Answered4 years ago
Is it necessary for foreigners to book a return flight before entering Thailand?
Hello 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!
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.
32 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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 requests
Graham ******
@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.Angel ***********
Yes,
@Gra***
. Everyone. Every single one.Graham ******
@Angel **********
Yes we can, but can everyone who reads your original post?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 **********
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.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 somethingDean ********
@Ryan *******
this one processes instantly.
Ryan ********
@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 ********
@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.
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 😆
John *******
@Alan ******
Rtn. flight often needed from US. Not often needed from Europe or Arabian gulf.
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.
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 **********
OP@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.
Chris ****
Yes
Chris ****
But can be to another country besides origin. Just needs to be onward.
Eve **********
OP@Maz *******
Thank you so much.Chris ****
@Eve *********
enjoyActivity
14 joined14
people
Related
25Do you need to show a return flight or onward flight when arriving in Thailand?
2.5k19342mo
Do I need a return or onward ticket when traveling to Thailand on a DTV visa?
2.2k22142mo
Do you need a return flight to enter Thailand?
2.7k25224mo
Do I need a return flight to get a visa for moving to Thailand?
721644mo
Does the TDAC eliminate the need for a valid exit ticket for visa-free entries in Thailand?
5.6k61575mo
Do I need to provide proof of accommodation and cash when entering Thailand with my Thai wife?
1.5k12119mo
Do I need a round trip ticket or is a one-way ticket acceptable for re-entering Thailand on a DTV visa?
728211y
Do I need a return flight ticket when entering Thailand with a Non-Immigration ‘O’ Visa?
3.4k17221y
Is the DTV visa enough for a one-way flight to Thailand, or do I need proof of onward travel?
1.4k1091y
Does immigration require onward travel tickets for entry on a DTV visa in Thailand?
6.7k59502y
Do I need to prepare any documents for the 60-day Visa Exemption when arriving in Thailand from Vietnam with a European passport?
2k15122y
Can I book a one way flight to Thailand with a UK passport, and do I need a visa?
2.1k10183y
Do I need a return ticket or proof of onward travel with a 6 month multi-entry visa for Thailand?
1.1k843y
Do I need a return ticket when flying to Thailand on a one-way ticket?
2.5k19173y
Do I need to purchase actual flights out of Thailand for my METV application, or is an onward flight sufficient?
2.9k18363y
Do I need to show proof of a return flight when arriving in Thailand with a TR visa?
1.3k7133y
Can I enter Thailand as a tourist without proof of an onward ticket?
11.1k111724y
Can South African travelers on a visa exemption in Thailand qualify for a Covid extension and what are the return flight requirements?
683265y
Do I need a return flight to the UK for my Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand?
1.9k15115y
Do I need an exit flight and cash to enter Thailand with a 60-day visa?
2.2k13257y
Will I be denied boarding in Europe or immigration in Thailand with a one-way ticket and onward travel to Cambodia or Laos?
39617y
Does my daughter need a return ticket for a Thai tourist visa, and is there a better visa option for a 6-month stay?
2.7k20287y
What is the correct visa for a foreign national to help run a guesthouse business in Thailand?
48138y
Can I convert a 30-day visa-exempt entry to a one-year visa extension based on marriage to a Thai citizen?
1.6k1458y
Where can I find a temporary booking service for an exit flight from Thailand?
1.1k4149y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served