thailand
Ask question

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 months ago
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Please 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.
2,943
views
6
likes
75
all likes
32
replies
0
images
14
users
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.
John **********
Over the years, I have mostly flown in with Emirates. I have never been asked do I have an ongoing flight.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Downing *******
All the above 3 comments covers it.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ***********
Immigration can request to see proof of onward travel and if you don't have it, then the airline has to repatriate you.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone. But nobody seems to understand my question. I already know and understand all the answers above.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ***********
@Nigel *************
 Of course I read your post and I responded accordingly. Maybe you should be more concise in your request for information.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen **********
 I have just tried to re word it in a reply to James Miller
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Stephen ***********
@Nigel *************
 No thank you, good luck.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Peter ****************
@Nigel *************
 See my answer in James' reply.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Peter ****************
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen **********
 yes thanks I know that if u read my post
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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. 😉😉
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
 yeah I know thanks but has to be done online and I'm hopeless with doing that. 😉😉
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Jan ******************
@Nigel *************
 ok I understand, it’s quite straightforward if you can get one with a little PC knowledge to help you.😉
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dave *******
 not true at all
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan *****************
 okay great another good answer thank you
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Nigel **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter ***************
 great thanks that is a good reply
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nigel **************
Reply
Dave ********
@Nigel *************
 There is no reason to refuse you. Its your first trip 🤔 with a UK passport, Correct..?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Dave ********
Reply
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
Do I need an onward ticket when traveling to Thailand on a one-way ticket?
65 comments
2 months ago
Is an onward flight necessary for entry into Thailand?
88 comments
3 months ago
Will having no return flight booked cause issues when entering Thailand with a 60-day visa stamp?
25 comments
3 months ago
What are the requirements for providing proof of onward travel for a Thailand visa?
56 comments
a year ago
Will I be asked for onward travel when boarding my flight with a 60-day tourist visa?
10 comments
a year ago
What is an onward travel ticket for entering Thailand?
13 comments
2 years ago
Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand on an O visa?
51 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements regarding onward travel tickets when entering Thailand?
50 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show an onward ticket when entering Thailand with a tourist visa?
9 comments
2 years ago
What are the requirements for an onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 45-day visa exemption?
45 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show a ticket out of Thailand when I enter with a 30/45-day stamp?
11 comments
2 years ago
Do I need an onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa with plans for a 1-year visa?
39 comments
2 years ago
Do I need proof of onward travel when flying to Bangkok on a tourist visa for retirement?
6 comments
2 years ago
What should we do about onward flight requirements when traveling to Thailand without a fixed itinerary?
20 comments
3 years ago
Do I need evidence of onward travel when flying to Thailand with a 60-day Tourist Visa?
51 comments
3 years ago
Do I need an onward flight ticket to enter Thailand with a one-way ticket?
15 comments
3 years ago
Do I need to show an onward flight ticket upon entering Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption?
25 comments
3 years ago
Do you need to show an onward ticket for the Thailand Pass or only at check-in?
8 comments
3 years ago
Do you need proof of a return flight when applying for a visa to Thailand?
2 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a return or onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa?
24 comments
3 years ago
What are the implications of airline rules regarding onward travel tickets for travelers to Thailand?
1 comments
5 years ago
Do I need to show onward travel proof for a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
14 comments
6 years ago
Is proof of onward travel required for a 30-day visa exemption in Thailand?
6 comments
6 years ago
Do I need to show proof of onward travel when entering Thailand with a visa?
17 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.