September 13, 2018
6 years ago
Hi all, first of all thanks for this great forum. I'd like to share my first Thai SETV experience, particularly on the proof of outward travel. Based on what I read here I decided not to risk it, so I bought an additional plane ticket out of Thailand within 60 days, in spite of planning to extend my visa. However, at the check in (KLM) in Budapest, the staff told me I could not board as my visa expired before the outward travel date. They were looking at the 90 day validity date and ignored my explanation that the visa need to be stamped for the clock to start running etc... I called the supervisor, and he agreed with his colleague! They finally let me through when I told them an unjustified boarding denial would mean a few hundred euros in my pocket.. that, and being a frequent flyer. To be honest, the visa does say "validity date", which could be, and was, misread. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to deal with this situation should it happen again?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user shares a challenging experience while checking in for a flight from Budapest with a SETV (Single Entry Tourist Visa) into Thailand. They faced confusion regarding the validity date of their visa, which nearly led to being denied boarding. Other users provide advice on how to handle similar situations in the future, suggesting tactics like purchasing cheaper onward tickets, arriving in Thailand sooner after acquiring the visa, or explaining the visa rules clearly to airline staff.
