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Will Thailand immigration ask for onward tickets if I'm staying for 56 days?
Onward TicketsThailand ImmigrationVisa ExemptionTourist VisaTravel AdviceAirline RequirementsEntry Requirements
May 6, 2024
2 years ago
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTERArrive for 56 days.
Onward tickets. I know the airline will question me, but will Thailand Immigration.?
Been there a few times but generally for a month.
Onward tickets. I know the airline will question me, but will Thailand Immigration.?
Been there a few times but generally for a month.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers staying in Thailand for 56 days often question whether they will need to show onward travel tickets upon entry. Based on community experiences, immigration rarely asks for proof of onward travel unless there is a specific reason for suspicion. It is generally recommended to prepare an onward ticket if the airline requires it for boarding, as they may deny boarding without one. Obtaining a 60-day tourist visa in advance can circumvent this requirement entirely, making the entry process smoother and potentially more economical.
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Graham *********
Its on the day.....you never no..
Simon *******
No problem
Rei ***********
Sometimes they will. Sometimes no.
Aaron *******
I've been questioned a few times by airline staff, and maybe once by Thai immigration. When spending thousands of dollars to travel around the World, I'm a: "It's better to have and not need..." type of guy. So, on one trip where it may have been an issue, I booked a cheap flight to Cambodia and actually went to Cambodia for an enjoyable few days.
Ben *********
I came on 60 day visa no questions from anyone regarding onward flight, have heard of people being questioned though. Not even airline questioned
Austin ************
Google onward ticket , $15 for peace of mind
กะลาสี *****
I didn't read all the comments so maybe this has already been addressed but technically you need to have the equivalent of 20,000 Thai Baht in cash & proof of where you'll be staying (e.g. Proof of hotel booking.) BTW,the 20K THB can be in ANY currency (e.g. GBP, USD, EURO, etc.)
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@กะลาสี ****
Thanks I actually was not aware they can ask to see 20k. Not a problem as for hotel I always book at least first few nights, also that is on the arrival card too.Reply to
Gerard **************
Reply
กะลาสี *****
If you're really concerned about it then use this service. I've never used it but I've seen other people say it worked fine for them.
Kev **********
For the pics of an onward ticket it’s worth the piece of mind
Steve *******
It's possible, it is a legal requirement
Kevin ***********
They never asked me when I went there either one . Was a waste of time doing that .
Jim *********
Just be prepared;someone’s opinion doesn’t mean $hit.
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks again, leaving in a few days I think late for the online visa (just found out about it ) But plan to visit a 2nd country so would solve it.
Patrick *********
Iam thinking of moving out to Thailand in 2or 3 years time to join my wife can anybody tell me how to goabout doing this ?
Henrik *****
Start by making a new post, instead of hiding your question, inside a other persons thread.
That way you will get better answers.
That way you will get better answers.
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Patrick ********
Scroll through this site, people like questions more specific, like retirement visa or education visa whatever.Reply to
Gerard **************
Reply
Graham *********
If in doubt buy a bus ticket for out of thailand at 30 days ..1 2 go asia..bus company
Jim ********
Your airline may be the obstacle. Airlines often deny boarding if you can't produce an onward journey ticket within the timeframe of the visa
Andrew *******
I fly approximately a dozen times a year expensive flights are not an option for me unfortunately 😞
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
Yea they worry about being responsible if person is denied entry.Andrew *******
@Gerard *************
that's what I gather ...some airlines ask others don't ...I guess I will go with those that don't have this requirementAndrew *******
@Gerard *************
its really frustrating as it makes flexibility and plan changes difficult ....I see many people are buying the cheap fake tickets that they will never use now ....Jim ********
You just buy a return ticket with flexible date change
Andrew *******
@Jim *******
that's ok if you have specific plans ...but not if you want to be flexible and change itinerary which I often do . Often airlines will charge fees to change and you cannot change with budget airlines so just end up losing money . All I am asking for is to be told in advance if I'm going to require onward flight ...very annoying frustrating if you are a frequent traveller ....not such a big deal for the once or twice a year travellerJim ********
@Andrew ******
I'm a regular traveller. Live in Thailand but spend 4-6 months per year travelling. I always have a return or onward flight booked. Get a flexible ticket with, for example, Singapore Airlines or Qatar, it's easy to change with no fees. I understand all airlines tell their customers to ensure they meet entry requirements of the destination country (and also transit).Andrew *******
@Jim *******
some airlines ask for onward /return flights others don't ...immigration don't normally ask . The problem arises if the person is refused entry then the airline has to bare the cost .Andrew *******
@Jim *******
