Will I face issues when entering Thailand with a return flight more than 30 days after my arrival?

Apr 6, 2023
2 years ago
Simon ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've booked to go to Thailand July 15th to August 17th (33 Days). At the time I booked, I thought the visa exemption would be 45 days until the end of the year. My flight ticket is for those fixed dates and I wonder if I will have any problem entering and extending when in Thailand because my return flight is over 30 days. I should have looked into the 45 day thing more carefully I know! I guess the safest thying is to get a 60 day e-visa. I'm British.
4,802
views
20
likes
110
all likes
14
replies
0
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is concerned about entering Thailand with a return flight scheduled for 33 days after arrival while under the assumption they could benefit from a 45-day visa exemption. Due to the regulations stating a maximum 30-day stay without a visa, they are advised to confirm with their airline about boarding requirements and consider applying for a 60-day tourist visa to avoid complications. Several commenters emphasize checking with the airline regarding proof of onward travel, as different airlines have varying policies.
Toby *******
Your coming in July. Plenty of time to get a tourist visa. That gives you 60 days and no head aches about going to immigration here in Thailand.
Tod *********
Sheesh people, we're not doing brain science or rocket surgery here. This is a boiler plate entry question that the group gets asked multiple times a week

The requirement for proof of onward travel that catches most people out is the one the AIR CARRIER has,

And contrary to
@Wilhelmina *******
's assertion telling the carrier it's only 3 days past the 30 days you're allowed as a rule won't cut it IF they have a cut in stone onward travel policy on traveling to thailand without a visa in your passport 😕
@ Simon ******
s as I said, CHECK WITH YOUR AIR CARRIER before you show up for your flight.

If they say you can board with onward travel 33 days out, you're FINE and will have no issues at all stamping in once you land here
Nick **********
Plenty of time to get 60day Tv.all online..safest option..if flying Thai airways LHR direct they will deffo ask for visa or onward travel ticket.
James **********
I would consider buying a refundable ticket out of Thailand just so you can board your flight. Cancel when you get settled.
Tod *********
CHECK with your air carrier to see if you can board the flight comin' here visa exempt with onward travel 33 days out. They'll either say you can, (which means you will be fine) OR they'll say you can't (which means you either need to change your flight, or apply for a single entry tourist visa with the online eVisa website thru the London thai consulate)
Alan ******
Yep, get a Tourist visa for 60days before you come. Then you have no worries.
Tod *********
You are unlikely to have any problem ENTERING thailand <- stamping in to thailand

You might have an issue checking in for your flight with onward travel dated out further than the number of days you'll get stamped in for flying here visa exempt (free entry)

Check with your air carrier, if they don't have a problem with you boarding, you will be fine here when you land, both stamping in and getting the extension at the immigration office
Lloyd ********
The airline may refuse you boarding as your return flight is over the 30 days
Jasmien *******
@Lloyd *******
it's no problem as long as it's within 60 days. The airlines know you can extend.
Ellie *******
@Jasmien ******
, It totally depends on the airlines. Some accept within +extension period, but some accept only the ticket out within the primary permitted-to-stay-until period (30 days in this case).
Jasmien *******
Oh yes, they definitely need to see a ticket out, but they normally accept if it's within 60 days.
Martin **********
@Jasmien ******
not true. In the UK, in my experience, the check in staff will insist on seeing a ticket out.
Lloyd ********
@Steve *****
Also wrong, read the post and you will see that the OP mentions a "return" flight and that is why I too used that word.
Brian *********
@Lloyd *******
I see many advise visa exemption +30 (extension at immigration) is okay for onward flight?

Simon if it’s relatively easy for you to get the 60 day, do so. Don’t play, don’t cut corners. 👍
Thai Visa Advice
... members · 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice