This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.
Why was my wife denied boarding by Qatar Airlines due to lack of an onward ticket?
Thailand VisaOnward Travel RequirementsDTV VisaQatar AirlinesVisa IssuesImmigration PolicyTravel TipsExpat Experiences
Oct 1, 2025
7 months ago
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTERWarning for flying.
Qatar airlines refused my wife to fly from London Gatwick on Sunday morning, with no onward ticket. She produced dtv and an unbelievably stubborn rude woman on check in, just point blank refused. Had to book a wasted flight, loads of hassle for nothing.
We've both flown on numerous occasions without onward travel of any kind. First time we've had this.
Avoid Qatar 🤷♂️
Qatar airlines refused my wife to fly from London Gatwick on Sunday morning, with no onward ticket. She produced dtv and an unbelievably stubborn rude woman on check in, just point blank refused. Had to book a wasted flight, loads of hassle for nothing.
We've both flown on numerous occasions without onward travel of any kind. First time we've had this.
Avoid Qatar 🤷♂️
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user reported that Qatar Airlines refused to let their wife board a flight from London Gatwick due to a lack of onward travel proof, despite her holding a DTV (Digital Tourist Visa). The incident sparked a discussion where comments highlighted the importance of having onward travel documentation when flying into Thailand, a requirement that has been in place for almost a decade. Several commenters shared similar experiences with airlines, advising travelers to be prepared with refundable onward tickets, suggest to speak to airline supervisors if faced with similar issues, and to consider booking inexpensive onward flights to avoid travel complications.
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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted DTV Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Cabbie ******
Book a fully refundable flight
Jonnie *******
I’ve been denied only once in 17 years of near monthly ins/outs to Thailand on a single trip ticket, incidentally that was Qatar too, although now I’m extensions a few of those trips were visa exempt, although questioned they answered their own question by asking if I was planning to extend once there, (the quantity of previous stamped entries convinced them I guess)
but easy to book an onward ticket but first point of action would be to ask to speak to a supervisor and ask her for the explanation if they still refused.
but easy to book an onward ticket but first point of action would be to ask to speak to a supervisor and ask her for the explanation if they still refused.
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jonnie ******
yeah, we both have plenty of passport stamps, this woman wouldn't even look. We are the same, been questioned on other airlines everytime for not having a onward ticket, visa produced,,, ok no problem.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Barrie *********
Yes I had the same Problem with Cathey Pacific I only wanted to go 1 way
Graham ******
@Barrie ********
Strange that none of the deniers above have commented on your post. Thanks for your post in proving them wrong.Steven *********
@Barrie ********
good to know as I nearly booked with them .. I'll be avoiding them if this is the nonsense they come out withKevin *********
@Barrie ********
Me too. But they were very helpful, explained why and helped me get a very cheap ticket for onward travel.Barrie *********
@Kevin ********
Supervisor said to run down to Flight Centre Kiosk only have 15 mins before they close gate!!!! Cost $300Reply to
Barrie *********
Reply
Joe **********
No need to avoid Qatar. They did follow one of the "official" set requirements. You could just have booked on onwardticket.com, done in literally 5 mins
Elías ********
@Joe *********
DTVers AREN'T required to have an onward ticket. The airline shouldn't be doing rules on their own.Graham ******
@Elías *******
glad you find it funny that someone can be denied boarding for their flight by following your adviceGraham ******
@Elías *******
It is regarded by Immigration as a type of Tourist Visa so you need to meet the requirements for a tourism entry stamp. Risk it at your peril but don't advise others.Elías ********
@Graham *****
sure... and that's why every time I fill in a TDAC and write my DTV visa number, the departure date field isn't mandatory. I've never written it, and Thailand Immigration has had zero issue with it. Again, they didn't make that field mandatory for a reason. Mind explaining this? Are you DTV holder, by the way? Cause I am, and I'm speaking from experience. Have flown more than 10 times already, always on one-way tickets, during the past year.Graham ******
@Elías *******
It has no red asterisk so it's not mandatory for anyoneReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Andy *******
Onwards tickets is a requirement
Elías ********
@Andy ******
not for DTVersSteven *********
@Andy ******
nonsense.. I am in and out a lot with my DTV and not always booked a onwards flight as I dont know when I am leaving ... writing this currently sitting on bbk airport having just arrived from overseas without an onwards ticket ..Andy *******
@Steven ********
not nonsense at Qatar LGW it seems for this paxSteven *********
@Andy ******
not standard.. its the minority that are not understanding the rulesReply to
Steven *********
Reply
John *******
@Andy ******
A requirement of whom? The airline, Thai Immigration or the dragon-lady on the desk?Andy *******
@John ******
take your pick !Reply to
Andy *******
Reply
Axel *******
Nope. Just came back from FRA on Qatar to BKK with no onward booking on a DTV. Also no issue getting stamped in in BKK for 180 days with no flight details in TDAC
