A friend will be arriving soon. He will receive a 30 day tourist visa up arrival, however he will only be holding a one-ticket into the Kingdom. No return ticket to go back home.

Problems upon arrival???

Thanks in advance.

He would be getting a 30 day visa exempt entry not a tourist visa.

It normally would not be a problem to enter the country without a return or onward ticket but he may have a problem boarding his flight to here without a ticket out of the country within 30 days.

As ubonjoe said probably no problems entering the country, but the airline may give him problems trying to board with only a one way ticket.

Their is no requirement for a return ticket, but the airline may want to see a ticket to travel outside of Thailand within 30 days of his arrival.

Also as you will learn, if he has any intention of returning home....airline tickets often cost more in Thailand than in Europe or the U.K.

So the idea of buying 2 one way tickets is usually more expensive in the long run than buying a return ticket in your home country at the start of your trip

As said, the problem will be boarding the aircraft.

He needs a Visa if staying more than 30 days.

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not sure why he would have problems boarding the flight in his home country?

He purchased the one-way ticket in his home country. The airline he is traveling on, is an Asian airline, that should be familiar with the rules?

Anyway, guess he'll find out this weekend.

I get checked in the UK when i use my return half of my ticket back to Thailand. They look for or I have to point out that i have a valid visa for Thailand. You will be lucky to get on the plane if you are not a Thai resident without a visa.

Could just book a cheap flight out of Thailand to Laos, Malaysia or Singapore, then not use it.

Some years ago I was asked at Thai air checkin desk in Melbourne if I had valid permission to enter Thailand as I had a oneway ticket only.I answered yes I do (I had a reentry permit but they did not ask for details.)

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not sure why he would have problems boarding the flight in his home country?

He purchased the one-way ticket in his home country. The airline he is traveling on, is an Asian airline, that should be familiar with the rules?

Anyway, guess he'll find out this weekend.

He will very likely have problems boarding the flight in his home country b/c airlines seem to be afraid of liability after flying people to Thailand who don't have permission to stay beyond 30 days and don't have proof that they're leaving before then.

Cathay Pacific once forced me to show proof of onward transport before boarding a one-way flight to Thailand from New York -- and in that case I did have an actual tourist visa. (Luckily I had a ticket to Vietnam handy.)

They might let him board if he explains that he intends to travel overland to another country within 30 days and buy a ticket home later, but I wouldn't bet on that unless he's coming from elsewhere in Asia. If he's coming from North America, Europe or Australia, I'd bet that they won't let him board.

But he won't need to buy a ticket back home. Tell him to be ready to buy the cheapest ticket out of Thailand that he can find (like BKK > Kuala Lumpur or Yangon) and use that as proof of onward travel. He'd have to use Internet on a smartphone or other device at the airport and buy it on the spot at the airport.

I posted this earlier today under another topic when Rayk made this comment.

If planning on booking a 1 way ticket the airline will not allow you to board the plane without a return flight to any country in the world.

I have noticed this comment made by a number of members quite a few times and again here. Yet when I came out here to retire in Sept 15, I bought one way tickets for myself and my Thai girlfriend who was with me. I was going to get a 30 day tourist visa then go for the extensions of stay converting to a retirement extension of stay. We flew with Thai Airways from Heathrow to Swampy and was never questioned about a one way ticket when it came to getting the tickets from the airline or when boarding. I know I booked online but you still have to see airline personnel when dropping off the bags and actually receiving the tickets. I am not sure if having my girlfriend with me made any difference or if I was just lucky. Now happily retired here and no problems.

Many people have travelled to Thailand on a one way ticket and without a visa, expecting to be granted a visa exempt entry upon arrival.

I know because I have done it 3 times without any problems from Australia with 2 different airlines.

If questioned by airline check-in staff the traveller can say he is travelling overland to other asian countries after his visa exempt entry of 30 days to Thailand has expired.

In 3 trips I personally have NEVER been questioned by airline staff about a visa .

Eva air are now checking tickets at Heathrow. I came out on a 90 Day Non O earlier this year with a return flight booked after an 88 day stay.(I always allow an extra day or two on leaving Thailand in case of unexpected delays etc) When I dropped my bag off they checked my boarding pass, looked up the ticket on their system and asked to see my Visa. She then entered all the visa details onto their system. As everything was in order no problems but she explained that they were checking all passports and visas for any return flights to Bangkok over 30 days and if no valid visa they may deny boarding.She also said this applied to single tickets too without a valid visa or onward flight booked. May have been a 'one off' but I doubt it as she seemed very efficient and knew what she was doing.

Depends on the Airline. Depends on the check-in staff. Possibly not an issue for all Countries. And you may be able to bullshit your way through, but no guarantees..... Definitely does occur at Gatwick and Heathrow on some Airlines.

