Will I face issues flying to Thailand without a return ticket if I plan to stay for 90 days?

Sep 13, 2024
2 months ago
Confused by everyone's conflicting information.

I'm Canadian

90 day air ticket booked and paid. If I arrive without a visa and just get visa free stamp on arrival for the 60 days but intend to add another 30 days extension. Will the lack of an exit flight in 60 days time be an issue. Or will the 90day exit flight I have booked make sense.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A Canadian traveler is confused about entering Thailand without a visa while having a booked return flight for 90 days later. They plan to enter on a 60-day visa-free stamp and expect to extend their stay by another 30 days. The main concern is whether the lack of an exit flight within the first 60 days could cause issues at check-in with their airline. Many comments highlight that airlines often require proof of onward travel, and the necessity of having a return ticket can vary by airline and individual circumstances. Suggestions include purchasing a refundable ticket or a reservation from onward ticket services to ensure compliance.
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John *********
At the airport, the airline did ask me for an onward ticket out of Thailand before flying to Thailand. I had an onward ticket for 4 months in the future. They just wanted to see a ticket, the date was not important at all.
Mike ********
@John ********
I was harassed to the nth degree by Air Canada. I can’t begin to say how awful they are. Air Botswana must be 100 times better. I had 99 big problems but death wasn’t one despite the toddler with Spanish Flu that coughed himself to near death on me but never got me. They took my laptop and kept it closed my bag for me without it. Said I was good to go. They drove the luggage tractor over my New full size executive Samsonite. Stole my special 4D wide brand new sketchers and then wasted 10-15 hours of my time Screwing me around and refused to give me anything for restitution. Air Canada is so bad even the pilots hate flying on it. They only hire 777 that will break in half or Max 8’s that that non English reading pilots still fly. On top of it it’s the highest prices .
David ********
never been asked for any ticket to show I was leaving the country,
Mike ********
@David *******
me niether.
Robert *********
I emailed the Vancouver Thai embassy .

They say a bus ticket out is sufficient .

Now I am trying to get ,in writing ,from air Canada it is BEFORE the end of the 60 days !

I will be boarding at midnight so if they say no I will lose the ticket .

I normally buy a throw away FLight to Vietnam .

I would suggest to you a flight to swim reap in Cambodia and go see Angkor

Canadian here ...24 winters in Thailand .
Jensen **********
I always fly from Canada with a oneway ticket. Never been asked.
Mike ********
@Jensen *********
no way ! Did you fly Air Canada?
Mike ********
@Jensen *********
so am I what you are! Air Canada wanted proof of return ticket in Canada and proof I was eligible for 2- 30 day extensions to make that return flight. Then they made me throw away 2 -$100 dollar bottles 100ml of my best cologne. Then they drug tested my 65% used up 100ml tube of A5-35 ointment for seniors muscle pain. Told me it always sets off the drug detector and forced me to submit to a full drug search right in line. Everyone stood and stared pissed off blocking them from moving. The pat down eventually uncovered a money belt full of international identification and several credit cards and currencies I would require for international travel and exchange. They demanded I remove it with out unbuckling my belt … impossible. I undid my pants and was quite serious about them not removing anything including SIM cards from my belt. After they were Sooo disappointed they had no choice but to give up …. They left and the bitch threw my Rub A5-35 back in my bag. I will never forgive that POS airline .
Jensen **********
@Mike *******
I’m retired and my passport is active , perhaps they see “I ain’t staying

I’m a travelin man“ sorry for the misinformation
Robert *********
@Jensen *********
me either ,but both last year and the year before people in front of me at check in were .
Chris *******
REGARDLESS of anyone's personal experience, the RULE is simple for tourists.

Proof of exit from Thailand within the time allotted is what is required.

Whether the airline ask for it or Thai immigration asks for it is irrelevant.

So people roll the dice.

It is no different than being required to have a license to drive,

It only matters if a cop asks for it.

