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Will my friend face issues at immigration in Thailand with a return ticket dated 88 days after arriving, given the 60-day visa exemption?
Nov 2, 2024
a year ago
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, my friend arrives in Thailand entering with visa exempt status (60 days) his return ticket is dated 88 days after arriving. After 60 days or a little less he was going to apply for a 30 day extension. Will he have a problem as the flight ticket is 88 days and the visa exempt is 60 days. Thanks everyone
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user expressed concern that their friend entering Thailand under visa-exempt status (60 days) might face problems with immigration since their return flight is booked for 88 days after arrival. Community members shared insights regarding airline policies, stating that the main concern may come from the airline rather than immigration. Typically, airlines require proof of onward travel within the visa-exempt period. While some users reported never being questioned about return tickets by immigration, others advised checking with the airline before flying, as experiences can vary significantly. Recommendations included buying a flexible ticket or confirming the airline's requirements for onward travel.
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Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone, my friend Roger in the UK also sends his thank
Ross ********
I just did the exact same thing, 60 day visa exempt but 84 day return flight. l had no issues with anyone and getting the 30 day extension (which l only did this week in Udon Thani) was a breeze.
Ricardo **********
I've been asked for proof of return ticket twice. One time I was over and I said I was going to request extension and she sent me to a supervisor and he looked quickly and stamped me through anyway. There's services that allow you to book an actual flight for 16 usd and it auto cancels after 48 hours or something. I know lots of guys that use that.
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks everyone for your help
Preston **********
Just buy a return ticket to one of the neighboring counties and go there for a few days then you don’t have to get an extension
Warren *********
A few times now I've travelled in with a 30 day entry and a return ticket of 120 days and told them I was geting a retirement visa on my trip. The next entry I had a single and a mate had the 30 day entry they asked him about his return and we said he may extend or even go home early. They let him on the plane and into the country. This was February and June this year. I hope this helps you
Pat *******
Onward ticket. Look it up
Paul *******
He is f'ed.0
Veronica ********
I am flying with Klm from the UK. They need a visa number before you fly or you will not be allowed on the flight. I had to change my return flight to be within 60 days. I will then need to change again once I get my 30 days from immigration. Good luck but I would check with your airline before you fly.
Max ********
@Veronica *******
if you are on a British passport port you won’t have a visa number to give them.Reply to
Max ********
Reply
Mazharul ****************
I visited Thailand many many times but immigration people never checked the return flight date. Should not be a problem unless there is any other issue.
David ********
Never been asked for a return flight
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks but that's not what was question asked. Plus it is not cheaper.
Maria *********
Nope, I came with a one way ticket. No one said anything. He just has to say he will extend 30 days while in Thailand
Reply to
Martin ***********
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Bob *********
It's cheaper to fly to Malaysia for a few days, then to extend the exception
Max ********
@Bob ********
Find that hard to believe.James **********
@Bob ********
close, but noBrandon ************
@Bob ********
it costs 1900 baht to extend. A flight and hotel to Malaysia is going to cost a lot more than thatReply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Bo ********
I’ve never had a problem do the same thing every time. I fly United
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERI will pass the information on to him, thaks
Dave ********
I just buy a return ticket on United. They have a 24 hour cancellation for any reason policy, so after I show the gate agent the ticket, I simply cancel the flight.
Luit *****************
@Dave *******
That is exactly the way the onward ticket services also work 😁Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERI think he is worried that he will have a problem with immigration at Bangkok when he first arrives
Jan ******************
@Martin **********
This is rarely checked in the immigration unless they’ll questioning you for some other reason regarding your travel pattern and the immigration will normally accept that you can apply for an extension (no guarantee) and the airlines are normally more strict regarding 60 days.Martin ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jan *****************
thanksReply to
Martin ***********
Reply
Bart **************
If you get checked for proof of onward travel by your airline, normally they'll require it to be within 60 days. The actual rule is not as specific, but this appears to be the most common interpretation. The interpretation by immigrations we don't know, as they don't normally enforce.
But with a ticket 88 days out you have a good enough story to at least try. If you need another ticket, buy it then. Go prepared so you know what to buy. That's what I did when my 57 days return ticket wasn't good enough for Lufthansa.
But with a ticket 88 days out you have a good enough story to at least try. If you need another ticket, buy it then. Go prepared so you know what to buy. That's what I did when my 57 days return ticket wasn't good enough for Lufthansa.
Graham ******
He needs to ask his airline what their policy is
Brandon ************
That's between your friend and his airline. If anyone is going to give him a problem it's them. If they ask to see proof of him leaving Thailand, they will expect a ticket out of Thailand within 60 days since that's how many days he will get on arrival. If he's able to board his flight, he should be fine.
Reply to
Brandon ************
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