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What are the requirements for providing proof of onward travel for a Thailand visa?

Visa RequirementsProof of TravelOnward TicketTourist VisaNon-Immigrant VisaVisa ExemptionImmigration RulesThailand Travel Tips
Oct 23, 2023
a year ago
Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
For Visa return ticket proof, I’ve heard people buying a flight ticket from say Bangkok to Phnom and showing that. Are they be asking for proof of going back home or just that you have the means to leave Thailand?

Also, does the flight out date have to match any timeline (i.e the days amount for your visa), or just a flight out within 180 days?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
For visa applications to Thailand, proof of onward travel is typically required, but specifics can vary. It is generally sufficient to show a flight or travel ticket out of Thailand, although the exact destination does not matter as long as it confirms that you will be leaving the country. The flight departure date must fall within the permissible stay duration dictated by your visa type. For example, a tourist visa usually necessitates a ticket out within 60 days of entry. Non-immigrant visas generally do not require proof of onward travel. Some travelers have reported successful entries into Thailand without showing onward tickets, regardless of their airline's policies. Alternatives like bus tickets can also fulfill the requirement.
Marc *********
I showed nothing for my Tourist visa but on a visa exempt i got asked randomly for one, the only time i actually bought one in case, used one of those disposable ones, added the booking code in qatar app handed my phone to the officer to check for himself … approved …
a year ago
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John *******
A return flight is not necessary it's a ticket out of thailand that will be your concern but last time I applied for a 60 day tourist visa at thai consulate in Sydney the application form required my flight numbers including return flight because thai authorities hold your airline responsible for your return if you are denied entry even with a paid visa it's not a guaranteed entry it's thailand their country their rules just smile and you will probably be ok Chokh di
a year ago
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Jo **********
I entered Thailand at least 50 times never been asked about a return flight. Although i have only entered from Europe
a year ago
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Eran *************
I've been to Thailand about 20 times in 30 years and have never been asked to show an onward ticket. I've entered Thailand with a one way ticket.

Doesn't have to be a flight. Book a cheap bus to Malaysia from say Hat Yai.
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Eran ************
 its mostly started post covid and Bus's dont count, as they cant be checked via computers

I used
**************************
a year ago
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Eran *************
@Richard ********
 I just flew I to Thailand on a one way ticket 4 weeks ago. No onward proof needed. Bus is fine, if it's a legitimate reservation.

I've travelled to 135 countries and lived in 17. I've been travelling since age 18 and I'm now 51 and still on the road.
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Eran ************
 it all depends on the airlines uir flying in with NOT immigration>

ur call, past 2 flights in se asia in past 6 months into thailand i was asked.
a year ago
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Richard *********
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Terary **********
I use bus tickets to fulfill that requirement. The last time I did that I bought a ticket from Hat Yai to Penang and I think it was $12.00.. It's been a couple of years. 12go.asia (that's a website).

The requirement is something like "onward travel reservations/tickets". A) Doesn't say has to be a flight, common misconception. B) Does not say you actually have to get on the bus/plane, just that you have tickets.
a year ago
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Andrew *******
@Terary *********
 it's just a ridiculous requirement ...in 50 years of travelling I was never asked for onward ticket ..everyone can afford at least a $ 10 bus ticket out of the country
a year ago
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Andrew *******
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Ronald *********
I have an approved single entry TV visa for 60 days, I submitted 89 days on my application because I always get a 30 day extension.

Normally I submit 59 days then have to change my return flight, but that cost me £300 last year.
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Ronald ********
 yes thats normal
a year ago
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Joseph *******
@Phil *****
 so its normal to state a return flight assuming you will get extended in future? What about visa border runs?
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Joseph ******
 yes I know and sometimes show your TM30 thanks Joseph. Its all good
a year ago
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Phil ******
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Debbie *****************
Does anyone have a good site to book a flight from Bangkok to Siem Riep
a year ago
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Mick *********
@Debbie ****************
 Thai Air Asia. Download the App.
a year ago
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Richard *********
@Debbie ****************
 Air Asia, BUT note its to the new airport which is 50+ kms out of town

Bangkok- PP often around $60
a year ago
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Debbie *****************
@Richard ********
 what is the airport called please
a year ago
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Debbie *****************
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Phil ******
@Debbie ****************
 just google it
a year ago
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Debbie *****************
@Phil *****
 been there done that. I have been planning for months just wondering what people prefer as a booking site.
a year ago
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Phil ******
@Debbie ****************
 some flights like cambodia airways don't have a presence on apps like skyscanner. Thats why I suggested google.
a year ago
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Debbie *****************
@Phil *****
 thank you
a year ago
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Debbie *****************
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Francois *******
Any onward ticket within the time frame set by your visa, or visa exempted allowed stay.
a year ago
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Rob *******
My Evisa (UK) got approved without showing any onward travel (i dont have any)
a year ago
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Andrew *******
I understand ....but vietjet didn't explain why ? They didn't ask to see my bank account or any evidence to support myself . They just said it was a requirement . Some airlines are doing this others aren't . They should make it known when u book the tickets prior to getting to check-in..
a year ago
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Andrew *******
@Rob ******
 shouldn't be up to the airline to decide if u need onward ticket ....it needs to be an immigration requirement and should make it known that it is a requisite requirement . Nothing more annoying than getting to check in to be told u need an onward ticket 😩
a year ago
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John **********
@Andrew ******
 the reason it's up to the airline is that they can be responsible for you (and the cost of taking you back home)
a year ago
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Lulu ******
@Andrew ******
 100%