YMMV
Mike ********
@Chris ******
it’s 60 days visa free and I can get an 30 day extension with money. Why would I buy a flight at 60 days
Pat *******
Or you can fly to kl on day 60 come back
Pat *******
Onward ticket. Look it up
Mike ********
I am the same as you. You book a 90 day flight. Whether its 30 or 60 days visa free same thing after 30 or 60 you go to immigration get another 30 days. Or do Border run and get another 30 days. Google Border run bus day trip.
Trofim ********
I just got here return ticket in 3 months no problems will extend visa when necessary
Stan ***********
I am Canadian and you will not have an issue.

Enjoy your trip
Rei ***********
Just reserve an outbound ticket. You dont have to pay anything. Just show them the reservation of ticket if they will ask for outbound
Norman *******
This is our third year spending 90 days leaving from Vancouver. We've never had a problem, as long as you have your return,they know you can get an extension.
Tony ********
I’ve never had immigration question about an exit flight on arrival. Just make sure you do your extension well before the 60 days is up.
Craig *******
Just check-in online - in the process you will be asked to attest that you have all the necessary documents for entry - tick the box and you are good to go. Why anyone bothers with the check-in counter is beyond me.
Andy ********
Congratulations you have again got lots of conflicting information. "Buy a cheep flight out of Thailand within 60 days". "Don't worry it won't be a problem". And a few solutions in between. Unfortunately the people giving you the advice aren't giving you the full story, that is which. Airlines are asking for a return flight and what route they are being asked on.

The best information that was given was from
@Brandon ***********
.call the airline you have booked with or better still intending to book with and ask them what their policy is then make your decisions on that basis.

You will not have an issue at immigration. The only people who may have an issue at immigration are those that have spent an excessive time in Thailand, basically living in the Kingdom on tourist visas and visa exemption entries.

Enjoy your time here.
Mike *****
The only possibility for an issue is at initial check when you're departing but even that is unlikely since you have a return flight booked. They should be aware of the 30 day extension option or multiple other options available (exit/reenter Thailand to other countries as part of your trip). Almost zero chance of a problem but in the
*****
,000 chance, the onward ticket sites offer temp tickets for $20-$25. I'd bet no problems tho.
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ****
thank you for that answer
Garry *******
I did exactly this last year from Australia,and Qantas, refused to check me in without evidence of leaving Thailand within 30 days.

So I quickly got online and bought a cheap airfare to Vietnam within the 30 days, then showed them the receipt, they then checked me into my flight.

I guess now it's 60 days but will need evidence of leaving.

A bus ticket or boat or train or plane anywhere out of the country will do.
Shani **********
Im canadian, i’ve donne that 3 times and nobody ask me proof for the 3 times . But it can happen so you can book direct at the airport a bus tiket to cambodia or malasia if your unlucky and they ask(the cheapest one (aprox 15$) on 12go asia or something like that.
Steve *******
Probably wont be an issue for Thai Immigration but it's boarding your flight that you'll have problems. The vast majority of long haul flights/carriers require you to have return or onward travel within the allowed entry to your final destination, ie in your case 60 days.
Mark *******
Call airline and specifically ask ok buddy but im pretty sure its a no go with airlines ,buy a throwaway tucket ..perhaps bangedkok to ho chi minh about 80$ usd
Ronald *********
I have just received my 60 day SIngle entry visa from UK Thai Consulate, even though my return ticket is for 89 days.
Mike ********
@Ronald ********
I am I'm Canada and I get 60 days visa-free. New this year for 60 + countries.
Ronald *********
@Mike *******
You mean visa exempt I could also get that, but I prefer to go with a visa.
Mike ********
@Ronald ********
do you chose seating on every flight?
Ronald *********
@Mike *******
Yes I pay extra for my preferred seats, appro' £20 each.
Mike ********
@Ronald ********
you really should consider business class on all 3 flights. Just a few bucks More and you get a betterpillow
Ben ********
****************************************************************************************************************************************


