Last Updated: 2024. Thailand technically has a rule which requires tourists to show proof of onward travel upon entry, previously this rule was rarely enforced. In fact, up until a few years ago, I would have given the advice that a return ticket, sometimes called an onward ticket, would never be needed – especially if you are travelling on a European/western passport. But now I give the opposite advice, and I strongly recommend getting one. I had travelled in and out of Thailand countless times over the past decade for various reasons, and had never been asked to show proof of onward travel, or a return ticket. It was only sometime around 2023 when I noticed this rule becoming enforced. However it’s not being enforced by Thai Immigration, but rather it’s the airline check-in staff enforcing these rules! In this post I’ll share how you can book a temporary flight ticket online if you are travelling one way into Thailand. (Book an Onward Ticket Here.)
Unsure If You Need a Return Ticket
If you are unsure whether you need to show an onward ticket when flying to Thailand one-way, I recommend booking a temporary flight ticket online, just in case. Yes, there’s a chance you won’t be asked for it, but it acts as an insurance policy, and it can give you peace of mind, which for $15~ is totally worth it in a lot of situations. There are a handful of companies to pick from but my go to has always been; Onward Ticket.
Which Is The Best Website To Get an Onward Ticket
My go to website for onward tickets has always been onwardticket.com, the reason I chose this site initially is because when I first started travelling they were one of the few sites that allowed you to configure your flight route. Which was hella-convenient for visa applications which required entry or departure at a specific airport.
Onward Ticket also processes orders automatically, and instantly. So if you’re asked for a ticket when checking in for your flight, it only takes a few minutes to get a flight reservation.
There are a whole bunch of different sites that have popped up over the past few years, but I’ve never had any issues using onward ticket, and the prices are reasonable.
What Do The Official Rules Say About Having An Onward Ticket
In Thailand, nothing is ever straightforward. And the official rules are often distorted from reality.
The ‘Official Rules’ are quite clear, Thailand’s official immigration policy states that tourists entering Thailand, must show both 20,000 Thai Baht in cash and must also show a valid flight reservation (sometimes called an onward ticket, or a return flight ticket).
The reality is slightly different from the official ruling. All immigration officers are aware of this policy, but very few of them, if any, actually enforce it. Airlines, on the other hand, take a more strict approach.
If you are unsure, click here to book an onward ticket.
Do You Need To Have An Onward Ticket
No one can ever be 100% sure if a return flight ticket (onward ticket) is needed to enter Thailand or not. It’s a confusing topic and often comes down to the answer being ‘It Depends’ or, ‘Maybe’… Technically yes, you are required to have an onward ticket. However, in reality, you probably won’t be asked to show it.
What Exactly Is An Onward Ticket
So what actually qualifies as an onward ticket? The concept is quite straightforward—it means having evidence of a valid ticket booked to depart Thailand. It does not mean you need a return ticket to the same place you arrived from. In theory, having an onward ticket proves to immigration you don’t intend to overstay in the country. Typically, this proof would be expected to be an airline ticket.
Although there is no official rule which states it has to be an airline ticket, bus or train tickets will not be accepted.
Your onward ticket doesn’t have to be back to the same place you are travelling from either, it can be a ticket for any flight leaving Thailand, to anywhere as long as it’s booked for a date within the amount of time your entrance stamp is valid for. This is 30 days for most tourists coming to Thailand.
Who Is Going To Check If You Have A Return Ticket
Believe it or not, it’s not Thai Immigration who will ask for your onward ticket. I’ve never had an immigration officer ask me for my onward ticket, although I have been asked by ground staff at a few airports, including both Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (although only at KLIA1). The reason that airlines are more likely to ask for your onward travel proof is because in a rare situation where you are denied entry, and if the airline has failed to properly check you have the correct travel documents they bear the financial burden and responsibility of repatriating passengers.
Immigration officials in Thailand rarely check your proof of onward travel. Unless they are concerned you intended to overstay your visa, or are looking for a reason to reject your entry. Again, this is unlikely to happen.
