Will I have issues getting a 30-day extension after being questioned about onward travel on arrival in Thailand?

Thai Visa Rules Visa Exemption 30 Day Extension Onward Travel Requirement Immigration Issues Expats in Thailand

Jan 11, 2023

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Entered on a Canadian passport 45 day exempt this morning. Got grilled for not having proof of onward travel. Had to purchase a plane ticket out before they would stamp me in. The original plan was to do the 45 visa exempt, plus 30 day extension and then motorcycle trip to Laos and back before the 75 days is up.

With what happened this morning, will I have issues getting the 30 day extension and how quickly can I apply for it? I‘m hoping I can get the extension and cancel my flight out.

Side note, I’ve traveled to Thailand before with no onward travel without issue, never did Covid extensions as I went home during lockdowns and last year I was here 10 months on a ED visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user entered Thailand on a Canadian passport with a 45-day visa exemption but faced scrutiny at immigration for not having proof of onward travel, prompting them to purchase a ticket out. They are concerned about obtaining a 30-day extension and the implications of their recent experience on future travel plans, specifically a motorcycle trip to Laos. The community responses suggest that the user is likely to face no issues when applying for the extension, as that process can be initiated when 30 days or less remain on the current visa exemption stamp. However, concerns are raised regarding re-entry into Thailand from Laos.

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

I came in on a 45 day last week and for the first time, immigration asked for proof of onward travel. Same happened to my neighbor last week also.

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

You aren’t likely to have an extension problem.

2 years ago

Jay ****

@Dannie **************

same happend to me. also just extened my visa without problems

2 years ago

Reply to

Jay ****

Jim ********

I've always showed proof of onward travel. Just always make sure you have something booked from now on. So many great countries to see that will gladly take your tourism dollars.

2 years ago

Michael ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jim *******

yes, lesson learned for sure.

2 years ago

Reply to

Michael ******

Wannikea *********

The moment you step out of Thailand your current stamp expires, you would get another exempt entry stamp when returning from Laos.

2 years ago

Wannikea *********

Should have zero issues applying for an extension, you can do so when you have 30 days or less on your current permission to stay stamp.

2 years ago

John **********

They're clamping down on ed visas currently so that's your likely problem. I wouldn't expect you to have any issue getting an extension. Your next point of contention is likely on your return from Laos although that appears to be the most favourable land border

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

@John *********

Yes, ED visas are rather a poison pill now and heavily scrutinized because they have been abused.

Anyone with a no-show-to-class ED visa should exit and come back visa exempt.

2 years ago

Michael ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dannie **************

mine was legit and I always attended class. But I have heard this is happening lately.

2 years ago

Dannie ***************

@Michael *****

Yes, unfortunately that is how they respond when others use and abuse the system.

About five years ago there was a crackdown on the marriage to Thai visa because Thai women were married to foreigners without their knowledge. Someone had gained access to the civil registry.

2 years ago

Reply to

Dannie ***************

Michael ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I was also wondering about that. It would really suck to cross into Laos on my motorcycle and not be allowed back in! Ugh!

2 years ago

Reply to

Michael ******

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