Proof Of Onward Travel Plane Ticket

[jamles]

Does anyone know what proof is required that you have a plane ticket for onward or return travel out of Thailand when boarding a flight into Thailand?

I took a one-way flight from Shanghai to BKK last week and although I had purchased a cheap onward ticket on another airline, I was not even asked if I had one. Is some sort of proof required or can the airline agent check electronically via your pasport number while at the check-in counter? Or was the check-in agent just negligent this time?

[Upnotover]

The only time I have ever been asked for onward tickets in when flying from UK or USA. Never anywhere around Asia Pacific.

[angsta]

I thought they relaxed the rules on this one. Some airlines ask and others don't. I was asked by Jet airways recently and I told them I had one but nobody asked to see it.

I doubt they can check electronically.

[lomatopo]

I think it is safe to say that not all airlines verify proof of on-ward travel.

[FDog]

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

[stevenl]

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Officially you can not, airticket is the requirement.

And yes, enforcement of the rule depends on the airline. In general from Australia ans US quite strict, from Europe less, and from Asia hardly ever, since the local airlines know that Thai immigration does not enforce the rule.

[tig28]

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Hi FD

Yes -- I have been checked on 3 different occasions when leaving Australia -- Qantas/ BA.

You shall find that the only ticket out of Thailand that is acceptable is air travel. Land travel is not an option.

[madmitch]

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:01 AM, stevenl said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Officially you can not, airticket is the requirement.

And yes, enforcement of the rule depends on the airline. In general from Australia ans US quite strict, from Europe less, and from Asia hardly ever, since the local airlines know that Thai immigration does not enforce the rule.

You are wrong about Asia, Steven. I have had many customers from Singapore and KL, particularly with the low-cost airlines, who have been refused check-in until they buy a flight out of Thailand.

Personally I think it's just Air Asia, Tiger and others trying to make a sale rather than any official immigration procedures.

[craigt3365]

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:07 AM, madmitch said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:01 AM, stevenl said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Officially you can not, airticket is the requirement.

And yes, enforcement of the rule depends on the airline. In general from Australia ans US quite strict, from Europe less, and from Asia hardly ever, since the local airlines know that Thai immigration does not enforce the rule.

You are wrong about Asia, Steven. I have had many customers from Singapore and KL, particularly with the low-cost airlines, who have been refused check-in until they buy a flight out of Thailand.

Personally I think it's just Air Asia, Tiger and others trying to make a sale rather than any official immigration procedures.

I've personally heard from several travelers who were refused entry to a flight in both Singapore and KL due to no visa and no onward ticket. It doesn't happen all the time, but it does happen.

[richard_smith237]

I think its down to how efficient the country is as a general rule... i.e. I've been checked in Singapore and the UK. But most countries in Asia don't even give the Passport a second look or check for a return ticket... Though I wouldn't chance it.

[theblether]

You'll get away with it until you don't.

I saw a guy being refused entry at CM airport this morning as he hadn't notated which hotel he was staying in, and when asked for a name he couldn't give one. He then claimed he was meeting a pal and staying with him, the officer took his phone from him and phoned said pal who didn't answer.

He was sent to the supervisor to sort it out and that's the last I saw of him. Who would have thought eh?

This IS Thailand........you get inured to the rules until they suddenly bite you.

Incidentally, I saw a party of four Europeans being refused entry this morning as well, why I don't know. I was the last guy through immigration from my flight and they also were still in negotiation with a senior official when I left.

Mess with the rules at your peril I would say.

[craigt3365]

  On 4/29/2013 at 5:27 AM, theblether said:

You'll get away with it until you don't.

I saw a guy being refused entry at CM airport this morning as he hadn't notated which hotel he was staying in, and when asked for a name he couldn't give one. He then claimed he was meeting a pal and staying with him, the officer took his phone from him and phoned said pal who didn't answer.

He was sent to the supervisor to sort it out and that's the last I saw of him. Who would have thought eh?

This IS Thailand........you get inured to the rules until they suddenly bite you.

Incidentally, I saw a party of four Europeans being refused entry this morning as well, why I don't know. I was the last guy through immigration from my flight and they also were still in negotiation with a senior official when I left.

Mess with the rules at your peril I would say.

Where these 4 people wearing funny looking red hats? Might have been their problem.

[theblether]

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:07 AM, madmitch said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:01 AM, stevenl said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Officially you can not, airticket is the requirement.