If you are concerned about being asked for proof of onward travel, you can always use Onward Ticket to book yourself a temporary flight ticket. Onward Ticket is a service that allows you to book a real flight ticket that is valid for 48 hours. This gives you enough time to enter Thailand and book your actual flight home.
When Is It Checked If You Have A Return Ticket
You are most likely to be asked for proof of onward travel when checking in for your flight. So if you are checking-in online and travelling without a checked bag, you’ll bypass the check in desk completely and this gives you a much lower chance of being asked for your onward ticket.
I guess that’s how I evaded being asked for so long! Because after a decade of travelling to and from Thailand I was finally asked for my onward ticket when checking in for a flight to Thailand at Singapore’s Changi Airport. And although your chances are a lot lower, they’re not zero. I have witnessed passengers being denied boarding at the gate! In Kuala Lumpur, for not having onward tickets.
My Experiences Being Asked For And Onward Ticket
So it finally happened, I was asked to provide an onward ticket when travelling to Thailand from Singapore. I’m going to be honest, I wasn’t overly pleased about this, and this is how I learned that airlines have a form you can sign waving them from all responsibly if you are denied entry to Thailand. The form states that any cost incurred in such a situation will be covered by myself (the passenger) and not the airline. But believe me, the check-in agent did not want to let me go down this route, and I really had to push for it.
The second time I was asked was around a year later when travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Terminal 1. Only this time I was at the gate and about to board the plane! Luckily for me, I was travelling with a Thai work visa on this occasion, meaning an onward ticket was not required.
However there were a handful of passengers who did not have onward tickets, which resulted in around 5 or 6 people being denied boarding. We were literally asked just a few minutes before the take off time! To make matters so much worse, the flight had been delayed for 90 minutes, and none of the staff mentioned this while we were all sitting in the waiting area. Instead they waited until the very last second, just as they started boarding. Passengers tried to book tickets online at the gate, but ultimately, none of them succeeded in time. It was almost comedic, hearing the cries of the check-in staff shouting; “Passport, Boarding Pass, Onward Tickets, Pleaseeeee”.
So after this experience I will now always recommend buying an onward ticket if you are travelling to Thailand one-way. Likewise if you are unsure if you need one or not, I’d recommend buying an onward ticket anyway, as a precaution. You just never know when you’ll be asked for it and it seems to be becoming increasingly common for airlines to ask.
Do You Need a Return Ticket If You Have a Visa
You are not required to provide airline staff with an onward ticket if you have a pre-approved visa for Thailand.
You can show a visa for Thailand instead of an onward Ticket. If you already have a Tourists Visa, a Work Visa, Education Visa; or any other kind of visa stuck inside your passport then you are not required to show an onward ticket.
In situations where you have a visa, you will have already submitted your travel documents along with any other requested documents at a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Thus eliminating the need for airlines to check themselves. Its possible immigration might still ask you, but with a visa- the chances are about 0.0000001%.
But please note that if you are travelling to Thailand for less than 30 days, as a tourist you do NOT have a visa, you’ll be given what’s known as a visa except entrance stamp. It is technically a rule that you need to have proof of onward travel when you are entering Thailand on a visa exemption.
Do You Need an Onward Ticket if You Entering Thailand by Land or Sea
Technically it’s a requirement that proof of onward travel is provided, regardless of whether you enter Thailand by air, land, or sea. But as I’ve said, it’s seriously unlikely that an immigration officer would ask you for an onward ticket. Besides, a lot of people enter Thailand with their own vehicles, boats, bikes or vans.
When you are travelling by air, the worst case scenario is that you are denied boarding on your flight, and the flight leaves without you.
But at a land border the stakes are lower, the worst case scenario would be you take some time to book a ticket on your phone that would satisfy the immigration officer, you might have to queue again, frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. And if I’m being perfectly honest, anyone asking for proof of onward travel at a land border, is really looking for a ‘Tip’, a ‘Bribe’, and ‘Entrance Fee’, or whatever they’re calling it nowadays.
