Answereda year ago
Is it necessary to have a return ticket when arriving in Thailand with a one-way ticket?
Hello kind people! Could someone tell me, how necessary it is to have a return ticket, when you arrive to Thailand? Currently having a one way only 🐥
Answer summary
When arriving in Thailand with a one-way ticket, the necessity of a return ticket largely depends on the type of visa you hold. For tourists entering on a visa exemption or tourist visa, it is generally required to present proof of onward travel, as airlines may enforce this check before boarding. Conversely, travelers on long-term visas, like non-immigrant visas, typically do not need to provide a return ticket. It's advisable to confirm specific requirements with the Thai embassy or consider booking a flexible or refundable ticket for peace of mind.
43 repliesnewest first
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Elías ********
Do you have a visa? Or as a visaless tourist?
Elisabet ******
OP@Elías *******
as visaless touristChris ************
I've done it many times as a Canadian coming for a few months. I've never once in all my visits to Thailand been asked for a return ticket.
Richard ***********
@Chris ***********
I wrote the same thing on a post on the same subject some time ago. The very next flight i was asked to show a return ticket.
Dan *******
Might want to rethink that strategy. The new DTAC requests your information for return flight . It’s mandatory.
Chris ************
@Dan ******
good updateAndreas *********
@Dan ******
no, this is WRONG! The "departure" section of the TDAC is NOT a mandatory field. You can leave it empty ! . . .. . . . however what Immigration can ask from you to show, upon entry, this is a completely different matterDan *******
Good luck with that , dumbass.
Dennis *********
@Dan ******
departure information on TDAC is an optional entry not a requirement.
Bridget *******************
@Chris ***********
Nor have I, in 25 years, but needed to show one at Heathrow last month! Had to buy a cheap ticket to Saigon while I was at check in! Everything has changed. But when I got to Thailand, noone asked to see it!Chris ************
@Bridget ******************
good update
Holger **************
@Chris ***********
At Thai Immigration they usualy dont ASK But the Airline at Check in ....me had to Show several Times
Chris ************
@Holger *************
good update. I just flew in from Spain and again they was no requestsAndreas *********
@Chris ***********
on visa-exempt entries, you might be asked in the future, so better be prepared. Immigration is checking more thoroughly now
Seren *******
Necessary? Maybe or maybe not. You need to decide on your risk level. We arrived this week and this is our experience only.
1. Your airline is responsible for your deportation (return flight) if you are not allowed to enter. So they might question you. We had a one way ticket and were questioned by our airline before boarding.
2. Thai immigration expect to see a ticket leaving the country, especially if you are expecting to be allowed in on a visa exemption.
We booked cheap bus travel out of Thailand for this purpose. We advised the airline of this. They were fine.
My partner was asked on arrival by immigration when he was leaving. He said we were leaving by bus. The IO wanted to know who “we” was. Once he pointed to me, it was fine. No proof required to be shown but we had it if required.
We are not the demographic they are looking to stop. But, they are clearly scrutinising people who are entering more than before. I would at least want to have valid proof of a departure route to feel comfortable.
1. Your airline is responsible for your deportation (return flight) if you are not allowed to enter. So they might question you. We had a one way ticket and were questioned by our airline before boarding.
2. Thai immigration expect to see a ticket leaving the country, especially if you are expecting to be allowed in on a visa exemption.
We booked cheap bus travel out of Thailand for this purpose. We advised the airline of this. They were fine.
My partner was asked on arrival by immigration when he was leaving. He said we were leaving by bus. The IO wanted to know who “we” was. Once he pointed to me, it was fine. No proof required to be shown but we had it if required.
We are not the demographic they are looking to stop. But, they are clearly scrutinising people who are entering more than before. I would at least want to have valid proof of a departure route to feel comfortable.
Paul ***************
A one way ticket has always been ok . Stamped on the way out .let's say if you travel on via Chang mai area to Laos by mini van & boat .
Graham ******
@Paul **************
it's always been OK until it isn't and they are enforcing the entry rules much stricter nowHolger **************
@Paul **************
yes. IT was more easy before ....but the Times have changed
Ant ***********
Depends when you were last in Thailand ?