I live in BKK, but worked (until recently) in Hong Kong. Over the last seven years, I have flown into Thailand >200 times on 30-day visa exempt status. I tend to book my round trips with a BKK origin, as these are generally less expensive. So I often do not have a ticket out of Thailand when I enter.

The airlines sometimes hassle me when I check in. They point out that I am required to have a return ticket out of Thailand before I enter. Having done this many times, I have learned the following...

The airline is responsible for making sure that you have a return ticket. But they (or, at least, Cathay and Thai) have a form you can sign that absolves them of any responsibility. Basically, the form says that if you are stopped by immigration, you will buy a return ticket on the spot. I've signed 10-15 such forms over the years. Never once has Thai immigration raised a whimper.

Good luck!

I think it really is the luck of the draw. Our son has just arrived here from England on a one-way ticket using his UK passport for a visa exempt entry and he had no problems either leaving the UK or entering Thailand. He flew from Manchester via Copenhagen, the first leg of the journey being with SAS and the second being with Thai. Admittedly he looks more Thai than English so maybe they assumed he had a Thai passport (he does but it expired 4 years ago).

Most airlines (or the big ones) have a disclaimer form saying your responsibility if refused entry on arrival - most of the airlines own staff don't know about it so are likely to refuse you entry onto the plane with 1 way ticket but the form is available - depends who you get at checkin on the day - I just buy cheap ticket 29 days later to nearest country - if you book at same time as your outward flight - cost is peanuts

It's not likely to be an issue with Thai Imm. but rather with the airline. You should at least be prepared to use your phone to buy an onward ticket on the spot in case the airline insists. If they don't, then all's well; if they do, you've got a plan. Stating you wish to sign a waiver has apparently worked for some.

A few years ago, I was refused boarding by Jetstar for 1 way ticket from Melbourne to Bangkok. I had a return ticket with booking number for Thai airway but without a physical paper. because I did it online. They did not accept my booking number only. They refused to ring Thai airway (which is just in the next section of the check in counter) to confirm. I rang Thai Airway and they willing to fax the ticket to Jetstar but Jetstar refused to provide the Fax no. They kept me waiting in the check in counter until the flight departed. I had to buy another ticket with Thai on the same day. I would not do that if I was you risking refusal for boarding,

Question.I live here and have done so for some years now.If i wish to return home(UK) to visit family and friends and to see my new born grand son,and am not sure of my return date.Is it ok to re enter Thailand on a one way ticket,bearing in mind that i would be in possession of a retirement extension and an exit stamp.

Thanx in advance.

Question.I live here and have done so for some years now.If i wish to return home(UK) to visit family and friends and to see my new born grand son,and am not sure of my return date.Is it ok to re enter Thailand on a one way ticket,bearing in mind that i would be in possession of a retirement extension and an exit stamp.

Thanx in advance.

"exit stamp"......re-entry permit?

No problem at all, if you have a valid visa or extension then you don't need a ticket out of Thailand. And it wont be entering Thailand that is an issue, only checking in at the airport the UK.

As ubonjoe said probably no problems entering the country, but the airline may give him problems trying to board with only a one way ticket.

Their is no requirement for a return ticket, but the airline may want to see a ticket to travel outside of Thailand within 30 days of his arrival.

Also as you will learn, if he has any intention of returning home....airline tickets often cost more in Thailand than in Europe or the U.K.

So the idea of buying 2 one way tickets is usually more expensive in the long run than buying a return ticket in your home country at the start of your trip

From the Royal Thai Embassy in London

Tourist Visa Exemption

According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002), 18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005), passport holders from 41 countries and 1 special administrative region - Hong Kong SAR - are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. If such foreigners enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints which border neighbouring countries (overland crossing), they will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time.

Since 20 December 2013,Nationals of (G7) the following countries who enter via a land crossing or enter via an airport will be entitled to a 30 day visa exemption , UK, U.S.A, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, France

The exemption to this is Malaysian nationals crossing overland from Malaysia who are granted a period of stay not exceeding 30 days each time.

Foreigners who enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category and would like to leave and re-enter may only stay for a cumulative duration which does not exceed 90 days and is within a 6-month period from the date of first entry. (Passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of first entry).

Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand at the port of entry (i.e., traveller’s cheque or cash equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family).

Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained).

Please note that Tourist Visa Exemption only applies to foreigners holding passports issued by the countries listed below. Travel documents for aliens issued by these countries are not acceptable.

Make special note of this requirement.

Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained).

So all you people saying there is no requirement to have an onward ticket are completely wrong.