So yes, if I’m travelling to Thailand by air, then I would always prefer to have booked an onward ticket for peace of mind. But if I’m crossing a land-border, I usually wouldn’t bother, unless asked.
What Happens If You Don’t Have A Return Ticket
In the vast majority of situations, if your airline asks to see your return ticket and you don’t have one, you can just book one while you’re at the airport, before you can check in.
In this situation, you will need to find a place to sit down and use your phone to book either a legitimate flight ticket or a ticket from OnwardTickets.com (bookmark the link for later). Once you’ve booked a ticket, just go back to the check-in counter and complete your check-in.
If you are planning to fly to Thailand without a return ticket, make sure to give yourself enough time at the airport, make sure you have a data connection, and keep enough battery in your phone to allow you to book a return flight at the last minute.
Keep in mind that it’s also possible for check-in agents to ask to see your onward ticket at the gate, as well as at the check-in counter. It’s extremely rare, and I’ve personally only had it happen to me once, but it is a possibility. And in these situations you might not have enough time to book.
Will Thai Immigration Ask For an Onward Ticket, Or Only The Airline
Assuming you’re entering Thailand on a western passport, ASEAN Passport, or passport from a trusted county, the chance of you being asked for proof of an onward travel ticket by an immigration officer is near zero. Not impossible, but highly unlikely.
If they do ask you, and you’re unable to provide it, then you’ll be swiftly deported at your own expense. Jokes.
They are either looking for a reason to deny your entry (this would usually only happen if you previously overstayed or abused your visa in Thailand), or asking for a bribe (unlikely at airport immigration, more common at land borders).
If immigration does genuinely ask you for an onward ticket, and you don’t have one. The most likely scenario would be that you are turned away from the counter, at which point you’d have a chance to book a genuine flight or an OnwardTicket, from your phone. You can then pass immigration once the onward flight proof can be shown.
What’s The Likelihood Of The Rule Being Enforced
The likelihood of being asked for proof of onward travel depends on a number of factors, most importantly your passport nationality, and secondly the airport you’re departing from and with which airline is a massive factor.
Travellers from certain countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, are less likely to be asked for proof of onward travel. However, it is still possible to be asked, and it is a good idea to have something with you just in case. In most cases, it is your airline that will ask for proof of onward travel, and not Thai immigration.
Personally, I have travelled to Thailand numerous times over the past decade, with more than 100 trips under my belt. In my experience, I have only been asked to show evidence of a return flight ticket, twice – however both occasions were post-covid. So it seems that it’s becoming more routine to ask.
*Travellers who need a visa on arrival for Thailand, INDIA, Mexican, UAE, Russia, and China will always be asked.
Where To Book An Onward Flight
If you are visiting Thailand on vacation, with a return flight booked, then you already have proof of a return/onward ticket! You don’t need to do anything else, and assuming both your flights are with the same airline, they already have proof of return travel.
But for backpackers travelling to Thailand on a one-way ticket, entering without a planned itinerary. It can be inconvenient to book a flight leaving Thailand if you’re not sure where your next destination is going to be, or when.
In these situations, you can use Onward Ticket to book a flight ticket. You can specify the departure airport, arrival airport and travel date. Onward Ticket will make a legitimate flight booking for your desired route and issue you with a flight ticket to show immigration. The bookings are genuine, and accepted by all. The company holds your airline reservation for 48 hours if anyone were to check.
This service costs $14 USD. Well worth it for the peace of mind it offers.
Does The Return Ticket Have To Be To Your Home Country
Having a return flight ticket to enter Thailand does not mean that you need to have a ticket back to your home county, or the country you arrived from. It’s not actually a return ticket that is needed, but rather an ‘onward ticket‘.
An onward ticket is a flight ticket leaving Thailand and travelling to literally any other country on Earth. As long as the flight is international, you’re good.
