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What issues could arise when using visa exemption at the ticket counter for flights to Thailand?

Apr 8, 2021
5 years ago
Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anyone have problem using visa exemption when checking into ticket counter? I will be flying from America to Bangkok with a stop over in Japan with Japan airlines.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers flying to Bangkok using a visa exemption may face challenges at the airline ticket counter, particularly if they lack a return or onward ticket, or if there is confusion between visa on arrival and visa exemption. It's advised to have proof of visa exemption, such as screenshots from the embassy or the airline's website, to avoid misunderstandings with airline staff. Some users reported no issues when flying via Japan Airlines, while others experienced ticketing problems due to outdated rules in staff memories. Keeping copies of official documentation can help prevent delays.
Rene *****
No not really, but to be on the safe side, bring a paper copy of the page of the airline’s own website where it says that visa exempt is okay for Thailand. Or else a similar page from your local Thai Embassy stating the same.
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Richard ********
Swiss airlines denied me boarding with visa exemption on December 31th
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Steve *********
You shouldn't have issues. All airlines use TIMATIC, the aviation travel "bible", containing all visa and passport information for all countries (updated online every few days and in print, monthly). So long as the Thai authorities inform timatic of any changes, it'll be there. The staff might have the "old rules" in their memory and need to check. As mentioned above, screenshot the relevant info just in case.
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Lisa ********************
Screen shot Embassy page stating visa exempt is ok. Many people have arrived on visa exempt now.
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Alan ********
I took a route from US to BKK, via NRT with Japan Airlines last week using visa exemption. No issues at the US check in. They recheck all documents and visas in Tokyo after the bag security check and you’ll need to tell them again that you don’t need a visa (or at least I did).
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David ******************
Only problem I had was at check in, airline had confusion over visa on arrival vs visa exemption. If you ask embassy to provide verification your country is visa exemption this should prevent delays. Several people have had this problem
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Johan *******
Came in with Qatar had no problems
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Johan *******
I had return ticket(qatar airways you can make return leg an open ticket for free)
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Ej **********
@Johan ******
one way tick or with return?
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Ej **********
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Michael ********
You need COE anyway
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Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I will get the insurance, coe, covid test, and asq package. Have you ever seen anyone having issues on here with checking in?

I think its safer to get a visa maybe. Thanks
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Frédéric ******************
@Ryan **********
No reason to have issues with visa exemption. This is a perfectly legal way to enter Thailand if you meet other requirements.
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Jeremi ********
@Ryan **********
just entered on a similar route on visa exempt everything will be fine😊
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Michael ********
@Ryan **********
plenty of people have been coming in on exemption have not seen anyone report any problems, once you have COE it allows entry
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Michael ********
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Michael ********
Biggest problem I think will be airline if you dont have return ticket or onward ticket.
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Ryan ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
I forgot to mention that I do have a return ticket. Thank you
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Ryan ***********
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