What do I need to prepare for my arrival in Thailand for a 3-month stay on a visa exemption?

Mar 1, 2024
8 months ago
Manny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone. I am planning on arriving April 1st and staying for 3 months. I plan on using my 30 day on arrival and then extending it by 30 days and then do one visa run. I will have a return ticket and proof of residence where I’m staying in Thailand. Is there anything else I need? Will I get questioned on arrival for not having a return flight booked in 30 days? I am a Canadian passport holder.

Thank you 🙏
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to stay in Thailand for 3 months and is considering the 30-day visa exemption and its extension. They seek advice on necessary preparations, particularly regarding airline policies on return tickets and whether they will face questioning upon arrival without one booked within 30 days. Community members advise confirming airline policies, recommend obtaining a tourist visa for easier management of their stay, and suggest options for an onward ticket, mentioning that some travelers have faced issues boarding without clear proof of departure.
Kool *******
You are making this more difficult than it has to be. First get an actual tourist visa before you come here. That is good for 60 days, then the extension gives you 30 more days taking you to your 3 months, without having to leave Thailand to get more days by doing the 30 day visa exempt. Also, as long as your return plane ticket is with the same airline you flew here with, they will not deny you boarding. You only run into problems when you fly one way with an airline, or use a different return airline, that doesn't show on their booking. Get an E-visa before you come here, and use the same airline for your return flight and you won't have any problems, or concerns. There is an old Thai saying you might hear occasionally "don't think to much".
Tom *********
I enter on a 6 month multi entry and show only my flight out after 6 months. I've never had to show a ticket for my 60 day exits.
Go***
@Manny ****
,I travelled to Thailand on Visa exemption.

Feel free to read my entire boarding and arrival experience to know more about the current procedures in 2024. This might be helpful for you to get your documents ready.

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Mal *****
Buy a ticket in advence to the country you are doing the boarder run to so if airline wants to see that you will be leaving Thailand within the 30 day entry stamp you can show it. Most airlines wont let you board without proof you will leave
Henrik *****
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.

It is cheaper than visaexcempt + 30 days extension.

No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.

It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.

thaievisa.go.th

Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).

No need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Lee *********
Could you get an evisa?
Bart **************
By the way, you don't need to check this with your airline. They will answer that an onward ticket within 30 or otherwise 60 days required. You also don't need to ask a police officer if you can drive 200 km/h on the road; you may get away with doing so but that will not be his answer.
Bart **************
It is possible that your airline, which is supposed to pre-check your entry eligibility, insists on the ticket being scheduled within the original 30 days. You may get away with having it booked within 60, but it's very unlikely if you get checked that you get away with one booked further out.
Bob **********
It’s your airline that will ask about a return ticket why not apply for a tourist visa it’ll give you 90 days with extension
Christopher *************
Totally agree with Brandon. It may well depend on what airline you will be using. Best advice get an onward ticket before you leave there are plenty of cheap tickets available on Air Asia and others.
Bent *************
@Christopher ************
A bus ticket out of Thailand is enough - and much cheaper than an air ticket.
Christopher *************
I guess that is okay if you are one the scourge of backpackers who actually conntribute nothing to the Thai economy?
Jan ******************
@Christopher ************
and even a bus ticket is sufficient.
Bart **************
@Jan *****************
that depends on the interpretation. I got away with a bus ticket indeed, but we've seen people here who didn't. The law is a little vague on it.
Jan ******************
@Bart *************
This is the requirements for visa exemption from the Thai Embassy in Norway, but I guess people at the different airports abroad have their own understanding.
Bart **************
@Jan *****************
ah it's good to know that this is how they interpret the rule. On the MFA page it is formulated more vaguely, like "the immigrations officer can decide to accept bookings by land transportation" or something. So nitpicking, we could argue that he could then also decide otherwise.

I agree that a phrase like that, specifically addressing the possibility of land transport being acceptable, should normally be interpreted as that it is to be accepted. But we also know that not everyone accepts it; airlines wary of the alternative interpretation and not willing to risk it. Then this phrase from an actual embassy could be a nice stick to slap them with.
Jan ******************
Not heard of anyone asked or denied at the airport upon arrival, but I’ve heard of several people denied boarding with their air carrier because of this. I cheap bus ticket purchased online can be a “backup” regarding this, eks from Nong Khai to Ventienne.
Allan ******
@Jan *****************
yes, I’ve seen someone refused boarding as they didn’t have an onward ticket. A bus ticket worked for me.
Jan ******************
@Allan *****
Good to know😉
Manny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Brandon ************
You need to check with your airline. Some airlines will not let you board your flight if you're traveling without a visa unless you can show them a ticket out of Thailand within 30 days.
Manny *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
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