Answered2 years ago
Will I need to show my departure flight ticket when entering Thailand?
Hi TVA,
I will be arriving in Thailand next week and wonder if I will be asked to show my departure flight at immigration?
Hopefully will get a 60 day stamp in the passport.
Will the officer request to see my outbound flight ticket?
I will be arriving in Thailand next week and wonder if I will be asked to show my departure flight at immigration?
Hopefully will get a 60 day stamp in the passport.
Will the officer request to see my outbound flight ticket?
Answer summary
When arriving in Thailand, while it's not common for immigration officers to request to see an outbound flight ticket, it is a legal requirement that may be enforced. Many travelers report rarely being asked by immigration, but have frequently been required to show proof of onward travel by airlines before boarding their flights. To avoid potential issues, especially with stricter regulations lately, it is advisable to have a cheap onward ticket ready. This may help in cases where airlines or immigration officials ask for proof of your plans beyond the 60-day stamp.
91 repliesnewest first
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Anthony ******************
Country of passport?
Michael ***********
You could be denied actually boarding.
Richard ******
If you are from one of the 90+ countries on the list you should be stamped in for 60 days.
Nelly ******
if its anything like most countries you can't even get them to stamp less days !!! I've tried and failed in South Africa where its a RPITA due to them not stopping the clock when you leave to adjoining countries.
Nelly ******
this generic knee jerk answer on an onward or return ticket is false. Although its the safest way !
It depends on nationality and transit point and departure point. Not all countries have the requirement. In fact Thailand doesn't have the requirement unless you are staying past the 60 day initial admission, for many many countries.
Immigration in the hundreds of country visits I've been to (98 countries currently) have never asked. Airlines have almost every time. However if you have checked Timatic then you will have the rules, the same rules they can see (verbatim) and you can tell them to piss off or have the ticket as needed. There is no exemption for having a visa here just in case you are wondering but I've only checked a handful of countries.
It depends on nationality and transit point and departure point. Not all countries have the requirement. In fact Thailand doesn't have the requirement unless you are staying past the 60 day initial admission, for many many countries.
Immigration in the hundreds of country visits I've been to (98 countries currently) have never asked. Airlines have almost every time. However if you have checked Timatic then you will have the rules, the same rules they can see (verbatim) and you can tell them to piss off or have the ticket as needed. There is no exemption for having a visa here just in case you are wondering but I've only checked a handful of countries.
Brandon ************
@Nelly *****
Onward ticket is a legal requirement to enter Thailand as a tourist, along with proof of funds and proof of lodging. Just because 99.9% of people aren't asked, doesn't make it not be a requirement. You can find plenty of people in this group alone that mention having been asked by both their airline, and/or by the immigration officer at the airport. Especially in the last few months, it has become a lot more common to be asked.Nelly ******
just checked USA as the thai embassy says yes....its true.....i would have never guessed....
Warning
Visitors who are visa exempt but do not hold return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Normal Importance
Additional Information
Visitors older than 12 years must have sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family). Proof of funds includes Letters of Credit, vouchers, Miscellaneous Charges Orders (MCO) or credit cards accepted in Thailand.
Warning
Visitors who are visa exempt but do not hold return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Normal Importance
Additional Information
Visitors older than 12 years must have sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family). Proof of funds includes Letters of Credit, vouchers, Miscellaneous Charges Orders (MCO) or credit cards accepted in Thailand.
Nelly ******
i had this discussion the other day and could put a poll on my groups but to be honest i know I'm right. I don't need to prove it. I've just come back myself. Yes they (airline) asked. I knew the rules so said i didn't and that was it. I didn't have a print out this time as my printer in in a storage unit. I did however have it bookmarked on my phone along with a ticket to KL just incase they were being VERY awkward but to get that far i'd be getting the region manager on the phone.
Nelly ******
UK
Medium Importance
Warning
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Normal Importance
Additional Information
Visitors older than 12 years must have sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family). Proof of funds includes Letters of Credit, vouchers, Miscellaneous Charges Orders (MCO) or credit cards accepted in Thailand.
Medium Importance
Warning
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Normal Importance
Additional Information
Visitors older than 12 years must have sufficient funds to cover their stay (at least THB 20,000.- per person or THB 40,000.- per family). Proof of funds includes Letters of Credit, vouchers, Miscellaneous Charges Orders (MCO) or credit cards accepted in Thailand.
Nelly ******
Australia....
