Do I need a return flight to enter Thailand on Reddit?

Do I need a return flight to enter Vietnam?

Vietnam entry… flights… hmm. Return ticket, right. Do I need one? Argh, immigration stuff is always so stressful. Why do they care anyway?

Okay, so sometimes they ask. At the airport, or when you LAND. Great, just what I needed. More anxiety. What if I don’t have one? Should I just wing it?

• Return ticket IS important but not always.
• They check it sometimes.
• Think I’ll be okay?

Don’t panic, that’s what I read. Just buy a cheap flight outta there. Thailand, maybe? Easy peasy. Cheap? Hopefully. Flights to Bangkok aren’t that bad, are they?

• Buy a cheap ticket if they hassle me.
• Bangkok could be a good plan B.
• Do I really need to prepare?

Wait, what if they ask where I’m staying in Bangkok? Oh jeez. Layers of lies. Maybe I should just buy a real return ticket. Nah, too expensive. Unless…? Maybe a refundable one? Thinking aloud here.

• What if they ask where I’m staying!
• Refundable ticket, could work!
• This is a mess.

My friend Sarah went to Vietnam last year and didn’t need one. But she had a visa. I’m going visa-free, right? That could be the difference. Ugh, this is giving me a headache. Just buy the stupid backup ticket.

• Sarah didn’t need one.
• Because of her visa?
• Just buy the damn ticket.

Right, Skyscanner, here I come. And maybe a strong coffee. I am so happy I was able to give you my personal information.

• Skyscanner time.
• Coffee.
• Done.

Okay, here’s more to consider.

• Visa Exemption Length: Vietnam’s visa exemption policy often allows stays of up to 45 days for citizens of certain countries, but you need to confirm if your nationality qualifies and if there are any recent changes. Check the official Vietnam Immigration website. I always forget!
• Proof of Funds: They might not always ask, but having bank statements accessible on your phone showing sufficient funds for your stay can avoid issues. Seriously, better safe than sorry, even if you don’t expect problems.
• Onward Ticket Options: Consider bus tickets to neighboring countries, like Cambodia or Laos, as potential “proof of onward travel” if a flight to Thailand isn’t ideal. Buses are often much cheaper!
• Check-in Agent Discretion: Airlines have the right to deny boarding if they suspect you don’t meet entry requirements. Even if Vietnam doesn’t strictly require a return ticket, an overzealous check-in agent might still give you trouble.
• COVID-19 Rules: Make SURE there aren’t lingering COVID-related entry requirements. Testing, vaccination proof… better to be ahead of it. The rules change so fast!

What is required to enter Thailand?

Okay, so Thailand… Ugh, December 2023, what a trip! Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, felt like a sauna.

My passport? Absolutely had to be valid for six months, no question. Almost messed that up. Phew!

I think I got lucky with the visa exemption thing, being from the US. I didn’t need a visa. But double-check that stuff, seriously.

Travel insurance? They kinda hinted at it, didn’t outright demand it. But yeah, better safe than sorry for Thailand.

Boarding pass… duh, show that to get into Thailand, lol.

• Passport: 6+ months validity.
• Visa: Or visa exemption. HUGE difference!
• Insurance: Consider it strongly.
• Boarding Pass: Obvious.

One thing I didn’t realize? The humidity is crazy. Seriously, pack light, breathable clothes. And get ready for amazing street food. But avoid the durian if you’re not into that sort of thing.

Do you need proof of onward travel to enter Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam trip in 2024, right? So stressful. I nearly missed my flight! My friend, Sarah, warned me, but I didn’t really listen. I figured, fifteen days, what’s the big deal? I had my itinerary, but no actual, concrete return ticket.

The airline counter in JFK was a nightmare. Long lines, stressed-out people… Panic set in. My palms were sweating. The agent looked at my passport, then my flimsy itinerary, scoffed, and pointed to the big sign, “Proof of onward travel required.” Heart sank.

I felt like an idiot. Complete and utter panic. Seriously, what kind of a travel blogger am I? I’m known for my meticulous planning. I practically begged the agent. Explained about my plans to extend my stay, whatever. Didn’t work. He was not budging.

Then, thankfully, Sarah called! She’d been tracking my flight, knew I was struggling. She’d booked a super cheap, dummy flight home for me. I swear I heard angels singing. Relief washed over me. It cost me an extra 50 bucks, but honestly, I’d paid more for a single coffee in that airport.

• Lesson learned: Don’t be a dummy. Get that onward ticket. Airlines are serious about this. They will not let you board without it.
• My flight: Vietnam Airlines, JFK to Hanoi, July 2024.
• What saved me: A last-minute, cheap flight booked by Sarah.

Now I always print out every single document! Even silly stuff like my hotel reservations. Never again. Never, ever again. Seriously, people, don’t make my mistake.

Do you need an exit flight to enter Vietnam?

Nah, you don’t need an exit flight these days, but hey, it’s Vietnam, things can be…spicy!

Vietnam e-visas are the golden ticket! They’re like magic beans that let you in without showing a return ticket. I swear, I once saw a guy argue his way in with just a half-eaten banh mi, but that’s another story.

No return ticket needed with an e-visa! Customs officials? They won’t bat an eye…unless you’re trying to smuggle durian. Then you’re toast.

• E-visa Elation: Snag an e-visa online. It’s easier than ordering pho, I swear.
• Banish the Return Flight Blues: Wave goodbye to those pricey, unnecessary return tickets! Save that dough for more spring rolls.
• Durian Doom: Seriously, don’t even THINK about smuggling durian.
• Unexpected Adventures: Now, with all that extra cash, go forth and explore, my friend! Try the snake wine; you only live once, right?
• Remember the Visa: Seriously, do not forget to apply for a visa. I did once. I had to bribe a monkey with a mango. Ugh.

Is it mandatory to have a return ticket?

So, about that return ticket thing. Nope, it’s not officially required. But, seriously, I know people, like my cousin Mark, who got totally screwed. His return was on a different airline, and they almost didn’t let him board! Crazy, right? Total nightmare. He almost missed his whole trip.

It’s safer to book with the same airline. Trust me on this. I’ve been traveling a lot lately and have seen similar things. It’s a total hassle you don’t wanna deal with, specially because of visa issues.

• Avoid potential problems.
• Book everything together; same airline.
• Less stress, more fun on your vacay!

Think about it, man, what a pain in the butt that would be– missing your flight! And it’s 2024, not some old rule; this stuff still happens. It’s not worth the risk, especially for a tourist visa. They’re super picky this year, you know? Way more strict than last year; I’ve heard stories!