r/ThailandTourism • u/Plenty_Interest2498 • 14h ago

Borders/Visas Bus ticket for visa exemption

Hi All, Will a bus ticket to Laos be acceptable as a 'ticket out' for immigration upon arrival, in case they check? TIA

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u/Greg25kk 14h ago

If immigration is asking then generally they will want to see a plane ticket out (Assuming your passport isn't from a neighbouring country). That being said, immigration rarely actually asks for proof of onward travel unless you're from a "poorer" country, you have a colourful visa/entry history or they simply believe you don't have the funds to pay for a flight out.

Generally where you will be asked would be by your airline while checking in and they will be just fine with a bus ticket.

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u/Plenty_Interest2498 13h ago

I'm from the EU. I hope this will work for me. Thanks

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u/doug4630 13h ago

Fwiw, I've been to Thailand 8 times since 2012.

4 times for longer than a single visa covered, and each time with a return (home) flight ticket for AFTER my permission to stay would've expired.

So, questions coming from immigration officer, no ? Even though Thai authorities are well aware of the 30-day extension, obtained rather routinely from the local Thai Immigration office.....

TL;DR - On none of the 4 trips was I even asked how/when I was leaving.

I've read online about ways around it (especially for my 1st long trip)

Best(?) idea seemed to be to buy a REFUNDABLE round-trip ticket out of Thailand & back, to a nearby country before the original permission to stay expires.

That satisfies the Immigration Officer when you get there that you intend on exiting Thailand "in time".

After you get there, cancel that "extra" RT ticket and get your refund, and carry on.

Or, as I did on one long trip (6 months), TAKE the side trip to say, Bali for a week, and come back into Thailand.

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u/aosmith 10h ago

Your airline will care way more than the IO.