the budget airlines offer flights much cheaper often a third or a quarter of the price ...Singapore airlines is very expensive. ..fine if you have the money and only only travel infrequently. Difficult or impossible to change dates with the budget airlines . I fly every few weeks.Jim ********
@Andrew ******
I don't use budget airlines. I fly frequently and want good service and reliability. All the airlines I use have flexible options in their fares to cater for people who may want to change their itinerary. Return fares are invariably cheaper than 2xSingle so I like to take advantage of thatAndrew *******
@Jim *******
great if u have plenty of Dosh to be able to buy expensive flights frequentlyJim ********
@Andrew ******
I look for the best deals, but I don't travel with budget airlines. My first choices are SIA and Qatar, depending on what part of the world I'm flying to.Andrew *******
@Jim *******
I will just use airlines that don't require or askJim ********
@Andrew ******
It's very hit and miss. Not so much the airline but the check-in staff who often work for a separate company contracted to the airline. Airlines very seldom use their own staff at check-in counters.Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
Thanks, hadn't realized that about staff. But they are the ones will give you headaches. Last year I had a flight 31 days until departure from BKK, and they practically had a staff meeting over it. That's why I asked about this one. Thailand it won't be an issue, they thumb print you and about it. Issue would be if you overstay, Thailand are not going to examine bank statements and return tickets, place would come to a standstill. ThxJim ********
@Gerard *************
It all depends on what the check-in staff have been directed to do. They have no discretion on these matters, and sometimes have to refer to a more senior team member who can make decisions. I have a non-O retirement visa with a re-entry permit, but still I have been asked to show outbound journey. When I explain about the visa, the check-in agent will make a phone call to the decision-maker. It hasn't happened often to me, but I travel a lot and so going by percentages it's not much, but airlines have to safeguard their own position.Andrew *******
@Jim *******
courses for horsesReply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Andrew *******
@Jim *******
and if they are going to do this they should tell you in advance ....not leave it until you front up at check in ....very annoying frustrating and inconvenientJim ********
@Andrew ******
This is the specific clause in the SIA Terns and Conditions relating to the passenger's responsibilities. You'll find all airlines will have similarAndrew *******
@Jim *******
yes ...but immigration /govt aren't requesting it as far as I can ascertain ...it appears to be arbitrary ...some airlines ask others don't . The issue is it's the airlines responsibility if you are denied entry and they have to pay for your exit . Very occasionally this does happen .Jim ********
@Andrew ******
That's correct. The airline has to foot the bill and then try to get the money from the customer, the problem being if they've allowed the customer to board, the airline is also at fault. That's why many airlines are paranoid, others maybe not so because they haven't yet had their fingers burned, but I think we'll see a lot more of this in the futureAndrew *******
@Jim *******
I think airlines that impose this stipulation may lose customers like myself ....I now go with the airlines that don't ask....I fly frequently and prefer flexibility in my itinerary without having to cancel or rearrange prearranged flights ...just a hassle and frustratingJim ********
@Andrew ******
Haha! I really don't think the airlines will worry too much! You create a lot of extra hassle for yourself. I travel constantly and it's the last thing I'd be bothered about, but hey, to each their own! 🤣Reply to
Jim ********
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John ********
@Andrew ******
Also there should be rules in place that airlines or ticketing agents cannot sell you one-way tickets only. Having said that, years ago I usually always got flights with one way ticket and never got asked by immigration about return tickets. Just because you have a return ticket doesn't mean you'll turn up for the return flight, so it doesn't guarantee to immigration that you'll leave.Jim ********
@Andrew ******
It'll be in their terms and conditions. It's your responsibility to ascertain if your destination country requires this (or even any countries you are transiting)Andrew *******
@Jim *******
some airlines ask others don't . .not straightforward as it's not an immigration requirementJim ********
@Andrew ******
Actually it is an immigration requirement although never enforced by immigration, but airline check-in staff don't know this, so they err on the side of caution. I think you'll find every airline has reference to it in their T&CAndrew *******
@Jim *******
there is no consistency ...I was asked for onward flight from Vietnam by Thai air....but not by Cebu ....sometimes im asked by vietjet other times not asked . Just all seems arbitrary . No point to book onward flight if you want to remain flexible with travel plans and know that you aren't going to have to present proof of flight ticket . Annoying to get to check out and they ask ...it needs to be either done by all airlines or not at allReply to
Andrew *******
Reply
Bart **************
If you get a tourist visa in advance, you don't have any issues. Does your country of residence qualify for the e-visa? Or do you live close to an embassy otherwise? The visa is also cheaper than extending exemption.
