Answered2 years ago
Will prebooking a return flight for a 90-day stay in Thailand cause issues at immigration?
Hi all,
I’m looking for some advice regarding the pre booking of flights to Thailand.
I’m planning to visit under a 60 day tourist visa and then later apply for a 30 day visa extension. From what I see/read it seems getting a 30 day extension is pretty straightforward and rarely rejected.
I need to show immigration on arrival that I have flights booked to return to my home country so if I were to prebook my return flight based on my plans to stay 90 days, would that create any issues with immigration when I first arrive at the airport.
I’m looking for some advice regarding the pre booking of flights to Thailand.
I’m planning to visit under a 60 day tourist visa and then later apply for a 30 day visa extension. From what I see/read it seems getting a 30 day extension is pretty straightforward and rarely rejected.
I need to show immigration on arrival that I have flights booked to return to my home country so if I were to prebook my return flight based on my plans to stay 90 days, would that create any issues with immigration when I first arrive at the airport.
Answer summary
When traveling to Thailand under a 60-day tourist visa with plans to extend for an additional 30 days, travelers often wonder if prebooking a return flight that aligns with their 90-day stay will lead to issues at immigration. According to community feedback, immigration rarely checks return flights, with airlines being more likely to inquire about proof of onward travel. Some users suggested alternatives such as booking accommodations in nearby countries or utilizing 'onward ticket' services to satisfy airline requirements, while others shared their experiences of not being questioned about return flights or needing to show cash and accommodation details upon entry.
54 repliesnewest first
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Jim **********
I arrived in Thailand on the 27th August. Got my 60 day stamp at passport control. No questions asked. Had no need to visit immigration.
Andy ********
Immigration officials probably won’t ask you but you might get questions from your flight check in staff
Rok ********
A 30 day tourist extension does not ask for onward travel. Only the form, copy of passport and visa page, 2 photos, TM30 and 2000 baht.
Angelica **************
I guess it depends in the Airline, Thai air for example wont let you board if you flight back is After 59 days, eccept you have another outbound.
Doug ********
Never ever been asked about cash
Doug ********
@Angelica *************
they did me lol.. depends whi checks I think
Mike *******
OP@Angelica *************
Based on your comments it seems like I’m best buying a ticket with the flexibility to change dates.Angelica **************
@Mike ******
I think it can vary a lot, but in Milano it happens frequently.Angelica **************
@Mike ******
I boarded in milano, they Made me buy and Show an exit, I choosed cambodia and changed later to Malaysia, but otherwise no boarding with Thai air.
Terriann ******
I have never had returned tickets and they never cared.
Gerald ********
This maybe something that can be some use to you, ive booked one of these tickets just in case i was asked at the airport ( I wasn't asked but had it in case i was) Its called onward ticket, you get a ticket for a flight from Thailand to somewhere of your choise, but its not a real ticket and you'll not be able to board the flight. but you do get a ticket and if you check the airlines web site it will come up as a real bought ticket. do a bit of a seach about it and see it its of some use.
*************************
Stelio ***********
Was asked by China airlines if I had a reform flight and when I'm August
Faith *********
i was asked by Qatar in february and Turkish Air last week, both times leaving from france.
Dave **********
@Faith ********
hi. Where in france are you? I'm in 56Faith *********
this was at the ticket counter at Toulouse airport for both airlines
Paul *******
When the new ETA comes with the visa exemption all these question will be answered. No more grey areas. 😳👍
Sean ********
My lasts couple of trips I've been asked
Steve *******
I flew with Emirates from Manchester earlier this year.
They queried my return flight being outside the (then) 30 day entry. They accepted my explanation of obtaining a 30 day extension.
They queried my return flight being outside the (then) 30 day entry. They accepted my explanation of obtaining a 30 day extension.
Jim **********
@Steve ******
I flew Birmingham to Bangkok with Qatar. No questions asked about returning. I did however have a reservation from Bangkok to Kuala lumpar which I purchased for 10$US from an American site. Just as a safeguardAngelica **************
@Steve ******
I had the same answer from Milano for Thai air, no way....
