines may have different policies and might require proof of onward travel to avoid liability for returning passengers denied entry. Travelers on visa-exempt entries may want to have their return tickets ready, especially if they have a history of extended stays in Thailand.
Tod *********
As has been pointed out, it's the airline you're comin' here on that's most likely to give you the problem with no proof of onward travel comin' here on a visa exempt entry. It's because IF you're denied entry to the country the airline hasta lug you back on their dime.

IF you get on the plane you're highly unlikely to be asked for proof of onward travel by passport control once you land here BUT you could be.
Biff *******
That’s a plan 👍
David *******
@Biff ******
actaually i may just get one for this trip then sot visa out :-)
David *******
@Biff ******
12 month ME non a non o based on marriage or non o over 50, whichever I can sort out first.
Biff *******
You mean like some kind of tourist visa that gets you on the plane without any hassle and can be extended once you’re in Thailand?
David *******
Once I get visa sorted will be ok but a pain until then as I dont know where I fly to next I dont work that far in advance. There should be special visa for foreign workers who just stay when off work but dont have next trip flights booked lol.
Steve *******
It's extremely rare to be asked for proof of a return flight when entering Thailand unless they have an extensive history of back to back TVs or visa exempt stamps
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Steve!
David *******
Now on a similar not, what about my situation where I am in LOS currently on visa exempt, and have a return tickets from bangkok to hingkong? Do I now need proof of ongoing travel before they let me board my return leg from HK?
Tez ******
interesting dilemma Keep us posted. :) I would think not as you should get a new exempt stamp surely ??
David *******
Well it depends where from also. It happened twice with me at Heathrow and I spoke to them and they said if any airline lets anyone leave heathrow without ongoing ticket and the airline get caught they get fined £2000, thats on top of returning the passenger.
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wow, that's a hefty fine! Thanks for that info!
Ron *******
I've just blocked an idiot name caller before I respond and probably get banned.
Ron *******
You haven't been asked yet. How many out of 35 million tourists are members on a visa forum. You, me or the bloke living below me has no idea how many rejections or refusals there are at immigration for a whole host of reasons.
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's crazy how different immigration can be for so many people
Tez ******
No Need I usually book one way and have never been asked yet. Ron Angel This one has 20,958 members And as I said from personal experience I have never been asked about a return ticket. I travel on an Aussie Passport so I get 30 days in which to notify my departure date. I leave on or before the 30 days is up. Its possible other countries passport holders would need to show departure documents but as the questioner didn't specify where their friend is coming from , your negative remarks are retarded at best.
Ellie *******
Japanese passport holders have been also being checked and asked occasionally. I think country of passport doesn't matter that much...
Tod *********
@Tez *****
, that you have never been asked for any of the 3 proof ofz (proof of 20K baht, proof of onward travel & proof of hotel booking) when entering thailand on a visa exempt entry doesn't mean no one will be asked for those things.

Those rules have been on the books for a long LONG time now.
Tez ******
Its nice to be blocked sometimes Thanks Ron Angel Now I don't have to comment on your posts. lol
Tez ******
@Jonathan *****
I like to keep my options open The cost is higher to return home but I accept that and I like the freedom of choice. Have fun what ever you do
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Tez! I think I'll just go with one to be safe though! Glad you haven't had any problems yet.
Alan *******
No such thing as a quick question, it seems. Thai immigration is endlessly convoluted with rules and exceptions.

What passport is your friend coming on? Will they have a visa, or a visa exempt entry? Coming by land or by air?
Robert *******
Jonathan Hane Sorry to disappoint you but a Visa on Arrival is just 15 days and only available for 21 countries and a Tourist Visa you have to buy at a Thai Consulate or Embassy before departure. No sales of tourist visa's at the border checkpoints or airports inside Thailand. List of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival:
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hah, too true. Getting visa on arrival, traveling via airplane just for a tourist visa.
Raúl *******
The airline company is responsible for it. So probably this person will be required for the proof in the departure airport. In inmigration here in Thailand will ask for an acommidation adress during the staying, nothing more.
Ade ******
Brian Gause I dress well and smile, and have once been asked to show the Baht. Be prepared. Depends on the IO.
Jonathan ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Awesome, thank you both for your help! I will pass on that information. I appreciate it!
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