30 Free Pass - No Proof Of Onward Ticket

[ashleyroberts]

Hi, I am new here, can anyone help me regarding the "onward ticket" problem.

I am flight from London direct to Bangkok with Thai Airlines next week *one way ticket*, will stay for 30 days (free 30 visa exempt) and then go overland to Laos, Cam and Vietnam, each for around a month.

I have no proof of onward ticket when I board in Heathrow, some of my friends tell me it is not necessary to have one but I have read from other tourist in this forum saying different.

Can anyone shead some light please. It is my first time in Asia, I am backpacking only and not going to work there.

Also, has anyone recently (in the last month) gone through Heathrow with a one way ticket to Bangkok with Thai Airlines without/with being asked for onward travel??

Many Thanks

[sjaak327]

Indeed you might have a problem, and you could be denied boarding the plane. Two options, either get a tourist visa or get written confirmation from Thai Air that they will let you board the plane.

[Jingthing]

The third option is buy an onward ticket. Without a visa or onward ticket, you likely have a problem. One way tickets are red flags.

[mekka]

Hi, I am new here, can anyone help me regarding the "onward ticket" problem.

I am flight from London direct to Bangkok with Thai Airlines next week *one way ticket*, will stay for 30 days (free 30 visa exempt) and then go overland to Laos, Cam and Vietnam, each for around a month.

I have no proof of onward ticket when I board in Heathrow, some of my friends tell me it is not necessary to have one but I have read from other tourist in this forum saying different.

Can anyone shead some light please. It is my first time in Asia, I am backpacking only and not going to work there.

Also, has anyone recently (in the last month) gone through Heathrow with a one way ticket to Bangkok with Thai Airlines without/with being asked for onward travel??

Many Thanks

Last week when flying back to Thailand after spending a week in Australia i was refused at check in with my airline in Australia as i had no "return ticket" back to Aus, after 30mins of arguing and many phone calls they said i was not allowed to leave the country unless i had a return ticket, i even showed them my passport which shows ive been in thailand for 4 years, aswell as my marriage papers and many other documents, still no go, so i had to purchase a return ticket at the airport, and now im back in thailand i have applied for it to be refunded as i paid extra for a felxible refundable ticket...anyway when i arrived back in Bangkok i did not see one sign asking for a return ticket nor was i even asked for it.

[Jingthing]

Usually, you do NOT need to show a ticket returning to your home country, but you do need a ticket going to any other country within 30 days of arrival. Yes, different airlines have different rules, you should call them. Sometimes, they will let you sign a document of financial responsibility which relieves them of any if you are denied entry into Thailand. If you show up without a visa or ticket out, you are living dangerously.

[ashleyroberts]

Thanks very much for that. So I will buy a cheap onward flight ticket Phuket to Singapore, within the free 30 days.

Will that be sufficient you think??

Thanks

[joskydive]

Last week when flying back to Thailand after spending a week in Australia i was refused at check in with my airline in Australia as i had no "return ticket" back to Aus, after 30mins of arguing and many phone calls they said i was not allowed to leave the country unless i had a return ticket, i even showed them my passport which shows ive been in thailand for 4 years, aswell as my marriage papers and many other documents, still no go, so i had to purchase a return ticket at the airport, and now im back in thailand i have applied for it to be refunded as i paid extra for a felxible refundable ticket...anyway when i arrived back in Bangkok i did not see one sign asking for a return ticket nor was i even asked for it.

Am I correct in thinking that after you presumably bought a return ticket here to go visit Australia, they wouldn't let you board on your return journey? That would mean that anyone who is going back to their home country for a visit has to now buy - flight there - flight back + flight out again.

[Jingthing]

Thanks very much for that. So I will buy a cheap onward flight ticket Phuket to Singapore, within the free 30 days.

Will that be sufficient you think??

Thanks

Yes, in my opinion. But you should call the airlines and ask them directly. Best to get the name of the person you talk to as well if they say OK and you are challenged.

[ashleyroberts]

Yes, just phoned up Thai Airlines at Heathrow and they have confirmed that I will need to show an onward ticket at check-in before I can board the plane. So I just bought a ticket for 35 pounds to Singapore from BKK. Many thanks to all the above for your comments and replies.

[G54]

It is interesting to note the OP phoned and he did indeed need an onward ticket.

[eggomaniac]

Thanks very much for that. So I will buy a cheap onward flight ticket Phuket to Singapore, within the free 30 days.