Some people even choose to book a cheap flight ticket to a neighboring country such as Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Hanoi in Vietnam, Changi in Singapore, or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Short-Haul international flights from Thailand are cheap. You can book a flight for less than 40$ USD. This is sometimes called a Visa-Run. If you plan to return to Thailand shortly after.
Note: If you do book a short-haul flight out from Thailand, you can use the flight and return to Thailand the same day to be granted another 30-day entrance stamp.
What If I Am Flying One Way
If you are flying one way into Thailand, the general advice is to purchase an Onward Ticket before you travel. It’s becoming more and more common for airlines to ask for onward travel proof. This never used to be the norm.
Thailand is a place where many travelers will visit without a fully planned itinerary. In Thailand, you can easily plan an itinerary on the fly. And with so many options for leaving the country. It’s understandable why someone might not have a flight booked to leave Thailand before they arrive.
In these situations the rules make zero sense, (welcome to Thailand). I mean even if you are able to show proof of a flight booked to leave Thailand, that is no guarantee you’ll actually take the flight. If you are unsure of exact travel plans then I recommend booking a $14 USD flight ticket in advance to save any hassle.
Can I Leave Thailand By Bus Or Train Instead Or Does It Have To Be A Flight Ticket?
Thailand shares land borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is common for travellers to reach their next destination by land or sea. You can travel from Koh Lipe (Thailand) to Langkawi (Malaysia) by speedboat. You can travel from Bangkok (Thailand) to Vientiane (Laos) on the train. You can travel to Phom Phem on the overnight bus. All of these are genuine travel options to leave Thailand.
Even though all these tickets to leave Thailand can be booked online in advance and should act as proof you have the means to leave the country- they don’t. The only acceptable proof of onward travel is an international flight ticket.
If your plans involve leaving Thailand by land or sea (you probably won’t be asked for an onward ticket anyway) but it’s best to book a ticket using Onward Ticket if you want to be on the safe side.
I’m Planning To Extend My Visa – Do I Still Need A Return Flight
If you weren’t aware, a 30-day tourist stamp can be extended while you are in Thailand. There is at least one immigration office in every Thai Province. Head to the nearest one. Fill out the extension form and pay 1,900 Baht. You’ll be granted an additional 30 days in Thailand (60 days total). Thai Tourist Visa Guide Here.
Even though tourists can stay for 60 days with a visa extension (30 days + 30 days). For your onward flight ticket to be accepted by immigration the flight date needs to be within the first 30 days. Yes, I know. It doesn’t make much sense. But them’s the rule.
OnwardTicket.Com Explained
Still not sure if you need a return flight ticket? Well, don’t stress, or overthink it. You are in a similar situation to all the millions of other tourists and travellers who visit Thailand each year. Onward Ticket is designed for the exact scenario and has helped millions of people who want to travel Thailand without a fixed plan. It is useful for those who don’t have a return flight book yet and want to enter Thailand without any hassle. Here is a quick rundown of how it works, but there loads more information on their website.
- Go to OnwardTicket.com
- Choose your travel date, departure airport and arrival airport.
- Pay $14 USD, and OnwardTicket will make a flight reservation on your behalf.
- You’ll be emailed a legitimate flight booking in your name.
- Use the flight ticket to enter Thailand (if asked for proof)
- Onward Ticket automatically cancels the flight 48 hours later.
Do I Have To Actually Use The Ticket
No. The return flight ticket is only needed to show the airline staff at check-in. There is no rule which says you actually have to use the ticket to leave Thailand. You are able to book any flight and use the reservation to enter Thailand. If your plans change, or you intend to leave via a land or sea border then you can do so.
Can I Cancel My Return/Onward Ticket
Yes, you can cancel the ticket, once you have entered Thailand. There is no rule which states you have to actually use the ticket. You just have to have one, when you arrive. If you have booked a flight ticket as proof of onward travel and decide not to use the ticket, there is no reason why you cannot cancel your flight; it will not have any effect on your immigration status.
