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What visa options do I have for a 90-day stay in Thailand and how do I manage my flight bookings?

Jun 30, 2025
10 months ago
John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m coming to Thailand in November for 90 days, here’s my questions

1. Do I book the flight for 90 days even though I’ve not got the 90 day visa?

2. How do I get the 90 day visa? Is it at the airport as soon as I arrive in Thailand.

3. If I want to stay longer, how do I do this?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The poster is inquiring about traveling to Thailand for 90 days without having a 90-day visa arranged. Key concerns include whether to book a direct flight for 90 days, how to obtain the necessary visa upon arrival, and the process for extending the stay beyond 90 days. Responses suggest that typically, a 60-day visa exemption is granted upon arrival, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at Immigration. Many commenters recommend booking a return ticket or an onward ticket to ensure compliance with airline policies, as some airlines do not permit boarding without proof of onward travel within the initial permitted stay.
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Ralph *******
When booking, make sure to count the days carefully. The day you arrive is day 1 not 0.
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Steve ********
I'm going to Thailand in November for just under 4 months what is my visa or any other options please?
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Ralph *******
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Ralph *******
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Stephen ********
If you book one way what about the info on the TDAC as you surely have to put your leaving wishing the 60 days. As they ask for flight return number or onward travel details. Is this checked when you leave and come back.

As you would have lied on the TDAC ?
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Steve ***********
@Stephen *******
that just started, I'll find out next month. I arrive one way July. Booked a round trip for August. This includes my trip home, less than 30 day stay.I will return October with possible a return to Japan for Christmas
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Stephen ********
@Steve **********
I’ve now read other places that you don’t need to provide return details to get the TDAC just put in arrival information though I’m not 100% sure.
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Stephen ********
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Keith *******
The guy is asking,' I'm coming on a visa exempt, is it OK at the airport that I'm staying longer than 60 days' !
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Chuck **********
Read!
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Alan ******
I book one way on an Asia carrier and no problem. One week prior to entry stamp expires, I go to immigration at local mall and complete form TM6 or 7 and pay for extension for 30 days to train in Muay Thai or what ever your reason is.. then buy your exit ticket after extension granted.
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Mark ********
Just buy an 'Onward 'Ticket' if you dont want to buy your departure ticket yet. Google it. Easy and cheap.
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Stuart *********
Assuming your passport is from one of the 93 that allow visa exempt entry you won’t need a visa for up to 90 days stay. You’ll get 60 days on arrival and can extend that once for a further 30 days at a local immigration office.

Your airline may have a hang up if you don’t have a ticket out of Thailand within the initial 60 days allowed regardless that you could get an extension. Some don’t care, some insist.

It doesn’t have to be a return ticket, just a ticket out of Thailand.

