Airline will not let you in On One way ticket

in there system they know you have one way ticket

On check Up they will ask about this

If you have visa onward ticket No problems

best way is

to buy one way ticket with Airasia , Tigerairway etc

and Dont use it...

Quote : eggomaniac

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.

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

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???

Hi eggomaniac

Yes-- I do not know Thailand's rules re this. I do know what all three airlines were requiring in times past. I hope they are now up to date.

Re the Thai entry card--- I have never filled in the "Flight out" section --- I usually have no idea-- no booking - even on occasions when I have entered on a no-visa basis it has been left blank. maybe 20+ entries --- never a query.

In my experience Thai immigration has never checked onwards flight bookings. I was always of the belief that the "rules" were applied by the airlines.

I've been visiting Thailand for thirty some years, mostly using the so-called visa exempt entry, and have never been asked to show an onward ticket by Thai immigration. I have only seen scruffy looking backpackers ask to show onward ticket and funds by Thai immigration.

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.

Thanks for that, aslo thanks for Ubonjoe's input.

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

Here's the info.

Usually the immigration doesn't ask on arrival....but technically you are rquired to have proof of onward taravel. Chances of being asked by immigtaion for a onward ticket...unlikely but possible. I've been asked once in about 30 years of arrivals.

The onward ticket requirement is written into the airline (IATA) policy instructions and is in most of the airline instructions. Without a visa you have the possibility of being asked at check-in if you have an onward ticket. Although this is rare, it has happened to me once before. I was asked at check-in to show my onward ticket in Copenhagen by SAS ailines.

The reason the airlines will ask is this: if you arrive without a visa and are not allowed entry to Thailand the AIRLINE is responsible for either returning you or at least getting you out of Thailand. That's right, the AIRLINE. For that reason the airline may not let you check- in/board without a visa or a valid onward ticket, because they don't want to be liable for your transportation.

The reality of the matter is that you will very seldom be asked at check-in at the airport, but it is possible.

Botom line....make up your own mind. If you are reasonably well dressed and not too scruffy looking, the chances you will be asked are minimal. If you can afford the outward ticket, and especially if you ntend to travel around Asia anyhow, a ticket to a neighboring country is a good idea. It can be an open ticket, it doesn't have to have a reservation date made, just be valid for travel. You can make a reservation in Thailand with that ticket after you arrive. It is best to have a regular full-fare ticket for that onward ticket, to avoid any extra costs added on when you try to make the reservation (if it was a discount fare ticket, it might have extra costs added when making a reaservation).

Hope that is clear.

Edited January 6, 200917 yr by IMA_FARANG

The airline can also be fined 20,000 baht for letting you on the plane.

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.

That agrees with what I was shown in Copenhagen by the then SAS airlines staff. It is printed in the rear of the airline guide that they use to resolve problems. When I tried to argue, the staff simply pulled out the guide, opened it to the back pages that said "visa and entry requirements". It had a table of most countries in the world, and Thailand clearly said...travelers arriving without a visa must have a proof of onward travel. I bought a open ticket from BKK to Singapore, and that was sufficient at the airport. (I understand that land border crossings are asking for a confirmed reservation ticket now, but that wasn't true then, or at the airport on arrival. It may have changed, I don't know for sure).

If you can afford the outward ticket, and especially if you ntend to travel around Asia anyhow, a ticket to a neighboring country is a good idea. It can be an open ticket, it doesn't have to have a reservation date made, just be valid for travel. You can make a reservation in Thailand with that ticket after you arrive. It is best to have a regular full-fare ticket for that onward ticket, to avoid any extra costs added on when you try to make the reservation (if it was a discount fare ticket, it might have extra costs added when making a reaservation).

Hope that is clear.

A I agree and have suggested this before.

Buy an open full fare oneway ticket to a nearby country. It will have a validity of one year. You can use it to show to the airlines or immigration at anytime.

When the year is up get a refund or trade it for a new one.

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

No visa of any type allows you to work; only a work permit does.

The multiple-entry non-B visa is usually issued to foreigners who need to travel frequently to Thailand on business, eg to visit customers or suppliers, not for persons who plan to take a job in Thailand and apply for a work permit. Nevertheless, if the holder of a three-year non-B visa should decide to apply for a work permit he should have no problem getting it if he meets all other requirements.

--

Maestro

Whilst the OP has thought this through regarding his Thai status, he does state that he is backpacking and as such he would almost certainly have been better off getting a return ticket (one year changeable perhaps) or an open jaw ticket if he has no reason to return via Thailand on the way home. One way tickets from London can be more expensive than return ones.

