Will I be denied entry to Thailand with just a one-way ticket for my retirement visa process?

Thai Retirement Visa Visa Requirements One-Way Ticket Travel Regulations Immigration Policy Thailand Entry Rules Visa Exemptions

Nov 15, 2022

2 years ago

Kato *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I would be very grateful for clarification: 

I have booked a one way ticket to BKK from Heathrow for 25th November with the intention of starting the retirement visa process on arrival... hopefully opening a bank account, lodging 800,000 baht, and applying for the visa after 2 months tying in with the 45 day + 30 day extension tourist visa...

Questions: Have I made a boo boo just purchasing a one way ticket? Will I be refused entry in Thailand without a return ticket or follow on flight ticket??

Many thanks in advance.

Kevin

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The original poster, Kevin, seeks clarification on whether purchasing a one-way ticket to Thailand will hinder his entry, considering he plans to begin the retirement visa process upon arrival. Community comments indicate that it often depends on the airline's rules, with many advising that airlines may require proof of onward travel despite Thai immigration typically allowing entry. A common recommendation is to purchase a low-cost ticket to a nearby country to satisfy airline requirements.

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Kathy ********************

I buy a “throw away” ticket from airasia to Cambodia or Vietnam

2 years ago

Stuart ***********

I went through this process a few months ago and to save any worrying followed the advice and bought the cheapest flight online to a neighbouring country, it cost me about £20.

2 years ago

Martin **********

From Heathrow, Almost 100% it will be an issue from experience. Just get a cheap one way to anywhere is the easy solution.

2 years ago

Peter ********

I am doing similar with a one way ticket from Australia to Bangkok via Singapore with SCOOT Airlines. I spoke to a Scoot agent and she said that they take their ruling from the Immigration Consulate of Thailand. So it seems that it is dependent on the countries immigration policy NOT the airlines. Please correct me if you know otherwise.

2 years ago

Paulus *********

@Peter *******

the reason the airline ask for a return ticket is because if they allow you to fly on a single ticket and you overstay and get caught the airline is fined about £2000 per person.

I recently flew with Emirates back to Thailand, I already had my 90 day visa based on retirement, I had a re entry permit, I bought a single and they asked me why, I told them I was living here , they then let me check in.

2 years ago

Tod *********

@Paulus ********

actually I don't believe that's the reason. 😕

IF the airline allows you to fly in without a visa for thailand in your passport, and without onward travel IF you're denied entry the airline has to lug you back at their expense. That's why they usually require onward travel.

There is NO requirement to have onward travel entering thailand with any visa you bought at a thai consulate before you come here (onward travel MIGHT be a requirement to get the visa), but you should never have an issue checking in without onward travel with a valid visa or extension & a re-entry permit..

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

@Peter *******

it's the air carrier 100%. SOME will let you fly without onward travel and without a valid visa to thailand SOME won't

2 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Ana ************************

This depends on your airline. Some let you fly without visa, Some don't

2 years ago

James ********

As you are entering Thailand Visa EXEMPT you will be stamped in for 45 days plus one 30 day extension of stay from local Thai immigration office for 1900 Thai baht. As you state that allows you time to take the steps to get the Non O Visa as retiree and the One year extension of stay as retired.

Your question on the need for another flight departing Thailand,

ASK your airline as they are the ones that are asking for it. Thai immigration will allow you entry... BUT some airlines want to see a ticket departing Thailand within the 45 Days STAMP which you get on arrival.

A simple solution, IF your AIRLINE wants to see a ticket departing Thailand...is to buy a cheap one way ticket to Phnom Penh...usually Less than US $40.

Hope you are successful with your plan...

2 years ago

Reply to

James ********

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Will I have issues entering Thailand on a one-way ticket while applying for a retirement visa?

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