I've used this all over the world and works everytime, book it on the way to the airport its a real booking that cancels itself after 48 hours and costs $16.
John *******
Just buy a fake ticket to cambodia and cancell it when arrived to thailand
Robert *********
@John ******
ya , that fraud and Thailand takes that seriously
Andrew *******
@John ******
very difficult to cancel and get refund with a cheap ticket. Just have to accept it as money lost
Ricky ********
Even more confusing is the proposed electronic travel autorisation that might start in December .i fly out in January
Mike ********
@Ricky *******
that's a maybe that plan.
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ricky *******
I fly out in January too. See you in Bangkok, lol
Robert *********
Canadian here.

25 winters in Thailand

I just talked to Vancouver embassy .

So

I bought a bus ticket to Angkor wat in Cambodia .

I emailed the question So i have the answer from

The Thai embassy

A ticket out before the end of your first 60 days .

I am also going to ask the airline because they are the ones that check before departure ...sometimes .
Mike ********
@Robert ********
that must have to do with the new 60 day visa-free. So I will do a border run after 60 days. Simple. I will buy a border run ticket when I get there then. 26K Baht for a spare flight sounds like BS to me. So when it is 30 day visa free you buy a ticket out of country all I do is walk from my condo to the immi. Office.
Andrew *******
@Robert ********
yep ...sometimes they ask ....sometimes they don't ...very arbitrary and frustrating.
Frazer ******
I always go with a 60 day visa and get the 30 day extension. My return flight is at 89 days pass my initial arrival flight. Been doing it for years without a problem.
Bonnie *********
A few days ago, JAL stopped me and questioned why I have no return ticket within the timeframe of a Thai visa.

I have a retirement visa, so it's all good.

But it was the first time I was asked.

People aren't being evasive, it's because there's not one answer.

Why not just be legal (information on the Thai Embassy website) and avoid the worry?
Mike ********
@Bonnie ********
I never been there with a visa and stay 90 days. Its a matter of reporting to Thai immigration or its Laos border to get another 30 day stamp. Pro Tip. -Cash is required-
Bonnie *********
Ask others, or use the search feature (magnifying glass) on the top of the page. This gets asked a lot but I don't pay much attention.

I've not needed a visa run in many years, and the border I used has been closed for some time.
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
would love to be legal, but the information on the website creates more questions than it answers.
Norman *******
@Anastasia *************
It's not the Thais, it's the airline at your airport.My wife even checked with the airline in advance. Like I said we've already done this twice. They can see your return ticket. Last year Air Canada and the person at the check in knew we were getting an extension.
Bonnie *********
@Anastasia *************
You need to have a return ticket. Do you have a return flight?
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bonnie ********
yes but it's 90 days after I enter Thailand. The visa free stamp is only 60 days with an optional 30 days . So at the time I land I will only get 60 days and my ticket will be dated for 90 days
Bonnie *********
@Anastasia *************
Again, depends on the airline.
Yoni *******
It doesn't have to be a paid flight. Can be a reserved reservation. Search onward tickets. They cost $12-16

