We talked previously about one-way tickets and the problems they may cause, which seemed to cause more confusion than anything else.
Some people have had no problems entering a country. Someone else may have to buy a departure plane ticket or has been sent straight back to the originating country.
Nothing is consistent.
I reached out to travelers all around the world for stories when they were prevented from entering a country…or at least asked more questions than usual about their one-way tickets.
These are their stories…(Cue the Law and Order sound)
From Edward:
I read about people traveling from the UK (London) to Mexico with a plane change in Atlanta. At Atlanta, United States customs sent them back to Europe, forbidding them to travel to Mexico, because they had not decided which Latin American country they would go to from Mexico on their holiday. Hence they had no onward ticket from Mexico. A personoid from Triton, a moon of Neptune, might ask “But isn’t that the Mexican government’s business?” A personoid from Nereid, another moon of Neptune, might ask “Why did they have to go through US customs at all?” When I traveled Detroit-Istanbul via Amsterdam, I did not have to enter/exit the Schengen area in Schipol Airport — that airport is laid out so cleverly that the Schengen passport control area is NOT between the arrival gate from Detroit and the departure gate to Istanbul. The passport control area IS between the arrival gate from Detroit and the departure gate to Helsinki — Helsinki is in FInland and Finland is in the Schengen area. How clever!
So understand that passing through a country can be an issue. But you’re never sure where that can happen. This is exactly what happened to me. I switched from Vietnam Airlines to Thai Airways, which means I had to pass through the regular screening process.
From Joe:
I was in Brazil & had to return to the States for work during the middle of my trip to Salvador. So I purchased a ticket SSA (Salvador, Bahia)- MIA (Miami International)- SSA (Salvador, Bahia) on American Airlines When I went to return to Brazil, the ticket agent in MIA made me show evidence that I had a return ticket back to the US before he would give me the boarding pass to use this return ticket to Brazil. Fortunately, I had this other trip’s itinerary with me since it was on another airline.
This example supports your point about using one way tickets internationally. And even traveling in the US, when I am flying only one way, I’m more likely to be selected for extra screening.
From Traveling G:
I was in Vietnam and had a one-way ticket to Manila on Cebu Pacific, but they wouldn’t let me check-in because I didn’t have an onward ticket out of Manila. No problem, I said, I’ll just buy one now since I’m at the airport, but they said they couldn’t sell Cebu Pacific tickets. It was around midnight and the only ticket counter open was Vietnam Airlines. So I went over there and they told me I had to buy a full-fare one-way open ticket from Vietnam Airlines to go from Manila to Hong Kong even though Vietnam Airlines didn’t fly that route and even though I wasn’t planning on going to Hong Kong. They tried to explain that somehow the ticket could be used on Philippine Airlines but couldn’t offer me any printed information that stated that.
I said, instead of that, why don’t I buy a ticket either to where I’m planning to go next or to somewhere that your airline flies, but they said that I should buy this specific ticket and just get the refund later, minus a $15 fee. So I went ahead and got it so I could board the flight. After I arrived, I went to the ticket office to get the refund, and they gave me a refund receipt but, as I found out later, they didn’t actually credit it back to my card. It took another 3 months and many phone calls, but I’m happy to say that the refund was finally processed.
I did not have problems per se, but leaving HK for Ho Chi Minh City, I had to provide detailed information as to where I was staying and why I only had a one way ticket. It was because I was traveling with Intrepid Travel through Vietnam, through Cambodia, ending in Thailand.
I never felt hassled, I felt it was just routine questioning. I did not have to go through extra security or anything like I have in the US, but then again, I was flying Business class. The airline was Cathay Pacific.
From Gary:
I wasnt denied entry, but had issues entering French Polynesia from Easter Island. I was going to buy my ticket out of Tahiti from Easter Island, but they only issued paper tickets at the time.
When I went through immigration, they made me purchase a $1,000 ticket to LA which I could refund the next day (which of course raises the question, if I could refund it, why bother making me get it??)
What country gave you problems?
Flying from Paris to New York in 1995
Were you told at the airport when you landed that you would be denied? At the airport of departure?
