This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Is it possible to enter Thailand as a tourist without a return flight while applying for a retirement visa?

Retirement Visa Thailand Immigration NON-O Visa Visa Process Hua Hin

Jan 10, 2025

2 months ago

Mike *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Got a question.  I’m considering moving to Hua Hin using the retirement visa process. I know I can do the process here at the United States Thailand Embassy.  But I was thinking of just going to Thailand and start the process shortly after my arrival. Then just staying.  I know on the immigration card that is given on the plane.  There is a section for return flight information.  If I didn’t have a return flight entering as a tourist.  Will this possibly be an issue? 

I actually had a retirement visa when I lived in Bangkok for three years.  But moved back to the USA in 2023.  But back then I visited Bangkok for three months and started the process then .  Then returned to the United States

1,016

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A user is considering moving to Hua Hin and applying for a retirement visa after arriving in Thailand as a tourist. They are concerned about entering without a return flight. Comments suggest that having a non-O visa before arriving might facilitate processes like opening a bank account and that the immigration cards for return flights are no longer in use. It is noted that the airlines typically request a return ticket.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted Retirement Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Randy ******

Immigration card ??? It is DEAD since before covid, son. Just like disco, it aint coming back. Also, it is the airlines that will ask for return ticket.

2 months ago

Brandon ************

If you don't already have a Thai bank account, get the visa online before you go to Thailand. You won't have any concerns about a return flight, and having a non-O visa will help you open a bank account which you will need in order to apply for the 1-year extension. If you arrive without a visa you will probably have to pay an agent to help you open the bank account since banks are no longer opening accounts for tourists.

There are no more TM6 entry cards for over a year now.

2 months ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Join the Group

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I enter Thailand on a one-way ticket with a 60-day tourist visa and get a retirement visa?

7 comments