Edited July 26, 20169 yr by Rayk

Royal Thai Embassy

Singapore in regards to Transit Visa

Home » VISA MATTERS / CONSULAR » Visa Requirements

TRANSIT VISA

Transit Visa (TS) may be granted to passengers in transit in Thailand and non-professional juvenile sport players visiting Thailand for sport competition.

Please check your eligibility to apply for visa at the Royal Thai Embassy, Singapore, at http://www.thaiembassy.sg/visa-matters-/-consular/instructions-for-visa-application

Validity: Transit Visa is valid for 90 days after the date of application (30 days maximum per stay).

Required documents:

1. Visa Application form(s) and photograph(s): Completed and signed Visa Application form (click here to download) and recent photograph(s) (size 3.5x4.5 cm). Most applicants require to present 1 Visa Application form and 1 photograph, except nationals of the following countries:

- 2 application forms and 2 photographs:Chaina(for Tourist Visa/Transit Visa applicants Only), Nigeria

- 3 application forms and 3 photographs: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, China (for Non-Immigrant Visa applicants Only), Central Africa Republic, Congo, Congo DRC, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, -Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

- 4 application forms and 4 photographs:Iran

2. Passport (valid for no less than 6 months)

3. Travel tickets in and out of Thailand

Edited July 26, 20169 yr by Rayk

As ubonjoe said probably no problems entering the country, but the airline may give him problems trying to board with only a one way ticket.

Their is no requirement for a return ticket, but the airline may want to see a ticket to travel outside of Thailand within 30 days of his arrival.

Also as you will learn, if he has any intention of returning home....airline tickets often cost more in Thailand than in Europe or the U.K.

So the idea of buying 2 one way tickets is usually more expensive in the long run than buying a return ticket in your home country at the start of your trip

From the Royal Thai Embassy in London

Tourist Visa Exemption

According to the Interior Ministerial Announcements dated 1 October B.E. 2545 (2002), 20 December B.E. 2545 (2002), 18 October B.E. 2547 (2004) and 6 May B.E. 2548 (2005), passport holders from 41 countries and 1 special administrative region - Hong Kong SAR - are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. If such foreigners enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints which border neighbouring countries (overland crossing), they will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time.

Since 20 December 2013,Nationals of (G7) the following countries who enter via a land crossing or enter via an airport will be entitled to a 30 day visa exemption , UK, U.S.A, Canada, Italy, Germany, Japan, France

The exemption to this is Malaysian nationals crossing overland from Malaysia who are granted a period of stay not exceeding 30 days each time.

Foreigners who enter Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category and would like to leave and re-enter may only stay for a cumulative duration which does not exceed 90 days and is within a 6-month period from the date of first entry. (Passport or travel document must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of first entry).

Foreigners entering Thailand under the Tourist Visa Exemption category must provide proof of adequate finances for the duration of stay in Thailand at the port of entry (i.e., travellers cheque or cash equivalent to 10,000 Baht per person and 20,000 Baht per family).

Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained).

Please note that Tourist Visa Exemption only applies to foreigners holding passports issued by the countries listed below. Travel documents for aliens issued by these countries are not acceptable.

Make special note of this requirement.

Foreigners entering Thailand by any means under the Tourist Visa Exemption category are required at the port of entry to have proof of onward travel (confirmed air, train, bus or boat tickets) to leave Thailand within 30 days of the arrival date (otherwise a tourist visa must be obtained).

So all you people saying there is no requirement to have an onward ticket are completely wrong.

After reading that it looks like you can book a bus ticket out of Thailand and that should be sufficient to show.

I flew out of Heathow 1 week ago on a one way ticket to BKK with Eurowings (a subsidary of Lufthansa). Check in staff asked me how long i was staying in Thailand (to which i replied 29 days) and they accepted this without asking for proof.

However i was prepared and i had a ticket out of Thailand to KL ready. The small print clauses of the airline made it pretty clear that i could be refused boarding without documentation showing that i would comply with the immigration rules of the destination country.

I flew out of Heathow 1 week ago on a one way ticket to BKK with Eurowings (a subsidary of Lufthansa). Check in staff asked me how long i was staying in Thailand (to which i replied 29 days) and they accepted this without asking for proof.

However i was prepared and i had a ticket out of Thailand to KL ready. The small print clauses of the airline made it pretty clear that i could be refused boarding without documentation showing that i would comply with the immigration rules of the destination country.

If such was the case then it would appear that the staff worker for Eurowings was not performing her duties as required by her employer.

Possibly true, but the airlines clauses are obviously also designed to cover the airline in respect of its responsibilities of returning you to your home country if you are not allowed entry to the destination country. They state that the traveller would be responsible for covering any costs involved in being returned home.