Jay *******
@Andy ******
only for certain airlinesAndy *******
@Jay ******
was operation manager for travel company in BKK in the past, my experience was Qatar at LGW always requested a onward ticketJay *******
@Andy ******
some do, some dontStephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ******
yeah, we found that out. Although that doesn't make it legal or right. Its been fine with Thai, Eva, Turkish, BA and Emirates.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Yohanan ***********
@Andy ******
not with a valid visaMichael ********
@Yohanan **********
yes for the time the visa expired.Nongnuch ********
@Michael *******
a visa expires when you enter Thailand. How does that count in your statement?Michael ********
@Nongnuch *******
may be my sentence was to short . What I mean is that you must have a ticket for the date before or one day the visa expires . As well it a rules for the airlines to request a return or forward ticket . It’s a rules in most countries. Unfortunately the airlines counter can’t know the immigration laws of each country. Schengen visa requirements return tickets . Immigration does not check if a return ticket is there the airline is . They must fly the passengers back on their cost and are responsible for.Nongnuch ********
@Michael *******
a visa already expires on entry. What you want to say is, that one needs an onward travel proof for a date that is within the 60-days STAY PERMIT you receive upon entering visa-exempt . . . it is not the visa which expires, this is irrelevant. It is the stay permit which will expire at a given pointMichael ********
@Nongnuch *******
thank you for your help you are right !Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Paul *******
Happened with Indigo too.
I booked £37 flight to Cambodia.
I booked £37 flight to Cambodia.
Bent *************
@Paul ******
You could have booked a 120 baht train ticket Ning Khai to Vientiane!Heiko *********
@Bent ************
No. Train or bus are not accepted by Thai immigration.Paul *******
@Bent ************
now you tell me 😂👍🤘🍺♠️Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Todd *********
Avoid London.
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
lol,, i agreeTodd *********
@Stephen *******
the DTV really should have worked in that situation. Pain in the rear. If you face it again, can book a cheap bus ticket out of country to any neighbouring nation.
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Todd ********
yeah, she did that. Its just wrong and some defeats what we want to do.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Keef ********
Onward travel proof has been a requirement since the almost decade since I started coming to Thailand. It has been documented and discussed in about every Visa group. There are those that pay the 10 or 15 bucks every time to ensure they have the correct documents or an actual ticket refundable. And there are those that make statements like "It's never happened to me before" . The airline is not in the wrong. Be prepared.
Bryan ********
@Keef *******
I had a three month visa from the UK and intended to stay longer and convert to retirement visa on arrival. I was worried about onward ticket also. So I emailed Thai Embassy in London, they sent a very short email saying “You do not need an onward or return ticket “ I kept it in my passport just in case but it wasn’t questioned
Keef ********
@Bryan *******
good safe move. But be aware that consulates are one thing and the customs officer's bad hair day or the gate agent for your airline also perhaps having a bad hair day can override anything they want. The airlines are prickly about liability if they make a mistake, so again, you were lucky.Steve *******
Correct. The Non Imm O visa doesn't require onward travel but the DTV does.
Reply to
Steve *******
Reply
Olly *******
@Keef *******
bang on mate. Nothing else to say. Everybody knows this.Keef ********
@Olly ******
the messenger has been shot many times but the OP is not travelling and has lost their money. Hey I tried to help folks understand haha. The gate agent can do whatever they want, including getting customers arrested ....Reply to
Keef ********
Reply
Max ********
@Keef *******
not with a DTV did you not read the comment above?Keef ********
@Max *******
read it all. And I know what can happen. And the OP is a living example of having paid for a ticket that he has lost and not travel. It doesn't matter what you write, the gate agent has final say, depending on their mood and not what some rules are for a particular Visa type.Max ********
@Keef *******
yes that is very true, but one person having a shitty day should not control an other country’s visa system.Reply to
Max ********
Reply
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Danno ************
have you got a visa though?J **************
@Keef *******
listen they are wrong ! I have elite visa and was questioned …finally explained I haveLong term
Visa
Keef ********
exoerts, SMEs, superheroes. are no match for the authority of either a gate agent or a customs officer. Being in the wrong is irrelevant. They will allow you to travel, or allow you into the country at their discretion. That's the most important point that many folks are missing here. And I agree with others it is a visa valid UP to 180 days, similar to a regular 180 day visa that is available in some countries for visitors to Thailand, such as US and UK visitors (yes they can request up to 6 months). All of these types of visas are not Elite, or Non O. They are short term tourist visas. Hence the INTERPRETATION of the airline gate agent CAN BE - Onward Travel is required. Honestly it's only 10 bucks. You like to take a chance?
