Answered2 years ago
Is a one-way ticket problematic when moving to Thailand on a DTV visa?
Hi, I’m moving to Thailand in January on a DTV. I’m purchasing a one-way ticket because I’m from the United States, but my family lives in other countries so I won’t be returning back for quite a while. My Visa company said do not worry about a one-way ticket. That’s not an issue even though I have read differently. I also have a friend that’s been on the DTV for about five months and has not had an issue with the one-way ticket. Either wanted to know if anybody else has advice or experience with this thank you so much.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the acceptability of one-way tickets for travelers entering Thailand on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) visa. Multiple comments mention that carrying a one-way ticket should not pose a problem for travelers with a DTV, as they have successfully entered Thailand without issues. However, concerns are raised about potential airline requirements, as airlines are responsible for checking passengers' documentation before boarding. Recommendations include purchasing an onward ticket reservation to satisfy any airline inquiries. Overall, travelers with a DTV are generally advised that a one-way ticket is acceptable.
46 repliesnewest first
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Jacq *****
Me too regarding one way and leaving the dismissal of all fact-checking in US by far too many religious
Dan *******
One way ticket is no problem with DTV. I have already entered 3 times on DTV with one way ticket
Dennis *********
Dtv one way travel is ok as it's a long term visa. 60 day visa exemp is where the issue comes up
David ********
I have now been to Thailand 15 times in just over 13 years. Two of those times were O retirement visas from the Thai Embassy Canberra in Australia, all in order. The other 13 times on a Tourist visa or recently on visa exempt twice. Although I have had a return ticket to Australia each time I have never been asked if it is so on all my trips to Thailand. Even when I have indicated this to the Immigration person they have indicated they did not want to know.
Luit *****************
@David *******
it is not immigration that asks for it normally, but airline check-in deskDavid ********
They have never asked me either. No body has.
David ********
It now may be time for Airline companies to use their influence to have this requirement changed, It is not often enforced.
Luit *****************
@David *******
requirements are indeed based on Thai law, but the airline has the obligation to check these requirements according their treaty with Thailand that gives them the possibility to fly to Thailand.That means that in case a passenger does not have any valid visa for Thailand, they have to check requirements for visa exempt.
Besides nationality this is proof of onward transport within the period of visa exempt.
When you have a return flight, they do not have to ask you anything, because they can see themselves.
And as with all checks, don't expect 100 percent of passenger checked.
David ********
@Luit ****************
Well yes, but the requirements are based on Thai Immigration Law. I think my answer is correct.Luit *****************
@David *******
the times you had a return ticket, the airline staff can see, and there is no need to ask anyway
Roman ********
Not an issue. Same situation here. They never even asked and I’m in.
James *********
I came over with no visa and a one way ticket one month ago.. no problem at all
Luit *****************
@James ********
that means you did not comply with the rules, and just got lucky.Linhof *********
$16 for an onward ticket will remove that stress 👍
Luit *****************
@Linhof ********
if you like to spoil your money, you should certainly do this, but I can do better things with it.Linhof *********
@Luit ****************
no one asked youLinhof *********
@Luit ****************
haha, you are an odd fella. Lucky for those around you, jackpot 🤣Luit *****************
@Linhof ********
sorry, I now stop feeding the troll. I will ignore you, cause as the picture you posted before shows, there is not one meaningful word in your post, only personal attacks on me, get a life!Linhof *********
Luit *****************
@Linhof ********
you like repeating it looks like, have fun!Linhof *********
@Luit ****************
repeat...Luit *****************
@Linhof ********
nor did ask you, but when you like to talk just go on, but just know I did not ask for your stupid reaction, and I think nobody else does. Just look back and see you started this meaningless conversationLinhof *********
@Luit ****************
repeat, no one asked youLuit *****************
@Linhof ********
not more or less than somebody asked you to give useless reactions.
Stephen ********
You should be fine.
What no one is telling you and where your confusion is,,
The airlines have a legal responsibility for you to arrive in any country with the correct paperwork and they are legally required to return you, from where you came from, if that paperwork isn't correct on arrival.