An OJ LHR-BKK and SGN-LHR would seem to have been a better idea but OT I agree.

I have never fully understood the concept behind the rule of showing an onward ticket nor exactly when the rule came into serious force. But I never remember this when I was a back-packing student more than a decade ago and traveled frequently including starting my voyage out of Manchester to Bangkok on a one-way ticket.

However, AirAsia always asks me to show an onward ticket which is annoying because I like to leave my options open. For example I would like to go to Penang tomorrow and then take a bus back to Hat Yai where I plan to meet a friend.

Don't know why its unacceptable for immigration to assume a person may travel onwards by another means or that they simply haven't made their mind where to go. Perhaps a better way to judge someone travel ability is to look at bank statements as surely its the money in your bank account that they're really concerned about isn't it?

I have never fully understood the concept behind the rule of showing an onward ticket nor exactly when the rule came into serious force. But I never remember this when I was a back-packing student more than a decade ago and traveled frequently including starting my voyage out of Manchester to Bangkok on a one-way ticket.

However, AirAsia always asks me to show an onward ticket which is annoying because I like to leave my options open. For example I would like to go to Penang tomorrow and then take a bus back to Hat Yai where I plan to meet a friend.

Don't know why its unacceptable for immigration to assume a person may travel onwards by another means or that they simply haven't made their mind where to go. Perhaps a better way to judge someone travel ability is to look at bank statements as surely its the money in your bank account that they're really concerned about isn't it?

For your example of going to Penang they would be looking at the requirements for Malaysia which also requires an onward/return ticket. So in reality if you have a return ticket from Penang to Thailand they could also ask for an onward ticket out of Thailand.

It's more the airlines that are enforcing the ticket rules than immigration. Here immigration at the airport seldom asks to see a ticket.

I agree that the rule does not make a lot of sense because just having a ticket does not mean that you are really going to use the ticket to leave. That's why for example having a return ticket out does not carry any weight when applying for a visa to the US as proof that you are going to return.

A lot of countries have the same rules as here so all you can do is follow them in some way or the other.

The requirement for an onward flight out of Thailand if you travel without visa is an IATA guideline for its members and it is up to the airlines whether or not they want to follow this guideline to protect themselves in case the passenger should be refused entry into Thailand, in which case the airline would have to pay a fine of 20,000 Baht and transport you back to where you came from at its own expense.

--

Maestro

The requirement for an onward flight out of Thailand if you travel without visa is an IATA guideline for its members and it is up to the airlines whether or not they want to follow this guideline to protect themselves in case the passenger should be refused entry into Thailand, in which case the airline would have to pay a fine of 20,000 Baht and transport you back to where you came from at its own expense.

--

Maestro

This question is a becomming more complex than it first appeared --- for Qantas at least. Since posting to this thread I emailed Qantas customer service on 6/jan --- re this question. I have received several responses --- many very unhelpful -- but for general information I include the most recent reply (today) from Qantas:

Dear Mr TIG,

Thank you for your e-mail.

Unfortunately it is a requirement of Thailand that you have an onward flight and nothing to do with IATA or the airline. There are heavy fines involved for QANTAS or other airlines if you do not have the correct documentation when you arrive and this can result in you being sent back to Australia. We have attached information listed on the qantas website in regards to documentation and visas for you to look over to ensure that it does not happen.

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/befor...vel/countryInfo

Probably the most amazing aspect of this reply is that when I go to the Qantas (visas) site indicated above ---- it states:

Additional Information:

- 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.

The email reply above from Qantas is unambiguous --- but disagrees with the information in their own site. It places those flying with them in a very awkward position. On two occasions I have been refused boarding (on the return leg of a ticket from BKK- SYD-BKK) unless I could show a ticket leaving Thailand. On both occasions the cheapest AirAsia ticket to anywhere was acceptable.

Using link povided by Quantis this is also shown.

Applicable to those who do not need a visa: (restriction to

a total of 90 days stay in Thailand within any 6 month

period;

- return/onward tickets required;

They still show old 90 day rule.

It it very clear for an exempt entry you need a ticket out.

The rules are indeed not made by IATA. IATA collects data from governments and passes this one to the airlines, so they don't have to do this themselves. For this IATA has a data base airlines can check.

In your case, they probably looked at the rules but forgot to check the exceptions to the rule. Simply a question of Quantas not checking the rules properly. With a visa a one-way ticket is all that is neded.

Airline will not let you in On One way ticket

in there system they know you have one way ticket

On check Up they will ask about this

If you have visa onward ticket No problems

best way is

to buy one way ticket with Airasia , Tigerairway etc

and Dont use it...

but please, please guys, if you do this, do the decent thing: contact the airline & cancel the flight.

One of us guys might just be trying to book on that same flight & finding it full.

Additional Information:

- 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.

Is it just me? Or are some you guys missing something here? Surely the statement in red above could be taken to include a flight ticket?

Additional Information:

- 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.

Is it just me? Or are some you guys missing something here? Surely the statement in red above could be taken to include a flight ticket?

Hi Lancashirelad.... I understand what you are saying as the statement in red certainly has me scratching my head ------- but as it follows directly after the very unambiguous statement in blue ---- I think it would really be a stretch to assert that the second (red) statement could reasonably refer to on-bound ticketing -- as it would be a direct contradiction of the previous statement.

It would be informative to learn just what it does mean though. I have re emailed Qantas (email #8 re this) attempting to get some reason made of this---- shall advise if and when.

Additional Information:

- 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.

Is it just me? Or are some you guys missing something here? Surely the statement in red above could be taken to include a flight ticket?

Hi Lancashirelad.... I understand what you are saying as the statement in red certainly has me scratching my head ------- but as it follows directly after the very unambiguous statement in blue ---- I think it would really be a stretch to assert that the second (red) statement could reasonably refer to on-bound ticketing -- as it would be a direct contradiction of the previous statement.

It would be informative to learn just what it does mean though. I have re emailed Qantas (email #8 re this) attempting to get some reason made of this---- shall advise if and when.

It means having a visa for your next destination if you are traveling with an onward ticket.

IE: Having a an onward ticket to Vietnam would require you to show a visa.

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

I cannot speak for all airlines but if you are flying into Thailand on Qantas be prepared for difficulty. On two previous occasions they have required me to purchase an outbound ticket from Thailand (both with Air Asia) before allowing me to board the flight to Thailand. I hold a multi re-entry visa.

After this mater was raised here I followed the suggestion to ask the airline to clarify their requirements. About 3 weeks ago I emailed customer help with my inquiry. Here - in order - are the various replies ---- as each reply was received I responded pointing out conflicting information.

Thank you for your e-mail.

Usually If you are entering a country for a long period without a working permit or similar you are required

to have a ticket to leave that country, however as this is more a query to do with Thailand immigration

may I suggest you contact the Thai consulate who will be able to explain all this to you.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your e-mail.

Unfortunately it is a requirement of Thailand that you have an onward flight and nothing to do with IATA or the airline.

There are heavy fines involved for QANTAS or other airlines if you do not have the correct documentation when you

arrive and this can result in you being sent back to Australia. We have attached information listed on the

qantas website in regards to documentation and visas for you to look over to ensure that it does not happen.

http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/befor...vel/countryInfo

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear ---------

Thank you for your e-mail.

Please contact Embassies directly for more information

Syd 02 9241 2542 or Mel 03 9650 1714 or the link below

http://www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear --------------------

Thank you for your e-mail.

As per our website information as well as the information you have been given by the Thailand

Immigration you can travel on a one way ticket, you must be holding a valid passport and visa.

Finally ...... after several emails over three weeks they arrived at the expected advice ---- can you imagine the likelihood of successfully holding this discussion at the check-in desk ?? I sincerely hope Qantas' aircrew are better trained than their customer help people!!

As I have lived here in Thailand for a number of years now, on those occasions when I have visited my home country, I have bought return tickets from Bkk to Manchester or London. I have while in the UK applied for a visa or on occasion have had a re entry visa from immo in BKK for a valid extension to stay. On almost every occasion the check-in in the UK has at first refused me entry to the return flight to Bkk but has relented on showing them valid visas. As I understand it the airlines are at risk of having to foot the expense of flying you home if you are refused entry. I always travel in a suit or shirt and tie and I am convinced that the appearance of prosperity, and good manners at check in and immigration smooths the way in these matters. I have on occasion even been upgraded to business class on a flight that I was originally denied access to. I have never been asked for proof of onward reservations when arriving in Thailand on a valid visa, though I do know of people who have. A gold or platinum credit card has seemed to solve any worries on the part of the officer in charge. My advice is to always obtain a visa, they are cheap and easy to obtain fro Hull and I believe Cardiff. If you would like further insurance buy the cheapest, refundable, flight you can find to KL or Singapore. Hope this helps.