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Why did the airline require a departure ticket for my entry on a DTV visa?
Dec 21, 2025
4 months ago
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTERJust came back on a DTV visa. Third time back in Thailand this year. Stayed 1-2 weeks the previous 2 times. This time, I flew in from Japan for a 3 week stay. Airline refused to let me board unless I showed my air ticket leaving Thailand. No problems at Immigration at Bangkok Airport. The officer only wanted to see my DTV visa before waving me through. No questions asked.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original post discusses the experience of a traveler who, upon returning to Thailand on a DTV visa, was asked by their airline for proof of a departure ticket, which led to a community discussion on the validity and necessity of such requirements for DTV holders. Many commenters shared their frustrations and experiences regarding similar airline policies, questioning the need for onward travel tickets for those with long-term visas such as the DTV. The importance of understanding airline regulations and the inconsistencies between different airlines and jurisdictions were highlighted.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Brian ****
You should ask for a supervisor because why do you need proof of onward travel when you have a 5 year visa.
마리오 ***
Whenever I flew Singapore Air out of Changi they required a return ticket. I switched to a Non-B about six months ago so not sure what the current policy is.
Anonymous ******************
But you need to fill the Dtac when you enter anyway, no? So you'll need a ticket out
Chris *********
Anonymous participant 577 no you dont need a ticket out. Absolute bullsht
Anonymous ******************
@Chris ********
I asked a question, no need to be rudeReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Mick *****
Anonymous participant 577 No you do not need a ticket out you just leave the departure details on dtac blank if you have a long term visa.
Anonymous ******************
@Mick ****
thank you 🙏🏼Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
John *********
Which airline was it, let’s have more information so we can ask the Thai authorities to investigate, as DTV holders have a 5 year visa, you can come and go as many times as you please?
It’s impossible to have a onward ticket as you wouldn’t know what your plans will hold during a 180 day period, you might leave a week later, 2 month later or just before the 180 period.
It’s impossible to provide this request by an airline with limited understanding of a DTV 🤷🏾♀️
It’s impossible to have a onward ticket as you wouldn’t know what your plans will hold during a 180 day period, you might leave a week later, 2 month later or just before the 180 period.
It’s impossible to provide this request by an airline with limited understanding of a DTV 🤷🏾♀️
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
China Airline (Taiwanese owned). Took a business clsss flight to Thailand.Ian **********
@Angelina ****
You need to lodge a formal complaint. At the time of checking in you should have spoken with a supervisor as an onward ticket is only a requirement for visa-exempt and visa on arrival entries.Reply to
Ian **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Don't fly budget airlines. They tend to ask more.
Build a status with the airlines and airline. Thai airways is a nice one if your base is in Thailand.
Cathay Pacific is another good one if you don't mind a stopover in hong Kong.
Thai is part of star alliance, Cathay is part of one world
Build a status with the airlines and airline. Thai airways is a nice one if your base is in Thailand.
Cathay Pacific is another good one if you don't mind a stopover in hong Kong.
Thai is part of star alliance, Cathay is part of one world
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 730 we flew out of Okinawa on China Airlines (Taiwanese owned) business class
Mike **********
Anonymous participant 730 why would i want to pay more money just so i dont have to answer questions. I already have 1 million miles with star alliance and sky team.
Anonymous ******************
So stick with those airlines. They already have processes in place. You don't need a status.
Budget airlines tend to apply their processes to everyone or may profile people more. The staff don't get paid as much. They might even be subcontractors.
You either spend more to get left alone or you simple produce your visa or residency to them as requested. Let the staff do their job
Budget airlines tend to apply their processes to everyone or may profile people more. The staff don't get paid as much. They might even be subcontractors.
You either spend more to get left alone or you simple produce your visa or residency to them as requested. Let the staff do their job
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Jason ********
this happens at a few places in asia as routine. because the airlines themselves have to put you on one of their planes for deportation and they dont want to wear the cost
James ********
True... But that's not what several posters in reply want to read. They're all knowing and sadly.. incorrect.
Jason ********
Reply to
Jason ********
Reply
Mike **********
Always have to show your DTv even though it is in the electronic system. Where did you fly out of? In Japan. I fly in and out all the time out of japan never been asked for a follow on ticket.
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *********
flew out of Okinawa on China Airlines (Taiwanese owned) business classNigel *******
Not once have I showed mine in 7 re-entries
Mike **********
@Nigel ******
they always asked for mine. I thought it would be in the system i mean they have my passport i thought it weird also. Now i just hand it to them.Reply to
Mike **********
Reply
James *******
No idea why the airlines are getting involved in the showing of a ticket leaving Thailand seeing you could be leaving overland. Ridiculous, i book a ticket when i need it, not 6 months in advance. Oh well, there's always a simple get around if you know how. Thai immigration yeah, but a foreign airline?
Jason ********
@James ******
i answered this above if interestedJames *******
Not interested as I know a work around that I have been using for 20 years.
Reply to
James *******
Reply
Michael ****************
Same when I came from Malaysia in a DTV. No problems from Bangkok but the airline wanted to see a return ticket
ArticulateS***********
Next time ask them to look at Timatic.
Corey ******
For clarification, at what point did the airline require your Thailand departure ticket? This ticket is for the next time you leave Thailand in the future?
Angelina *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Corey *****
the airline demanded to see my air ticket out of Thailand when I checked in for my flightMike **********
@Angelina ****
thats crazy. I have been in and out 10 times this year and never been asked leaving Japan.Reply to
Mike **********
Reply
Toni *******
@Corey *****
every time i came to thailand without visa or with TR, my airline checked before boarding because they want to make sure, when its required... with dtv however, no questioningReply to
Toni *******
Reply
Toni *******
Which airline doesnt know the requirements?
Elías ********
@Toni ******
you would be surprised. Some airlines' staff don't even know that my passport is from a 'real' country hahaha 🤣 I've seen it allAndrew ********
@Toni ******
DTV is a tourist visa stillElías ********
@Andrew *******
and? There's no requirement for DTV holders to have return tickets.James ********
Ask your airline
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Ryan ********
@Andrew *******
DTV doesn't require an onward ticket though, so the airline doesn't understand the requirements.Toni *******
I didnt say it wasnt
Reply to
Toni *******
Reply
Do airlines in the USA require an onward or return ticket for travelers with a DTV visa in Thailand?
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