Graham *********
Sometimes its the airline that asks for outward ticket out of thailand after 30 days if you don't have a visa
Andrew *******
@Graham ********
yes this is now becoming a problem ...some airlines are now requesting proof of onward flights ...annoying when after waiting in queue at check in to be told you need an onward flight . Seems an unecessary requirement and is extremely inconvenient ...airlines need to tell you in advance if they are going to do this not leave it until you front up at the check in counter. I will take my business to the airlines that don't impose this requirement . It is an airline requirement not an immigration requirement .John *********
@Graham ********
Not sometimes. Almost always.John *********
@Oleg **********
Are you thick?Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham ********
Yes my other trip , ticket was actually 31 days and I got a lot of grief departing , Canada, from the airline who let it go after a lot of talk. But in BKK they didn't say a word . Thailand WANT us there overall.Reply to
Gerard **************
Reply
Henrik *****
Just apply for a 60 day touristvisa, and you will not need any onward tickets, and you will save money and time.
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
When going to Thailand for 31 - 60 ( 90 )days, the 60 days touristvisa is the best option.
It is cheaper than visa excempt + 30 days extension.
No need of a onward ticket ( 90 days 1 onward ), if returnticket within 60 days.
It is easier to apply from the comfort of your home.
thaievisa.go.th
Not wasting holiday time to find, go to and waiting at a immigration office ( 90 you would need that ).
Then no need to leave Thailand in up to 90 days.
Greta *****
@Henrik ****
I wouldn't recommend this website. They reject your application for the most trivial reason and then keep your money and you can't even challenge the rejection. Much better to do all applications in Thailand face to faceHenrik *****
But that is the only way to get the touristvisa.
It is still the Thai Embassy, that proces the application.
And it is much better to do a touristvisa, if you want to stay longer than 30 days.
The reasons for rejection could also be a reason for rejection at the border, and then you have wasted a lot of money, to go to Thailand.
It will always be up to the discresion of the Immigration Officer if you will be granted access to Thailand, and you can’t challenge that too.
It will get easier to apply for the tourist visa, if you first read the Thai Embassy visasection on their website, and use the manual in the upper right corner at the thaievisa.go.th website.
It is still the Thai Embassy, that proces the application.
And it is much better to do a touristvisa, if you want to stay longer than 30 days.
The reasons for rejection could also be a reason for rejection at the border, and then you have wasted a lot of money, to go to Thailand.
It will always be up to the discresion of the Immigration Officer if you will be granted access to Thailand, and you can’t challenge that too.
It will get easier to apply for the tourist visa, if you first read the Thai Embassy visasection on their website, and use the manual in the upper right corner at the thaievisa.go.th website.
Reply to
Henrik *****
Reply
Jan ******************
If you don’t get questioned for something else by the immigration, they most certainly just will stamp you in on a 30 days visa exemption. It’s anyway convenient to apply for a 60 days tourist visa before you come. Normally this also is cheaper and you don’t need to use time at the immigration to get an extension.
Andreas *********
@Jan *****************
I applied for the 60 day visa in Vienna on May 1st (public holiday) and had it on the 2nd. Already received by email in May. So easy to apply, €35 and no hassles.Brian **********
@Andreas ********
everything is easy when it works out. It’s the luck of the draw as to whether it works out or not regardless of how well prepared you areAndreas *********
@Brian *********
Certainly not, it's not my first TM60, I do it every 4 months. It's never lasted 5 days, never a rejection or request. If everything is complete, there is no problem.Brian **********
@Andreas ********
yes that’s your experience, and it’s the same for many others, but it’s not always smooth going for everyone. It’s the beauty of Thailand you just can’t take anything for grantedReply to
Brian **********
Reply
Jan ******************
@Andreas ********
Agree, without any doubt the best option 👍Reply to
Jan ******************
Reply
Brandon ************
Normally the ONLY time immigration would ask to see onward travel is if they are looking for a reason to deny you entry. If you don't have any issues with that, then you won't need it at immigration. Generally the only thing you need at immigration are your passport, your visa (if you have one) and your boarding pass for your segment that arrived in Thailand.
Gerard **************
ORIGINAL POSTERExcellent thanks. I was trying online 60 day but having trouble with it
Generally I move around anywY, think Laos this time so usually solve it that way.
Good to know though , why I like Thailand actually, made to feel welcome
Generally I move around anywY, think Laos this time so usually solve it that way.
Good to know though , why I like Thailand actually, made to feel welcome
Oleg ***********
@Brandon ***********
can ask for the tickets back and accommodation also…Brandon ************
@Oleg **********
as I said, the ONLY time they'll ask for anything other than the 3 things I listed are if they want to deny you entry. For 99.*****
99% of people, that's not an issue.Oleg ***********
@Brandon ***********
but they actually ask these things, so… yes..Kevin ********
@Oleg **********
I just flew in from a border bounce to cambodia yesterday. Passport and boarding pass and I was heading for my transportation in 5 minutes.Kevin ***********
@Oleg **********
they didn’t for my wife so it’s super rare .Reply to
Kevin ***********
Reply
Graham ******
Very rarely will Immigration ask unless they want a reason to deny you entry
Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
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