Do You Need Proof Of An Onward Ticket If...?

[sam3384]

So I fly into Bangkok on Nov. 27 from LAX. My return flight is approximatley 10 weeks later.

I am a US passport holder.

I know you get a 30 day visa exemption upon arrival.

I leave BK 3 days later via train to Laos.

After 10 days in Laos I take a flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi. I eventually return to BKK from Siam Reap via airplane some time later.

Now my question is, if the airline questions me about an onward flight from Thailand, can I show them my e-ticket from LP to Hanoi?

The official rule states that it must be an onward flight from Thailand.

From my own research it seems very unlikely that either the airline or Thai Immigration will have a problem. But I just want to know for sure.

I also call the Thai Consulate and the Airline, and neither one could give a definitive response.

[danpat]

You will not have a problem with Thai immigration.I do not know anyone who has been asked for onward or return tickets.They will just stamp you 30 days.But of course if there is a problem ,just show onward ticket to Hanoi.

However you may have a problem with your airline from US to Bkk,as you don't have a visa covering more than one months,they may want to see onward tickets.Safe journey,and enjoy.

[gk10002000]

You will not have a problem with Thai immigration.I do not know anyone who has been asked for onward or return tickets.They will just stamp you 30 days.But of course if there is a problem ,just show onward ticket to Hanoi.

However you may have a problem with your airline from US to Bkk,as you don't have a visa covering more than one months,they may want to see onward tickets.Safe journey,and enjoy.

It would be helpful if he original poster would detail the last part of his ticket. Does he have an open end return from BKK to the USA? Does he have a fixed return date to the USA? I doubt he bought a basically one way ticket to Asia, but maybe he did. I have had no problems when I had an open ended return. Airport stamped visa with 30 days no problem. I then later made the appropriate visa runs and once a visa extension as necessry.

[CharlieH]

The onward ticket is NOT an immigration requirement, it something the Airlines impose if you do not have a valid visa issued by a Consulate or Embassy.

This is because the Airline can be fined if they carry you and you should overstay or not have means to leave Thailand.

If you have a return ticket and proof of your schedule you shouldnt have a problem.

If you get a proper Tourist Visa you will have no worries at all.

[sam3384]

You will not have a problem with Thai immigration.I do not know anyone who has been asked for onward or return tickets.They will just stamp you 30 days.But of course if there is a problem ,just show onward ticket to Hanoi.

However you may have a problem with your airline from US to Bkk,as you don't have a visa covering more than one months,they may want to see onward tickets.Safe journey,and enjoy.

It would be helpful if he original poster would detail the last part of his ticket. Does he have an open end return from BKK to the USA? Does he have a fixed return date to the USA? I doubt he bought a basically one way ticket to Asia, but maybe he did. I have had no problems when I had an open ended return. Airport stamped visa with 30 days no problem. I then later made the appropriate visa runs and once a visa extension as necessry.

My return ticket is approximatley 10 weeks later. As I mentioned above.

Most people are not given any problems. Like yourself.

But knowing my luck ...

[sam3384]

The onward ticket is NOT an immigration requirement, it something the Airlines impose if you do not have a valid visa issued by a Consulate or Embassy.

This is because the Airline can be fined if they carry you and you should overstay or not have means to leave Thailand.

If you have a return ticket and proof of your schedule you shouldnt have a problem.

If you get a proper Tourist Visa you will have no worries at all.

Return Ticket is for February.

And I already have the proof of an E-Ticket from LP to Hanoi.

What you say makes absolute sense.

I just hope the Airline Employee who checks in passengers has the same common sense as you.

[sam3384]

You will not have a problem with Thai immigration.I do not know anyone who has been asked for onward or return tickets.They will just stamp you 30 days.But of course if there is a problem ,just show onward ticket to Hanoi.

However you may have a problem with your airline from US to Bkk,as you don't have a visa covering more than one months,they may want to see onward tickets.Safe journey,and enjoy.