Warning
Visitors who are visa exempt but do not hold return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Virtual APEC Business Travel Cards shown on the ABTC App are accepted to enter
Warning
Visitors who are visa exempt but do not hold return/onward tickets could be refused entry.
Visa exempt nationals must have passports and passport replacing documents with at least half an unused visa page for entry/departure endorsements by the Thai Immigration Service.
Virtual APEC Business Travel Cards shown on the ABTC App are accepted to enter
Nelly ******
i can check them all. its right there in the IATA rules and they are ALWAYS 100%.
Nelly ******
@Brandon ***********
not true. I've just been randomly checking Australia it is ... UK not....nor albania or angola.Nelly ******
A tourist is not a tourist. Your nationality has a huge impact on rules. Two passports, one cannot enter IRAN one can.....same in Nigera one is 270 visa other is free. Same Europe one needs an ETA the other doesn't. different nationalities.
Nelly ******
@Brandon ***********
i've already given the answer. without nationality, transit and departure points i can't talk about individual cases.Brandon ************
@Nelly *****
a tourist a tourist. They're all the same to immigration. There was just a post on ASN yesterday about someone who wasn't allowed to board their flight with a tourist visa until they purchased on onward ticket to show the checkin agent. Not to mention the op clearly doesn't have a visa so they're traveling visa exempt so onward travel is a clear requirement.Nelly ******
almost any travel agent in your town will be able to access Timatic via one of the GDS ticketing systems like Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre. They will be able to print out the text and show you the rules the airline MUST follow as part of the IATA.
Tom ***********
I entered in December. I had a return ticket. United Airlines did not ask. The Immigration Supervisor at BKK did ask but did not want to see the hardcopy.
Steve ********
You’re more likely to be asked by the airline. That said, it’s a requirement to have a delay ticket. Buy something cheap. Cover your a$$!
Ian *********
I never been asked but my friend was asked yesterday by Don Muang immigration how long she will stay and her onward ticket as we flew in from Kuala Lumpur. 15 mins from debark to walking out the door. Fantastic.
David ******
The airline will ask for it.
To spend $15 and buy a throwaway ticket, their genuine and they work every time ,I have been using them for at least 10 years I'm intend to visit Thailand again in about 2 month and will go on a one way ticket
To spend $15 and buy a throwaway ticket, their genuine and they work every time ,I have been using them for at least 10 years I'm intend to visit Thailand again in about 2 month and will go on a one way ticket
Richard *********
i just got 60day stamp and no problem
Mark *******
It seems in the vast majority of cases nothing is said! Which has been my experience thus far! Obviously it can happen,but I suggest a lot of scaremongering occuring here! Don't forget how vital tourism is to the Thai economy!
Colin *********
@Mark ******
everyone's experience is different, but unless Thai authorities have specifically requested Airlines not to refuse boarding to their country, it's nothing to do with "how vital tourism is to the Thai economy". Airlines have a legal responsibility to make sure that passengers have the means to fly home again, should they be refused entry upon arrival at their destination. That 'means' as far as they're concerned is a ticket to leave the destination country, whether it be to go home, or to go to a second country. There's no "scaremongering", there's no reason or motive for that, just different experiences, whether that be first hand, second hand or whatever.
Billy ******
I was asked by Singapore airways, and by the Immigration officer on arrival, but no hassle.
Paul *******
I don't want to panic you but this was my experience, my wife and I arrived at the ALC check-in desk last December and were denied boarding as we didn't have a VISA. I explained that we get 60days on arrival at BKK and were flying to Philippines after 57days (showed them my paid for flights and 2 week long hotel bookings) but they were not having it so we didn't manage to board the plane!!
Colin *********
@Paul ******
are you talking about paid flights and hotel bookings for Thailand, or the Philippines? If it was for the Philippines, those bookings were for, then you should have met the criteria required by the Airline. If your bookings were only for Thailand and none for the Philippines, that's why you were refused boarding. Airlines usually require you to have a booked flight out of your destination country for before your Visa/Visa Exemption expired.Paul *******
@Colin ********
I should also say, after complaining to Swissair and Lufthansa, they just bounce you back and forth, which is bad considering they are all under the same ownership (Lufthansa Group).Paul *******
@Colin ********
my wife and I had 6 flights booked for the Philippines and a 14nights hotel booking (all paid for) but refused to board us, and to add more insult they cancelled our return flights.
Elías ********
I don't think Immigration would ask (yet they can, of course). The problem is mainly with the airline. Most airlines won't let you board a one-way flight unless you've got a visa.
