Answered2 years ago
Will having no return flight booked cause issues when entering Thailand with a 60-day visa stamp?
Hi, myself and my partner are travelling to Thailand from the UK in December and from what I have read here will get 60 day visa stamp on arrival, we have no other flights booked for return or to go somewhere else as we are just deciding as we go, will this be an issue on entry to Thailand? Thanks in advance for your advice
Answer summary
Travelers to Thailand should be aware that while they may receive a 60-day visa stamp on arrival, airlines may require proof of onward travel before allowing boarding. It's advisable to check the airline's policy regarding such documentation. Some travelers suggest purchasing a cheap onward bus ticket as a temporary solution. Additionally, obtaining a visa in advance may prevent potential issues at the airport. Lastly, reviewing travel insurance policies is recommended, as some policies may necessitate a return ticket to be valid.
25 repliesnewest first
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Ralph *******
Are you getting travel insurance? If so, check the small print. Many won’t cover you unless you have a return ticket paid for before you leave. There are ‘nomad’ type policies so you could look for one of those.
Norman **********
I'm travelling tomorrow, you will only be allowed 30 days! I have a 60 day visa which cost £30 and would advise that you apply for same in advance of travelling as you may well have problems with the airline or immigration. Don't take the risk!
Norman **********
No problem, I am playing safe and have my visa which cost £30 issued by the Thai Embassy in London.
Tom ********
@Nor***
I had a visa from the Embassy too and they just ignored it now that you get 60 days on arrival.Tom ********
Actually
@Gra***
I just checked and it does and also says 'E Visa' so it seems they did not ignore it then, thanks
Graham ******
@Tom *******
Look at your entry stamp, did it state TR60?Graham ******
@Norman *********
It's currently 60 days for a Visa Exempt entry which is what the Op will getNorman **********
@Graham *****
I have researched this extensively over the last month and can assure you that unless you have a visa you will only get 30 days and will have to do a border run and re-enter for a further 30 days. That is if they let you in in the first place. The 60 day entry is tied to a ETA certificate which you have to apply for before you travel and the authorities have yet to agree on the content of this certificate saying it may come in in December 2024 or even in January 2025. However it's up to you and I wouldn't take the risk for £30. I have spent hours on the phone to the Thai Embassy and for peace of mind decided this as the only option....Good luck whatever you decide.
Brandon ************
@Norman *********
You are wrong. I don't know what you researched but July 15th, 2024, the government implemented a new 60 day visa exempt. For all of the countries shown in the image above, if you arrive without a visa, you will receive 60 days on entry. You can also apply one time for a 30 day extension, giving 90 days total.Before July 15th, it was indeed 30 days. But it had also been changed many times before that due to other promotions by the government, most often to 45 days.
Tom ********
You could just buy a cheap 'onward' bus ticket to Lao for about $12 and don't bother using it uness you want to.
Ken *****
@Tom *******
not sure Tom if that will work now . Adjoining countries.
Are not permitted.
I have been told.
Best check.
If the airline spot it.
They won’t let you fly.
Book a cheap ticket to Vietnam!!
Ho chi, is a nice place to stay too.
Cheap.
Tom ********
@Ken ****
Worked for me recently.
Cissi *********
@Ken ****
a busticket out of Thailand is perfectly fine.Graham ******
@Cissi ********
if the airline will accept it
Robert *********
@Tom *******
I think they are making you buy a plane ticket to a non neighboring countryCissi *********
@Robert ********
no, a busticket out of Thailand is enough.
Mamie ******
@Tom *******
good to know.Brandon ************
It won't be an issue entering Thailand, if you can get to Thailand. It's your airline that might ask you for proof of a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days or they won't let you board your flight. Check with your airline what their policy is for people traveling to Thailand without a visa. They are just enforcing the rule that requires proof of onward travel for those traveling to Thailand using visa exempt.
Emilie *********
OP@Brandon ***********
I have spoken to the airline who said we won’t be able to have a tourist visa as our plane is booked one way I tried to explain we won’t be going back to the UK but onwards somewhere else but I don’t think the man I spoke to understood, is it worth checking with the embassy?Emilie *********
OPOk great thank you I will do that, really appreciate your advice
Brandon ************
@Emilie ********
the embassy can't do anything about the airline policy if you're traveling onwards somewhere else then you show the plane ticket to the other place if they ask. They want to see proof that you are leaving Thailand. They don't care where you are going.Brandon ************
@Emilie ********
You can google "onward travel ticket" and find a few services that will book you an actual flight that you can show for this purpose. They cost about $10 or $15.Emilie *********
OP@Brandon ***********
we don’t know where we are going yet the plan was to just reset in Thailand and decide as we go, looks like from the comments below a bus ticket might be the way to go for now? Really don’t want to risk not being able to board our flight 😐Emilie *********
OP@Brandon ***********
ah we are flying with Etihad
Jeffrey ************
@Emilie ********
Ask them....Activity
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