Will that be sufficient you think??

Yes, different airlines have different rules, you should call them. ???? Thanks

Yes, in my opinion. But you should call the airlines and ask them directly. Best to get the name of the person you talk to as well if they say OK and you are challenged.

If you are challenged on Entry by a Thai Officer, there is NO name or conversation or even note from any Airline that will 'work' for you.

Airlines do NOT have rules concerning entry into Thailand. *see below* They might have differing procedures. Most of them enforce the rules of Entry at boarding, maybe to avoid being caught up in a mess on Arrival? You should call the Thai Embassy near you to ask what 'onward' flights are eligible, not the airline. Also, your licensed travel agent is required to set you up properly.

Why not make up your mind for your onward location, either home or some other country? After All, you cannot stay there forever. A good travel agent will set you up.

Do you know about the pre purchased Tourist Visas?

*quoted from 2 different Thai consuls concerning their rules, NOT the airlines, for onward flights*

>>>

Canada -http://www.thaicongenvancouver.org/cms/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=121#30Day In addition, you must have: a valid passport in good condition (with at least 6-months validity and empty visa pages), proof of confirmed air tickets confirming the 30 days-or-less stay in Thailand, no criminal history in Thailand, and at least $200 per person or $400 per family. Extension of stay will not be granted.

UK -http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads/Aa%20%20General%20Visa%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.doc

a) Must be in possession of a confirmed flight ticket (e-ticket acceptable) to show they will be flying out of

Thailand within 30 days or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland

out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar

(Burma), etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you are likely to be refused entry and may not even be allowed to check in for your flight to Thailand. <<< may not be allowed to check in... I have seen this discussion for many years! "Smart" airlines don't allow boarding, while some let you slip through. This has led many to "believe" that airlines have 'different' rules. They do NOT have any rules, but the smart ones 'pick up' on potential problems where the rules are not being met!

[Jingthing]

Another Thavisa success story, and this time, no visa.

[tig28]

It is interesting to note the OP phoned and he did indeed need an onward ticket.

Every airline has rules against carrying visitors inbound to any country without proof of outbound travel. Should the airline do so and immigration challenges the entry (virtually unheard of in Thailand) then the airline must carry the cost of the passengers return flight. Occasionally passengers slip through .... but airlines shall always refuse to carry such a passenger.

On one occasion out of Australia I pointed out that this was my return ticket as I lived in Thailand --- the check-in lass frowned ---looked at the ticket --- then told me 'Oh -- thats OK then" --- she was wrong!!! On two other occasions trying the same -- they just smiled---nodded and said again "you need an outbound ticket before we can let you travel..sir"

So a quick backtrack to the nearest internet point and purchase of Air Asia s cheapest ticket to anywhere. The airline does not require a "return ticket" just one to show you are leaving your current destination --- and thereby absolving them of any responsibility.

[ashleyroberts]

Well, I will keep you posted on how it all goes at check-in Heathrow on Wednesday and when I arrive at Bangkok immigration (8/1/8).

I wonder now if I will be asked for proof now at check-in - After wasting the 35 pounds ticket from BKK to SIN (6/2/8) (leaving on the 30th day) mmm

[astral]

A cheap ticket with AirAsia to Penang or KL will suffice at very little cost.

Otherwise get a Tourist visa from the Thai Embassy.

[khundon]

Thanks very much for that. So I will buy a cheap onward flight ticket Phuket to Singapore, within the free 30 days.

Will that be sufficient you think??

Yes, different airlines have different rules, you should call them. ???? Thanks

Yes, in my opinion. But you should call the airlines and ask them directly. Best to get the name of the person you talk to as well if they say OK and you are challenged.

If you are challenged on Entry by a Thai Officer, there is NO name or conversation or even note from any Airline that will 'work' for you.

Airlines do NOT have rules concerning entry into Thailand. *see below* They might have differing procedures. Most of them enforce the rules of Entry at boarding, maybe to avoid being caught up in a mess on Arrival? You should call the Thai Embassy near you to ask what 'onward' flights are eligible, not the airline. Also, your licensed travel agent is required to set you up properly.

Why not make up your mind for your onward location, either home or some other country? After All, you cannot stay there forever. A good travel agent will set you up.

Do you know about the pre purchased Tourist Visas?

