Non-Immigrant visa Catch 22

[SABloke]

The Embassy in South Africa sent me an email regarding new visa requirements etc. " Step 1: Please complete all steps for Tourist visa (See above) first, then add documents as required listed below."

Seems simple enough...but wait: one of the requirements for the Tourist visa is a return plane ticket. I live in Thailand so am not going to buy return ticket that I will never use.

Should I just ignore that point and hope for the best?

[ubonjoe]

They should accept a onward ticket to a nearby country. Many embassy websites state a return ticket but a onward ticket is accepted.

 

[SABloke]

They should accept a onward ticket to a nearby country. Many embassy websites state a return ticket but a onward ticket is accepted.
 

Even for a non-immigrant visa application? Sorry, I didn't make it clear that I was applying for a Non-O visa. :)

[ubonjoe]

5 minutes ago, SABloke said:

 

Even for a non-immigrant visa application? Sorry, I didn't make it clear that I was applying for a Non-O visa. :)

 

It appears the embassy was confused since they mentioned tourist visa requirements.

The website does not mention a return ticket for a non immigrant visa application.  http://www.thaiembassy.org/pretoria/en/services/29812-Non-Immigrant-Visa.html

[SABloke]

It appears the embassy was confused since they mentioned tourist visa requirements.
The website does not mention a return ticket for a non immigrant visa application.  http://www.thaiembassy.org/pretoria/en/services/29812-Non-Immigrant-Visa.html

That's what I'm hoping. It seems maybe a memo was issued by someone without cross-checking requirements. For interest I have attached screenshots form the memo. Point 1 in red is the statement in question.

[IMA_FARANG]

This is misunderstood by many people.

When applying for a Single .Entry Tourist Visa  SETV  the issuing Thai Consulate may require a ticket out of Thailand at the end of your legal stay time.

They do that in case you overstay your legal stay time.

They never require a ticket home or a return ticket to your origin,

What they do sometimes ask for is see a confirmed   ticket out of Thailand.

Some Thai consulates will want to see and verify that ticket before they will issue a visa.

Other consulates do not require it.

 

[muzmurray]

1 hour ago, IMA_FARANG said:

This is misunderstood by many people.

When applying for a Single .Entry Tourist Visa  SETV  the issuing Thai Consulate may require a ticket out of Thailand at the end of your legal stay time.

They do that in case you overstay your legal stay time.

They never require a ticket home or a return ticket to your origin,

What they do sometimes ask for is see a confirmed   ticket out of Thailand.

Some Thai consulates will want to see and verify that ticket before they will issue a visa.

Other consulates do not require it.

 

 

Seems you misunderstood that the OP is applying for a Non-O.

[elviajero]

They do appear to want a return ticket even for a non immigrant visa. I suggest you email the embassy for clarification and what they'll accept.

 

Although you live in Thailand the visa only gives you permission to stay for 90 days after which you must leave or apply for a 1 year extension of stay,  If they do insist on a flight out you could try for a cheap onward flight as suggested by ubonjoe, or book a refundable return ticket.

[muffy]

Throw away bus ticket out .