Job Discussion Forums

clapclapexcitement · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

Does anyone know if it is difficult for a US citizen to actually accquire a 60 day tourist visa from within the United States using only a one-way ticket as proof of travel plans? I ask because the Thai consulate's web page specifically states that proof of a round-trip ticket is required of 60 day tourist visa applicants. I'm worried because we need to buy the tickets to get the visa but we'd like to have the visas to complete a CELTA course. I'd consider buying a round-trip ticket but if we complete the CELTA course and sign a year-long contract with a school, the ticket will expire before our contract is complete. Does anyone have any experience, knowledge, or advice regarding this dilemna? Thanks...

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

No problem. Buy your one-way ticket to say Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, get your tourist visa at the Thai consulate there, and then catch an el cheapo Air Asia flight to Bangkok (assuming the course is in Bangkok). Southeast Asia requires lateral thinking. Get used to it.

clapclapexcitement · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

thanks for the quick reply. do you think it would really be a problem if i were to buy a ticket for bangkok?

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

joe beets · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 37

^OP is talking about getting a tourist visa form the US, not a visa on arrival.

It's been a while for me, and I may be wrong, but I don't recall the consulate asking to see my ticket/itinerary.
Never once has immigration asked about my onward travel arrangements.
I'm just sayin'.

jb

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

The website you've read is wrong. You don't need a return ticket to get a single tourist Visa. You also don't need a return ticket if you have a single tourist Visa....simple as that!

You'd only have problems with a one way ticket (and this generally applies to letting you on the plane your end, not Immigration this end) if you didin't have a 'proper' Visa (i.e. you were on a 30 day stamp in!).

clapclapexcitement · Joined: 10 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

thanks for the help everyone. here's a link to the consulate's webpage where i'm getting my info: http://www.thaiembdc.org/consular/visa/visa.htm#General%20Requirements

according to the page, the consulate does request a copy of the airline ticket or itinerary but i do admit that i can't find what i thought was a request for round-trip ticket copies. maybe i misread something before...possibly the "additional requirements" for citizens of certain countries, a list which does not include the US.

anyone have any further advice? comments? personal experience?

thanks again.

opo · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 23

Is a return ticket mandatory to enter thailand, or will a one way allow me to get into the country.

JosephP · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 445

joe beets · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 37

My last flight here was on a one-way ticket. I don't think the airline gave a rat's rump, but the security goons saw it as their ticket to fire up their bleeping beeping machines, savoring every shoe grommet and dental filling.

Thank you sir, may I have another?

jb

tedkarma · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2005 3:30 am Post subject:

I'm in and out of Thailand twice a year for the last couple years - usually on one of the 60-day tourist visas. NEVER had them even ask about a return ticket.
Don't worry about it.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ That's 'cos in theory you only need a return ticket if you come in with no Visa (i.e. you get a 30 day stamp on entry).

As I've said before it's not really a problem this end with Immigration, rather with the carrier letting you board initially.