How strict is Thailand in checking for a return flight for a 30-day visa on arrival, and can I extend this visa easily?

Nov 18, 2021
3 years ago
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone,

Planning to arrive Jan 1st. EU national, so would like to get the 30 day visa on arrival with the Thai Pass.

1) How strict is Thailand at the moment checking for a return flight? I don't have one, as I'm travelling longer and don't know my next country yet. Usually I would buy a cheap flight to Singapore or Malaysia, but I'm not allowed to go there, so surely Thailand wouldn't accept that as proof?

2) Can I easily extend the 30 day VOA at the moment? (Wondering if anything has changed in terms of rules due to corona)

Thanks! :)
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The traveler is looking to enter Thailand on January 1st using a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) and a Thai Pass. They are concerned about the strictness of regulations regarding return flights since they do not have an onward ticket and also inquire about the possibility of extending their visa. Comments from other users indicate that most airlines check for onward flights and might refuse boarding without one. However, Thai immigration does not strictly enforce this rule if the traveler holds a Thai Pass. It is noted that EU nationals can typically extend their stay easily, provided they qualify under the visa-exempt entry rules.
Dak ******
I bought a throw away ticket to Singapore. The airline check-in counter only wants to see onward flight, not proof you can enter the country you have a ticket to
Ellie *******
Visa on arrival (VOA: buying a visa with fee upon entry Thailand and will be stamped for 15days) and visa-exempt entry (enter Thailand without a visa, stamped for 30days, and don't have to pay for the fee under the visa-exempt scheme) are totally different programs. Nationalities that are eligible for Visa-exempt entry cannot apply for VOA. Vice versa. "EU countries" include both (and other) types of nationalities.

As long as you can get a Thai Pass, Thai immigration would not care if you have a return flight or not. But you may be asked for an outbound ticket at airline check-in.

IF you are eligible for visa-exempt entry, you can apply for a 30days tourism extension easily.

IF you have the nationality of VOA countries, tourism extension is not available for you.
Ellie *******
With Visa-exempt entry, you will be stamped for 30days upon entering Thailand. 30days tourism extension is available and rather easy for you to apply once you enter Thailand..
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
amazing, again thank you so much for your help!
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
thank you so much for clarifying the 2 different terms, I wasn't aware of the difference. I qualify for 30 day visa exempt entry, so would just rock up at immigration with my Thai Pass, PCR Test etc. And I'll get the usual 30 days, even now during covid time? That would be sweet!
Wannikea *********
Immigration doesn't really care, it's mostly the airlines that check and can refuse you boarding. yes you can extend once for 30 days
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
awesome, thanks!
Kathy ********************
I have only had the airlines look for my departure ticket. Historically, I have just purchased a throw away ticket from airasia. Cambodia is opening to flights. As is Malaysia. No one ever checked my ability to take the flight
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kathy *******************
awesome, that's news to me that Cambodia and Malaysia are opening! That solves the problem, as I will indeed just get a super cheap Air Asia ticket. Perfect :) thank you so much!
James ********
@Asti *************
Malaysia is not yet open. And if it does we are not certain if you will be able to get any visa from a Thai Embassy in Malaysia.
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
but Cambodia is open definitely?
James ********
@Asti *************
yes...by air only and with Cambodian tourist visa. Upon return to Thailand must meet all entry requirements of Thailand Pass and show visa to Thai immigration on arrival.

If using visa exempt entries...be prepared for questioning.
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
sorry I meant I'm gonna be visa exempt 30 days as EU national. Why is this a problem and leading to questioning at the moment? Will I have problems to get into Thailand?
Asti **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
perfect, then I'll just buy an air ticket to Cambodia to show to Thai immigration!

Do you mean visa on arrival in Thailand is tricky at the moment?
Kathy ********************
@James *******
I was going by airasia selling flights to KL. I didn’t know if they were open to all yet. Thanks for the clarification
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