thailand
Ask question

Will having no return flight booked cause issues when entering Thailand with a 60-day visa stamp?

Visa RulesThailand Entry RequirementsOnward TravelVisa ExemptionsTravel InsuranceUK to ThailandImmigration Advice
Sep 11, 2024
2 months ago
Emilie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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
1,613
views
2
likes
51
all likes
25
replies
1
images
9
users
TLDR : 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.
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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!
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Norman **********
No problem, I am playing safe and have my visa which cost £30 issued by the Thai Embassy in London.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Tom ********
@Nor***
 I had a visa from the Embassy too and they just ignored it now that you get 60 days on arrival.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Tom *******
 Look at your entry stamp, did it state TR60?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Tom ********
Actually
@Gra***
 I just checked and it does and also says 'E Visa' so it seems they did not ignore it then, thanks
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Graham ******
@Norman *********
 It's currently 60 days for a Visa Exempt entry which is what the Op will get
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Norman **********
@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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Tom ********
@Ken ****
 Worked for me recently.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Cissi *********
@Ken ****
 a busticket out of Thailand is perfectly fine.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Graham ******
@Cissi ********
 if the airline will accept it
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Robert *********
@Tom *******
 I think they are making you buy a plane ticket to a non neighboring country
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Cissi *********
@Robert ********
 no, a busticket out of Thailand is enough.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Cissi *********
Reply
Mamie ******
@Tom *******
 good to know.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mamie ******
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Emilie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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?
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Emilie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok great thank you I will do that, really appreciate your advice
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Emilie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@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 😐
2 months ago
Like
Reply
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.
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Emilie *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 ah we are flying with Etihad
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Jeffrey ************
@Emilie ********
 Ask them....
2 months ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jeffrey ************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Will I be admitted to Thailand with a return flight ticket dated six months after arrival?
27 comments
a month ago
Will I be okay at the airport with a 90-day return flight but only receiving a 60-day exception?
45 comments
2 months ago
Will prebooking a return flight for a 90-day stay in Thailand cause issues at immigration?
54 comments
2 months ago
Can I enter Thailand without a return ticket?
31 comments
9 months ago
Do I need a return ticket or proof of onward travel with a 6 month multi-entry visa for Thailand?
8 comments
10 months ago
Is it a problem to fly into Thailand without a return ticket?
188 comments
a year ago
Will a 3-month return ticket cause issues if I enter Thailand without a visa?
36 comments
a year ago
Do I need to book a return flight to enter Thailand on a tourist visa?
29 comments
a year ago
Do I need a return flight for a 60-day tourist visa to Thailand?
8 comments
a year ago
Will I be asked for onward travel when boarding my flight with a 60-day tourist visa?
10 comments
a year ago
Is it okay to have a return flight 60 days later when entering Thailand without a visa?
18 comments
2 years ago
Do I need an onward flight for a 60-day tourist visa in Thailand?
18 comments
2 years ago
Do I need an onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa with plans for a 1-year visa?
39 comments
2 years ago
Do I need proof of onward travel when flying to Bangkok on a tourist visa for retirement?
6 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show onward travel when entering Thailand with a 30-day visa exemption?
24 comments
2 years ago
Will a 60-day tourist visa suffice for entry into Thailand without needing onward travel documentation?
12 comments
2 years ago
Do I need to show a return flight ticket when arriving in Thailand on a tourist visa?
6 comments
2 years ago
What should we do about onward flight requirements when traveling to Thailand without a fixed itinerary?
20 comments
3 years ago
Do I need evidence of onward travel when flying to Thailand with a 60-day Tourist Visa?
51 comments
3 years ago
Do you need a return ticket to enter Thailand if planning to stay for a few months?
45 comments
3 years ago
What issues might arise when traveling from the UK to Thailand on a 60-day TR visa without a booked return flight?
11 comments
3 years ago
Do I need a return or onward ticket when entering Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa?
24 comments
3 years ago
Can I enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa if my return ticket is 90 days after arrival?
26 comments
3 years ago
Do I Need an Onward Travel Ticket When Entering Thailand on a 30-Day Visa Exemption?
6 comments
5 years ago
Can I book a one-way flight if I enter Thailand on a 60-day tourist visa?
33 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq: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.