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Is an onward ticket required for a 60-day visa exemption in Thailand if I plan to stay 90 days?

Oct 20, 2025
9 days ago
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi there.

This is a question regarding the onward/ return ticket requirement, upon travelling to Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption stamp.

I intend to stay in Thailand for approximately 90 days in this way, later applying for the 30-day extension … Then I intend to travel onward to Cambodia.

I was wondering though … Is it necessary to hold a return/ onward ticket that departs Thailand within 60 days … or would it suffice to have a flight out of there 89 days after the day of arrival (the flight I actually need).

I’ve been checked for the onward flight thing twice in the past when traveling to Thailand, but I’ve never had the same considerations about extensions and onward travel as I do now.

Your advice on this matter would be much appreciated

Thanks 🙏🏻
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling to Thailand on a 60-day visa exemption, it is generally required to show proof of onward travel within 60 days of arrival. Most airlines enforce this rule as they assume responsibility for your return if denied entry. Some users noted that they have never been asked for this proof, while others suggest purchasing a low-cost onward ticket or planning your exit for just before the 60-day mark, with the possibility of changing plans after entry.
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Jay *****
Just buy a $15 onward ticket to anywhere before your arrival and just have your Cambodia ticket read after you extend simple as that. I do it all the time.
Gregg *******
@Jay ****
better make that ticket to Laos until they open the Cambodian border again.
Jack ********
@Gregg ******
flights still operate to Cambodia.
Gregg *******
555
@Jack *******
not for $15.
Jack ********
@Gregg ******
just buy a fully refundable ticket to anywhere you clown 🤡
Gregg *******
No need for name calling
@Jack *******
. Jay was suggesting a $15 ticket to Cambodia and I suggested he go to Laos as the land crossings to Cambodia are closed. I've been travelling in and out of Thailand about 8 times a year for over 7 years now and have never been asked for an onward ticket. Hey, but you know it all eh? Good for you buddy.🤣
Jack ********
@Gregg ******
you shouldn’t be giving out advice to anyone son.
Gregg *******
@Jack *******
Ok Dad. I did a Cambodian border run on June 7th this year and they closed the border behind me. I was fortunate to get back into Thailand. It's my understanding that the border has been closed since then. My apologies if I am mistaken as I am a 62 year old fool.
Alan ********
Some people on here don't know what they are talking about.
Alan ********
No it's not you don't need one. I've done it so many times. Please show me where it says that you need an onward flight within 60 days?
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alan *******
… I’ve literally been asked twice already, when entering Thailand … to provide evidence of onward travel.
Alan ********
@Ēad ******
don't know your history. I've been coming 20 years 2 or 3 times a year. Never been asked once Ead. Maybe your record is marked for whatever reason, overstay, more than 6 months. I don't know but l understand it's better to be safe. If they do that you only have to prove you are on holiday. If you've extended or done border runs a lot in the past. And stayed over the 6 months in one year they might pull you for it. Everyone has a story.
Gregg *******
In 8 years of travelling in and out of Thailand, I have never been asked for an onward travel plan. Just saying..... I have boarded planes in Oz without a return ticket and never been asked. I have crossed land borders without an onward travel plan and never been asked. They do ask how long I intend to stay and my answer always falls within the restrictions of my visa exempt entry though.
Andy *****
@Gregg ******
you can clearly see, that it's a requirement to have proof of leaving Thailand within 60 days - or risk refusal of entry
Gregg *******
@Andy ****
I propose that could be up to the officer on the entry point. I have a clear history of no overstays in 8 years. There is also a clear history of me reporting at my wife's address. I have on occasion used a 30 day extension and I've done border runs. I usually only stay 12 nights and go back to work in Oz for 4 weeks, but I have stayed 90 and 120 days. You do you, mate. Good luck and enjoy the Land of Smiles.
Michael *******
@Gregg ******
more likely at airline check in desk why risk it for the sake of $12 which is all it costs to get a dummy ticket on line….or a bus ticket across border which is what some folks do……
Gregg *******
@Michael ******
better get another booster shot too if ya that scared or worried about it.🤣
Michael *******
@Gregg ******
neither scared or worried about anything other than lousy advice….no booster shot for that.😛
Gregg *******
@Michael ******
you are right. Advising someone to buy a fake onward ticket to rort the system is good advice . Thanks mate. 🤣
Michael *******
@Gregg ******
beats being denied boarding by the airline best way to screw up a holiday one way tickets are a red flag on their systems…..why risk it for the sake of a few bucks ….everyone to their own
Andy *****
@Gregg ******
Here is the official rule according to the Thai Embassy in Britain

*************************************************
Kenneth *******
3 x in 1 year Leave Australia 🇦🇺 get 60 days when land 10 days before 60 days are up i go immigration get 30 day extension 1900thb take 15 minutes at immigration. Make sure you have your tm30 report done within 48hrs of landing
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kenneth ******
… TM30 report?
Pete *******
@Kenneth ******
TM30 within 24hrs....
Kenneth *******
@Pete ******
landed sat did Monday
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone 🙏🏻
Marianne ********
You'll need a exit-ticket within 60 days regardless of your intent to apply for an extension.

But it can be something cheap like a bus-ticket between Nong Khai and Vientiane ( Laos )
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mari****
… ahhh, the onward ticket doesn’t have to be a flight? Wow. Ok
Marianne ********
@Ēad ******
Just needs to be something verifiable going out of the country :)
Andy *****
You'll probably get several different answers. However, it is the law, that you need to show your intention to leave Thailand within the 60 days. Some airlines are very strict about it and they will not let you board.

Could you schedule your Cambodia trip to be within the 60 days - and then change it when you get to Thailand?

You don't need a return ticket to your original departure place, just a proof to leave Thailand within 60 days.
Ēad *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@An**
. Yeahhh, that seems the way
Graeme ******
You will find the biggest issue is the airline since if you are now allowed into thailand when you arrive it is at there cost to take you home so they typically ask to see that you have onward travel or return ticket within the 60 days. It is a requirement at immigration as well although most of the time they dont ask.
Pete *******
The requirement for entry on a visa exempt is to have an onward ticket dated within 60 days of your arrival.
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