*quoted from 2 different Thai consuls concerning their rules, NOT the airlines, for onward flights*

>>>

Canada -http://www.thaicongenvancouver.org/cms/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=121#30Day In addition, you must have: a valid passport in good condition (with at least 6-months validity and empty visa pages), proof of confirmed air tickets confirming the 30 days-or-less stay in Thailand, no criminal history in Thailand, and at least $200 per person or $400 per family. Extension of stay will not be granted.

UK -http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/downloads/Aa%20%20General%20Visa%20Rules%20and%20Regulations.doc

a) Must be in possession of a confirmed flight ticket (e-ticket acceptable) to show they will be flying out of

Thailand within 30 days or 15 days of entry, as appropriate. Open tickets do not qualify. Travelling overland

out of Thailand by train, bus, etc to Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia (including en route to Singapore), Myanmar

(Burma), etc is not accepted as proof of exiting Thailand.

You may be asked to show your flight ticket on entering Thailand. If you do not possess a flight ticket to show you will be exiting Thailand within 30 or 15 days of entry you are likely to be refused entry and may not even be allowed to check in for your flight to Thailand. <<< may not be allowed to check in... I have seen this discussion for many years! "Smart" airlines don't allow boarding, while some let you slip through. This has led many to "believe" that airlines have 'different' rules. They do NOT have any rules, but the smart ones 'pick up' on potential problems where the rules are not being met!

I flew from LHR into Don Muang BKK with EVA air on Xmas eve 2001, with one way ticket and on 30 day visa, (later changed when in BKK to retirement visa).

I had flown into Thailand before, sometimes via Singapore, on several occasions, with return tickets to UK.

I was never asked about return or onward flight ticket on this flight and just strolled through control points.

Were rules different then?

[eggomaniac]

Am I correct in thinking that after you presumably bought a return ticket here to go visit Australia, they wouldn't let you board on your return journey? That would mean that anyone who is going back to their home country for a visit has to now buy - flight there - flight back + flight out again.

Don't the long term visitors to Thailand get 'their ducks in a row' by obtaining multiple entry visas? Tourists Visas can be purchased with extra entries, for example.

On a quiz I would have said that NonO visas are multiple Entry? Based on Joskydive's 'experience', married and living in Thailand for 4 years, this is now a question? Was this a case of not showing them he had multiple entry permission? Cannot imagine he has been doing border runs for 4 years?

If someone refunds an onward flight ticket, upon entering Thailand, would they not have a problem in 30 days when they did a 'border run', not being able to show their onward flight tickets?

My understanding is that an onward flight ticket is required 15 days off from entering by land and 30 days by air. True? Are nonO's multiple Entry?

[pothai]

If someone has an "O" visa and work permit do they then need an onward ticket???

[ashleyroberts]

to khundon - - - You don't need a proof of onward ticket if you have bought a 30 day visa. I phoned Heathrow today (Thai Airlines) and then said that proof of onward ticket is only required to show at check-in if you are entering Thailand on the free 30 day exemption visa. New rules December 2008.

[Jingthing]

Airlines do NOT have rules concerning entry into Thailand. *see below* They might have differing procedures. Most of them enforce the rules of Entry at boarding, maybe to avoid being caught up in a mess on Arrival? You should call the Thai Embassy near you to ask what 'onward' flights are eligible, not the airline. Also, your licensed travel agent is required to set you up properly.

I think this line of thinking is pretty silly. The Thai embassy is not there when you approach the check in desk. The check in clerk is there. They all have text on their computers about what they are looking for. It may be out of date, they might not understand it, it may not be "fair", but they have some guidelines from the AIRLINES on their guidelines about whether to board you, or not. Yes, their goal is to avoid boarding someone who won't be admitted in Thailand, but they are on the front lines and must enforce this goal on the spot.

I do agree saying so and so told me I could wouldn't hold much weight, but it is better than nothing. For example, if you elevated it and asked to speak to a supervisor and you had the info from your call, when you called, who you talked to, etc., it isn't beyond the realm of possibility that this may help your case.

Point of humor, a few years ago a check in clerk for NWA was reading this very text I am talking about, and she mentioned it said don't accept people with a "hippie appearance". She laughed and said they really have to update their guidelines.

Another thing that needs updating. Suggesting people use TRAVEL AGENTS. Most people don't these days. Two words: online booking. Life moves on.