Simon **********
I have lived in Thailand for 10 years and have never been asked to show a departure flight at immigration. However I have been asked by the airline innumerable times and only last December I had to sign a waiver stating that I would pay for my own flight if I was refused entry into Thailand.
Jim ********
@Simon *********
People living in Thailand don't need an outward flight. It's only tourists need itSimon **********
@J**
thanks for your input. It depends on what visa you have. But thanks again.
Michael ********
@Jim *******
Last year flying with Delta from Norfolk Virginia They had issues with my Non O and said I still needed a return ticket, Took a lot of sorting out getting manager and lots of phone calls to allow me to check in.Jim ********
@Simon *********
I seem to have a wider knowledge of visas and entry requirements than youSimon **********
@J**
what have you corrected me about? You have made a string of assumptions and baseless statements about me, and now you’re desperate to make yourself look like you knew what you were talking about, when it’s clear you have far too much free time and far too little knowledge.Jim ********
@Simon *********
Interesting how you resort to infantile comments. You're upset because you were corrected. It's that simpleSimon **********
@J**
which is exactly what the OP asked and I answered. Go back to peeling labels off your bottles of Chang.Jim ********
@Simon *********
Airlines do for tourism based entries. I also live in Thailand and am never asked to show any onward journey due to my visa statusSimon **********
@J**
and you made assumptions trying to be smart. The fact is you are wrong. I never said anything about my visa, I said the airlines frequently check for return or onward travel proof. Which is 💯 accurate and true.Jim ********
@Simon *********
Visa status is very important. You entered on a tourism visa/exempt hence you were required to sign a waiver. Had you been on a non-immigrant visa this would not have been requiredSimon **********
@J**
my original post was not misleading in any way. You unilaterally took yourself off on a goose chase. I never said anything about visas, only you did making wild assumptions and ill founded claims. My visa status is absolutely irrelevant to the point.Jim ********
@Simon *********
***sigh***Ok. So your original post was misleading. You gave the impression you were on a non-immigrant visa, whereas in fact you were nothing more than a tourist. Why didn't state the FULL FACTS in the first place?Simon **********
@J**
yes?Jim ********
Simon **********
@J**
lets put this to bed once and for all, please. My visa had expired while I was out of the country. So when I was returning I did not have a visa, so I was arriving as a “tourist”, and then I would renew my visa in country. I was not “duped”, the airline would be liable for my departure flight if Thai immigration refused my entry because I had no departure flight. Happy now?Jim ********
@Simon *********
What you said is totally misleading. If you had to sign a waiver you were duped. But don't worry, you're not the first and certainly not the last who doesn't understand how visas workSimon **********
@J**
again you are drawing conclusions from minimal evidence. Please enlighten everyone including me when if ever I obtained my visa to live in Thailand? I am waiting with baited breath.Jim ********
@Simon *********
I was merely pointing out that people living in Thailand on non-immigrant visas have NEVER needed to show outward bound tickets. It's only those on tourism-based visas/entries who are required to do so. Your answer was not really relevant to the original questionSimon **********
@J**
there was never any ambiguity about my answer, except in your own mind. I never said anything about visas, I only mentioned I had been living in Thailand for 10 years to add qualification to my response. Sadly you are one of the many people who read ten words and assume a thousand. Keep it clear, precise and on topic.Jim ********
@Simon *********
Well, yeah ....but your advice was very vague. It certainly needed cleaning up. You struggle with understanding the ways different visas are looked at.Simon **********
@J**
I gave the OP advice, I don’t need you to advise me about anything.Jim ********
@Simon *********
It's an advice forum. Take a look at the name of the group, focussing on the word "advice"Simon **********
@J**
especially when help is neither required nor requested.Jim ********
@Simon *********
I just can't help being such a friendly helpful personSimon **********
@J**
your benevolence knows no bounds. 🙏🏻Jim ********
@Simon *********
You're welcome. I could see you were struggling with your knowledge of how it actually works.Simon **********
@J**
again many thanks for your incredible generosity in imparting your incredible wisdom.Jim ********
@Simon *********
Yes. Tourist visa or visa-exempt you need outward ticket. Non-immigrant visa not required
Brian *********
No
Peter ***************
I was asked for the first time last Sunday. They are getting very strict now.
Brian *********
@Pe***
not true people say this year in year out I’ve travelled 8 times last 18 months never a question only question I ever get is how long you stay.Peter ***************
@Brian ********
It is true Brian. I have travelled in and out for the last two years and last Sunday was the first time I was 'interrogated'.Brian *********
@Pe***
just because you were stopped and asked a few questions doesn’t mean that it’s an issue.