And yes, enforcement of the rule depends on the airline. In general from Australia ans US quite strict, from Europe less, and from Asia hardly ever, since the local airlines know that Thai immigration does not enforce the rule.

You are wrong about Asia, Steven. I have had many customers from Singapore and KL, particularly with the low-cost airlines, who have been refused check-in until they buy a flight out of Thailand.

Personally I think it's just Air Asia, Tiger and others trying to make a sale rather than any official immigration procedures.

+1 re the refusal to allow check in with AirAsia.

My lady was flying to Singapore to meet me from Chiang Mai, I had given her the outward flight number but not the return one. That caused a panic as by the time I found out it was close to the gate closing and I didn't have internet access to dig out the flight number.

The saving grace was that I knew the exact date and time of flight and AA checked it while my lady was on the phone to me, they confirmed the flight number and let her board. Me bad, my fault.

That won't happen again.......

[theblether]

  On 4/29/2013 at 5:31 AM, craigt3365 said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 5:27 AM, theblether said:

You'll get away with it until you don't.

I saw a guy being refused entry at CM airport this morning as he hadn't notated which hotel he was staying in, and when asked for a name he couldn't give one. He then claimed he was meeting a pal and staying with him, the officer took his phone from him and phoned said pal who didn't answer.

He was sent to the supervisor to sort it out and that's the last I saw of him. Who would have thought eh?

This IS Thailand........you get inured to the rules until they suddenly bite you.

Incidentally, I saw a party of four Europeans being refused entry this morning as well, why I don't know. I was the last guy through immigration from my flight and they also were still in negotiation with a senior official when I left.

Mess with the rules at your peril I would say.

Where these 4 people wearing funny looking red hats? Might have been their problem.

Ah now you mention it

I will say that one particular officer was on the warpath this morning, the Chinese contingent were gathering behind the desks after being granted entry, and waiting for the rest of their party, he went mad a few times and started shouting and bawling at them to move.

I've not seen a performance like that before at Immigration.

[lomatopo]

People seem to be mixing experiences:

1.) An IDB in XXX for XXX-THA (BKK, DMK, CNX, other int'l airports)

and

2.) Denial of entry upon arrival at THA.

I've heard of people being IDBed in XXX, but never denied entry once arriving in THA. People who've been IDBed are sometimes prompted, at check-in, to purchase an on-ward ticket. Admittedly my exposure to these issues is extremely limited.

If you fly a lot with a single carrier they may both know your visa status and be able to see additional ticketed reservation(s).

[jamles]

Thanks to all for the feedback. It seems that whether one is checked for an onward travel ticket or not is subject to several variables such as departure airline, location and discretion of the agent. Also, based on TBs post regarding his experience in Singapore, I gather that physical proof is not required i.e., a printed copy of a ticket rather, if you know the flight number, date, time, the check-in agent can verify your ticket. That's good to know.

I will add that I have been checked before and forced to purchase an onward plane ticket when boarding a flight from Hong Kong to BKK about 3 years ago.

[stevenl]

  On 4/30/2013 at 1:36 AM, jamles said:

Thanks to all for the feedback. It seems that whether one is checked for an onward travel ticket or not is subject to several variables such as departure airline, location and discretion of the agent. Also, based on TBs post regarding his experience in Singapore, I gather that physical proof is not required i.e., a printed copy of a ticket rather, if you know the flight number, date, time, the check-in agent can verify your ticket. That's good to know.

I will add that I have been checked before and forced to purchase an onward plane ticket when boarding a flight from Hong Kong to BKK about 3 years ago.

Don't base anything on one post, or even multiple posts. Physical proof is required, but the airline/agent may give some leeway.

[lomatopo]

Some/many airlines have implemented automatic checks which "dip" into one of several databases, http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm#'>IATA might maintain the most widely used one, at check-in and which, based on the traveler's passport and destination, prompt for a check of a visa and/or onward travel. A check-in agent really has little discretion here, they have to check a box that shows that they verified onward travel, and their keystrokes can be audited in the future. Not all airlines have implemented these procedures. And not all airlines can look up any/all other airlines' record locators to verify proof of on-ward travel. If you do have a separate, ticketed itinerary for travel departing Thailand within 30 days then you should carry a print-out, or email, and have it ready for display. Obviously, the simplest, easiest. least-expensive and fool-proof method is to obtain a real visa. FWIW, there are very few fully refundable, i.e. no fee for a refund, tickets available these days so maybe best to just get a throw-away on FD to SIN/HAN for ~ 2,000-ish baht?