You don't need it within the 60 to enter Thailand. Within 90 is fine for a paid flight
John *********
@Yoni ******
within 60 days was not relevant in my case. My ticket out of Thailand was for 4 months in the future. The airline staff just wanted to see an onward flight and the date does not matter.
Robert *********
@Yoni ******
wrong and wrong
Graham ******
@Yoni ******
It is needed within 60 days which is the duration of the initial entry stamp
Andrew *******
@Yoni ******
all just seems annoyingly pointless particularly when many are buying fake throwaway tickets
Yoni *******
@Andrew ******
no different than other places like Costa Rica. Used to buy 1500 refundable tickets and then cancel it as soon as I got my stamp.
Yoni *******
@Andrew ******
works for me. Cheap and easy. Rather have what immigration wants than not have it. Been at this game for 8 years. So I don't like to take risks dealing with Thai officers
David ********
I was denied boarding many times by airlines if I didn't show an onward flight leaving Thailand before expiry of the 60 day visa free period. Your 90 day return has nothing to do with your first entry because you haven't got the 30 day extension yet. Keep it safe and simple, one day before you fly, book a Thai Airways flight leaving Thailand for a cheap destination (like Singapore) for a date around 58-60 days then select the Hold Option for 72 hrs for 350 baht or select pay at counter and then your reserved ticket will expire AFTER you arrive in Thailand.
David *******
@David *******
don't waste money on Thai airways or ANY airline. Use bestonwardtickets.com and pay just $12.....must be not more than 36 hrs before your departure
Mike *******
A side issue, but be careful … the day you arrive is “day 1”, so you can only stay 89 nights with an extension. Make sure your return flight adds up.
Mike ********
i hv to let my Gf drive I lost my hand in a garburator trying to save my gf’s we-vibe..
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ******
it's actually 87 nights in Thailand. I'm just concerned that the flight might not let us board the aircraft and also integration may not see a return ticket out of Thailand in 59 days.
Mike ********
@Anastasia *************
no its
*****
/90 day stays not 59 29 87
Graham ******
@Mike *******
A 60 day entry stamp gets you 59 nights in Thailand as the day you get stamped in is day number one whatever the time is
Mike ********
@Graham *****
I leave before the 90th night. And a 60-day gets you 60 day not 90. Wake up
Graham ******
@Mike *******
awake now
Mike ********
@Graham *****
Rent a full-size bike in Bkk that way you will be safer
Mike ********
Do you drive when your in bkk or Pattaya?
Jan ******************
@Anastasia *************
Do as told, apply for a 90 days Non O visa at the embassy at home or buy a cheap onward ticket within 60 days. Cheap insurance anyway when you risk to lose your whole trip.
Steven *******
@Anastasia *************
It’s extremely rare for Immigration to ask to see an onward ticket because the airline is supposed to make sure you have one before you board your flight to Thailand.
Mike *******
@Anastasia *************
If you get an extension, you are OK then. For me, I would never visit without an outbound ticket within 59 days. The airlines should check this during check-in, and the fact that they seldom do won’t stop me from having proof that I’m leaving within the conditions of the visa exemption. Good luck.
Mike ********
@Mike ******
you buy 3 flights per trip. WOW! I feel like a genius now.
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike ******
thank you for the answer, it makes total sense when you say it like that
Mike *******
@Anastasia *************
No worries. Happy trails.
Randy *********
Make a reservation to anywhere from Onwardticket.com which will provide you with a real, verifiable reservation for about $15. Throw it in the garbage after landing and passing through immigration.
Robert *********
@Randy ********
fraud is a serious offence in Thailand
Randy *********
@Robert ********
did you miss the “real, verifiable reservation” part? Customers do have a real, verifiable, legal reservation which they are free to convert to a ticket if they wish… or buy a cheap bus ticket out of the country if you’re a real stickler for the rules.
Terary **********
You can play it safe and buy a cheap bus ticket from anywhere in Thailand to anywhere not Thailand. The cheapest I have found is Hat Yai to Penang. The cost 5 years ago was $12
Kaymia ************
@Terary *********
also Cambodia
Pertti *************
Visa or ticket.. "possession of an onward or return airline ticket do not require a visa to enter Thailand" You wouldn't be the first to be banned from entering Kingdom, even if the airline company had swallowed the explanations.
Graham ******
@Pertti ************
Outdated (Visa Exempt is currently 60 days) and incorrect information (Visa Exempt extensions ar done at IT Square, Laksi Plaza)
Jan ******************
If you fulfil the requirements for and apply for a 90 days Non O visa before you leave, outbound tickets it’s not an issue.

