Returning to Thailand

[paulklee]

I'm returning to Thailand soon after about 8 months away. I'm going back on the return leg of a ticket originally bought in Thailand and return still valid (and flight already booked). My "Retirement Visa" has expired while away and I will renew that in due course. As a Brit flying from London, I have been told that there is no problem getting in (either visa on arrival or visa exempt).

A concern is the airline (BA), as I wont have a return ticket back to London when I check in to go to Thailand.

Do any of the experts see any problems with this scenario? This potential problem has just occurred to me and as I'm travelling in early July I don't have much time to change anything. Any suggestions?

[KhunBENQ]

The airline can ask for a return OR onward ticket (or other proof of onward travel).

No idea how strict BA is.

If you want to be formally safe then book online a cheap onward ticket within 30 days from arrival.

Cheapest to my last check is a one way from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia.

[KhunBENQ]

Example:

a oneway Phuket - Kuala Lumpur on July 19 would be 1190 Baht (plus some payment fee).

Yes, it's money for the bin but cheaper and less hassle than a visa.

Just a reminder: if you arrive with visa exempt you will have some way to go until you can do an extension of stay.

A Non-O visa is the easier way for this purpose.

[ubonjoe]

You have time to apply for a single entry tourist visa that will give you a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. No need for a onward ticket if you have a visa.

You can apply for it by post or in person at the embassy in London or in person at one of the consulates.

[elviajero]

• As a Brit you don't qualify for, or need, visa on arrival as you are eligible for visa exempt entry.

If you travel without a visa and an onward flight dated within 30 days of arrival you can be denied boarding.

[PoorSucker]

Are you planning to stay long?

Get a non-O visa before travel so you don't need two trips to CW to change your visa status.

[anotheruser]

Getting a visa in England would probably cost more than an onward ticket to KL and waste time it seems.

[ubonjoe]

Are you planning to stay long?

Get a non-O visa before travel so you don't need two trips to CW to change your visa status.

He will not get one in the UK unless he is 65 for over. Most people have to get tourist visas.

[PoorSucker]

Are you planning to stay long?

Get a non-O visa before travel so you don't need two trips to CW to change your visa status.

He will not get one in the UK unless he is 65 for over. Most people have to get tourist visas.

wow, UK....

[ubonjoe]

Getting a visa in England would probably cost more than an onward ticket to KL and waste time it seems.

You would need to include 1900 baht for a 30 day extension in the equation. I think he will need to get that extra 30 days to get his extension of stay sorted out.

[ubonjoe]

Are you planning to stay long?

Get a non-O visa before travel so you don't need two trips to CW to change your visa status.

He will not get one in the UK unless he is 65 for over. Most people have to get tourist visas.

wow, UK....

Been that way for a couple of years. The embassy wants people to get the OA visa from them.

[paulklee]

Thanks everybody for the quick answers. Since writing I have booked a return flight to Vietnam from Bangkok and so will be able to get boarded with BA from London, at least I think so! If I have time I'll go and get a visa which seems the best overall answer. I've been told that a one-day service is usual, with a Non-Immigrant single entry at £50.00 (multiple £125). Simple form too. Any comments?

[elviajero]

Thanks everybody for the quick answers. Since writing I have booked a return flight to Vietnam from Bangkok and so will be able to get boarded with BA from London, at least I think so! If I have time I'll go and get a visa which seems the best overall answer. I've been told that a one-day service is usual, with a Non-Immigrant single entry at £50.00 (multiple £125). Simple form too. Any comments?

• You will only get a non 'O' based on retirement if you are in receipt of state pension.
• If you have an onward ticket you should have no problem traveling and entering use visa exempt entry, and if you want another 1 year extension you could convert that entry to a non 'O' entry in Thailand.
• Or you can easily get a non 'O' from a Thai Embassy/Consulate in a country local to Thailand based on retirement (over 50).