thailand
Ask question
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?

Thai Visa RulesEducation VisaVisa Application ProcessExpatriate Living in ThailandThailand ImmigrationTravel Regulations
Jul 15, 2025
2 days ago
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello 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.
7,465
views
19
likes
213
all likes
92
replies
2
images
43
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user and their husband plan to move to Thailand from the U.S. for a year after marriage, considering an education visa but unsure whether to purchase classes and apply for the visa beforehand or enter on an E-visa and change to an education visa after arrival. Comments suggest various opinions on the need for return tickets, the necessity of securing a visa before departure versus after arrival, and advice on selecting a suitable school, along with concerns about immigration regulations.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Dorothy ******
Following
a day ago
Like
Reply
Martin *********
Don't bother trying to teach English as a second language.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Steve ***********
@Adam ************
 nah, Airline can change 2 to 3 times before landing. Always have one, but never been questioned.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Steve ***********
Reply
Simon *******
Use one of the onward flights apps cost about $12 on line job done
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ******
 Still looking for online work. Will look trying to find online work I can take with me.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Shea *******
Reply
Ann-Louise ********
Get your working visas before travel!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ann-Louise *******
 looking for work as I cant take my job with me.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Ann-Louise ********
@Shea ******
 good luck with that!
a day ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Lonnie ********
@Martin *******
 From the US, I was asked about a return ticket. As mentioned below, my flight was with Delta, too.
a day ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Niall *******
For a couple of dollars, you can book an onward flight with "onwardsflights.com".

This will meet the requirements of immigration.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Eric ********
@Niall ******
 I 100% agree with this. It is legit. And always use them.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Dorothy ******
@Cassander ********
a day ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Frankie *****
@Jim *******
 and just got married 😁
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
**********
*****
*****
..I've been with her for 5 yrs now with no immigration issues...good luck
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Dorothy ******
@Cassander ********
a day ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ken *******
 thank you!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leeann *********
 I know I am a little worried.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Ricketa ***********
@Shea ******
 girl don’t listen to these folks
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Martyn *******
@Hank ********
 you were fortunate
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
* expecting
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Hank *********
Reply
Todd *********
@Hank ********
 on which airline from the states?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
@Todd ********
 beautiful!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Hank ********
 it amazes me each time !
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Hank *********
@Todd ********
 which airline? I’ll avoid that one
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Hank ********
 Qatar Business Class. You definitely don’t want to avoid it 🙂 unless you hate steak and shrimp and great champagne. 🍾 up to you
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Hank *********
@Todd ********
 I took China airlines this flight

&

EVA last flight

&

Japan airlines
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Hank ********
 interesting for sure. I flew LAX - BKK last and absolutely nobody was being boarded without proof of onward travel
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hank ********
 were flighting into BKK
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
I think Chiang Mai is much less restrictive

Much I have no idea actually
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
I was a tad worried because of everything I’ve read
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Martin ********
@Hank ********
 this is the problem. So many self-appointed experts on here who actually know next to nothing
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martin ********
Reply
Luc ************
@Hank ********
 on visa exempt?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
@Luc ***********
Question: is a visa exempt mean “ 60 days or less “ as a tourist?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
@Luc ***********
 yes exempt
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Hank *********
@Luc ***********
Just a tdac on arrival
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Lynnette *******
@Hank ********
 TDAC is nothing to do with visas. 🤦
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
Dave *******
Be careful trying to board with a Oneway ticket unless you have the appropriate visa
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave ******
 which visa should we get?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Dave *******
@Shea ******
 no idea that’s your job to contact the thai embassy
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Bradford ******
@Sasi ***********
 wrong, you don’t need a visa to Enter Thailand.
a day ago
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Sasi ***********
 They don’t all do the same so it becomes a bit of a lottery.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Shea *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sasi ***********
 which visa should we get?
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Vicky *****************
@Shea ******
 DTV visa sounds like what you need
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Ricketa ***********
@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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Dorothy ******
@Cassander ********
a day ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Christopher ********
@Gerg *********
 they let me
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Eric **********
@Dean **********
 💯
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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)
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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 
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Bob *********
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Bob *********
@Frankie ******
 correct,
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Frankie ******
 A return flight is not necessary, any flight out of Thailand will do. Google onward travel ticket for a cheap solution.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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 visa
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Linny **********
@Frankie ******
 i’ve always gone American Airlines on tourist visas with no return ticket 2023-now
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Linny **********
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 
a day ago
Like
Reply
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 JAL
a day ago
Like
Reply
Reinhard ********
@Linny *********
 With Visa no promplem.Without no go!
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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 HKT
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@Linny *********
 definitely not all airlines require it. But some do. So be prepared to buy a ticket on the spot if needed
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *******
@Linny *********
 you do need it to enter Thailand. They may not ask but when they do ask they have the right to deny entry
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Todd *********
@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 go
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Kevin *******
@Todd ********
 They absolutely do ask. I once got refused entry because I didn't have it.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Bent *************
@Frankie ******
Some airlines do, some don’t
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Lonnie ********
@Frankie ******
 This is the way.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
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
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Marc *****************
Reply
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
Should I apply for an Education Visa for my daughter before arriving in Thailand or after entering on a tourist visa?
3 comments
2 months ago
What visa should I get for moving to Thailand with my children and can I teach with only a TEFL certificate?
69 comments
6 months ago
What are the experiences and recommendations for obtaining an ED visa in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa?
17 comments
7 months ago
Can I apply for an ED visa for language school in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa from the UK?
26 comments
a year ago
Is the plan of using a tourist visa and then transitioning to an educational visa the best option for long-term stay in Thailand?
11 comments
a year ago
Should I apply for a Thai ED visa before traveling or can I do it after entering on a tourist visa?
22 comments
a year ago
What should I prepare for traveling to Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa and switching to an education visa for my son?
12 comments
2 years ago
What visa should we apply for when traveling to Krabi for a year to train Muay Thai and learn Thai?
4 comments
2 years ago
What is the best visa option for UK citizens planning to stay in Thailand for 6 months?
31 comments
2 years ago
How can I obtain an education visa for myself and my partner in Thailand?
50 comments
2 years ago
What visa should I apply for if I want to return to Thailand to get married after my education visa?
5 comments
2 years ago
Should I hire an agent to convert my Tourist Visa to an Education Visa in Thailand?
17 comments
3 years ago
What are the procedures and advice for applying for an ED visa in Thailand, including changing from a Tourist Visa?
8 comments
3 years ago
Is it better to obtain an Education Visa in Thailand after arriving or from the UK before traveling?
5 comments
3 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining a new education visa for Thailand after a year on an education visa?
10 comments
3 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa and then switch to an education visa for language study?
1 comments
3 years ago
Can I apply for a visa in Thailand after arriving on my passport, or do I need to obtain one beforehand?
32 comments
4 years ago
How do I apply for an education visa in Thailand, and can I use it for multiple courses?
6 comments
4 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining an Education Visa in Thailand after multiple entries as a tourist?
16 comments
6 years ago
Should I apply for an ED Visa in Canada or from Thailand while choosing a Thai language school in Phuket?
15 comments
6 years ago
What are the best options for obtaining an ED visa from Thailand, and where should I go?
6 comments
7 years ago
Can I obtain a visa on arrival in Thailand and later switch to an education visa?
17 comments
7 years ago
What are the requirements for an education visa in Thailand for my family and do I need proof of departure?
1 comments
7 years ago
How do I apply for an ED visa in Thailand after arriving on a tourist visa?
4 comments
7 years ago
Can I transition from an Education visa to a Marriage visa in Thailand after getting married?
10 comments
7 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.