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How long can I stay in Thailand on a one-way ticket without a visa?

Apr 5, 2026
25 days ago
Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How long can I stay in Thailand on a 1 way ticket without a visa? I'm visiting my Thai wife's family for the first time, but she's already there.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Visitors to Thailand, particularly US passport holders, can enter without a visa under the visa exemption policy, typically receiving a 60-day stay upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days. However, it is essential to have proof of onward travel, as airlines may enforce this requirement strictly. While traveling on a one-way ticket is technically allowed, many users recommend purchasing an onward ticket to ensure boarding and avoid potential issues at immigration.
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Richard ********
Dont go to Thailand with a one way ticket.Get s return ticket.They might refuse you entry into Thailand.
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Milo *********
My question is why one way ticket??? Why?? You should buy a return ticket!

If the immigration denied you at the airport what will you do??

You will miss to see her and her family
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FarangJ********
One way ticket....555...
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Michael *****
Why does the fact that your wife is already in Thailand mean that you only need a one-way ticket? You'll definitely need to depart within the time limits of your visa.
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GenuineS********
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Zack *********
Buy a cheap bus ticket to Laos or Malaysia. Within the 60 day window of your entry. Can also book a cheap one way flight to any neighboring country but the bus tickets are usually cheaper.
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ConfidentR***********
30 or 60 days depending where your passport is from , currently we have 60 days visa exempt
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NA'Ahulelua *********
You need a return ticket. Don’t try to beat the system. Play by the rules. It’s a privilege to enter the kingdom and can be taken away at any time…just my opinion.
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Christopher **********
“When are you planning on leaving?”

“I don't have a return ticket yet, how long can I stay?”

“What is the purpose of your visit?”

“I’m here to visit my Thai wife who is already here.”

Especially in the current climate, why would this not raise a concern that you might be intending to just stay in the country?
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Gerar ********
Officially you need a onward ticket when travelling on a visa exempt entry.

Thailand airport immigration is normally not really concerned about it but most airlines will refuse check-in without it as they are responsible in case you are denied entry.
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Dca *****
How about a Non–O E–Visa based on Marriage to Thai Citizen Spouse
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John *********
ASk her other boyfriends
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Ian *******
John Andrews really! Is that comment necessary?
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Ian *******
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Nita **********
Yes, you can enter Thailand on a one-way ticket even if you’re not a Thai citizen, but airlines or immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, so it’s safer to have a return or exit ticket.
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James ********
I think it depends on what passport one is entering Thailand on ..US passport holders used to always get 90 days ..
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Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Hughes I don't have a visa at all. All I have is my TDAC document and USA passport. Is that enough?
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Sean **********
Glenn Luke you can apply for the 90 day visa or you can extend your 60 day exempt 30 days. Not sure on this though.
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May ****
Glenn Luke you will get visa when you arrived at the airport 🛫 Visa on Arrival 🥰
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Sean **********
May Yu no. UsA is exempt.
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Atrustwor*********
May Yu no he will not get a VOA he has US passport he will get 60 days visa exempt
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Atrustwor*********
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James ********
Glenn Luke it was normally Visa on Arrival at the airport for US passport holders ..
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Atrustwor*********
James Hughes Visa exempt stamp not VOA
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Atrustwor*********
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Abey ******
Man who says he is married but doesn’t know if he will be allowed to enter his so called wives country. Heard it all now.
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May ****
👍😛
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Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Abey Abey I was married in USA.
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Wayne *******
Glenn Luke Dont feed the bears mate. Plenty of wasters on here. 3 laughing emojis out of 4 reactions proves that

Just buy an onward ticket before you fly and you will be fine
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Wayne *******
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JoyfulPome***********
Ive been to thailand last year they grand me 60days
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Diana *********
Buy a small ticket to Laos or Vietnam, around £40
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JoyfulPome***********
Diana Miranda where to book this cheap ticket?
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Diana *********
JoyfulPomegranate6770 don't you book online?
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Diana *********
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JoyfulPome***********
Diana Miranda where to book this cheap ticket? 😅
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Regina **********
You need to have a return or onward ticket that’s valid within 60 days of your arrival, otherwise you might not be allowed to board. I’ve been asked to show my return ticket at check-in several times.

You can extend your stay by 30 days and then do a visa run. Alternatively, you can simply leave after about 60 days and return later, for example after spending some time in Vietnam.
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Diana *********
Regina Mosimann yeah we know thanks already we have spoken about this
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Diana *********
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Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Diana Miranda Round trip back to Thailand after a week in Vietnam the end of May is good to take care of this requirement?
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Diana *********
Glenn Luke yes, it worked for my neighbours at my condo. A week or ten days, not just a couple of days
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Diana *********
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Bent *************
Diana Miranda

A train ticket Nong Khai to Vientiane costs 70 baht!
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Diana *********
Bent Sennenwaldt flights are for sure accepted. Don't know about trains
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Diana *********
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PeacefulSe**********
All depends if they let you on the airplane with a one way ticket.
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John ********
PeacefulSeahorse9792

The Departing ticket agent will ask so he may be going nowhere!
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PeacefulSe**********
Thats what I mean
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PeacefulSe**********
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Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
PeacefulSeahorse9792 I don't have a visa at all. All I have is my TDAC document and USA passport. Is that enough? Now I've purchased a ticket to leave the country for a week to show airline and immigration which I can get a refund on. Do I need a tourist visa before entering?
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PeacefulSe**********
You don’t need a visa but you need a ticket to get out Thailand otherwise airways companies could refuse you on their flight. They are responsible for it.
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Atrustwor*********
Glenn Luke no you dont need a visa you currently get 60 days on arrival at visa free/exempt stamp which can be extended for 30 days cost is 1900baht
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Atrustwor*********
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Maila *********
PeacefulSeahorse9792 i am surprised Thai border security let you into Thailand on a 1 way ticket tourist visa. Agent must be new. But you got lucky.
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Glenn ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maila ********
I don't have a visa at all. All I have is my TDAC document and USA passport. Is that enough?
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Gregg *******
Glenn Luke from the USA you will get a 60 day entry on visa exempt and you can extend another 30 days for a fee. You don't have to have an exit ticket. If they ask and they seldom do, explain that you understand that you have to leave within 60 days and have not yet decided when and how you will leave. When they know that you are visiting to meet your Thai wife's family, they will understand. Don't forget that the day that you enter will be counted as day 1. Leave the exit blank on your TDAC and IO will ask you how long you are staying.
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Ian *******
Gregg Davis isn't it possible, with no onward travel ticket, they will think he is planning to overstay and live in Thailand with his wife?
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Ian *******
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James ********
PeacefulSeahorse9792 very good point
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James ********
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Jan ******************
If you are entitled to visa exemption, you will normally be granted a 60 day stay upon arrival. You can then apply for a 30 day extension, giving you up to 90 days in total.

If you are travelling on a one way ticket, there is a formal requirement to show proof of onward travel within the initial 60 day stay, and some airlines often enforce this strictly.

Since you are visiting your Thai wife, you may also be eligible for a 60 day extension based on visiting Thai family, provided your marriage is registered in Thailand. However, not all immigration offices offer this, and approval is not guaranteed.
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Vic *****
Jan Kenneth Nesland book a bus/ticket out for later then cancel
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Vic *****
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John **********
Assuming your airline allows you to fly you'll get stamped in for 60 days and can extend for a further 30. Technically you need to have a ticket out, accommodation and 20k baht in cash (or equivalent in a major currency). But the reality is your airline may not let you board unless you have a ticket out as they're responsible for you if you're not allowed to enter
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John **********
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