For both tourist visa and visa exemptions an onward ticket is formally required within the initial 60 days even though you can apply for and almost certainly will get a 30 days extension.
Todd *********
If flying from Canada, you will be denied boarding if you don’t have proof of onward travel.
Kimberly ****************
@Todd ********
we’ve flown on a one way to Thailand 5x and have never been asked.
Todd *********
@Kimberly ***************
from Canada? And when was your last one? Airline?
Kimberly ****************
@Todd ********
October 2023. Going again this December
Todd *********
@Kimberly ***************
good luck if on one way!
Kimberly ****************
@Todd ********
thanks! Not worried. I can always buy a throw away ticket if we’re asked.
Todd *********
@Kimberly ***************
yes, you sure can. And in most instances will need to as AC will require it. It's a long way to anywhere nice from there!
Kimberly ****************
@Todd ********
I’m flying Korean air. So we will see:)
Stan ***********
@Todd ********
nope. Depends on the airlines. I’ve done it at least 5 times this year without onward travel. Thai customs asks me sometimes how long I’m staying and I tell them roughly and they never ask for onward travel.
Todd *********
@Stan **********
lol. Says ‘nope’ and then says ‘depends on the airlines’. Yes, it’s does lol
Stan ***********
@Todd ********
read it again. Flying from Canada you will be denied boarding if you don’t have proof of onward travel. That’s a 100% false statement and that’s why it’s NO.
Todd *********
@Stan **********
lol. It’s not false at all. It’s simple fact. Airlines there will enforce the policy if you are flying one way. Could it be missed? Sure. What is 100% false is your story of 5 one way flights from Canada to Thailand with no visa and not being required to have proof of onward travel.
David ********
@Todd ********
what policy are you talking about. If it was a policy you would not be able to book a one way ticket. Also it would be uniform across all travelers from Canada which by these comments it is not. Maybe it's just you they are stopping 555
Todd *********
@David *******
obviously not much of a traveller are you David. The regulation you seek is Thai govt policy that onward travel is a requirement for visa exempt or tourist visa travellers. The airline may or may not allow you to board without proof.

