What Are the Requirements for Leaving Thailand on a Visa Exempt Entry?

Jan 17, 2020
5 years ago
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Patrick Dale Eidson i deleted your post.

But your question now is

hanks Robert, but my concern would be the requirement for a confirmed ticket to leave Thailand at the end of 30 days. The 20,000 Baht in pocket is not a problem. If my intent is to apply for the Non-Imm O off the Visa Exempt Entry then I wouldn't want to buy an exit ticket that I would never use.
1,235
views
4
likes
26
all likes
10
replies
0
images
6
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the requirements for exiting Thailand when entering on a Visa Exempt Entry. Key points include the necessity of having a confirmed onward ticket and sufficient funds upon arrival. While it's rare for border officials to request proof of funds or travel, airlines often require verification for return tickets. Some participants suggest buying a flexible or cheap ticket to fulfill these requirements, especially for those planning to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa after entering.
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.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
he is inside Thailand on a Non Immigrant O-A Visa. His plan is when the Visa runs out, to make a border run for a new 30 day Visa Exempt Entry and then convert to a Non Immigrant O visa, no flights.

Thanks for all your contributions and sorry that I cut a part of the original question by re posting,
Tod *********
You're far more likely to have an issue checking in with your airline winging your way TO thailand without a valid visa for thailand in your passport than you are getting asked for proof of onward travel once you hit the ground here.
Tod *********
@Patrick *************
, just so you're clear about it, The fact you might apply for an in country Non-O visa while you're here on a 30 day visa exempt entry is NOT reason enough for the immigration officers to waive proof of funds, proof of onward travel or proof of lodging. So have the proof of funds with you, AND be prepared if you're asked to show proof of onward travel (they'll let you book a ticket right while you stand at passport control IF you need to show proof of onward travel).
David ********
I was asked for the first time two weeks ago in Vietnam. Never over stayed or even extended. Been to LOS maybe 50+ times never any issues. Not sure If this was an over zealous girl or they’re getting strict. Or because I’d been in Thailand for a day before Vietnam.
Stuart *********
@David *******
if it was in Vietnam then I guess it was the airline asking before you got on flight? That’s normal but is also airline specific. As in some are more efficient at checking than others. When I fly in from UK Qatar airways always checks my visa validity against my stay for example.
Stuart *********
As Robert said very rarely would you be asked to show onward ticket out of Thailand unless you have a “history” that flags up on the immigration system. However (and I’m not sure this applies in your situation because I didn’t see the original post) the issue is with the airlines. If you are coming in on a visa exempt they will want to see that you are leaving within the time frame allowed. The argument that you’re going to extend or change visa category etc is irrelevant to them. They’re covering their asses so they don’t have to pay for you to return home at their expense. Doesn’t have to be an air ticket home or even an air ticket. Just a ticket out of Thailand. A $10 ticket from Hat Yai to Penang will do. As long as the ticket is for outside of Thailand and not a border town within Thailand.
Tod *********
Bert Dougan okay, lets' sort this out Over 90 THOUSAND people stamp into thailand every day, and of those VERY few are asked for proof of funds, proof of onward travel or proof of lodging.

There ARE a few land borders that are sticklers for the proof of funds, BUT if you don't have a passport FULL of visa exempt or tourist visa entries at most points of entry by air you will NOT be asked for anything.

I will agree with Bert, insofar as It's always a good Ideal to have proof of funds just in case you're asked AND no matter what the official rule is, IF you're asked for proof of funds it's 20K baht or the equivalent in CASH and there's no ATM's air-side (before passport control) so bring it with you.
Bobby ********
You can buy a flexible ticket and get a full refund.
Bobby ********
Bert Dougan. Yes. Some people suggest buying a cheap ticket and throwing it away. I can't see the logic. Spend a bit more and buy a full flex ticket and in the end it doesn't cost you a cent
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
believe it or not, it is very rear that people at land borders are asked for the 20.000 thb or equivalent currency in cash and the proof of accommodation and proof of onward travel,

It is rear that people get asked on the airport to show these 3 proofs,

If it happens we noticed out of reports that these people do have a long history of living inside Thailand using the Visa exempt Entry or the Tourist visa, both for people visiting short time.

You live inside Thailand using the Non Immigrant O-A (long stay) visa, a total different ball game
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice