This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Should we get an education visa before arriving in Thailand or after getting there?
Education VisaThailand ImmigrationVisa RulesNon-O VisaThai Visa OptionsExpats in ThailandLiving in ThailandTravel RequirementsVisa Process
Jul 15, 2025
10 months ago
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello everyone! Me and my husband just married and plan to move to Thailand from the U.S. We purchashed a one way flight to Thailand for next month. The goal is to live in Thailand for at least a year. We think education visa would be best. However we’re not sure if we should purchase the classes and go with the education visa before getting there or getting an E-visa then changing to education visa once we’re there.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A couple from the U.S. is planning to move to Thailand for at least a year after getting married. They are considering obtaining an education visa but are uncertain whether to enroll in classes prior to arrival or to first enter Thailand with an E-Visa and then switch to an education visa. The conversation provides varied opinions on visa options, flight bookings, and the need for onward travel tickets. Some commenters emphasized the importance of having a valid visa and onward travel proof when flying, while others suggested exploring schools upon arrival before making any commitments.
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
Walt ********
You will get a 60 day stamp but ypu must have a exit ticket. Buy a refundable ticket to Cambodia and that will get you in
Jason ******
Just google dummy tickets or onward flight. $10 and they are legit with working pnr code. They can look up and are valid.
Barry ***************
Your gonna come back divorced 🤣
Porky ******
I’d go with the latter because you’re bound to regret signing up beforehand for lessons and then getting here and finding a far better deal… less commercialised and more personal…
Dorothy ******
Following
Martin *********
Don't bother trying to teach English as a second language.
Steve ***********
Just a question. As an American, going to visit any country, why would an employee of an airline, care what your travel plans are?
Adam *************
@Steve **********
if you do not have a return ticket or a flight to another destination, the airline may be held responsible by the destination country for flying you back home if immigration rejects your entry. That’s why they always insist on knowing youe next flight info or travel plans. Thailand is definitely becoming more strict on this as well.Steve ***********
@Adam ************
nah, Airline can change 2 to 3 times before landing. Always have one, but never been questioned.Reply to
Steve ***********
Reply
Simon *******
Use one of the onward flights apps cost about $12 on line job done
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Simon ******
Still looking for online work. Will look trying to find online work I can take with me.Reply to
Shea *******
Reply
Ann-Louise ********
Get your working visas before travel!
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ann-Louise *******
looking for work as I cant take my job with me.Ann-Louise ********
@Shea ******
good luck with that!Reply to
Ann-Louise ********
Reply
Lee *************
Never had a problem with one way flight.
Come as a tourist and sort you visa to stay in Thailand, use that time to check out where you like
Come as a tourist and sort you visa to stay in Thailand, use that time to check out where you like
Joe *******
You must have proof of travelling back out of the country when arriving.
I came back here just with my 3 month entry visa and then switched to an education visa. One thing I would say is it’s worth paying the extra money as some places are not legitimate and immigration do regular visits not just to check up on you but also the schools
I came back here just with my 3 month entry visa and then switched to an education visa. One thing I would say is it’s worth paying the extra money as some places are not legitimate and immigration do regular visits not just to check up on you but also the schools
Martin ********
I arrived last week from the UK. People bang on about "you'll need an exit ticket". In my experience no you don't. I was not questioned at all, went straight through boarder control/immigration no questions. Maybe coming from a country presided over by the complete egotistical lunatic Trump is different to leaving the UK governed by the total skid mark lefty British hating totally hapless Starmer. If you are worried buy a $20 Malay Bus ticket to Kuala Lumpur from Hat Yai
Lonnie ********
@Martin *******
From the US, I was asked about a return ticket. As mentioned below, my flight was with Delta, too.Reply to
Lonnie ********
Reply
Milan ********
Every time I’ve traveled on a one way I got flagged by security and immigration and it’s just caused me problems.
Hampus **********
DTV, LTR, Elite or Education visa are your go to options. DTV for cultural arts or muay thai are most likely your easiest options. Depends on what criteria’s you can reach and what your plans in the country will be. Be careful with working without appropriate visas whilst in Thailand.
Jack ****************
Be careful with that plan. I spent my first year on a language visa and I get shit about it from immigration even now years later. It was used so extensively to game the system immigration does not like people with that on their record.
Stephen **********
I was stopped at boarding gate. I would arrive to a Tourist Visa. Fortunately, I had a Thai driving licence with my Thai address on. I was only then allowed boarding.
Niall *******
For a couple of dollars, you can book an onward flight with "onwardsflights.com".
This will meet the requirements of immigration.
This will meet the requirements of immigration.