[tig28]

Quote from eggomaniac

Am I correct in thinking that after you presumably bought a return ticket here to go visit Australia, they wouldn't let you board on your return journey? That would mean that anyone who is going back to their home country for a visit has to now buy - flight there - flight back + flight out again.Yep

Yes---exactly --- remember I held an Aust passport with a 12 month multiple re entry visa ---- so whilst I was approved to enter Thailand --- the Airline was concerned that Thai immigration may choose to suddenly enforce the rule requiring any visitor ( on any form of entry permit/visa) to show proof of onward travel. I have never heard of this happening in Thailand --- but the airline staff do not pretend to be immigration experts and therefore are simply instructed to apply this requirement (of the airline) for flights to all countries.

Don't the long term visitors to Thailand get 'their ducks in a row' by obtaining multiple entry visas? Tourists Visas can be purchased with extra entries, for example.

On a quiz I would have said that NonO visas are multiple Entry? Based on Joskydive's 'experience', married and living in Thailand for 4 years, this is now a question? Was this a case of not showing them he had multiple entry permission? Cannot imagine he has been doing border runs for 4 years? Holding an entry visa does not waive this requirement (of the airline)

If someone refunds an onward flight ticket, upon entering Thailand, would they not have a problem in 30 days when they did a 'border run', not being able to show their onward flight tickets? The problem exists only with airlines carrying you into a country. I have never heard of Thai immigration themselves requiring this. I do not know that Thailand actually has this rule --- bit notwithstanding many/most /all airlines enforce the requirement for their own protection.

My understanding is that an onward flight ticket is required 15 days off from entering by land and 30 days by air. True? Are nonO's multiple Entry? I believe Non o visas come in both flavors

I note this " to khundon - - - You don't need a proof of onward ticket if you have bought a 30 day visa. I phoned Heathrow today (Thai Airlines) and then said that proof of onward ticket is only required to show at check-in if you are entering Thailand on the free 30 day exemption visa. New rules December 2008."

But can only advise that Qantas/BA/Thai flights from Aust to Thailand (all use Qantas ground staff) certainly required this 7 months ago when I last flew in. Shall be returning for a visit next month (can do so on a one way--as I'm Australian) but of course I shall not---so I shall once again approach the ground staff with only my return flight to Thailand. We shall see!! I hope you are correct ---

Addition: I fly out of a provincial airport where I have lived most of my life and know many of the check-in staff. I thought my boyish smile and a chat to the supervisor would get me ticketed and seat allocated through to Thailand as they knew me pretty well. WRONG. The check-in duty manager was perfectly prepared to let me fly to Sydney with allocation to BKK ---only after I assured him I would buy an outbound ticket in the departure lounge. He trusted me to do that--- and it was never checked.

I actually hold a three year multiple re- entry (reason for edit--- to annoy you--- but accurate)

[oceano]

I actually hold a three year multiple re- entry...

This is new...which kind of visa is a 3yrs multi?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

If someone has an "O" visa and work permit do they then need an onward ticket???

No onward ticket is required in that circumstance.

[ubonjoe]

This is what the airlines will see if they have a passenger traveling from the UK to Thailand.

/ 05JAN09 / 2228 UTC

National United Kingdom (Great Britain) (GB)

Destination Thailand (TH)

Thailand (TH)

Passport required.

- Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid

for at least 6 months upon arrival.

Visa required, except for A touristic stay of max. 30 days:

- for holders of British passports endorsed British

Citizen ;

- for holders of British passports endorsed British National

(Overseas)" issued in Hong Kong;

Additional Information:

- All passports must be in good condition.

- Those travelling to Thailand with a visa issued prior to

arrival, are permitted to travel on a one-way ticket.

- All visitors must hold documents required for their next

destination.

- Visitors over 12 years of age must hold sufficient funds to

cover their stay (at least THB 20,000.- or USD 640.- per

person/family). For details, click here

- Applicable to those who do not need a visa:

For details, click here

Warning:

- Non-compliance with visa requirements will result in:

- refusal and immediate deportation of the passenger; and

- fines for the airline of THB 20,000.-; and

- overstay fine for the passenger of THB 500.- per day (but

not exceeding in total THB 20,000.-).

Source IATA website: http://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_webs...ubuser=DELTAB2C

To get info for your country: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations...ation/index.jsp

This link is to Delta that inputs info to the IATA website that gves info in first link.

[ubonjoe]

I actually hold a three year multiple re- entry...