Greg *******
Never been asked about when I'm leaving
Mario *********
You will not be asked about return flight 99 % but money 20,000bahts in cash and a reservation for a place to stay but your plane company might ask for a return date so make sure with them that there will not be any problem.
Jackie ********
@Mario ********
20,000 Baht? it's 1900 Baht.
David ******
Tony *******
@David *****
Been denied access twice, Oman and Gulf air despite having a valid Non O Extension.its the airline responsibility to fly u back at their cost so they do check.
i signed a waiver saying i would purchase another ticket with the carrier if denied.
Mark ********
I've considered the same thing and rather than booking an onward flight, thought about booking some accommodation in Laos or Cambodia. Cheaper than airfare and probably free cancellation. Just a thought.
Pavol *******
@Mark *******
thats nonsense. proof of onwards travel is a ticket.Mark ********
@Pavol ******
that's good to know. If you read my replies I was simply posing a question or alternative view. You've apparently encountered the situation so are speaking from experience. Thanks for setting us all straight.Pavol *******
@Mark *******
if immigration or your airline asks, they will directly tell you to show ticket, not anything else.Kathy ********************
@Mark *******
if the air carrier asks to see your exit ticket to let you board, they want to see a ticket issued leaving the country. I have been asked a few times by the airline when I check in for my flight.Mark ********
@Kathy *******************
I haven't been in the situation as yet so just throwing the idea out there to see what others have encountered. People who have trekked the world would surely encountered the same issue.Kathy ********************
@Mark *******
exactly 😇😇Mark ********
@Kathy *******************
cheap insurance!Kathy ********************
@Mark *******
interesting. Yeah - I now just play by the rules and lessen the worry. Having that $30ish ticket to show the airlines has kept my life a lot less stress free.Mark ********
@Kathy *******************
I've come to thailand probably 15 times over the last 8 years. Flying Australia to Bangkok mainly. Never been asked for proof of leaving Thailand by airlines although have been by immigration on my arrival. The times asked were by the same Immigration Officer. No others. I have normally got my departure booked..... just in case.Kathy ********************
@Mark *******
I didn’t think it would actually happen 😂 so was surprised when they wouldn’t let me board. I just bought a cheap flight to Saigon on air asia - showed them the flight - and was given my boarding pass. Been asked a few times since. Only once (this last January) has immigration asked me my plans. I have arrived in Thailand over 35 times.
Nigel **************
@Mark *******
yes but will Immigration consider this as 'onward travel' or not?
Michael ********
@Nigel *************
as mentioned a few times before, immigration doesn’t ask. It’s his inbound airline who may askNigel **************
@Michael *******
yep understood
James ********
@Nigel *************
they will be okayMark ********
And clearly Laos and Cambodia are land border crossing.
Mark ********
@Nigel *************
I'm hoping that our Admins might be able to advise but it's no real difference to having a flight out booked. Still subject to change.Nigel **************
@Mark *******
good luck with it! 😉
Tod *********
immigrations here won't care in the least if you have onward travel dated out 90 days
It's your AIR CARRIER who can require you to to have proof of onward travel within the number of days you'll stamp in for (60)
Check with them, if they have no issue you're fine
It's your AIR CARRIER who can require you to to have proof of onward travel within the number of days you'll stamp in for (60)
Check with them, if they have no issue you're fine
Greg *******
@Tod ********
Singapore didn’t ask me! I wouldn’t worry about onward travel bookings as it’s a waste of money.James ********
@Greg ******
I've been ask every time I fly to Thailand from the USA for 25 years. NOW as retired, I still am asked and I point out my retirement Visa in my Passpott.
Peter **************
@Greg ******
I've flown Singapore many times ..never asked me ...Mike *******
OP@Tod ********
I’ll give Singapore Airlines a call.Tod *********
@Mike ******
if they say no issue, you'll be fine flying in here at passport control
Lloyd ********
Guessing you are coming visa exempt? If so, it is your air carrier that may ask to see proof of onward travel within 60 days. It does not have to be a return flight.
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