And I guarantee you I can get in. It’s you that may well encounter problems…
Tom *********
@Todd ********
that’s just not true at all. Flown to Thailand multiple times, always on a one way ticket, never been stopped. Only asked where we were staying when we arrived in Bangkok.
David ***********
@Tom ********
its true a little bit. Ive been asked to show onward travel within 60 days on one occassion so you need to be ready to deal with it at check in. Took.a good 5-10 mins before they allowed me to check in
Todd *********
@Tom ********
lemme guess, always from the same country and with people of same passport lol. 🙄
Tim *******
@Todd ********
that’s completely false , I’ve departed 🇨🇦 multiple times with a 1 way ticket.
Kim *********
@Tim ******
it's true for many - you are not in a position to say "completely false". What a ridiculous statement. You think the moderators don't know what they talk about? What an arrogant and presumptuous remark.
Peter *******
@Tim ******
I see people freaking out when asked for onwards travel every year from Canada.
Todd *********
@Tim ******
lol it’s like having handicapped kids here sometimes . If your destination is Thailand and u don’t have a visa, you stand a very good chance of being denied boarding in accordance with the airline policy if your end destination is Thailand. If you don’t think so, give it a go. But prepare yourself emotionally for some surprises.
David ********
@Todd ********
l have been traveling for 20 years and always purchase one way ticket. I have only been asked once and l said l will travel and meet friends l will decide when and how l travel to my next destination. It may be before my visa expires. Why should l have to book a return to my country or any other. It's a free world l can travel where and when l want. Never had a problem. It is how you speak if you are asked the question. They are obviously worried you will overstay or live there. But you are a tourist and you can come and go as you want. We are still living in a free world.
Todd *********
@David *******
unfortunately that’s no longer the case. And you are travelling in ‘free world’ only if you limit yourself to specific regions and countries. And make sure you have a visa lol. It’s the airlines themselves that will enforce or not enforce the rules. It depends on several factors, your passport is critical, the airline, the nation you are departing from, your visa type, and the nation you are travelling to. The airline can simply (and legally) deny boarding if you don’t have proof of onward travel
Kim *********
@David *******
others have been denied boarding - seen frequently. And you can not come and go as you like as you put it regarding Thailand. You can always be denied entry
Pam *********
Jen *************
@Todd ********
depends on the airline. Had a one way ticket with JAL. They asked about return flight, I said I wasn’t sure of the plan, but I could provide financial proof I can afford it. She said no, and let us on the flight
Todd *********
@Jen ************
yes- it always depends on the airline. They decide. And the country of origin. Canada is a rulesy country and tends to be highly compliant. You were able to talk your way out of it which is great. But no guarantee of success for everyone. I left Canada 11 years ago for full time travel and have never purchased a return ticket. Have entered Thailand about 25 times on one way. But now have long term visa
Thaimer ******
Go on check in. If airline ask you proof of leaving just book it on the spot on mobile. Some random put of Thailand ticket as Phuket - Kuala Lumpur
Mitchell *******
The easiest thing to do is book a flight to a nearby place like Kuala Lumpur, which you can cancel for a refund, or eat the cost.
Andrew *******
@Mitchell ******
very difficult /impossible to get refund from budget airline ....not even worth the effort trying just have to accept the loss
Maksym ***********
@Andrew ******
don't use low-cost. Use Malaysia airlines
Andrew *******
@Maksym **********
tx ...I will do this next time 👌
Mitchell *******
I agree.
Mitchell *******
Or take a 3 day trip.
Ralph *******
@Mitchell ******
You still need a ticket out of Thailand within the first 60 days.
Mitchell *******
Yes, take a 3 day trip (to a close place like KL) on day 58.
Lee *****
I to was hoping to stay 90 days , haven't booked flight yet
Brandon ************
There's no conflicting information. The answer is ALWAYS the same. ASK YOUR AIRLINE. They are the ones who might ask you for proof that you are leaving Thailand. And generally if they do ask, it needs to be within the number of days you will receive when you arrive (no counting extensions).

So contact your airline, ask them what they require for people flying to Thailand without a visa. That is your concern.
Andrew *******
@Brandon ***********
it should be the airlines responsibility to notify the client if an onward ticket is required ...I am fed up with the ad hoc arbitrary way this requirement is implemented ....sometimes i front up at the check in counter to be told I need onward ticket ....next time no requirement . It drives me mad !!!
Brandon ************
@Andrew ******
well it's a legal requirement from Thailand, so isn't it easiest to just make sure you always meet that?
David *******
@Brandon ***********
it's inconsistently enforced though. No certainty. So buy throwaway tickets that nobody asks to see.
Maksym ***********
@Brandon ***********
answer will be official - you should have return ticket in 60 days. In reality it usually didn't ask. Also author can book any ticket from Thailand, bus or ferry.
Henrik *****
@Maksym **********
It doesn’t have to be a return ticket, just a onward ticket to take you out of Thailand, within the granted visa excempt period.
Philip *******
@Maksym **********
yes can buy a Train ticket to Vientiane or a flight there within that 60 days
Anastasia **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Maksym **********
but I would need to book and secure that ticket before I land in Thailand, correct?
Kim *********
@Anastasia *************
1 hour before you asked this question you already had your answer. Why ask in this group if you don't believe what the admins tell you?? Very strange indeed
Maksym ***********
@Anastasia *************
airline can ask before boarding. But this can happen only if you are very unlucky. And in Thailand on entry they also can ask... But this is even more unusual then on boarding :)
Ralph *******
@Maksym **********
It depends on the airline. I have needed to show the airline my exit ticket on my last two trips. I think it’s becoming more common.
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