Is an exit ticket required for Americans entering Thailand?

Sep 10, 2023
a year ago
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does Thailand require an exit ticket for an American to enter? I have never been without a round trip flight so just curious.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Americans entering Thailand are generally required to show proof of onward travel, especially if they are flying without a visa or with a tourist visa. Airlines often enforce this requirement, as they may be held accountable for passengers denied entry by immigration. Some travelers report having never been asked for an onward ticket, while others suggest that having an indemnity form ready can suffice. The situation can vary widely based on individual airline policies and the traveler's profile.
Albert ********
You have 90 days then get out.
Stuart *********
You’ll get completely different answers to this question because it’s up to the individual airline. Some people will never have been asked, some will always have been asked, and some a mixture of both.

There is no correct answer as you’ll only find out if you need one when you go to check in - or call the airline prior to check their policy.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
thanks. That is my approach now. I don't buy the onward ticket and deal with it if needed. I have not needed in a long time.
Richard *********
With a visa, i'd say unless u dress like a bum u will not be asked for onward/return ticket

NO VISA and planning on using visa exempt ur chances are
*****
u will be asked for onward ticket by airlines

use onwardflights.com
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard ********
I used onwardtickets before as I did a lot of travel into the Philippines with no onward ticket. The airline stopped asking so I stopped buying. If they ask me I will step back and buy the cheapest ticket Expedia offers and return. The one time I was called on this many years ago the airline offered to sell me a cheap onward ticket and we were done.
Jo **********
i have been coming to Thailand for 20 years never bothered with a return ticket
Kool *******
Thailand profiles, and stereotypes, so if you fit into their stereotypes they will enforce things they don't enforce for others.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
being an old, white American guy I generally don't worry about profiling.
Jo **********
@Kool ******
this is true
Bobby *********
No they don't
James ***********
I’m also American and have never had an onward ticket when entering Thailand. I’ve had airlines raise that issue when flying to some other countries, but normally they are satisfied if you just sign an indemnity form agreeing to be responsible for any costs they incur if you’re turned away at immigration and denied entry. They keep the forms somewhere at the check in area. I’ve never had it come up (for me at least) at the immigration counter.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James **********
good information! Thanks.
James ***********
@Allen *********
they don’t normally offer up the indemnity alternative. You’d probably have to ask for it.
Tony **********
Can only comment on experience. It technically states yes you do but ive never had 1 as I extend my stay and not exactly sure when I'll leave and last time I was there was march. Not at any airport on the way or airline immigration etc didnt even speak to me. I dont think they have the time to check
Brandon ************
That depends on a lot of factors, none of which you have included in your question.

If you are traveling with a long-term visa then no you are not required to show proof of onward travel.

If you are traveling as a tourist (with a tourist visa, or no visa and planning to entire visa exempt) there are requirement to show proof that you'll be leaving within the number of days you will receive (60 or 30) and requirements to show that you have 20,000 baht or equivalent in another major currency IN CASH ONLY.

Neither of the above requirements are asked for by immigration often, in-fact they almost don't exist when you arrive in Thailand.

But your airline is very likely to ask you to show proof of leaving Thailand if you are traveling as a tourist, especially if it's with no visa at all. They will want to see you show them you have a ticket out of Thailand within the number of days you'll be receiving when you arrive, or they won't let you board your flight. It's best to check your airline for what their policy is on this before you get to the airport and forced to buy a ticket while standing in line.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
to add information, I have no visa. I have always just showed up and walked in no questions asked.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
just like the Philippines. In recent years they have stopped caring about the onward ticket there. I think that I will not buy one and just step away and get one if they ask.
Dean ********
Nah, if you cross the border for an extention and they ask wheres your return ticket, tell them your getting the train to Indonesia
Dirk **************
yes. Actually the airline will require it unless you have a long term visa for Thailand.
Bobby *********
@Dirk *************
no they will not
Dirk **************
@Bobby ********
farang ru mak.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I hear that the airlines enforce it because they are required to return you to your home country if you are rejected. I have never been asked in customs. Always in airport ticketing.
Dirk **************
@Allen *********
yes, you are right. I have never encountered it in Thailand even when I did not have a long term visa yet. Thai immigration was only interested in where I was staying. But a few months ago when I checked it for a flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok I mistakenly handed them my passport without the non-O visa (as a dual national I have two) and they immediately asked about the return flight from Thailand.
Allen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dirk *************
thanks! Do they enforce this? In the Philippines it was strictly enforced for years but in the last 2 years or so they just stopped. When I go there now I don't buy a throw away ticket anymore and I have not been called on it in a while.
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