I confess I didn't exactly understand "the blether's" experience, but it sounds like his lady is Thai, she was traveling from Thailand to Singapore, FD might not have seen her return (SIN-THA) flight and thus would deny her boarding as she can only go to Singapore for 30 days. Once FD was provided with record locator of her return, presumably a separate ticket on FD, she was allowed to board. Singapore does limit the number of ASEAN women entering the country, and many are turned back each day at Changi.

[Qauvorka]

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:04 AM, tig28 said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Hi FD

Yes -- I have been checked on 3 different occasions when leaving Australia -- Qantas/ BA.

You shall find that the only ticket out of Thailand that is acceptable is air travel. Land travel is not an option.

Leaving Australia I just show a non immigrant O visa and no onward ticket is required

[Mario2008]

An onward ticket is required for people that don't hold a visa and want to make use of a visa exempt entry or a visa on arrival. With a tourist visa or non-immigrant visa no proof of onward travel is required.

[FDog]

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:04 AM, tig28 said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Hi FD

Yes -- I have been checked on 3 different occasions when leaving Australia -- Qantas/ BA.

You shall find that the only ticket out of Thailand that is acceptable is air travel. Land travel is not an option.

You could well be right as the land ticket I used was when entering Malaysia.

Gold Coast to Singapore with Scoot and at check in they asked to see my onward ticket. I had a flight booked from Singapore to KL so no problem.

Singapore to KL with Jetstar Asia. They asked for onward ticket. I had a bus ticket booked for this reason and they said it was ok to go.

Enter KL, no onward ticket asked for, 3 months visa. Then get refund on bus ticket. Thank you.

[riclag]

Coming soon to Thailand on a triple entry. Iv'e looked at many posts about onward flights weather Thai gov or the airlines require them also checked out IATA and the Thai embassy sites. I'm going to buy a one way onward ticket in the states flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur on Air asia. I'm going to schedule it just before my visa stamp runs out . It sounds like many airlines are asking for onwards.

[stevenl]

  On 6/15/2013 at 1:50 PM, riclag said:

Coming soon to Thailand on a triple entry. Iv'e looked at many posts about onward flights weather Thai gov or the airlines require them also checked out IATA and the Thai embassy sites. I'm going to buy a one way onward ticket in the states flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur on Air asia. I'm going to schedule it just before my visa stamp runs out . It sounds like many airlines are asking for onwards.

You have a visa, so onward ticket is not required. Onward or return ticket is only required if entering visa exempt.

[Sophon]

  On 4/30/2013 at 4:51 AM, FDog said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 3:04 AM, tig28 said:

  On 4/29/2013 at 2:45 AM, FDog said:

When leaving Australia they are very strict on you having onward travel, doesn't have to be an airline ticket though. You can have a cheap refundable bus ticket.

Hi FD

Yes -- I have been checked on 3 different occasions when leaving Australia -- Qantas/ BA.

You shall find that the only ticket out of Thailand that is acceptable is air travel. Land travel is not an option.

You could well be right as the land ticket I used was when entering Malaysia.

Gold Coast to Singapore with Scoot and at check in they asked to see my onward ticket. I had a flight booked from Singapore to KL so no problem.

Singapore to KL with Jetstar Asia. They asked for onward ticket. I had a bus ticket booked for this reason and they said it was ok to go.

Enter KL, no onward ticket asked for, 3 months visa. Then get refund on bus ticket. Thank you.

All the trips you mention are to destinations outside Thailand, so not relevant to a discussion of what is required when flying to Thailand. Each country has its own requirements, so you cannot extrapolate from your experience when visiting other countries.

Sophon

[cooked]

Worst case scenario is that you go buy a real cheap ticket like Bangkok - Phnom Pen or similar.

[riclag]

  On 6/16/2013 at 1:00 AM, stevenl said:

  On 6/15/2013 at 1:50 PM, riclag said:

Coming soon to Thailand on a triple entry. Iv'e looked at many posts about onward flights weather Thai gov or the airlines require them also checked out IATA and the Thai embassy sites. I'm going to buy a one way onward ticket in the states flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur on Air asia. I'm going to schedule it just before my visa stamp runs out . It sounds like many airlines are asking for onwards.