Steve *******
@J *************
The airline is correct. The DTV isn't considered a long term visa.J **************
@Steve ******
I was responding to the comment above where the “expert” says it has been a requirement for ten yearsReply to
J **************
Reply
John ******
@Keef *******
airline is in the wrongKeef ********
@John *****
maybe but personally 10 bucks or refund of a refundable ticket is what I've done for 9 years as it was listed as a requirement. So I personally wouldn't take the chance. The OP has lost their ticket, maybe lost their right to a refund, and guess what, he isn't flying. Sometimes, being 'right' versus having more documentation than needed in some cases, I can say I've NEVER had a problem or been denied boarding. For the right reasons. Take a chance, this is what happens. Pissed off, delayed, and lost a bunch of money.Reply to
Keef ********
Reply
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keef *******
nope, no legal requirement for onward travel with a visa.Steve *******
@Stephen *******
That depends on the visa. There is a legal requirement to have onward travel within 180 days on a DTV Visa and within 60 days on a tourist visaNeville ********
@Steve ******
wrong. I’ve done it twice. Nowhere it says an onward flight is required.Steve *******
@Neville *******
You're incorrect. Thai Immigration requires onward travel within your period of allowed stay unless you have a long stay visa. The DTV is not considered long stay.Neville ********
@Steve ******
still wrong. Show me where it’s written that you need an onward ticket. That was a specific question I asked the lawyer during a conference call when I was organising our DTV’s. So unless you’re an immigration lawyer I’ll go with the professional advice I got.Steve *******
@Neville *******
Go with Thai Immigration. Check the RTP Immigration website. Onward travel within 180 days is a requirement on the DTV.Axel *******
@Steve ******
please be so kind and provide a link to where it states this as I am unable to find it. Thank youNeville ********
@Steve ******
why don’t you show it as this is the info I got. This is why people should seek professional advice instead of Facebook keyboard warriors. No, there is no official Thai immigration requirement mandating proof of an onward flight (or any booked departure from Thailand) when entering on a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV is a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years, allowing up to 180 days per entry (extendable once for another 180 days at immigration offices), which is designed for long-term stays by remote workers, digital nomads, and participants in Thai cultural activities. This contrasts with short-stay options like visa-exempt entries (up to 60 days) or tourist visas (up to 60 days), where onward travel proof is more commonly enforced, especially by airlines during boarding.
Steve *******
@Neville *******
The DTV is classed as a tourist visa and requires onward travel.Axel *******
@Steve ******
do you have a reliable source for that requirement?I have just done my TDAC on the DTV and did not provide an outbound flight. That tells me that immigration does not require this so why would an airline decide otherwise?
Graham ******
@Axel ******
The DTV is a type of tourist visa so the rules for tourism entries apply (20k cash, accommodation and proof of onward travel). Also, why do you think peole on DTVs cannot now get a bank account or many that have them are having difficulties?Axel *******
@Graham *****
Thank you for clarifying the requirements. Would you mind telling me where I can find this in an official source as I am unable to verify this anywhere I can find official DTV information. Maybe a link to the immigration office?Graham ******
@Axel ******
Why do you need proof, you plan accordingly?Axel *******
@Graham *****
Official DTV document lists from Thai missions do not require an onward/return ticket or 20,000-baht cash. Those items appear in Immigration Bureau handbooks for Visa on Arrival. Different category, different rule but you if you have an official source I would really appreciate it if you could provide it. Thank you.Graham ******
@Axel ******
What "Immigration Bureau handbooks for Visa on Arrival"? First I've heard of such guidelines. You show me yours.Axel *******
@Graham *****
Oh you haven't heard of those?********************************************************
Graham ******
@Axel ******
There is nothing in those lists which have Visa on Arrival in the title (which, if you knew anything, VoA is a Visa which costs 2000B on arrival for certain passport holders to get a 15 day entry stamp which cannot get extended).Axel *******
@Graham *****
My sincere apologies for the confusion I have caused. Of course you are correct regarding the VoA. As a side note the handbook does have a section on the VoA as per the previous link I sent. You might have overlooked it as it was a bit further down.here is the link its no 48
*****************************************************************************************************
*******
/48-Public-Handbook-Application-for-E-VOA.pdfWhat I meant was the Visa Exemption Scheme which requires 10K THB and an onward travel ticket with a fixed exit date and a Destination other than bordering countries.
