Is a departure date and flight number mandatory for DTV holders entering Thailand?

Question

**Question for the DTV holders here 🇹🇭**

I have a valid **DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)** and I’m planning to fly to Thailand one-way.

When filling out the **Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)**, it asks for a *Departure Date* and *Flight Number*. Since I currently don’t have a return or onward flight booked, I entered a date and flight number for now, but **I haven’t actually booked anything**.

My questions are:
* Is a departure date and flight number actually mandatory for **DTV holders**?
* Do immigration officers at the airport actually check whether the flight you entered is genuinely booked?
* Has anyone here entered Thailand on a **DTV with a one-way ticket**?
* Did anyone have any issues because the departure details entered on the TDAC didn’t match an actual booking?

I’d really appreciate **first-hand experiences from DTV holders**, especially people who entered Thailand without a return/onward ticket.

Thanks! 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

This discussion covers the requirements for filling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for holders of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) who are entering Thailand with a one-way ticket. Key points include that the departure date and flight number are not mandatory fields on the TDAC, although some users reported varying experiences with immigration officers. While many suggest leaving these fields blank or entering placeholder information, there are anecdotal accounts of travelers being asked for an onward ticket. It’s generally advised that travelers check their airline's requirements and consider booking a departure ticket even if they plan to change it later.

Lisa ********* · Answer

I wrote DTV in departure space. It worked.

Leo ***** · Answer

Its optional. I always come in on a 1 way ticket and write 'To be determined' for the departure

Khun-t****** · Answer

I entered with a one way ticket from Vientiane to Bangkok. No document check, no meeting apart in the airport. But it was beginning of August.

Khan ******** · Answer

Following

Cliff ********* · Answer

Do not attempt to fill in the return flight, or you will be locked in.

If you did, exit and make a new TDAC.

If you’re lazy, just make it up.

It’s not needed.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Having a one way arriving flight doesn't mean you can't book a one way departing flight. They can't see whether you booked a round trip ticket, 1 one way ticket, or 2 one way tickets. It doesn't really matter what kind of ticket you have. I always book a departing ticket and then after arriving I cancel it for a full refund. That way if I'm asked for it then I have a real ticket to present. Entering a departure date and flight in the tdac only takes a few seconds. Even if you don't buy the ticket. At least if the officer intended to look for it in your tdac then it will already be there without them having to ask you.

Craig ********** · Answer

I couldn’t find an option for optional when I arrived two weeks ago. I just put in a flight to Japan around the date I’m thinking of going there. No questions asked of me but it is person by person at immigration

Elías ******** · Answer

Departure flight is not a mandatory field. Also, I always enter on one-way flights with my DTV.

Dee ****** · Answer

The return date does state optional. I’ve never had a return and I’ve travelled in and out 10 times with a DTV

Za ******* · Answer

There were some reports where the Immigration was asking to see the onward ticket. If I remember correctly someone got even denied entry for not having it

Dhooseh ***** · Answer

[mention redacted]For DTV holders, the departure date and flight number on the TDAC are optional, so if you don’t have an onward ticket, I wouldn’t make up booking details. Leave them blank if the form allows it.

A one-way ticket can still be subject to the airline’s own check-in requirements, so check with your airline before flying. The DTV itself doesn’t mean you need to book a return flight.

You should also consider reading a book or two before your trip. I’d recommend Unlock Thailand by Isla Rey on Amazon—it includes all the info and insights you need. You should check it out. A very good companion.

Is a departure date and flight number mandatory for DTV holders entering Thailand?

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