You have a visa, so onward ticket is not required. Onward or return ticket is only required if entering visa exempt.

Sorry Steven but I very much believe your facts aren't quiet right. Visa on arrival you most certainly have to have a onward ticket this is what many many airlines are asking for especially from the USA. Now that being said I checked all the forces to be IATA,Thai Embassy site they all say "you don't need a onward ticket", but they also state, its always up to the airline even if one has a visa stamp.It seems the Thai's aren't the one's who are enforcing this, but that some of the airlines are. I'm cheap. I don't want to be caught in the he said she said and be forced to by a ticket at the airport at ridiculous short noticed booking prices. I'll take my chances on a special that Air Asia has to KL out of BKK and book it online once I get my visa. I'll pack it and show it if need be.

[Carib]

  On 6/16/2013 at 8:20 PM, riclag said:

  On 6/16/2013 at 1:00 AM, stevenl said:

  On 6/15/2013 at 1:50 PM, riclag said:

Coming soon to Thailand on a triple entry. Iv'e looked at many posts about onward flights weather Thai gov or the airlines require them also checked out IATA and the Thai embassy sites. I'm going to buy a one way onward ticket in the states flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur on Air asia. I'm going to schedule it just before my visa stamp runs out . It sounds like many airlines are asking for onwards.

You have a visa, so onward ticket is not required. Onward or return ticket is only required if entering visa exempt.

Sorry Steven but I very much believe your facts aren't quiet right. Visa on arrival you most certainly have to have a onward ticket this is what many many airlines are asking for especially from the USA. Now that being said I checked all the forces to be IATA,Thai Embassy site they all say "you don't need a onward ticket", but they also state, its always up to the airline even if one has a visa stamp.It seems the Thai's aren't the one's who are enforcing this, but that some of the airlines are. I'm cheap. I don't want to be caught in the he said she said and be forced to by a ticket at the airport at ridiculous short noticed booking prices. I'll take my chances on a special that Air Asia has to KL out of BKK and book it online once I get my visa. I'll pack it and show it if need be.

Sorry riclag, it is you who is wrong.

No one holding a visa can be denied boarding by an airline for not having onward travel plans or proof thereof. If they could no one would be sure of anything when travelling.

One can be denied entering the Kingdom at immigration, but then it is not the airlines responsibility, since the passenger was given a visa allowing him/her to travel towards the Kingdom, by representatives of the Kingdom. The airline cannot be blamed in that way.

If travelling without a visa, one needs proof of return or onward travelling, otherwise the airline may be held responsible for the return flight if their passenger should be denied access at the immigration checkpoint.

No visa; They (the airline), will need to see (or can ask for) proof of onward or return travelling within the validity of the visa exempt period.

Having been issued a visa; Allows one to travel towards the Kingdom, without any further proof of traveling what so ever.

[IrishIvan]

There is nothing stopping you booking a bus trip out of Thailand, or even saying you are leaving the country on a pleasure craft. This normally confuses the check in staff and stops them in their tracks. The only thing you have to prove is you are leaving Thailand, the airlines dont state by which mode of transport

[stevenl]

  On 6/16/2013 at 9:19 PM, IrishIvan said:

There is nothing stopping you booking a bus trip out of Thailand, or even saying you are leaving the country on a pleasure craft. This normally confuses the check in staff and stops them in their tracks. The only thing you have to prove is you are leaving Thailand, the airlines dont state by which mode of transport

Officially airticket is required. Any other (claim of) ticket might be accepted or it might not be accepted.

[stevenl]

  On 6/16/2013 at 8:20 PM, riclag said:

  On 6/16/2013 at 1:00 AM, stevenl said:

  On 6/15/2013 at 1:50 PM, riclag said:

Coming soon to Thailand on a triple entry. Iv'e looked at many posts about onward flights weather Thai gov or the airlines require them also checked out IATA and the Thai embassy sites. I'm going to buy a one way onward ticket in the states flying from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur on Air asia. I'm going to schedule it just before my visa stamp runs out . It sounds like many airlines are asking for onwards.

You have a visa, so onward ticket is not required. Onward or return ticket is only required if entering visa exempt.

Sorry Steven but I very much believe your facts aren't quiet right. Visa on arrival you most certainly have to have a onward ticket this is what many many airlines are asking for especially from the USA. <snip>

You're confusing visa on arrival with visa exempt entry. With visa you really do not need a flight ticket. But up to you to unnecessary spend some money.