Graham ******
@Ant **********
the airline, who usually enforce this requirement, will not be bothered with historical visitsRoger **********
Having a one-way ticket to Thailand can be a bit tricky. If you're entering Thailand on a visa exemption or tourist visa, it's recommended to have a return or onward ticket. Airlines often check for proof of onward travel before boarding, and Thai immigration may ask for it.
However, if you have a non-immigrant visa, like a long-stay visa, you might not need a return ticket. It's best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
To be on the safe side, you could book a refundable or flexible ticket to a neighboring country.
However, if you have a non-immigrant visa, like a long-stay visa, you might not need a return ticket. It's best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
To be on the safe side, you could book a refundable or flexible ticket to a neighboring country.
Andreas *********
@Roger *********
refundable flexi tickets are an EXPENSIVE option. Many cheap one-way budget airline tickets from Bangkok to Sieam Reap or Hat Yai to Kuala Lumpur can be had for less money and will do the trick of showing onward travel within the 60 days one gets stamped in on a visa-exempt entryRoger **********
@Andreas ********
don’t tell me, I’m not going anywhere… Speaking for myself, Mel-bkk—mel is $790 return in Feb 2026, 570 one way . The return can get a Jetstar voucher…
Roger **********
But message Elisabeth…better. I don’t know all the details.
Ebbie *******
Just get a cheap one at onwardticket.com. It’s $16 for real proof of a ticket. They always ask me for a return flight.
Phyf ****
I’ve never been asked that and I’ve been to Thailand 15 times.
Hans *****
@Phyf ***
the game has changed now unfortunately
Bent *************
@Ebbie ******
Train Nong Khai to Vientiane is around 2$!Andreas *********
@Ebbie ******
I would be VERY VERY CAREFUL recommending "onward" fake tickets . . .there has been a meeting of Phuket Immigration officers, and the topic at one point was centered on the "fake tickets" . . Word for word: "Phuket Airport Immigration has also seen a surge in counterfeit or unpaid return tickets ‒ documents created to make it appear as though a traveller intends to leave Thailand."Many passengers create fake tickets by booking without paying or confirming their return flight," Col Rasarin said. "We have strict measures in place to detect this. If a ticket is found to be counterfeit, or if payment has not been made, the traveller will be deemed to have not declared their innocence from the start and will be immediately deported."
Naja ***********
@Andreas ********
Thailand doesn't deport. They'll never pay the ticket. They just lock you up till you can buy your own ticket... That's not deportation. That's just refusal of entry and detainment till to are able to leave.Andreas *********
@Naja **********
when Thai Immigration denies entry, they will ask you to remain inside the "Detention Center" until your flight back to where you came from is ready to board. That's what the female Immigration Colonel meant with "deport you" . . . I am not responsible for the bad English of these officials. I only QUOTED what she saidEbbie *******
@Andreas ********
these are Real ticket reservations that can be verified and confirmed by the airline for at least 48 hours. They are real reservations that automatically cancel after 48 hours if you don’t call to confirm. They can’t tell that it will expire. The tickets work for me and my friends everytime for years. I highly recommend.Andreas *********
@Ebbie ******
you are wrong! What you claim to know is total BS! Those "onwardtickets" are only a reservation for a booking! . . . . . They are not even a real ticket booking. . . . . . These onwardtickets are blocking the ETIX system of the airlines, and can get refused. . . . .And if you really plan to enter visa-exempt, and Thai Immigration is really gonna ask you for your onward travel, you are going to have a big problem if you show them the "fake ticket", they won't accept it, they will deny entry, put you into detention and send you back to where you came from. I am NOT kidding, I am just showing you the "new" reality of Immigration checks of people on visa-exempt entriesRoger **********
The airline may ask….
Dennis *********
Airline may not let you board without a ticket if you don’t have required visa.
Michael *********
@Dennis ********
that happened to me with Air Canada. I had to quickly buy a refundable ticket to Cambodia.
Tae'lur ********
Yep and it’s so quick to just buy a flight itinerary off onward travel
Bob **********
Brandon ************
That depends on what type of visa you have. Long-term visas do not require proof of onward travel, but it's a requirement for tourist entries.
Doug *******
@Brandon ***********
Do I need proof of onward travel if arriving with a 90-day non O “retirement” visa?
Sturgess ********
@Doug ******
Even if you did, a $50 ticket to HCMC (which you can cancel) would suffice.Doug *******
@Bent ************
Thanks.Bent *************
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