Answered5 months ago
Should I get a visa before traveling to Thailand or rely on a 30-day visa exemption and extend later?
If I have a round-trip ticket to Bangkok from the US with a 60 day window. I am trying to decide to get visa before the flight or just go, receive the 30 day visa free and then extend? Will i have an issue upon entry because onward ticket is beyond my 30 day entry?
Answer summary
Travelers from the U.S. considering a trip to Thailand for 60 days face a dilemma: should they obtain a visa beforehand or take advantage of the 30-day visa exemption upon arrival? Many comments advise securing a visa in advance to avoid issues with airlines and immigration regarding onward travel proof, as airlines could deny boarding if the return ticket exceeds the exemption period. While some experiences indicate that immigration checks are rare, having a visa can simplify the entry process and remove potential hassle during travel.
22 repliesnewest first
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Steven *********
Before. This will be your vacation. Stay on vacation and not in immigration offices while here. Do as much online as you can. Do not forget to do the registration card online 72 hours or less before you take off
Victor **********
Anyone planning to visit Thailand beyond 30 days, should apply for a visa online. Also, make sure you have the required 20,000 THB (~$700) equivalent in CASH upon entry, in case immigration asks for proof.
Simon *******
It's not 30 days yet when are you travelling?
NA'Ahulelua *********
Heading to Thailand next month for 35 days. (US passport) Took me 15 min to complete the application process. Got my e-visa the next day. Better to have it just in case to make the immigration process smoother and stress free.
Frankie *******
Just go ahead n deal with it later or go do a border run to laos
BC ********
Frankie Subra very bad advice.
No idea why you would do this when there is a very easy solution to get a tourist visa online from home.
No idea why you would do this when there is a very easy solution to get a tourist visa online from home.
Todd ********
Frankie Subra So just getting the 60 day tourst visa vs get the exemption plus an extension or run and expense to Laos. The easy way or hard way. N deal with it. 🤨
Bradley ********
Hmmm…. Quick question.
If I have a Non-O 90 day or less, Visa and I will be planning to apply for a one-year extension, under the retirement guidelines, do I need to have any type of return ticket when I enter….?
What do I put on the TDAC, as far as leaving Thailand or is this not a requirement with the Non-O Visa?
If I have a Non-O 90 day or less, Visa and I will be planning to apply for a one-year extension, under the retirement guidelines, do I need to have any type of return ticket when I enter….?
What do I put on the TDAC, as far as leaving Thailand or is this not a requirement with the Non-O Visa?
Brandon ************
@Bradley *******
you don't need an outbound ticket. And departure information is optional on the TDAC. Just don't fill out that section.Bradley ********
@Brandon ***********
Thank you.
Tom **********
Get a Visa.
Van ********
I've twice been asked for an onward ticket; LHR - BKK and HKG - BKK. Cathay were definitely not going to let me travel until I showed them a flight from BKK to London within 30 days. Its not worth the uncertainty, best to either get an onward ticket, or a return with a date change.
Alan **********
Van Edward The airlines are protecting themselves against you being denied entry and having to return asap on the SAME AIRLINE.
If that happens and you have purchased a round-trip ticket they likely don't care that much because your return fare is already paid - they don't need to come after you for payment.
An "onward ticket ? That proves nothing to your airline because THEY have to fly you back if you're denied for whatever reason, regardless.
And Thai Immigration doesn't care because you'd have to go through them to get OUT of Thailand.
If that happens and you have purchased a round-trip ticket they likely don't care that much because your return fare is already paid - they don't need to come after you for payment.
An "onward ticket ? That proves nothing to your airline because THEY have to fly you back if you're denied for whatever reason, regardless.
And Thai Immigration doesn't care because you'd have to go through them to get OUT of Thailand.
Ralph *******
What date are you entering Thailand?
Brandon ************
Your airline could potentially deny you boarding until you show them proof of a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days (if visa exempt has changed to 30 days by then). Your airline is the most likely person to give you problems.
Technically, immigration could also require you to show proof of onward travel out of Thailand within the number of days you will be stamped in for, but it's not a common thing they check.
Spending 10 minutes online to fill out a visa application is MUCH easier than possibly spending an entire day in line at a crowded immigration office, and it's actually cheaper than the 1900 baht an extension costs at immigration as well.
Technically, immigration could also require you to show proof of onward travel out of Thailand within the number of days you will be stamped in for, but it's not a common thing they check.
Spending 10 minutes online to fill out a visa application is MUCH easier than possibly spending an entire day in line at a crowded immigration office, and it's actually cheaper than the 1900 baht an extension costs at immigration as well.
Eileen ***********
@Brandon ***********
asked me two weeks Ago
Corny*****
@Brandon ***********
the airlines check this? Sorry for my ignorance, I travel the world and have never come across the airline asking for proof of onward travel. I’ll be going to Thailand next week, before the rule takes into effect (15 days), is it still likely that they ask for this? Is this what they do to every single passenger? Is this specific nationalities only?
Primož *******
CornyME123 Majority of airlines strictly check, especially on short flights from neighbouring countries, because it is their obligation to take you back, if you are refused entry of the basis not possesing onward ticket.
Brandon ************
CornyME123 Immigration almost never checks. But if they do check, it's because they are already looking for a reason to deny entry.
You can see another reply to comments in this post from someone who has been checked before. Airlines often check the entry requirements of the countries you are flying to. Some check more than others. But if they think you might be denied entry because you do not have one of the entry requirements, they don't have a lot of motivation to fly you there.
As of right now, visa exempt is still 60 days. You can always purchase a ticket while you're standing at the check-in counter if they require it.
You can see another reply to comments in this post from someone who has been checked before. Airlines often check the entry requirements of the countries you are flying to. Some check more than others. But if they think you might be denied entry because you do not have one of the entry requirements, they don't have a lot of motivation to fly you there.
As of right now, visa exempt is still 60 days. You can always purchase a ticket while you're standing at the check-in counter if they require it.
Andy ********
@Brandon ***********
very good plus 20,000 baht in cash or equivalent currency and accommodation arranged, just in case you’re asked for them too.
Jeremy **********
@Brandon ***********
thank you , I didn’t realise it could be done in line .
Paul ********
@Jeremy *********
it is only done online now, getting a visa just saves all the hassle of having to extend when in Thailand and can possibly make entry that little bit easierActivity
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