However this does not seem to apply to the DTV as it is a multiple entry 5 year Tourist Visa.
Again I would highly appreciate it if you could provide the source of this requirement, which given that you seem to be a SME on the topic, would be easy to provide. Thank you kindly
Axel *******
@Graham *****
I am one of those people who likes to verify any information provided on FB with official sources as it otherwise is somewhat hearsay.And I assume, that given how certain you are about your statement, that you have some reference to official sources. Would be great if you could provide those. Thank you
Neville ********
@Axel ******
exactly. Sounds like he’s going off what he’s read on Facebook. During a phone call with an immigration lawyer in Bangkok when I was organising ours an onward flight wasn’t a requirement. At least not in February anyway.Steve *******
@Axel ******
The TDAC is just an ARRIVAL card, there's no requirement to provide an outbound flight. However, if asked, it is a requirement to provide Thai Immigration with onward travel within the time frame of your visaAxel *******
@Steve ******
you are of course correct regarding the TDAC Arrival card. That's why I left the departure date blank.However the logic in the context of the airline refusing to transport the passenger due to lack of an onward flight would be that Thai immigration does not require this per se so why would the airline refuse when there is clearly no repercussion to them if the passenger has no onward ticket.
And of course you are also correct that the IO can ask whatever they like and let you in or not based on your answers.
Going back to my original comment would you be so kind to provide the source that states the requirement for a DTV holder to have an onward travel. This would be helpful for everyone in the group where you have found that requirement. Thank you
Reply to
Axel *******
Reply
Kurt *************
@Keef *******
but with a DTV you dont need it because you can stay for 180+180 days with a extention at immigration. And many people travel by ground without booking anything. I came to thailand with no problem like this.Ruud ******************
@Kurt ************
180+180 is the same as 60+ on a visa except; you need an onward travel, you have in case 1 180 days and on case 2 60 days, the lady on check-in was right.She did a good job and I lijkentouw fly with QATAR !!!Steve *******
@Kurt ************
You do need onward travel within 180 days on a DTV, it's classed as a tourist visa. You have to apply for the extention, it's not a given and there's been many reports of denialsKurt *************
@Steve ******
no you dont. Nobody plan trips 6 months ahead. And you can extend at immigration aswell so who plans 1 year upfront?Steve *******
@Kurt ************
Many DTV extentions being denied. They are not a given!Kurt *************
@Steve ******
nothing is given, still dont need a onward needed. Most people with dtv stay 100 + days when they first are here, if not even longer. Many works and just does border skip for the weekend evenReply to
Kurt *************
Reply
William ***********
@Kurt ************
so you really think it’s reasonable for an airline clerk to know all the specifics rules in each country’s immigration policy. Sorry but that’s asking too much.Steven *********
@William **********
its literally their job!! 🤣🤣 especially if they offered to show her the document!Ariella ******
@William **********
if they are going to assume authority on the subject, then yes it is self-evident they need to know the rules or be open to being informed on them on the spot.Peter *********
@William **********
they have a program to check , they don’t need to remember.Kurt *************
@William **********
takes 2 seconds to check. So thats just a bad takeReply to
Kurt *************
Reply
Brandon ************
Did she have the visa printed out?
Did she ask to speak to a supervisor?
It would have taken all of 5 minutes to book a bus ticket or cheap plane to ticket to Kuala Lumpur or Cambodia.
No reason to lose a flight.
Did she ask to speak to a supervisor?
It would have taken all of 5 minutes to book a bus ticket or cheap plane to ticket to Kuala Lumpur or Cambodia.
No reason to lose a flight.
Ian **********
Brandon Thurkettle: Only visa-exempt entries and visa-on-arrival require onward/return flights, so no need to book a cheap flight. I have had trouble with check-in staff at Qatar and Emirates, but when I insisted on speaking with a supervisor, it was quickly resolved. I doubt this is a genuine post.
Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ian *********
it's a 100% genuine post. The check in staff were a complete joke. You are correct in what you are saying on entry. Its amazing how many just can't read the real legal rules on here. Along with others who feel it's fine for airlines to introduce there own rules or conditions which contradict the law of immigration in both countries.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Heiko *********
@Brandon ***********
Bus tickets are not a valid for this purpose with Thai immigration if you enter by plane.Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
yes, had a visa printed, the check in woman refused us to speak to anyone else. My wife had to book a cheap flight to siam reap in the end. The check in woman originally wanted her to book a return flight back to UK! In the end, they just about, begrudgingly accepted the short flight out. I don't think they would have accepted a bus ticket. The check in woman was threatening to call security on me, just for argueing the point. We both travel regular, have another home in phuket. Although unlikely with Qatar again. It's not so much the money, it's just wrong.😡Wannikea *********
@Stephen *******
she could also have signed the waiver releasing the airline of responsibility to transport her if entry was denied.Tito *********
@Wannikea ********
do you have more info on that ?Reply to
Tito *********
Reply
Martyn ***********
@Stephen *******
I see your 'point'...but it can't be 'just wrong' for someone to be following actual rules? You've had a good run and your luck ran out.Frank *****
@Martyn **********
wrong.Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Martyn **********
what rules, she has a visa. No requirement for onward travel. This has been fine with Thai, Eva, Turkish, BA and Emirates...Graham ******
@Stephen *******
She has a type of tourist visa so the rules for tourism entries apply (20k cash, accommodation and proof of onward travel)Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNo
Graham ******
@Stephen *******
more AI generated crapEllen *************
@Graham *****
yes but not if you google a certain set of keywords and then put your hand on a Bible and swear to the first AI generated answer 👍🏼Graham ******
@Ellen ************
AI lol, okko out if that is our futureReply to
Stephen ********
Reply
J **************
@Stephen *******
not the money? That’s not a cheap flightBrandon ************
@Stephen *******
if you got her name you can always complain after the factStephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
I already have, the moment she'd landed. They are wriggling at the momentReply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Ken ********
Does the dtv not help get her here. I don't know much about dtv, s.
Todd *********
@Ken *******
it should have helped…Ken ********
@Todd ********
my thoughts too Todd. I thought all visas, extensions etc told them that you don't need an onward journey.Stephen ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ken *******
legally you don't need onward travel.Michael ********
@Stephen *******
unfortunately legally you must show a return ticket . Even you have a long visa . The law is that everyone who fly to countries like Thailnd Costa Rica and many other say you need a return ticket . That what the airlines are obligated to check ! Often the airlines have not undated system about the long term visas . There system just just say “ must have a return flight “ . Yes it depends if they check at counter actually check that or not . Yiu had a stubborn one unfortunately. Reason for airlines to check is that they are liable for the guest and must pay for the flight return in case you are refused at the border patrol . So emigration can not be blamed for that in any country. Sometimes they not accept train / bus / ship travel back either . So if you travel often you know to have a “ return ticket “ you can actually buy them for 10 $ . Online. Now don’t blame me for this rule ….Paul *******
@Michael *******
not trueMartin *********
@Michael *******
even if you have a retirement visaMichael ********
@Martin ********
the thing is the airline does not know that . And they not know the laws of each country. They just use their system . May it help you get a letter or such that you got a retire and stay in Thailnd from the Thai government. Again many airlines agents don’t check or you can explain , or you have bad luck .Martin *********
@Michael *******
they checked my passport to see if I had a visa. She asked me why I only had a one way ticket and said ok.Ally ************
@Michael *******
The retirement visa is stamped in your passport!Ken ********
@Stephen *******
I believe the airline can refuse you a flight if you don't have a return flight or onward travel, or a visa, otherwise you become their responsibility if refused entryFrank *****
@Ken *******
dtv is a 5 year, multi entry visa. Qatar made a mistake.Reply to
Frank *****
Reply
10 comments
7 months ago
10 comments
9 months ago
3 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
6 comments
a year ago
127 comments
a year ago
10 comments
a year ago
59 comments
a year ago
7 comments
a year ago
3 comments
a year ago
12 comments
a year ago
61 comments
a year ago
13 comments
2 years ago
7 comments
2 years ago
65 comments
2 years ago
4 comments
2 years ago
17 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show an onward travel ticket when checking in for my flight with a long-term Thai visa?
3 comments
2 years ago
8 comments
2 years ago
38 comments
2 years ago
40 comments
3 years ago
50 comments
3 years ago
1 comments
7 years ago
17 comments
8 years ago
7 comments
a month ago
9 comments
a month ago
21 comments
a month ago
16 comments
a month ago
8 comments
a month ago
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.