Do you need an onward ticket for entry into Thailand?

[Vital Spark]

My nephew is coming to stay with us for a while without a Thai visa. Does he really need an onward ticket to be allowed into Thailand? Any experience of entering Thailand recently would be really appreciated as there's so much conflicting information on the net.

Thanks.
VS

[Ginjaninja]

Yes.
Return ticket within 30 days or an outbound ticket within the same period.
I have have problems on several occations trying to get to Thailand because I did not have a return flight booked (actually I was already using my return leg to get back 'home' to Thailand).
GN.

[Vital Spark]

Thanks for that Ginjanina I'm hoping he can get a free 60 Day Single-Entry Tourist visa, but the UK Thai Consulate site isn't really clear about anything. He needs to do it by mail as he doesn't live in London, but I can't see anything on the site about postal applications. Has anyone recently got one (by post)?

VS

[Riversider]

You can get a visa by post from London, the only problem is it must be cash. They don't accept cheques. Must have sae for return of passports. Costs an extra £10. I got this info by phone from the embassy. In the end I went to the embassy as I had to go to London anyway. Suggest phone Embassy to confirm this and also check cost of visa as fees have been waived for Tourist visa but don't know when this ends.

[HarryVardon]

I have never ever been asked to show my ticket when entering Thailand. I have however been asked every time when leaving Europe to show my Return Ticket or long stay visa when not having a return ticket from the same airline. He won't have trouble getting into Thailand but will have trouble boarding the plane in Europe.

[StevePIraq]

I have never ever been asked to show my ticket when entering Thailand. I have however been asked every time when leaving Europe to show my Return Ticket or long stay visa when not having a return ticket from the same airline. He won't have trouble getting into Thailand but will have trouble boarding the plane in Europe.

I have had exactly the same experience, never asked when entering Ting Tong Land but often asked when leaving.

[Big Boy]

And that is exactly what I was advised by the Thai Embassy in London. A return ticket was required if no visa, but it was down to the airline to check, as they would be liable for repatriation if entry was denied. Best to check with his airline. and obtain their written authority, which can be shown at check-in.

[NOKYAI]

I came on my last trip with a 1 way ticket believing that buying my future returns from Thailand would be cheaper ( they weren't ) and nobody batted an eye. The embassy in London or immigration when I extended my 60 day tourist visa or airline never said anything.

[errrmmm]

Arrived Thailand (Bangkok) 3 times this year from London - the last start of November - several last year, and many before that.
I have never been aaked for evidence of a return ticket either leaving London Heathrow, or arriving at
Bangkok. So shouldn't be a problem.

[Big Boy]

I think it's down to the airline as to whether they check - after all, the risk is entirely theirs.

errrmmm, did you actually have a return ticket? If yes, I'd guess it would show up on the check-in clerk's computer.

[lomuamart]

I'd never advise anyone to try and travel one way here without a visa.
Sometimes, people will get lucky but I'd bet that the vast majority will not be allowed to board the plane unless they buy a return or onward ticket at the airport first.

[Big Boy]

As I said, check with the airline. A 2 minute e-mail will give peace of mind.

[Vital Spark]

Thank you so much for your hugely helpful replies.

I've now advised him to get a single-entry Tourist Visa (he can do it by post) - and we can sort out any ins and outs when he gets here. I have no idea how long he'll being staying with boring old aunt and uncle in the sticks - I'm sure, being a 21 year-old, he'll be longing for some action somewhere after a while...

VS

[HHCanuck]

Working overseas I have had the same problem when I was using my return ticket to Bangkok. The easiest way to get around it is to book a refundable ticket leaving Thailand (Air Asia to KL for example). Once you arrive you cancel the ticket online.

[moater]

Read viewtopic.php?f=47&t=31473&p=403342#p403342 (the entire thread is relevant).