Yeah, I understand it's the airline that pushes the rule.

Just wonder how strictly they enforce the: "Onward flights must be from Thailand Rule"

[lomatopo]

What airline are you flying?

Both UA and DL (nee NW) are usually very, very cautious on this matter as they fly their own metal to BKK. Again, based on quite a few first-hand reports on travel forums, they can and do deny boarding without proof of onward travel or a real tourist visa.

Maybe best to get a real tourist visa, even if only for 30 or 60 days, or purchase a fully-refundable BKK-SIN/KUL(-BKK) ticket with ex-BKK date within 30 days. You could of course cancel that ticket if your travel plans were to change.

[justmaybe]

I also experienced it a couple of years back with Singapore Air ex-AMS. Was planning to pick up a cheaper return in BKK (back when there were such things).There was no way they would let me on the plane without a ticket specifically out of Thailand. I was gently escorted to the SQ office upstairs to buy a BKK-SIN return.... which was all right as I had business in Singapore anyway.

I've never known anyone to have any questions on the Thai end and it's unlikely you fit any profile that might raise questions. Relying on the flexibility of the ticket agents on DL or UA might well work if you find one willing to hear you out, but it wouldn't be my first line of defense.

[sam3384]

What airline are you flying?

Both UA and DL (nee NW) are usually very, very cautious on this matter as they fly their own metal to BKK. Again, based on quite a few first-hand reports on travel forums, they can and do deny boarding without proof of onward travel or a real tourist visa.

Maybe best to get a real tourist visa, even if only for 30 or 60 days, or purchase a fully-refundable BKK-SIN/KUL(-BKK) ticket with ex-BKK date within 30 days. You could of course cancel that ticket if your travel plans were to change.

I never thought of that. But purchasing a refundable ticket is brilliant!

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. Time to look for the cheapest ticket out of LOS.

BTW: I am flying Asiana Airlines.

[sam3384]

I also experienced it a couple of years back with Singapore Air ex-AMS. Was planning to pick up a cheaper return in BKK (back when there were such things).There was no way they would let me on the plane without a ticket specifically out of Thailand. I was gently escorted to the SQ office upstairs to buy a BKK-SIN return.... which was all right as I had business in Singapore anyway.

I've never known anyone to have any questions on the Thai end and it's unlikely you fit any profile that might raise questions. Relying on the flexibility of the ticket agents on DL or UA might well work if you find one willing to hear you out, but it wouldn't be my first line of defense.

Thank you for sharing your experiences. It's stories like yours that will make me err on the side of caution.

Next step, purchase refundable ticket out of LOS.

[bunnydrops]

On UA, I was asked only once. I told them that I was leaving by train to Laos. The UA employee just said "Oh, OK". I don't think they can make you leave by plane. You just need a quick and believable answer.

[falang07]

I never thought of that. But purchasing a refundable ticket is brilliant!

Refunds are usually not free of charge, usually 2000 baht or more...

[lomatopo]

I never thought of that. But purchasing a refundable ticket is brilliant!

Refunds are usually not free of charge, usually 2000 baht or more...

I specifically recommended buying a full-fare (Y/B), fully refundable ticket. These fares are quite expensive, but can be changed or cancelled without incurring any fees. Hence my use of the term "fully refundable".

[sam3384]

I never thought of that. But purchasing a refundable ticket is brilliant!

Refunds are usually not free of charge, usually 2000 baht or more...

I specifically recommended buying a full-fare (Y/B), fully refundable ticket. These fares are quite expensive, but can be changed or cancelled without incurring any fees. Hence my use of the term "fully refundable".

Thanks for the advice, but I just bought a one-way ticket from BKK to Vientianne.

It's more expensive, but I came to the conclusion that having piece of mind is priceless.

I'll report back here to tell you whether Asiana Airlines even took the trouble to ask me for an onward flight.

My gut tells me they won't.