When you fly in on a visa exemption to anywhere, you don't have an agreement with that country. The country are simply allowing you short access free. So in this situation the airline need proof of an onward ticket within whatever the free allowance might be.
If you have a visa, technically you have an agreement or contract with the country before departure.
What no one is telling you and where your confusion is,,
The airlines have a legal responsibility for you to arrive in any country with the correct paperwork and they are legally required to return you, from where you came from, if that paperwork isn't correct on arrival.
When you fly in on a visa exemption to anywhere, you don't have an agreement with that country. The country are simply allowing you short access free. So in this situation the airline need proof of an onward ticket within whatever the free allowance might be.
If you have a visa, technically you have an agreement or contract with the country before departure.
Pete *******
An exit ticket is part of the requirements for a visa exempt entry. If you already hold a visa you already have satisfied entry requirements. Therefore with a visa you do not need an exit ticket.
Paul ********
Its the stupid airline..usually not imm..
Kim *********
@Paul *******
nothing stupid regarding the airlines - they comply with Thai rules and if a passenger is denied entry they carry the costsLuit *****************
@Kim ********
nothing stupid when you don't have a valid visa, but when you have a valid visa they should not ask for an onward ticket.Kim *********
@Luit ****************
that's right they should not ask if you have a valid visa. Actually I didn't know that apparently some ask anyway
Christopher *********
I have a DTV visa I travel a lot, I'm it's not a issue. If anyone ask for return ticket (most likely will be airline) show them your 5 year visa then they will leave you alone.
I have done this 3 times
I have done this 3 times
Aaron ******
The airline will be the issue if anything.
Just buy a paid reservation for $15. Google “onward ticket” to find the services that provide this.
That way if the airline staff is an issue you are covered.
Just buy a paid reservation for $15. Google “onward ticket” to find the services that provide this.
That way if the airline staff is an issue you are covered.
Luit *****************
@Aaron *****
With a valid visa of any kind, an onward ticket should not be asked by the airline, the check is only meant for entering on visa exempt.And when you need an onward ticket, why pay $15 for what you can easily do yourself.
Tom ******
@Luit ****************
or buy a 2 dollar train ticket from Nong Khai to Vientiane (Laos) should be fine too 😋Luit *****************
@Tom *****
That should be a good option too, but there are reports some airlines don't accept this.Aaron ******
@Luit ****************
airline staff can be wrong and in the end they have the authority to block boarding even when wrong. It happens fairly regularly.
What do you mean by do it yourself?
Is there some free method I am not aware of?
Luit *****************
@Aaron *****
The online services just book and cancel a ticket in your name.You can also book a ticket yourself and cancel it.
Just choose a ticket you can cancel without fee, or book online with airline that supports free 24 hour cancellation on all tickets.
But again: with a visa you do not need to show at check-in, and when you show your visa and politely explain, it should be no problem.
Tom *****
@Aaron *****
Airlines are required to refund every flight ticket without fees within 24 hours, so just buy an exit ticket from Thailand just before collecting the boarding pass and get it refunded after passing through immigration in Thailand
Bobby *******
@Aaron *****
total waste of time and money. Not required when you hold a long term visaAaron ******
@Bobby ******
just because something is not required does not mean the airline staff will accept that. You see stories of issues often enough of like this around the world. Where airline staff requires an onward ticket when none is required.
$15 is cheap insurance to get pass staff who may not properly understand and accept the rules.
You can’t win in a fight with airline staff. So why not just “waste” a few bucks and minutes of your time to have this in case the issue comes up.
Bobby *******
@Aaron *****
just buy a fully refundable ticket if they ask. No need to waste money on these fake tickets boy
Nongnuch ********
@Zev ******
your "friend" NEVER has a DTV for 5 months, as the earliest date any DTV were issued, was July 15, 2024. Ya gotta cross check this infoZev *******
OP@Nongnuch *******
I might have been off by a couple weeks.
Benjamin *********
@Nongnuch *******
so 4 months instead of "about 5 months". I feel this really wasn't an important part.
Brandon ************
One way ticket won't be an issue if you have a DTV.
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