Is it necessary to have a booked exit flight when applying for a 90-day visa to Thailand?

Apr 14, 2024
8 months ago
Michael ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Is it always necessary to have a exit flight booked when travelling to Thailand Looking to get 90 day visa then extend but unsure of the rules on flight tickets

Cheers in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
When traveling to Thailand on a 90-day Non-O visa, it is generally not required to have a booked onward flight. Many travelers have successfully entered the country without such proof, though airline policies may vary. While the Thai immigration authorities do not usually demand exit tickets for 90-day visas, some airlines might ask for verification of onward travel during check-in. There are reports from individuals who noted that certain Thai embassies may incorrectly request exit tickets for the visa application process, but this is not a universal rule. Ultimately, for a visa-exempt or tourist visas, onward travel proof is typically required, so travelers should clarify specifics with their airlines and check embassy guidelines before their journey.
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Henrik *****
You get allowed into Thailand for a certain period, and of course the polite thing to do then, is to show your intent to comply with that agreement.
Bob **********
It’s up to your airline if immigration asks there’s a good chance they want to deny entry
Bart **************
@Bob *********
it's not up to your airline. No visa requires proof of exit travel at the stage the entry.
Bob **********
@Bart *************
I’ve known many at land borders and a few denied boarding and my girl was denied at the Poi Pet border until I talked to the head IO
Bob **********
@Bart *************
if he applies for a no -o in his home country he should have no problem but an exempt stamp of a TV requires onward travel
Bart **************
@Bob *********
A tourist visa only requires proof of onward travel at the visa application stage.
Bob **********
@Bart *************
but if the Airline request to see it and you don’t have it you won’t board the aircraft
Bart **************
@Bob *********
you tell them it's not required, they consult with supervisor or if necessary quick-check with Thai officials, and you board the flight.
Bob **********
@Bart *************
you can get around anything but the rules are the rules and I personally know people that have been denied on both ends
Damien ********
@Bob *********
Hi Bob

How many people do u know Personally that have been denied at both ends?

1 or 5 or 10 or maybe

Nobody ?

Asking for a friend

Thanks
Bart **************
@Bob *********
the rules are the rules indeed. And the rules state that Thailand does not require proof of onward travel if you have a visa, also a tourist visa. An airline does not have the right to refuse boarding then, not even if their own terms and conditions state so.
Nongnuch ********
@Bart *************
it's actually up to the airline. Even WITH a valid visa, they can refuse boarding if you only have a one-way ticket. A valid Thai visa is NO GUARANTEE that Immigration allows you to enter. An Immigration officer can go through your passport's travel history and decide to refuse entry. It is up to his/her discretion. That's why
@Bob *********
is right
Bart **************
@Nongnuch *******
well I'm telling him, and you, by the looks, that he is NOT right. An airline does NOT have the right to refuse boarding at their discretion. Immigrations has that right, airlines do not. Please stop spreading/supporting false information you both. Airlines can (and should) require fulfilling a country's officially documented entry requirements, but if something is not part of that, then they cannot require it at their discretion.

Would also become a mess if it would be allowed. Have a plane that fits 800 passengers. Sell 5000 tickets. Then just refuse 4200 passengers based "on your discretion". Easy money! 💰
Bob **********
@Bart *************
when the airline is responsible they do have the right to refuse as it’s there responsibility to fly you back it your denied entry
Bob **********
@Bart *************
your Airline is totally responsible for you if your denied entry
Bart **************
@Bob *********
entirely true. However, not implying that they can deny boarding if you don't have an exit ticket at the entry stage. It's not required by immigrations and can therefore not be required by the airline.
Peter ********
Sometimes it’s your travel insurance that requires a return ticket, check the fine print. I don’t normally book a return flight until I’m in Thailand and have never had an issue with immigration, the last time was different as i booked a return flight from home and when I ended up in a Bangkok hospital with a heart attack the insurance company required a return flight confirmation. Very lucky for me and a lesson learnt.
Jeff ********
For my e visa application I did not attach beyond 3 weeks hotel nor a return ticket. I was denied and told to submit them. I did. After I was approved I terminated the new hotel reservations as I have no idea where I will be yet and I was admitted into the country without have to show any legit bookings. But this is my own experience and I assert nothing. But never had to show such exit travel ever shoe proof of funds.
Lee *********
does a tourist visa 60 days require proof of return flight?
Damien ********
They don’t check exit flights

From my previous experience

Just make up a flight number

But up to u ?
Lee *********
@Damien *******
really? So much conflicting info
Damien ********
@Lee ********
yep, I have done exactly what I wrote when I applied for 60 day visa from Australia

No problem

I have also flown into Thailand several times without exit flight

Never been asked at either end

If ur 60 day visa is approved they are not going to deny you entry

But again up to u

Enjoy
Andi ***********
Darrel *********
I got my 90 day evisa and was not required to have a return flight. Again this could be the type of visa you are applying for and embassy rules
Nongnuch ********
and yes, as other posters have mentioned, some Thai embassies and consulates want to see a full itinerary, which includes a ticket in and a ticket out of Thailand. Although in the E-Visa application, they ask for your "intended" date of departure, not for a real ticket
Nongnuch ********
Immigration doesn't mind if you got an onward travel proof or not. It is the airline which might ask you upon check-in. Normally they only ask travellers who want to fly to Thailand without a visa. If you got a 90-days Non-Imm-O visa, they won't ask. However there never is a guarantee. If they see that you only have a one-way ticket, they might be tempted to see your onward travel proof. You better ask the airline by email, print their reply and carry it on you at the check-in. And print out your visa.
Bart **************
90 day visas do not require exit tickets. Some embassies however mistakenly require it.
Steve *******
Visa exempt, VOA and Tourist Visas need onward/return travel. Non Immigrant visas Do not, unless specified by the Thai Embassy you're applying at.
Steve *******
Visa exempt, VOA and Tourist Visas need onward/return travel. Non Immigrant visas do not, unless specified by the Thai Embassy you're applying at.
Jan ******************
Regardless of people’s personal experiences, we know people have been asked for an onward ticket even on a 90 days Non O visa.
Jim ********
@Jan *****************
But not required. Check-in staff can check with their supervisors.
Mark ********
Not necessary, I've done it many times.
Neil ********
If you apply before you enter normally yes
Jim ********
90 day visa does NOT require an onward ticket
Ian *************
I was asked I said no they let me in 😊👍
Brandon ************
You need to check with the embassy and see what their requirements are.
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