This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
What is the importance of an onward travel ticket when flying to Thailand?
onward travelThailand entry requirementsvisa rulesimmigration questionstourist visaNON-O visaproof of onward traveltravel tips for expats
Oct 21, 2024
2 years ago
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTERPlease help me to understand the 'onward travel' requirement when flying to Thailand.
We are always advised that the airline could ask u to show an onward travel ticket at check in time in the airport. The reason being that if u r denied entry on arrival in Bkk they are required to fly you back home.
So what use is having an onward travel ticket within your visa stamp date of usually 60 days if u r denied entry on arrival?
Maybe I am missing something here.
We are always advised that the airline could ask u to show an onward travel ticket at check in time in the airport. The reason being that if u r denied entry on arrival in Bkk they are required to fly you back home.
So what use is having an onward travel ticket within your visa stamp date of usually 60 days if u r denied entry on arrival?
Maybe I am missing something here.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The 'onward travel' requirement for entering Thailand serves as a precautionary measure to ensure that travelers have plans to leave the country before their visa or allowed stay expires. Airlines are responsible for ensuring that passengers can demonstrate proof of onward travel, as failing to do so may lead to the airline having to cover the costs of repatriating travelers denied entry. While some argue that an onward ticket may seem pointless if denied entry, it is crucial since it can prevent complications and financial liabilities for airlines, as well as reduce the likelihood of being denied entry at immigration.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
John **********
Over the years, I have mostly flown in with Emirates. I have never been asked do I have an ongoing flight.
Michael ********
This is one of my most brain melting questions I have read for a while. Get an onward flight, to prevent being denied. If you were denied, then it must be for some other very serious issue like too many visits, previous overstay, not a tourist and appearing like you live and work in Thailand. So in this case, you should get a visa, instead of trying to use a visa exemption. This is now much easier with the introduction of the DTV scheme.
Mick ********
Entry requirements are that you have an onward ticket in you visa exempt period, you have sufficient funds in cash on you in any curry and you can show proof of accommodation, so if you have all that and you don't have a history of overstaying then you shouldn't be denied entry so you will just use your return ticket.
Anthony ******
Please tell us your plans, eg are you coming with a visa or getting stamped in for 60 day visa exemption, if the latter and you are just on hols and have a return ticket dated no longer than the 60 then this is your onward/return out of Thailand. If you intend to extend your 60 days then the airline will need to see a ticket that you have a ticket out no later than the 60, you can by cheap onward tickets and not use them.
Rok ********
You can be denied entry solely due to having no onward flight out of Thailand at the end of the holiday/ stay/ visa period at which point the airline which brought you into the country can become liable for removal. If you are denied entry for any other reasons the airline cannot be responsible and you have to fund the return yourself or being thrown into immigration detention until you find funds to do so.
Nigel *********
So I think this is your question
Q. "So what use is having an onward travel ticket within your visa stamp date of usually 60 days if u r denied entry on arrival?"
A. It's of no use. Try and get a refund.
Q. "So what use is having an onward travel ticket within your visa stamp date of usually 60 days if u r denied entry on arrival?"
A. It's of no use. Try and get a refund.
Michael *******
Many years ago I made a return trip from Bangkok to Hong Kong, while on a visa waiver entry. In anticipation of being asked in Hong Kong on the way back, I had bought a train ticket to Malaysia before leaving Thailand. It all worked out exactly as expected, no problem when asked for onward journey proof.
Susan ********************
You aren’t likely to be denied entry if you have proof that you have plans to leave before you enter an overstay.
By checking this the airline has done its “due diligence” and isn’t responsible if you are denied entry for some other reason.
If they don’t check and you’re denied entry because you can’t prove you have plans to leave, the airline has to absorb the cost of getting you back where you belong.
By checking this the airline has done its “due diligence” and isn’t responsible if you are denied entry for some other reason.
If they don’t check and you’re denied entry because you can’t prove you have plans to leave, the airline has to absorb the cost of getting you back where you belong.
Dave ********
buy the cheapest one way ticket outta Thailand you can find . Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur or Phnom phen $40-50 if booked in advance. Get a ticket you can cancel or buy a dummy ticket.. I've never had an issue using dummy tickets though no doubt someone has.
Downing *******
All the above 3 comments covers it.
