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Will Emirates allow boarding without an onward flight for a Non-Immigrant O visa?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Thai Immigration Emirates Airlines Visa Requirements Expats in Thailand Bank Account for Expatriates

Jun 23, 2025

22 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all 

Looking for some advice from people who have had experiences with Emirates. And Thai immigration. 

Just received my “Non-Immigrant O” visa, To retire.

I intend to start the process for 12 months extension straight away when I arrive in Thailand. 

One way flight booked with Emirates in 2 weeks. 

Will Emirates allow you to board without an outward journey booked ?  And also Thai immigration on arrival. 

I realised I can book a cheap flight to Vietnam and then cancel it. Curious what other people have done in my situation ? 

Many thanks 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion focuses on experiences with Emirates Airlines regarding travel to Thailand on a one-way flight while holding a Non-Immigrant O visa. Many respondents confirm that passengers are generally allowed to board without an onward flight, emphasizing that airline staff may not be fully aware of this policy. However, travelers should be prepared for potential inquiries about onward travel. There are suggestions to get a cheap onward ticket just in case, and clarification that one can apply for a visa extension only after a certain time in the country. Additionally, tips are provided for opening a bank account in Thailand as part of settling down.

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Bent *************

Ask Emirates! How difficult is that!?

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Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bent ************

This group is called Visa advise.

I suggest you join another group.

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Sean ********

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David **********

I did the same thing

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Rok ********

Non-o is a long term visa. No need for a return flight.

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Denice *******

Coming over there in a few weeks wanting to retire there. Do my husband and I need a return ticket. Ty in advance

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Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

You should apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa first, before you go to Thailand. It takes about 3 weeks.

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Sean ********

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Stephen *******

You don't need a return ticket with a non o visa

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Robert ********

I all depends on the person checking you in.

So you either by an onward ticket right away or wait and see (and maybe need to stand in line twice).

At onwardtickets dot com you can buy one for 10-15 online within seconds.

Edit:

Concerning your retirement.

You need to get a bank account asap and put your 800k in (hopefully they will show as foreign transfer!)

I have Bangkok bank and kasikorn and I recommend kasikorn as 711 doesn’t allow scanning QR codes from others and Apple doesn’t accept Bangkok bank card as payment method in an Apple ID

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Brook ********

Visa exempt from USA.

Emirates ticket agent asked me about onward travel, I told her I was applying for a Non-O retirement visa and had no plans to leave… And that was that.

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Liam ***********

visa exempt from uk,Eva air booked return flight 80 days later,they would not let me board until I purchased a flight out of Thailand within the 60 day of visa exempt validity,I told them I was going to extend to 90 days but still same answer,you must have a return or another booked flight out of Thailand before 60 days,my experience

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Liam ***********

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Steve ***********

I usually book each way separately

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Walrus *******

Qatar do. I came on one. No problem with airport immigration. Had

*****

eu with me and all my details of money in Spain. And other documents. Had to show alot but got a 90 day stamp

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Bruce ********

I flew Emirates from the US to Thailand on a one-way flight to settle here this past January. I had a ‘legit’ onward flight and also booked a bus trip to the Cambodian border as a second means to leave the country. Neither were asked for so a total waste but then again combined it was less than $30 USD.

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Jenny ******

I came on a tourist visa last April knowing I was emigrating. They asked me when I was returning at the emirates check in desk, and I said I had just retired so was touring around Asia but didn’t have a particular schedule so was booking as I went along. The lady was very nice and just said “how exciting and good luck - enjoy your retirement”. I was lucky I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

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Pete *******

You can not start your extension of stay straight away as soon as you land. Immigration will not accept early applications. Depending on where you are staying you can apply for the extension either 45 or 30 days before your Non O expires.

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Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I need to get a bank account which is part of the process for me.

But thanks

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Jack ********

ignore some of these people that want to correct everything. You are on the right track

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Pete *******

No problem opening a bank account as soon as you land with a Non O, Thai phone number and long term lease.

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Pete *******

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Craig *******

I came with Qatar a few months ago 1 way and no questions asked about return flight or even if I had a visa

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Ken *********

Should be fine with visa

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Michael ********

I had no problem with my non o marriage visa with Thai air and by the immigration.

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Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *******

thanks

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Sean ********

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Florin *******

Up

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Stuart *********

You don’t need an onward or return flight using a Non Immigrant visa to enter.

If the airline check-in clerk asks for one then ask to speak to a supervisor. It’s not a requirement and the clerk just doesn’t know that.

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Sean ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks

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Sean ********

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