Visa - Return Trip Tickets?

[willfreeman]

i will be obtaining a double entry visa from the local consulate and the gentleman there told me it is not a requirement of the thai government that i have a return ticket purchased upon entering thailand, however my travel agent has checked with several airlines who have told him i will not be allowed to board without a return ticket regardless of visa or documentation. I cant see why it is an issue with the airline, obviously this will require me to buy a ticket and then change the date depending (at an extra fee) on wether i get the visa extended on the ground in thailand.

- can the airlines refuse to board me without a return trip ticket?

-if so and i have to purchase one now, will it have to be for a flight within my first 60 days?

[Mario2008]

The consulate is right. With a visa you will be allowed boarding without the need to show a ticket out of Thailand.

Airlines can check the IATA database that gives all the rules for entering a country. An airline cannot refuse you boarding if you have a valid visa.

[lopburi3]

A return ticket is never required and an onward ticket is only required if you do not have a visa. Your "travel agent" does not appear to be working in your interest. You can check the IATA requirements at below link (and this is the bible for airlines).

http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/visa-and-health/

[willfreeman]

this is the second travel agent ive been to both were highly skeptical i could enter without return flights although i told them i would be obtaining a double entry visa myself from the local consulate, the first told me id be most likely 'questioned' by customs about not having a return ticket when i arrived in thailand. the second was unsure and said he'd ring airlines and check. He phoned me back later and said thai airways, catahy pacific etc said they would not let me board without return flight regardless of documentation/visa. The gentlemen at the consulate said several airlines try this generally railroading people about to depart to purchase retuurn ticket on the spot at inflated prices, i checked that link and didnt notice any info about not needing forwarding tickets, i think its a rort by the airlines but what exactly do i do? if airlines are saying this over the phone am i going to be stuck at the airport in a slanging match with some clown trying to stop me from boarding?

[Mario2008]

You tel them to check the IATA database or to ask a supervisor. If they refuse boarding, you ask them to give you in writing confirmation you hold a ticket with a valid visa, but the airline is still denying you boarding because you don't have a flight out.

They will not want a lawsuit.

[lopburi3]

If a ticket were required it would be so listed in the IATA data base. No airline is going to prevent travel and if the agent at check-in says otherwise ask for supervisor. It is for those without a visa that a ticket is required - and it is never a return ticket; only a ticket to a place that would allow them entry with the visas or visa exempt status they have. But in most countries a round trip ticket would be cheaper than traveling one-way so agents are probably not used to anyone questioning this.

[Vinny1967]

I've flown in twice over the last 6 months without a return or onward ticket and still got a visa at the airport.

[lopburi3]

Unless you are from a very short list of countries allows VOA what you got at the airport was a visa exempt entry. And airline could have checked and prevented flying in without ticket but normally do not on regional flight and it is hit-and-miss on long haul (with some always checking).

But this is about having a visa prior to travel.

[willfreeman]

just found this posted on a different forum - this reply was from feb last year to someones queries on the same question as mine:

To answer your second question, this was something I am looking into at the moment... below is the response I recieved from the consulate in Hull earlier today... you may want to check with your airline...

Royal Thai Consulate

Priory Court Saxon Way Priory Park West

Hessle Hull HU13 9PB

Visa Rules for One-way Flight Ticket to Thailand

Please note that under Thailand’s immigration rules it is allowed for a foreigner to fly to Thailand on a one-way ticket only if they are in

possession of a valid visa which they can present when they check-in for their flight to Thailand.

Without such a visa the traveller will not be allowed to board their flight to Thailand with a one-way ticket.

Please also note that some flight operators may be reluctant to accept a traveller to Thailand with a one-way ticket even if they are in possession of a valid visa. This may be something to do with rules or regulations imposed by the flight operator. Accordingly, we advise all travellers to check this with their airway carrier (not travel agent) well in advance of travelling to avoid last minute complications.

[Carib]

There is no need to doubt Mario2008 and lopburi3 `s advice. You have a visa and cannot be refused to board a flight, have never heard of it happening either.

You qualify to enter the kingdom, so there is no or minimal risqué for the airline that you would be refused entry.

If you are still not sure, buy a cheap ticket with Airasia to Penang, so you have proof of onward traveling, I think that is what your "travelagent" is trying to do; Sell you another ticket. But it is not necessary !

[jellydog]

On a related subject, I've been told by the Thai Embassy in Hanoi that I must have proof of ongoing flight out of Thailand when I apply for a visa to return to Thailand. I leave for Hanoi tomorrow from BKK, and there until Feb. 20. I thought if I was approved for a 60 day visa, I didn't have to be concerned about an outgoing flight. I'm from the states and originally entered Thailand from Argentina, where I received a 60 day visa without proof of an ongoing flight. It is frustrating how the various embassies have a different set of rules to play by.

[lopburi3]

That is a requirement by the Consulate to issue the visa - common for applications from third country nationals (even in the US).

[willfreeman]

rang thai airwyas direct, and even the gentleman there had to clarify and ring me back. he has confirmed what you gentleman said i do not need prove of ongoing/return travel to board i believe the travel agent had failed to clarify that i will have a double entry and not a single entry tourist visa, he said once i book to ring him back and he will ensure a note is placed in the system so that counter staff dont incur any confusion and i have no hassles. I appreciate the advice as people on here are better informed as to visa regulations than most travel agency staff, and i hope it didnt seem that i was being a doubting thomas just wanted to make sure i had all the correct info to save me any arguments/anxiety when going to fly out. thanks

[lopburi3]

It has nothing to do with double entry - any visa or re-entry permit and you do not need onward ticket. You should not have any problems.