Stephen ***********
Immigration can request to see proof of onward travel and if you don't have it, then the airline has to repatriate you.
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone. But nobody seems to understand my question. I already know and understand all the answers above.
Stephen ***********
@Nigel *************
Of course I read your post and I responded accordingly. Maybe you should be more concise in your request for information.Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen **********
I have just tried to re word it in a reply to James MillerStephen ***********
@Nigel *************
No thank you, good luck.Peter ****************
@Nigel *************
See my answer in James' reply.Reply to
Peter ****************
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stephen **********
yes thanks I know that if u read my postReply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Stephen *********
It makes a denial from immigration less likely. Proof of funds is also a requirement. So is hotel booking. Get the check list done means less chance of denial.
James ********
Ask your airline if they will require a ticket departing Thailand within the number of days you are STAMPED in for on arrival.
The flight departing Thailand can be a one way ticket to anywhere.
IF you are asked by Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand to show PROOF of a ticket departing Thailand it's likely due to the fact that you have a recent history of staying in Thailand with many visa exempt entries and extensions to live in Thailand.
The flight departing Thailand can be a one way ticket to anywhere.
IF you are asked by Thai Immigration Officers upon arrival into Thailand to show PROOF of a ticket departing Thailand it's likely due to the fact that you have a recent history of staying in Thailand with many visa exempt entries and extensions to live in Thailand.
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *******
lived n worked tgere for 20 years. Was stopped 3 times last trip and told that I cannot stay 5 months on a tourist visa + extensions. I am coming back next week to get a Non O visa in Thailand. Just trying to make sure I will get back in to do that. 😉😉Jan ******************
@Nigel *************
If you apply for the initial 90 days Non Immigrant visa online at your embassy/consulate before you leave you’re excused for the onward ticket requirement anyway.Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
yeah I know thanks but has to be done online and I'm hopeless with doing that. 😉😉Jan ******************
@Nigel *************
ok I understand, it’s quite straightforward if you can get one with a little PC knowledge to help you.😉Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dave *******
not true at allNigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *******
thanks James. I have an onward travel ticket for 56 days after my arrival. But what use is that if u r refused entry on arrival? Maybe I 'm just being vey stoopid.James ********
@Nigel *************
as my Thai friend might say... You worry too much. You will be fine with the ticket departing Thailand in 56 days you say that you have.Jan ******************
@Nigel *************
If you’re denied upon entry with an onward ticket within 60 days, the immigration can’t blame the airline and demand that they’re responsible for your return as if you didn’t have one. In situations like this the immigration is just looking for a reason to deny you and sometimes just do it the easy way as no onward ticket, no cash or no accommodation.Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
okay great another good answer thank youReply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Steve *********
@Nigel *************
So your concern is that you have bought an onward ticket from Thailand to somewhere and you are concerned about what you would do with that ticket if you are refused entry? The answer to that is to refund that ticket isn’t it? I don’t understand why you think that you might be refused entry after you have lived and worked here for so many years. Unless there is something that you aren’t mentioning?🤔. Your onward ticket 56 days after arrival complies with the onward travel requirement so as long as you have sufficient funds you are in good shape aren’t you?Peter ****************
@Nigel *************
I think I understand y'r question. If you have an onward flight, the airline and/or immigration must have a reason to refuse you. Should you NOT have an onward flight, the airlne is responsible to fly you out/back. If you have an onward flight, then the airliner is NOT responsible for y'r flight out/back. So then YOU have to pay that flight.Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ***************
great thanks that is a good replyReply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Dave ********
@Nigel *************
There is no reason to refuse you. Its your first trip 🤔 with a UK passport, Correct..?Reply to
Dave ********
Reply
65 comments
2 years ago
88 comments
2 years ago
25 comments
2 years ago
56 comments
3 years ago
10 comments
3 years ago
13 comments
3 years ago
51 comments
3 years ago
50 comments
3 years ago
9 comments
3 years ago
45 comments
4 years ago
11 comments
4 years ago
39 comments
4 years ago
6 comments
4 years ago
20 comments
4 years ago
51 comments
4 years ago
15 comments
4 years ago
25 comments
4 years ago
8 comments
4 years ago
2 comments
4 years ago
24 comments
4 years ago
1 comments
7 years ago
14 comments
7 years ago
6 comments
7 years ago
17 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.