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What should I know about applying for a Non Immigrant O-A visa and related requirements for proof of onward flight and accommodation?

Mar 11, 2026
2 months ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Visa Application dumb questions

Hi Folks,

I’m currently in the process of applying for Non Immigrant O-A for retirement giving me an initial 90

Days. I’m in Australia .

Question. It’s asking for return flight tickets but I’m looking to stay longer and apply once I’m there. Is that something you need to put in and then I’ll have to buy an open ended return flight. ? Or do I get away with leaving the return flight blank.

Also

It’s asking for proof of accomodation which I’m happy to book for a week until I find something more suitable for longer term.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is applying for a Non Immigrant O-A visa for retirement from Australia and is unclear about the requirement for return flight tickets and proof of accommodation. Comments clarify that while the visa application may require a flight ticket, it could just be necessary to provide a fictitious one. It’s also mentioned that booking a place for a short duration until finding long-term accommodation is acceptable. The discussion highlights the differences between Non-O and Non-OA visas and offers practical advice regarding the application process.
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.
Barry ********
Look for accommodation booked by the month. then use that
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Barry ********
Book cheap ticket to Singapore or KL somewhere close
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Pat *******
With a non-o 90 day visa with intent to retire. It's not Thai immigration that will give you a problem with an onward ticket, it's the airline. The Thai IMO that you meet on arrival will see that you have the CORRECT visa for your visit and stamp you in accordingly.

Airline protocol worldwide is if you're refused entry to a country it's their responsibility, and at their expanse to return you to where you departed from.

Airlines are not immigration officers and are not interested in your intent to apply for an extension to stay. It's not their responsibility to liaise with immigration. The airlines call the shots, it's wrong but that's the way it is. Have a safe and pleasant retirement 🙏
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Paul *******
Pat Trick Had this on check in with emirates, a shift supervisor corrected the woman on the desk.
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Paul *******
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Ruby *******
Just have an onward ticket of some sort booked. Doesn’t need to be a flight. Cheap train to Laos for example. Dont do what I did… and try to explain that I’m not sure when I’ll be leaving as I’m going to apply for a different visa once in the country. It won’t wash! Trust me 🤣
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Brandon ************
@Ruby ******
not needed for non-O visa. Proof of onward travel is only a requirement for tourists
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Ruby *******
@Brandon ***********
🤷🏻‍♀️ well it’s what the OP was asking about if it’s not required for his visa then all good 👌🏽
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Ruby *******
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ruby Jones That’s what

I’m worried about
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Ruby *******
Greg Simpson yeh it’s fine. Just have an onward ticket. You might not get asked. But having been burnt before, I certainly learnt my lesson 🤷🏻‍♀️
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Ruby *******
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Ant ***********
Do you realise a

Non-O is more suited to most

( Aussie living in Thailand )

Have you chosen a Non-OA for a reason ?
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone. Cleared up a lot of cloud. It’s a bloody nightmare this stuff.
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ant W Tailor Sorry. I’m a duck. Non O your right. Then apply later for one year. Sorry.
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Ant ***********
Greg Simpson

All good mate

Good luck

Well done on asking questions
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Ant ***********
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Simon *******
Ant W Tailor read op again you will be confused
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Ant ***********
Simon Adams

? Not at all

OA isn’t a 90 day

As mentioned by John S
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Ant ***********
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Gregory *********
I used a one way ticket to Thailand. I also used an address of a house I stay in Thailand belongs to my family and was not asked for more than that. Was for 90 day Non-O
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John **********
Don't mix up your visa types. The Non-OA is a 12 month visa that requires insurance, police clearance etc. It sounds like the visa you actually want is the Non-O visa which gives you 90 days inside Thailand but can be extended for 12 months at a local immigration office. As to the date just find a return flight within the 90 days and put in the flight details, no need to book. A few days accommodation should be fine
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Yes sorry. I’m confusing myself. It’s a Non O.
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Excellent. Thanks John. And yes. I’m aiming for 90 visa. Will find the fictitious flight then. Cheers.
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Greg *********
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Graham ******
A Non-O gives you 90 days, The Non-OA gives you a year on entry
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Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Graham Seal Thanks but not ready for one year yet. Still need info on other question. Cheers.
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Graham ******
Greg Simpson so why are you looking at the Non-OA?
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Graham ******
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