Happened to my Son thankful for expedia
a year ago
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Lulu ******
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Graham ******
@Rob ******
 but your airline may require to see it before they issue a boarding pass, check their policy
a year ago
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Rob *******
@Graham *****
 I know they can, i’ve done the same a few years back. the boarding pass is normally emailed to me 24-48 hours before flight
a year ago
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Rob *******
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Brandon ************
The ticket needs to be out of Thailand. Where isn't relevant.

It needs to be within the number of days you'll be stamped in on without an extension. So a tourist visa needs a ticket out within 60 days.

There's no visa that gets you stamped in for 180 days so a flight 180 days after you arrive wouldn't qualify for any short term visa. And any non-immigrant visa (a visa starting with Non-) shouldn't require proof of onward travel.
a year ago
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 gotcha. I’m coming from the US so the Non- visas don’t apply then right?
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Ben ********
 all non immigrant visas are long term visa so you're not expected to show a flight out generally

But you have to apply for it before you travel
a year ago
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 I’m applying for the 60-tourist visa. But it needs everything from both flights to where you will stay upon arrival.
a year ago
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Brandon ************
@Ben ********
 yes
a year ago
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Peter *******
@Brandon ***********
 twice I’ve entered from the uk on a TV60 with a return flight booked for 90 days 🤷‍♂️
a year ago
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Peter *******
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Lynnette *******
@Ben ********
 you'd either enter visa exempt ( no visa) for 30 days and extend 30 days or apply for a visa.
a year ago
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Lynnette *******
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Anna *********
Proof of flight out 30 or 60 days depending on what type of visa u have.
a year ago
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Anna *********
Visa Exempt, it was at airport. Airline denied boarding unless we had outward ticket. At that time visa exempt was 45 days so needed outward ticket for that time. We were staying 4 months. This was last Nov.
a year ago
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Della ********
@Anna ********
 Same happened to us.
a year ago
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Anna *********
They can tell by return ticket.
a year ago
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anna ********
 did you tell them 4 months or is it better to tell them your leaving with that flight.
a year ago
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Ben *********
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Ben *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Anna ********
 is assuming I get the tourist visa (apparently only 60 days), my out flight would have to be within those 60 days?
a year ago
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Jared **********
@Ben ********
 some embassies allow proof out within 90 days since you’re eligible for the 30 day extension
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Jared *********
 maybe so but Thai immigration can deny you entry if you don't have a ticket out the last day you are permitted to stay and so can the departure airport
a year ago
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Della ********
@Kim ********
 it's not immigration its when you check in they need to input the flight details when your leaving or you will be denied boarding.
a year ago
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Jared **********
@Della *******
 you said “it's not immigration its when you check in they need to input the flight details when your leaving or you will be denied boarding.”

This is absolutely not true, they do not check nor care about your exit flight details. They might ask to satisfy the thai immigration requirements but it doesn’t go past a casual glance on whatever medium you’re supplying to them.
a year ago
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Della ********
@Jared *********
 Its true we were denied boarding. Check in said they wanted to see our flight details leaving Thailand after 45 days. We was staying 3 months always have a 60 day visa and a flight booked on day 59. but last year had a problem and could not get one. So entered on 45 days then was going to book a flight out when in Thailand but no she said I need to see the outward ticket. I cannot override the computer....
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Della *******
 it is immigration and it is also the departure airport that can deny you which I also said. Actually it is because of the immigration rules that the flight companies abide by those
a year ago
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Della ********
@Kim ********
 We were denied boarding last year at check in. Had to leave the queue and quickly book an exit flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Yes It's immigration rules so don't chance turning up at the start of your journey without the exit flight details...
a year ago
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Kim *********
@Della *******
 thanks Ms. Moore but I would never do that - I know the rules...
a year ago
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Della ********
@Kim ********
a year ago
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Jared **********
@Kim ********
 can, but highly unlikely if you have a visa. Also worse case in your scenario is you can just buy a ticket on the spot.

If you have a weak passport, no visa, and a dirty history is when you would get scrutiny.
a year ago
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Anna *********
@Jared *********
 had to buy ticket on the spot at airport otherwise airline would not issue boarding pass.
a year ago
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Jared **********
@Anna ********
 did you have a visa or were entering visa exempt?

I almost always come on visa and even the couple times ive come on exempt i’ve never had to show onward travel, if anything its a casual ask how long my trip or my plans are.
a year ago
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Jared **********
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Anna *********
@Ben ********
 yes
a year ago
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Anna *********
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Av **********
Just for leaving thailand
a year ago
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Av **********
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