TL;DR
A lot of policies in Thailand either don’t make sense, or cause confusion. This is one of them. It’s something I’ve become used to over the years. You probably won’t be asked to show a return flight ticket by immigration when you come to Thailand. But you might be asked by the ground staff at the airport, before you are allowed to board the flight. So if you want to keep your peace-of-mind, it’s a good idea to get yourself an onward ticket just in case.
It’s becoming increasingly common to be asked for an onward ticket, especially since the end of the pandemic. Personally, I’d suggest not overthinking it, if you are unsure, buy yourself a ticket anyway, it’s much better to have it and not need it; than to need it and not have it.
If you are a confident traveller, with a bit of experience – I would recommend taking your chances. Although it is possible that you’ll be asked for one, it’s still a rarity and heavily dependent on the departure airport and airline. If you’re prepared for the inevitable, you have the onward ticket website bookmarked, an internet connection, and your credit card – then in most situations you’ll be able to book it if it’s requested.
But, if you are the kind of person who would be stressed out by the possibility of being asked to show your return ticket, even though it is unlikely, you can purchase a ticket from OnwardTicket.com before you travel. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you have proof of onward travel, even if you never need to show it.
Read More
- Read How to Buy a Local SIM Card Before Arriving in Thailand
- What Do You Need to Pack to Visit Thailand
- These are The Best Things to Do In Thailand 2025
- Read my Two Week Island Hopping Itinerary in Southern Thailand
10 comments
Is it visa on arrival you’re saying they never ask? Should I just go with my one way ticket and if for some reason my airline or immigration for visa on arrival asks for onward ticket I can then just step aside and book a flight reservation right there and then to show them?
If you’re applying for a visa on arrival, it’s a bit different from entering Thailand visa exempt. You’ll probably be asked for an onward ticket as a visa condition. However, you can take your chances and hope they don’t ask. If they do, you can always book an onward ticket on the spot.
Haha I never buy a return ticket and was never asked for one either. Great read btw.
I have a question though. I was in Thailand a little over four months this year on visa exemptions only. I extended once and then went to Laos and back once.
It’s been a few weeks since I was in Thailand (Currently in Indonesia). Do you think I’d be okay If I returned again and got another visa exemption stamp?
Yea, you’d be fine to enter again on a visa-exemption. Especially if you’ve been outside of Thailand for a few weeks before returning. People get away with using them bac-to-back for a year or so, usually. You’ll have a higher chance of success arriving by air (which I guess will be the case coming from Indo). You can also apply for a tourist visa if you want to be on the safe side, there is a consulate in Denpasar, Bali — and I guess in Jakarta too — but probably unnecessary in my opinion. Thanks for stopping by 👊
This information is beyond helpful – thank you so much. Do you know if you apply for a tourist visa and it doesn’t come in time – can you still enter for the 30 days? Or can they see that you have applied already and cause confusion ..
You’re very welcome 😇 sure — you can still enter on a 30 day stamp if your tourist visa isn’t approved on time.
Thaialnd and showing a picture of the Jewel at Changi Airport. Funny
Ha, yeah- I mean I liked the picture so why not. Besides- you have to travel from somewhere before you arrive in Thailand, right? Not to worry, there are a few more photos in the text which I’ve taken at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok 😉
Checked in at CGK airport connection via Manila to BKK. Ground staff showed the rules that US passport needed onward ticket before she would hand over my boarding pass. I explained I’ll be using private land travel but ground staff would not budge. Booked a one way fully refundable united air ticket. Cancelled it 30 seconds after showing it to the gate agent.
Just calling out that you may be forced to show this, have a backup plan in place:
Hey, still a great story to read even if it happened a while ago! And the comments here are really helpful. I am traveling since June 2019 and have been to 11 countries. So far only when flying from Oz to NZ did they check the onward ticket. But that was quite clear so I had a ticket out. They really checked the flight no and the booking no to make sure it is real. Now I am for the first time not sure, when googling. Flying to Argentina from Auckland tomorrow. Cannot find out if it is really a legal requirement for Argentina to have an onward ticket. Anyone has some experience here? Thanks in advance!