This is new...which kind of visa is a 3yrs multi?

Three-Year Non-Immigrant Visa “B” (Business only)Foreign citizen who wishes to visit Thailand for business purpose may apply for a three-year Non-Immigrant Visa “B”. This type of visa may be issued to businessmen for multiple-entries and is valid for 3 years. It allows holder to visit Thailand as often as required for as long as the visa remains valid and allows holder to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 90 days during each visit. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited for holder of such visa.

Source and more info: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2498

[dr_Pat_Pong]

A three year visa is rarer than the proverbial hens teeth.

[adjan jb]

Three-Year Non-Immigrant Visa “B” (Business only)

Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited for holder of such visa.

Employment prohibited for the holder of a business visa?

I need another coffee

[eggomaniac]

tig28 A. onward flights for Entry B. no flight for Visas

"""The problem exists only with airlines carrying you into a country. I have never heard of Thai immigration themselves requiring this. I do not know that Thailand actually has this rule --- bit notwithstanding many/most /all airlines enforce the requirement for their own protection."""

A.Do you mean you don't know if Thailand has the onward flight rule?

My above Post of Today, 2009-01-05 10:34:25 has Pastes from Canadian and UK Thai Consulates showing the onward flight iS a written requirement for land and air nonvisa Entries.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I note this " to khundon - - - You don't need a proof of onward ticket if you have bought a 30 day visa. I phoned Heathrow today (Thai Airlines) and then said that proof of onward ticket is only required to show at check-in if you are entering Thailand on the free 30 day exemption visa. New rules December 2008."

B.The Sections on Visas, from the above sites, did NOT state a need for an onward flight for Visa holders. If you take that, what khundon says, and Ubonjoe Today, 2009-01-05 14:32:49 - Those travelling to Thailand with a visa issued prior to arrival, are permitted to travel on a one-way ticket; you can fairly conclude that Visa holders do NOT need onward flights; whether it is unused Entry on a Tourist Visa or a multiple Entry Visa. When you have a document showing your Entry permission, it is beyond the pale that Quantas can make their own entry rules for another country??? From ubonjoe's Post the 'screens' at UK airports make this point clear!

But can only advise that Qantas/BA/Thai flights from Aust to Thailand (all use Qantas ground staff) certainly required this 7 months ago when I last flew in. Shall be returning for a visit next month (can do so on a one way--as I'm Australian) but of course I shall not---so I shall once again approach the ground staff with only my return flight to Thailand. We shall see!! I hope you are correct ---

Finally for all of posts that 'they never check upon arrival'; isn't that covered in those little Entry cards they wake you up on the airplane to fill in. 999 of 1000 will fill those in with their 'onward' flight info. Try leaving that blank and see if 'nobody checks on you'.

It would not surprise that the Immigration computer screens show who has onward flights booked and who does not? Is it TRUE that IF you could find an airline to board you one way, that the Thai would not take any notice???

[ubonjoe]

Three-Year Non-Immigrant Visa "B" (Business only)

Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited for holder of such visa.

Employment prohibited for the holder of a business visa?

I need another coffee

I think they mean here in Thailand.

You have to have a work permit if you are employed here. I am sure if you had this type of visa you could get a job/work permit and then work every time you entered.

[tig28]

I actually hold a three year multiple re- entry...

This is new...which kind of visa is a 3yrs multi?

Three-Year Non-Immigrant Visa "B" (Business only)Foreign citizen who wishes to visit Thailand for business purpose may apply for a three-year Non-Immigrant Visa "B". This type of visa may be issued to businessmen for multiple-entries and is valid for 3 years. It allows holder to visit Thailand as often as required for as long as the visa remains valid and allows holder to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 90 days during each visit. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited for holder of such visa.

Source and more info: http://www.mfa.go.th/web/2482.php?id=2498

To reply to oceano --- ubonjoe is correct. <Thanks for letting the cat out of the bag> --- I was going to hold a test quiz of TV members

Back to topic: The link provided ( http://www.delta.com/) proves me wrong about the rules. Flying from Australia to Thailand can be done on a one-way ticket if you hold a visa. This is either new or the airlines concerned ignore it to protect themselves. I shall find out next month. thanks for the link.

From Australia:

"Those travelling to Thailand with a visa issued prior to

arrival, are permitted to travel on a one-way ticket.

- All visitors must hold documents required for their next

destination."