Hi All

I have 3 friends who are planning to do a "visa on arrival" tourist visa, but going on a single ticket. The tell me they plan to tour other countries nearby, but wish to leave their options open. Do you tihnk they will encounter any problems, aand do you tihnk Thai immigration will apply any particular tests ?

Thai immigration probably will not be a problem, but the airline may not allow them to fly without a visa or an outbound ticket.

Their journey might end when the try to check-in with the airline. The airline will want proof that they will leave Thailand within 30 days in the form of a ticket out of the country. Some airlines are very strict in checking this, some don't check at all.

It is an immigration requirement, which immigraiton normaly leaves up to the airline to check. Immigration self wil normaly not check.

Best is if they apply for a toruist visa, they are free at the moment and with a visa they don't need a ticket out of the country.

If OP is talking about a 15 day VOA I seriously doubt they will be allowed entry into Thailand without an outbound ticket.

VISA ON ARRIVAL

- According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements, passport holders from 21 countries and territories may apply for visas at the immigration checkpoints for the purpose of tourism for the period of not exceeding 15 days.

- The applicant must possess means of living expenses at the amount of 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family accordingly.

- The applicant must possess a passport with at least six-month validity and must present full paid ticket which is usable within 15 days since the date of entry

- Visa on arrival is provided at 24 designated international checkpoints and applicants should submit the application form duly filled out and to which his/her recent photograph (4 x 6 cm) is attached. The application fee is 1,000 Baht.

- Visitors who enter the Kingdom with Visa on Arrival generally cannot file an application for extension of stay except in special cases such as illness which prevents them from travelling, etc. They can submit an application at the Office of Immigration Bureau , Immigration Division 1, Soi Suan Plu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel. 02 287-3127 or 02 287-3101-10 ext. 2264-5 or at website http://www.immigration.go.th