Step Daughter 6 Month Visit Visa,

[mikeyp]

step daughter (thai) just received 6 month family visit visa. Phoned Etihad to book step daughter on the same return flight as the wife. ETIHAD booking staff said that she would need a return flight booked. We don't know yet when the step daughter will be travelling back to Thailand so I was only going to book a one way ticket just now. Have looked at UK Border/ immigration rules and they state that the traveller must have enough money on entry to UK to book a return ticket to the country they came from.

Does anyone know any different, or are there THAI immigration rules that state that a THAI national must be in possession of a return air ticket before THAI immigration will let them leave the country.

Thanks for any information

[7by7]

Airlines are liable for large fines if they carry a passenger who does not have entry clearance for their destination. Which is probably why the person you spoke to told you she needed a return ticket. But that person doesn't fully understand the UK immigration rules; she doesn't. Provided she can, if asked to do so, satisfy an IO that she has the funds available to purchase one.

Thais do not need return tickets before being allowed out of Thailand.

You can either try and speak to someone at Etihad who knows what they are doing, buy an open return for her or fly with another airline.

[mikeyp]

Airlines are liable for large fines if they carry a passenger who does not have entry clearance for their destination. Which is probably why the person you spoke to told you she needed a return ticket. But that person doesn't fully understand the UK immigration rules; she doesn't. Provided she can, if asked to do so, satisfy an IO that she has the funds available to purchase one.

Thais do not need return tickets before being allowed out of Thailand.

You can either try and speak to someone at Etihad who knows what they are doing, buy an open return for her or fly with another airline.

Thanks 7by7, going to book ticket anyway. I will be meeting wife and step daughter at airport, if any questions by IO at least i will be there so they can call me and I can answer any questions.

Thanks again for your valued input.

[VisasPlus]

Airlines are liable for large fines if they carry a passenger who does not have entry clearance for their destination. Which is probably why the person you spoke to told you she needed a return ticket. But that person doesn't fully understand the UK immigration rules; she doesn't. Provided she can, if asked to do so, satisfy an IO that she has the funds available to purchase one.

Thais do not need return tickets before being allowed out of Thailand.

You can either try and speak to someone at Etihad who knows what they are doing, buy an open return for her or fly with another airline.

Not strictly correct, 7x7. It is correct that under the immigration rules she does not need a return ticket. And, yes, the airline is responsible for making sure that she has a visa, etc. However, some airlines are reluctant to carry passengers with one-way tickets as, if the passenger is refused entry for any reason, then the airline is responsible for the return fare. They would much rather the passenger pays their own return !

[ThaiVisaExpress]

Several customers have gone down this route without a return ticket and have been delayed at the airport whilst they satisfy the immigration officer the funds are available to purchase the ticket.

My advice is book a return ticket.

[VisasPlus]

Several customers have gone down this route without a return ticket and have been delayed at the airport whilst they satisfy the immigration officer the funds are available to purchase the ticket.

My advice is book a return ticket.

There can indeed be problems in UK with Immigration establishing that funds are available for a return flight, but the problem begins in Thailand when you try to check in with a one-way ticket. If the airline wants you to hold a return ticket so that they do not become liable financially for your return if refused in UK, then you have no choice but to buy a return ticket, and that will be expensive, buying at the airport at the the last minute ! It is policy with some airlines to insist on the return ticket. Sad to say, this "policy" can also be used usefully when an airline doesn't actiually want to carry a particular passenger. It is an easy get-out for the airline with a passenger that they think may become a problem on arrival in the UK or wherever. No return ticket ? Sorry, you can't fly. Again, I speak from experience as I have been involved in many such discussions between airlines and "problem" passengers.