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What to Expect When Checking into Thailand with a Non-Imm O-A Visa?

Non-O Visa Immigration Travel Experience

Oct 31, 2019

7 years ago

Tony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Well, I have returned to Phuket with my new Non-Imm O-A that I got at the consulate in Los Angeles. All was good with the IO at the airport (I was very polite, spoke a bit of Thai). He took a picture with his phone of my visa and my TM 6, then I was on my way.

The only odd thing that happened was when I was checking in with China Eastern in LA. They asked to see my return ticket. "That is my return ticket" "Wait, you LIVE in Thailand?" Then, they asked to see some governmental ID, so I gave them my Thai driver's license.  "That's a one-year visa", I added. She took my documents to her supervisor and when she came back, everything was good.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user successfully entered Thailand with a Non-Imm O-A visa obtained in Los Angeles. The immigration officer (IO) at Phuket airport was polite and confirmed the visa validity by taking a photo. However, at check-in with China Eastern, a return ticket and a Thai driver's license were requested. Other users discussed the commonality of airlines asking for return tickets due to immigration regulations, emphasizing that showing a valid visa usually suffices.

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Robert ***********

Last

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years ( until this year when i used the check yourself in machines ) at check in desks at Heathrow for BA and Eva i was asked for a return or onward -bound ticket . I showed them my year visa and RP stamps in my passport so no problem. Airlines are doing this in many places in the world it seems. Makes sense otherwise some people may not get through Immigration at certain destinations.

7 years ago

Joolz *******

@Robert **********

Still doing same Rob, EVA asked for return ticket or onward, showed my visa good to go. Not out of the ordinary, most airlines know the regulations in the countries they fly to, and certain ones require visas etc.

7 years ago

Reply to

Joolz *******

Benjamin ******

This sounds like an Air China wanting to make sure you have a round trip ticket. They do not want you to get rejected at the border, and sent back.

7 years ago

Tony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Forgot to add: The IO made small check marks next to my valid until date, category (O-A), number of entry (multiple) and the visa number. He did this in ink, directly on the visa. He probably did this in conjunction with taking the picture of the visa to prove he actually did confirm these items. He also added an "admitted" stamp on the opposite page, admitted until 28 Oct 2020.

Now, it's off to the Immigration Office today to check in.

7 years ago

Tony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Visa was issued Oct 17. There was zero discussion of insurance either at the consulate or the airport. Entered Thailand on Oct 30.

7 years ago

Tony *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

He also asked if this was my first O-A, which it is (acquired in my home country, previous years were retirement extensions from inside Thailand). Then he asked if I had entered the kingdom before. I think the whole insurance question was moot because I got the visa and entered the country before the 31st.

7 years ago

Reply to

Tony *********

Adam *********

The insurance issue would not be and airport immigration concern but at the time the Visa was issued at the Thai Consultant's office.

7 years ago

Ron *******

Sections 1 2 3 and 4 says immigration WILL check you have it.

7 years ago

Reply to

Ron *******

Luke ******