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

Sep 26, 2024
2 months ago
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok people those who know I've done three trips in the past year. Am moving to my condo I bought last visit, came back to the UK to sort my final admin out.

All ready to apply for a retirement visa not worried about that BUT now the question I'm on a one way ticket on my 4th visit this year my luggage is the clue I have finished being a tourist (first came out in 1977) as I've seen this is a fast moving thai government will I have a problem !!!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking clarification on whether they will face any immigration issues upon entering Thailand on a one-way ticket, as they are preparing to apply for a retirement visa after several trips within the year. The conversation reveals concerns about immigration protocols, the need for an onward ticket, and the distinction between a Non-O visa and a retirement visa. Several commenters provide insights on potential requirements and suggest that getting a Non-O visa prior to travel could alleviate issues at the immigration gate.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Chris *******
You need the visa before you apply for a retirement visa so I would apply for that before you leave then you have no issues with immigration on arrival
Brandon ************
@Chris ******
The visa IS the retirement visa...
Chris *******
@Brandon ***********
no it’s not, you must first have a non-immigrant o visa and the retirement visa is an extension of that. So in this guys case he may as well get a 90 day visa before he arrives to cancel any doubt he may have of entering and then do the extension with the retirement visa
Graham ******
@Chris ******
You are wrong, the 90 day Non-O is the retirement Visa and the 12 months that follow in Thailand is not a Visa, it is an Extension of Stay (based on retirement)
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
as I said that's my intention
Chris *******
@Craig ******
hi Craig, I would be interested in the process you went through to buy a condo and if you felt this was better than renting. I will probably be looking to buy one next year at some point myself. If you could send me some pointers of the process please 🙏
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
been over for the last three months on entry visa, my son lives there (12 year's) said I better get a cheap outward ticket,ie honkers or malaya I said I'm all good but I don't want any problems at the gate. Re the condo I'll send you a pm.
Graham ******
No problem if you will be entering using a Non-O retirement visa, if you get questioned speak with the flight supervisor
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
cheers not got my my retirement visa yet but intend to do that first thing on my return
Graham ******
@Craig ******
Better to get it in the UK
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
not at uk price lol lot cheaper in Thailand if you've ticked all the boxes which I have.
Brandon ************
@Craig ******
How is it a "lot" cheaper? The price of the visa in the UK is £60. In Thailand it's 2000 baht (£45) and will cost you at least another couple hundred baht just to make the trip to immigration, plus the trouble of going to the immigration office to begin with. Whereas if you apply in the UK you can sit in the comfort of your own home and have it all done online in 15 minutes.
Andy ********
@Brandon ***********
doesn't this require a visit to the Thai embassy
Brandon ************
@Andy *******
No, you do it all online through the evisa system.
Andy ********
@Brandon ***********
thanks, I'm looking at that... Very helpful
Graham ******
@Craig ******
You need to cover onward travel for your airline (~$15) then spend time at Immigration and pay 1900B for an extension, very little difference in price but the 90 day Visa (£60) is much more convenient.
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
Thai Airways don't require that bud
Stephen *******
If your worried by a cheap onward ticket somewhere
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen ******
not worried asking
Brandon ************
First of all, your luggage has nothing to do with any of this. You don't even have your luggage with you when you go through passport control.

You need to ask your airline if they will require you to have an onward travel ticket when you check-in, if you are traveling without a visa.

As far as Thailand goes, it's up to the individual immigration officer to decide if you are allowed into Thailand or not. If they feel you are abusing free entries, then they may ask you for additional proofs that you will be leaving Thailand and can support yourself while you are there.

If you're in the UK why are you even fucking around with ANY of this? Just go online to the evisa website, apply for the non-O tourist visa, and be done with it. Then you don't have to worry about any of it.
Craig *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
cheers always travel one way know the system but its moving fast at the moment
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