What should I do if I encounter issues with outward travel proof for SETV at check-in?

Question

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?

Ask Thailand · Answer

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.

Ellie ******* · Answer

May or may not help if you prepare to show the official page about how to see VISA and the part of that you can extend your permitted to stay period in Thailand...

Maxim *********** · Answer

They were in the wrong, usually people that make SETV will then fly to Thailand quickly, not wait more then a month, that's probably why they got confused. They probably don't see case like your often and don't know much about thai visa.

In the future well there 3 things you can do:

1) Buy a very cheap outward ticket out of Thailand with the date been a week or two after arrival (for ex: BKK to KL for like 500 baht), but don't use that ticket, u will lose $20. It's not a fake ticket you are just not using it. (or buy a train or bus ticket out of Thailand online).

2) Don't wait a month until coming to Thailand, make ur SETV and come shortly after from Budapest with onward ticket that u intend to use 50+ days after arrival.

3) Don't buy a onward ticket and gamble at the airport. I have never in my life buy a onward ticket, even going from Canada to Thailand twice. The way you explain yourself at the airport will often make or break you. In your case you behaved really well.

***One important thing to know: If they insist on onward ticket, you can use wifi in airport to buy one and show them. So u don't need to buy in advance in case they don't ask.***

- If u come from neighbor country by air (Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, etc etc) u will very rarely be asked about onward ticket. This seem to be more common if u fly from ur country of origin (Europe, North America, etc). One exception is Don Mueang airport, they are getting stricter with *proof of*.

What should I do if I encounter issues with outward travel proof for SETV at check-in?

Activity

Related

Resources