Jo **********
I have entered Thailand at least 100 times over 15 years. Never been asked
Steve ********
@Jo *********
yet, I’ve been asked twice in 4 years by the airline. 2 different airlines no less. So there’s that.Nelly ******
depends on your nationality. it pops right up in front of them.....well its at the right on some systems.....depending on your passport nationality. if your from UK....not asked, not needed. USA yes, needed. etc etc etc.
Jo **********
@Steve *******
yes true KLM never asks but many US and UK carriers doSteve ********
@Jo *********
Qatar and Japan Air asked me
Heath ********
I've never been asked at immigration. But I have been asked by airline in order to board.
John ********
Just buy a bus ticket out of Thailand and then cancel it once you are in Thailand
Jacques ********
I always buy a "fake" ticket ($10 USD) 2-3 days before my flight with "bookonwardticket dot com". It works great. Normally the airline company will ask you at the check in. I have many videos with travel advice and tips for Thailand & Vietnam. Many more videos to come. My YouTube channel is called "Bon Voyage Jack".
Eryk ************
@Jacques *******
Except for the fact that it's an obvious scam and not a legitimate way, which could result in huge problems with immigration if someone actually decides to check the details. You should be banned for promoting this and, by the way, for advertising your social media in the comments.Brandon ************
@Eryk ***********
It's not a scam. It's an actual ticket with an actual PNR number that can be looked up onlineEryk ************
@Brandon ***********
The best way to see that it's a barely legal company is the fact that we don't even know who the owner is. Even if they provide verifiable tickets, it doesn't change the fact that using temporary onward tickets - especially those issued by third-party, barely legal agencies - can be seen as deceptive by immigration authorities. The truth is that you're actually paying for a temporary "flight reservation" that is usually valid for only 24–48 hours. Onward ticket services are sometimes flagged by immigration, and if they suspect you're using a temporary reservation, you could be denied entry. It's much better to buy a normal bus ticket and then cancel it. This approach is generally more transparent and carries less risk. If questioned by immigration, you can explain that you changed your plans. Even buying a plane ticket yourself and then canceling it seems more legitimate than using a company like this because, by using them, you are intentionally misleading immigration from the start.Jacques ********
@Brandon ***********
As an admin for this group, you should ban Eryk Blazejczyk from this group. His reply is very offended. Thanks!
Farang *********
I was asked and explained my Thai wife was making arrangements to visit Loas which he accepted. The next 60 day exempt, he did and I had a reservation.
Brandon ************
Will they ask? Probably not.
Can they ask? Yes, it's a legal requirement for someone entering as a tourist.
It's MUCH more likely that your airline will ask to see a flight out of Thailand, and they might not let you board your flight without one.
Can they ask? Yes, it's a legal requirement for someone entering as a tourist.
It's MUCH more likely that your airline will ask to see a flight out of Thailand, and they might not let you board your flight without one.
Mick **********
Suppose I will have to stay 60 days, go to Vietnam for 45 and come back, just throw my very loose plans out a bit, cannot risk getting refused.thanks anyway.🙏
Wayne *********
@Mick *********
buy a throw away onward $15 ticket and then get your extension. Onward ticket cheaper than leaving and coming back.Mick **********
@Brandon ***********
we are entering with visa exempt and want to extend for 30 days, so do you book a flight for 90 days, is the extension a formality.
Liam ***********
@Mick *********
very strange as we all have different experiences with different airlinesLiam ***********
@Mick *********
my experience is you will have to have a return flight or a onward flight inside the validity of the visa exempt 60 days or the airline will not let you onboard,they will not take into account the fact you can ask for a extensionBrandon ************
@Robert ******
So you are flying on the exact same airline as the op from the exact same airport as the op and they will be speaking to the exact same check-in agent as you. That's crazy, since that's the only way your situation would be relevant
Robert *******
@Liam **********
have traveled to thailand and none of the carriers have denied me boarding with or without a visa and my stay is always 120 days, this year 60 d exempt 30 d tourist and 60 d married to a thaiMichael ********
@Mick *********
Extension is basically a formality but try explaining that to check in staff.Christopher ****************
OPWayne *********
@Christopher ***************
just remember the day you arrive regardless of time is day one.11pm is counted as day 1
Nelly ******
@Wayne ********
not on return. sorry i wasn't clear.Wayne *********
@Nelly *****
2am through immigration is day oneNelly ******
@Wayne ********
but 2am is counted as the day before in Thailand....LOLActivity
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