What are the best options for proving onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa?

Question

Hi all. I'm getting concerned as I applied for my 60 day tourist visa 4 weeks ago (Brussels) and leaving in one week. It's still 'pending approval'. So I'm already thinking about a plan B which is to enter on visa exemption and extend 30 days at Krabi immigration, a couple of days before my 30 days end.

But. Obviously I will not have a return flight within 30 days. As some airlines refuse to let you board without a return flight within 30 days if you don't have a valid visa I was thinking of either:
1. buying a cheap bus/boat ticket to Malaysia/Laos or 
2. use an onward ticket service to get a temporary flight reservation to show at check in.
Is a bus/boat ticket a valid proof of leaving the country for a check in agent?
Or is an onward ticket (flight) a better idea?

Or any other tips you might have? I would have never guessed a simple tourist visa would be such a wait...

(And yes I've contacted the embassy to ask why it takes so long, but for now without luck)

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is concerned about the approval of their tourist visa application and is considering the option of entering Thailand on a visa exemption. They express the need for evidence of onward travel since they may not have a return flight booked within 30 days. The discussion includes advice from other users who suggest options like buying a bus/boat ticket to Malaysia/Laos, utilizing an onward ticket service to obtain a temporary flight reservation, and varying opinions on the acceptability of these methods by airlines.

Doug ******** · Answer

I did train ticket,udon thani to laos. Twice was accepted by Qatar airways at London Heathrow and Bangkok immigration officer also accepted when I was asked at bkk.

Very cheap ,train or van, can get from 12goasia. Website or app...download / print ticket ...throw away after your in Bangkok😂😂

Phil ******** · Answer

I wouldn't be buying a cheap ticket out until the last minute.  Embassies often don't approve a visa application until shortly before your date of travel.

Tim *********** · Answer

Book a refundable ticket and cancel once in Thailand.

Gino ********* · Answer

I got mine 3 days before my flight. So there is still hope. Don't panic.

Ulrika **** · Answer

same here leaving saturday and will buy a cheap ticket to somewhere out of the country. I already have a return after 30 days so I need to buy this other tickent to be ablt to board

Lars-Göran ************ · Answer

We took a cheap flight from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur and stayed there a few days. Very nice excursion!

John ********** · Answer

Train ticket would be preferable to a bus ticket

Garry ********* · Answer

a bus/boat ticket might not be suitable some airlines are fussy still might refuse you , best get a onward ticket , or book a genuine cheap flight out of Thailand

What are the best options for proving onward travel when entering Thailand without a visa?

Activity

Related

Resources