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Is it necessary for foreigners to book a return flight before entering Thailand?
Visa RequirementsOnward TravelThailand ImmigrationTravel RegulationsForeigners in ThailandVisa TypesNON-O VisaTravel Documentation
Jul 26, 2022
4 years ago
Eve **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone,
For a foreigner entering Thailand right now, is it still needed to book a flight back from Thailand?
Thank you!
For a foreigner entering Thailand right now, is it still needed to book a flight back from Thailand?
Thank you!
TLDR : Answer Summary
Entering Thailand as a foreigner may or may not require proof of onward travel, depending on the type of visa held. Typically, long-term visa holders do not need to show onward travel, while short-term visa holders might be asked by their airline to provide proof, which does not necessarily have to be a return flight. Options such as a bus ticket to a neighboring country may suffice. Additionally, several travelers suggest using services that reserve flights for a fee without actual travel, which can serve as proof if needed.
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- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Angel ***********
No. I flew in a few days ago. Only asked for vax card or PCR test on departure. There's no arrival cards anymore either.
Katie **********
@Angel **********
just pm you please check requestsGraham ******
@Angel **********
The fact you weren't challenged on this occasion doesn't mean that it is not required, it's in the regulations but it is often not applied.Angel ***********
@Graham *****
Often not applied? You mean almost never applied.Graham ******
@Angel **********
It only has to happen once and potentially you don't fly, take the risk it's up to you. Thank you too for confirming your No was incorrect.Angel ***********
@Graham *****
It's 2022 - you can book a dummy flight out on your phone in 5 minutes if need be. Get with the times, boomer.Graham ******
@Angel **********
Yes we can, but can everyone who reads your original post?Angel ***********
Yes,
@Gra***
. Everyone. Every single one.Reply to
Angel ***********
Reply
Dean ********
*************************
get a reservation for $14. It's valid even if they check. Used over 10 times to enter Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines. It's never failed.Katie **********
@Dean *******
where do you get the onward flight to? Just anywhere?Katie **********
Should I do it just before 30 days or just before 60 days?
Graham ******
@Katie *********
That depends on how many days you get stamped in forDean ********
@Katie *********
it's only valid if they check for like 72 hours or somethingRyan ********
@Katie *********
you buy it 12 hours before departure flight. It can take up to 6 hours to process.There's a few websites, cheapest is 7.99usd, don't pay 14usd
Dean ********
@Ryan *******
this one processes instantly.Reply to
Dean ********
Reply
Dean ********
@Katie *********
I've also only been asked once, and it wasn't in Thailand it was at check-in leaving Vietnam going to Thailand. Philippines asks like 80% of the time.Katie **********
And it’s not illegal
Dean ********
@Katie *********
yeah anywhere. I've always done them to nearby countries but not for any real reason.Reply to
Dean ********
Reply
Briton *********
I've been in and out of Thailand like 30 times and they've only checked 1 time
John *********
@Briton ********
The times I have been asked if entering on visa exempt, it was by the boarding airline not by Thai immigration.Bobby ********
@Briton ********
Which doesn't really answer the question.Briton *********
@Bobby *******
to answer the question - yes its required but also no its not like most things around here 😆Alan *******
@Briton ********
I’ve been asked for a flight booking out of Thailand every time at the Washington DC Thai embassy.If doing a visa run at a land crossing then they don’t seem to care.
John *******
@Alan ******
Rtn. flight often needed from US. Not often needed from Europe or Arabian gulf.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Brandon ************
It depends on the visa you're using to enter.
If it's a long term visa meant to live in Thailand, then you do not need to show onward travel generally.
If it's a short term visa, then your airline may ask you to show proof of onward travel (not proof of a return flight). This can usually be as simple as a bus ticket to a neighboring country, but will need to be within the dates of your entry stamp without counting any potential extensions.
If it's a long term visa meant to live in Thailand, then you do not need to show onward travel generally.
If it's a short term visa, then your airline may ask you to show proof of onward travel (not proof of a return flight). This can usually be as simple as a bus ticket to a neighboring country, but will need to be within the dates of your entry stamp without counting any potential extensions.
Eve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
Thank you for the answer.Alan *******
@Eve *********
Check with your airline. I’ve been hassled at checkin when having a return flight that was more than 6 months in the future (having a 6 month visa) but after explaining I can extend it in Thailand to 9 months, they made a phone call to someone and let me on the flight.Also the Thai embassy who issued the visa didn’t say anything about the date of the return flight although they seem to be a lot more picky now.
Reply to
Alan *******
Reply
Chris ****
Yes
Chris ****
But can be to another country besides origin. Just needs to be onward.
Eve **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Maz *******
Thank you so much.Chris ****
@Eve *********
enjoyReply to
Chris ****
Reply
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