Eric ********
@Niall ******
I 100% agree with this. It is legit. And always use them.Dorothy ******
Reply to
Dorothy ******
Reply
Linny **********
Careful with the agents, you don’t need them unless you don’t meet a requirement and you need to pay them to get around it. They’re extra nice and make you think that you need it. They also need to hang on to your passport for a few days, may be inconvenient. Go directly to immigration
Jim ********
What? You book a oneway ticket and don’t have a Visa? And your plan is to stay in the country for 1yr? Doesn’t sound like you have thought this out very well.
Frankie *****
@Jim *******
and just got married 😁Reply to
Frankie *****
Reply
Vijay *****
Visited Phuket twice in last 2 months...US passport...no return or onward ticket....no issues...Just put airline code and est dep date on the Electronic Arrival document
Ricketa ***********
Sis!! You don’t need a return flight. Also donot get any type of visa before coming to see which area suits you and school location.
Wayne ********
You’ll need a departure ticket but that doesn’t mean a return flight, a cheap flight to Vietnam or Cambodia will be sufficient
Ken ********
I think you better do some more home work ..and call Tum Visa she'll know exactly what to do ..choosing the right visa and she'll assist you on getting a bank account
0865485636..I've been with her for 5 yrs now with no immigration issues...good luck
0865485636..I've been with her for 5 yrs now with no immigration issues...good luck
**********
*****
*****
..I've been with her for 5 yrs now with no immigration issues...good luckDorothy ******
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken *******
thank you!Reply to
Shea *******
Reply
Leeann **********
Y'all may have jumped the gun a bit. I recommended sorting out the visa FIRST, then buying your flights.
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Leeann *********
I know I am a little worried.Ricketa ***********
@Shea ******
girl don’t listen to these folksReply to
Ricketa ***********
Reply
Hank *********
I just arrived in Chiang Mai and had zero issue arriving with only a one way flight
My 4th trip in last 1.5 years
All trips had no issue
My 4th trip in last 1.5 years
All trips had no issue
Martyn *******
@Hank ********
you were fortunateHank *********
* expecting
Hank *********
That’s what I’ve been hearing I was seasoned sort of hassle from customs. But not a word.
The TDAC online form shows that it is not required to have a return flight home. I left mine blank.
The TDAC online form shows that it is not required to have a return flight home. I left mine blank.
Reply to
Hank *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Hank ********
on which airline from the states?Hank *********
@Todd ********
beautiful!Todd *********
@Hank ********
it amazes me each time !Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Hank *********
@Todd ********
which airline? I’ll avoid that oneTodd *********
@Hank ********
Qatar Business Class. You definitely don’t want to avoid it 🙂 unless you hate steak and shrimp and great champagne. 🍾 up to youReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Hank *********
Todd *********
@Hank ********
interesting for sure. I flew LAX - BKK last and absolutely nobody was being boarded without proof of onward travelReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Hank ********
were flighting into BKKHank *********
I think Chiang Mai is much less restrictive
Much I have no idea actually
Much I have no idea actually
Hank *********
I was a tad worried because of everything I’ve read
Martin ********
@Hank ********
this is the problem. So many self-appointed experts on here who actually know next to nothingReply to
Martin ********
Reply
Luc ************
@Hank ********
on visa exempt?Hank *********
@Luc ***********
Question: is a visa exempt mean “ 60 days or less “ as a tourist?Luc ************
@Hank ********
visa exempt is a stamp that allows you entry for 60 days with the possibility to extend another 30 days at immigration for 1900baht.Reply to
Luc ************
Reply
Hank *********
@Luc ***********
I know he asked how I arrived. Are we not allowed to come for 60 days or less on exempt visa?Hank *********
@Luc ***********
yes exemptHank *********
@Luc ***********
Just a tdac on arrivalLynnette *******
@Hank ********
TDAC is nothing to do with visas. 🤦Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Dave *******
Be careful trying to board with a Oneway ticket unless you have the appropriate visa
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave ******
which visa should we get?Dave *******
@Shea ******
no idea that’s your job to contact the thai embassyReply to
Dave *******
Reply
Sasi ************
You won’t be able to board the first flight without proper visa prior departure. All airlines will be practicing under thr same regulations.
Bradford ******
@Sasi ***********
wrong, you don’t need a visa to Enter Thailand.Ralph *******
@Sasi ***********
They don’t all do the same so it becomes a bit of a lottery.Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sasi ***********
which visa should we get?Vicky *****************
@Shea ******
DTV visa sounds like what you needRicketa ***********
@Shea ******
do not get a visa yet sis. I’m here and had no return flight. Come and visit first. Also join the brotha and sisters of Thailand group on Facebook.Dorothy ******
Reply to
Dorothy ******
Reply
Gerg **********
Delta wouldn’t let me board in the U.S. with a one way ticket until I showed them my long term retirement visa.
