What is the best visa option for teaching English in Thailand, especially regarding onward travel requirements?

Question

Hi there, I'm a little way from enacting this plan, but I'm looking at relocating to Thailand in order to teach English. I'll be doing a CELTA course before looking for employment.

I've been advised to get an actual tourist visa from the embassy (I'm from the UK) in order to avoid questions for not having an onward flight. I've also been told to book a cheap outbound flight to a nearby country before my 90 days (60 + 30 renewal). Anyone been in this situation? Any advice?

Thanks!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The poster is exploring the options for relocating to Thailand to teach English, including obtaining a tourist visa and ensuring compliance with onward travel requirements. Comments suggest that while an actual tourist visa may help avoid questions regarding onward flight, it may not be necessary if arriving under a visa exemption for 60 days. It is recommended to have some form of proof for onward travel, such as a cheap bus or train ticket, and to consider the timing of visa applications versus travel plans.

Robert ********* · Answer

Onward ticket Is  before the end of the 60 days ,the extension is a different visa .

A cheap ticket to Cambodia to see Angkor wat is well worth

Brandon ************ · Answer

6 in one, half dozen in the other.  It's not really that important, UNLESS they switch visa exempt back to 30 days. If that happens, the only way you can get 90 days is if you get the tourist visa.

As far as avoiding problems, you can be asked for proof of onward travel for both ways, since it's a requirement to enter as a tourist.  The tourist visa would mostly prevent it from the airline, but immigration could still ask.  If you want something to show, then purchase an onward ticket (can be found very cheap just by searching google for onward ticket) or you can purchase a bus or train ticket that some airlines might accept.

If visa exempt is still at 60 days when you plan to come, I would just do that and not even bother with the visa.  Spend the money you would have spent on the visa to get an onward ticket that will take less time to get than applying for a visa.

What is the best visa option for teaching English in Thailand, especially regarding onward travel requirements?

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