Google “onward ticket” and you’ll find loads of companies that will sell you a ticket for approx 14 days. It’s a valid reservation on the airlines system but the ticket won’t be issued. Cost is usually about $12.
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Tim **********
@Stuart ********
Hi Stuart. I have got a question for you. I will be applying for a Non O 90 day visa from the Thai Embassy in London. with the intention of extending to a yearly retirement visa whilst I am in Thailand. Do I need to book flights before the visa application. Can I book a flight out only one way as I will be extending to a yearly retirement visa. Your advice would be very much appreciated.
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Stuart *********
@Tim *********
No problem with a one way ticket using a Non O visa. An onward or return ticket is not needed.
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Tim **********
@Stuart ********
Thankyou Stuart your knowledge is very much appreciated on here.
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Tim **********
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Donald ******
Get online. Study requirements. Fill out dtac arrival card. Make sure you have 60 day entry through your countries p.assport
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Eric *******
Twice now, Korean air didn’t ask for my return flight. I bought a one way stayed 60 days and then extended for another 30. Maybe other airlines are more strict but Korean has been great.
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Anna *********
You’ll need a return ticket for the airline so purchase one where you can change the date. After you extend your 60 day visa exempt at immigration change the flight out of Thailand
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Jim ********
Book your return flight for the 90 days and then go online and book the cheapest ticket out of Thailand within 60 days. You don’t need to use this ticket but it’s just there incase you are asked. Probably cost you £20 but worth it for peace of mind. You will then get a 60 day stamp when you arrive and then you can extend by a further 30 days
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
that’s not a bad idea Jim
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Jim ********
@John *****
that’s what I always do just to be safe
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Jim ********
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Shane ********
Might be easier going the 60 day visa exemption with 30 day extension. Book one way flight & maybe look at Onward Ticket if you're concerned about not having an exit flight yet
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shane *******
I’ve heard about airlines not letting you travel if you don’t have a return ticket pal. Don’t know how true this is but I don’t want to risk it.
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Todd *********
@John *****
it’s definitely true. But not every airline. And not every country
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Shane ********
@John *****
yeah, the only time I've headed to Thailand without a return, I booked a cheap flight to Cambodia "just in case" That was before someone told me about Onward Ticket. Haven't tried it yet, but is apparently great
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shane *******
thanks Shane
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Shane ********
@John *****
im no expert, so make sure you check some of the other advice too 😁
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Shane ********
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Frode *********
@John *****
Last trip from Vietnam to Thailand atleast 15 peoples was pulled aside and refused boarding. Only half managed to buy new ticket to board the plane. So many stranded. So have a ticked, even onwardticket.com or even bus ticket out of Thailand
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Frode *********
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Shane ********
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Ralph *******
If you book one way then your airline may not let you board. They often ask to see proof of onward travel.
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
that’s why I wanted book both ways. But the return journey would be after 90 days and I did not know if this was a bad idea in case they knock my extra 30 days application back.
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Michael ********
@John *****
I went with Emirates with a one way ticket and they wouldn't let me on without a return flight,so I got the return flight and they let me on.As soon as I got to thailand I cancelled the return ticket and got a full refund.
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Ralph *******
@Michael *******
Good to get a full refund. I’ve tried in the past but there’s always been a penalty.
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Ralph *******
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Mari *************
@John *****
non, sincèrement 10 years, I booked both ways after 90 days, with un arrival visa of 60 days. No problems
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Regina **********
@Mari ************
You were lucky. Airline might not let you board if you do not have a flight out within 60 days. You can get a cheap flight to anywhere or a refundable ticket...
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Mari *************
@Regina *********
I had travelled with Emirates, Oman air, Swissair, Thaïlande air. Never it was a problem
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Mari *************
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Ralph *******
@John *****
Your onward flight has to be within your permitted period of stay, which is 60 days.
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
thank Ralph
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John ******
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John ********
Depending which country your from ..arrive airport get 60 day visa except..a couple of days before 60 day visa runs out ..go to immigration get a 30 day extension ..1900 baht
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
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John ********
@John *****
you get 60-day when you arrive at the airport
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
yes I know that John, it’s the extension for 90 days I’m fuzzy about.
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John ******
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Ralph *******
There is no 90 day tourist visa. Are you planning on a different type of visa?
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Bent *************
@Ralph ******
You don’t need visa!
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Ralph *******
@Bent ************
It’s not my post. I’m not the one asking the question.
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Ralph *******
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ralph ******
no, I was going to do the 60 days and extend another 30.
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Paul *******
@John *****
. I did exactly the same . I arrived April 30th and went last week to the immigration office in Samut Prakun to get an extra 30 days added to the 60 from visa exempt entry. My extension runs out July 28th . The 30 day extension cost me 1900 Baht . When you go to immigration make sure you have a pen and a passport sized photograph
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Paul *******
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Steve ***********
Book 1 way, maybe we will cross paths
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Steve ***********
When I use miles I get pe one way, that allows me funds to buy business home. I originate out of dfw.
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John ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve **********
I’m going seeing my girlfriend in the north pal but never stopped for more then a month before. So I’ve never looked into this.
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Steve ***********
@John *****
I'm arriving late October on a onevway miles ticket
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Todd *********
@Steve **********
you won’t likely be boarding your flight in USA without proof of onward travel.
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Steve ***********
@Todd ********
never been asked, but I do have one
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Todd *********
@Steve **********
it’s not always the case, but seems to depend on location of origin and the airline. I was denied leaving LAX last year by Qatar airways, and several people on same flight. Had to buy on the spot.

It’s wise to do as you are and at least be prepared with proof of onward travel just in case.

I only fly one way tickets, but sometimes you run into a problem. It’s rare though
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Doug ********
@Todd ********
Qatar question me at London Heathrow before allowing me check in.

I had a train ticket from udon Thani to laos cost me 3 dollars and they accepted that as proof of leaving Thailand within the 60 days.

Glad I brought the train ticket as so cheap and easy to do on line. I brought it in the 12goasia app
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Todd *********
@Doug *******
yes - this is an effective way of managing. All they need proof of is ‘onward travel’. Not only return tickets. Not only airlines tickets. Just onward travel as you provided
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Todd *********
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