Christopher ********
@Gerg *********
they let meReply to
Christopher ********
Reply
Dean ***********
You don’t have to have a return ticket. You just need a ticket showing that you will be leaving Thailand within the visa timeframe. Just buy the cheapest one way ticket to a nearby country.
Eric **********
Reply to
Eric **********
Reply
Jeremy ********
I would suggest you go to a few schools take the free session to see if you like the school their teaching structure and how it will effect you the most
Also ask students at the various schools what they think of the school, visa process and the area (the city you stay in Thailand might not be for you after you stay there or it could be the best place on earth)
Also ask students at the various schools what they think of the school, visa process and the area (the city you stay in Thailand might not be for you after you stay there or it could be the best place on earth)
Frankie *******
Always book a return flight where ever u go.They will ask u at the counter before u board the flight n can decline your departure if u u don't hve it
Linny **********
Maybe just depends on those who have a record of leaving on time or not. My passport has pages of Thai visas and extensions for Muay Thai so they have my previous Thai addresses 
Reinhard ********
@Frankie ******
If they have a Visa an one way flight isn't a Problem.Only without a Visa there will be problems.May be they don't even get in the aircraft and Transport will be denied If they havn't a flight inbetwen the visaexeption time out of Thailand.Bob *********
@Frankie ******
correct,Graham ******
@Frankie ******
A return flight is not necessary, any flight out of Thailand will do. Google onward travel ticket for a cheap solution.Todd *********
@Frankie ******
actually never book a return flight unless you don’t like your life or money. I’m a full time traveller for 12 years and never buy a return flight in that time. What some airlines from some locations insist on, is proof of ‘onward travel’ which proves to them that you intend to leave the country within the time limits of your visaLinny **********
@Frankie ******
i’ve always gone American Airlines on tourist visas with no return ticket 2023-nowLinny **********
I fly American out of the US, but I have a lot of connecting flights, I hit two American cities and three countries, my longest trip was 52 hours. I only check in with American Airlines and I get all my boarding passes from them. I don’t see immigration until I enter Thailand, only the basic security checks along the way. I have never flown with JAL 
Wayne ********
@Linny *********
how could you possibly do that when American Airlines does not even fly into Thailand, what do you mean is you bought your tickets through American Airlines and then flew on a partner airline like JALReinhard ********
@Linny *********
With Visa no promplem.Without no go!Linny **********
@Reinhard *******
no I’ve always come with no visa and no problem and no onward travel, and only have record of tourist extensions for Muay Thai.  Theyre always nice and welcoming.Reply to
Linny **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Linny *********
that entirely depends on your nation and airline of departure. Some simply won’t allow you to board your flight without proof of onward travel.Linny **********
@Todd ********
you’re right. I fly out of USA and they don’t need it to leave, nor have I needed it to enter at BKK, DMK, or HKTTodd *********
@Linny *********
definitely not all airlines require it. But some do. So be prepared to buy a ticket on the spot if neededKevin *******
@Linny *********
you do need it to enter Thailand. They may not ask but when they do ask they have the right to deny entryTodd *********
@Kevin ******
you don’t need it. They never ask at airports. They might ask at land borders. If it becomes an issue, make sure you can buy a quick flight or bus ticket online. And off you goKevin *******
@Todd ********
They absolutely do ask. I once got refused entry because I didn't have it.Todd *********
@Kevin ******
they absolutely don’t. 40 million entries annually. And EXTREMELY rare to asked at immigration unless other issues are present. There is obviously more to your bs story than arriving in Thailand as a tourist without ongoing travel and being denied entry. Why didn’t you just buy something on the spot.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Bent *************
@Frankie ******
Some airlines do, some don’tLonnie ********
@Frankie ******
This is the way.Marc *****************
@Lonnie *******
get a fully refundable return ticket on a European carrier That refund your money back no strings
US carrier under the Trump administration make the consumer completely powerless
William ******
@Marc ****************
TDS is real, I'm sorry there is no cure...😪Marc *****************
@William *****
all the consumer gains as far as passenger rights have been slept under the carpet.No more direct refunds now credits with expiration dates it all favors big business!
It appears you’re part of the problem not the solution.
Reply to
Marc *****************
Reply
71 comments
a year ago
16 comments
a year ago
41 comments
2 years ago
45 comments
2 years ago
11 comments
2 years ago
14 comments
2 years ago
115 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
20 comments
3 years ago
31 comments
3 years ago
30 comments
3 years ago
17 comments
3 years ago
What visa should I apply for if I want to return to Thailand to get married after my education visa?
5 comments
3 years ago
14 comments
4 years ago
5 comments
4 years ago
7 comments
4 years ago
13 comments
4 years ago
18 comments
4 years ago
4 comments
4 years ago
17 comments
7 years ago
37 comments
7 years ago
4 comments
8 years ago
10 comments
8 years ago
33 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.