At the point of departure in Paris
Were you forced to buy a departure ticket or if you already landed in the country in question, were you forced to take the next flight out?
Yes
Were you questioned by airport security or airline desk agents? How did you verify that you had a departure ticket or had legitimate reasons for being there on a one way ticket?
No – simply told to buy a return ticket from New York back to Paris before I could leave.
I did this for Ethiopia even though I could of gotten it at the airport. Thinking back on the LONG line for Customs/Immigration when I arrived in Addis Ababa, I’m glad I did it before I left.
I recommend a site like Project Visa to figure out the requirements before you arrive. Unfortunately I found no such resource for one-way tickets and whether it was a requirement of the country or the airline.
Cross borders over land
Photo Credit: striatic
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Having a "busy" passport with lots of stamps helps.
On my first visit to Oz I *had* an onward ticket (I was passing through from Singapore on the way to NZ). What I didn't have was a visa… "I'm British – I don't need one". WRONG.
Nobody queried me when I checked in or boarded. I was taken politely to one side when I arrived, asked how I'd boarded the flight and given a standard tourist visa free of charge (at the time it was around £30). The airline I flew with, Tiger, will have received a bill for $10,000 for allowing me on the flight, I believe. Ow.
Nobody asked for my onward ticket, though I did volunteer it.
On another visit I landed in Perth from KL on a one-way as I wasn't too sure where I was going next (it ended up being Japan). I got the usual questions from the nice man at the desk until he reached:
"How are you funding your trip?"
Well, I sold my house and I'm using the cash to backpack around the…
"You sold you *house*?!"
Never tell an immigration official that you've sold your house and have no other source of income.
This time, the passport full of stamps worked in my favour as I'd been travelling for almost 3 years at that point. It seemed fairly obvious that I was an "experienced" traveller and I was ushered on my way.
I had an episode traveling to Mexico a few years ago, couldn't find a direct flight for a 6 month trip, so had to settle for one stop in Houston!
While going through passport control in Houston, I was abruptly told that I could not take the follow on flight, as my return was in 6 months, apparently, America only allows 3 months, even though I was not leaving the airport or going anywhere in the US, so I had to go to another part of the airport to change my ticket for a flight in 3 months time, at my expense!
My suitcase had already been transfered and I was not sure that I would make the flight in time, which changed gates 3 times, luckily, due some frantic running on my part, I just managed to make it………….but never again!!
If you do have a round the world ticket (or more like, multiple tickets!), check that your luggage allowance is valid for every flight, I had an 8 month, 10 country book of tickets, which amounted to 12 flights (ended up doing 18 with side trips), that stated that my weight limit was 23kg, which I managed with no problem, until I got to Melbourne, Australia, and had an internal flight to Hobart in Tasmania, where the limit was no where near that, so had to pay the excess!
It clearly stated on my ticket my allowance was 23kg, and give the stewardess her due, she was going to let me off, but her supervisor was watching, and he wouldn't budge!
On the flight back to Sydney, I thought I would run into the same problem, but I had a great chat with the guy who checked me in, and he let it go….good man, sometimes common sense prevails!!
@Mosher
Only problem is, what happens if you have a 'virgin' passport because you're a new traveler.
The fact that the airline was fined points that the airline is responsible for enforcing the rules. That makes sense in my case since Thai Air put the clamps on me.
@davestravelgear
So if I understand correctly, you were forced to purchase a 3 month return FROM Mexico as opposed to a 6 month because the US does not allow stays longer than 3 months, even though you were not stopping in the US?
Regulations like this are rumored to be part of the reason why the US lost out on the 2016 Olympics. Many have complained of problems just passing through the US to connect to other countries, even when they had no intention of leaving the US airport.
Good advise about the luggage limit. The carrier with the most restrictive weight requirements is the one you should using as guideline.
I am a virgin traveler planning an RTW trip US–>SE Asia–>S. Asia–>Africa–>Middle East–>E. Europe–>US. I plan on using surface transit as much as possible and getting tickets as I go. I have wondered and worried about this issue. One thing I am doing is using TripIt to create and update an itinerary (have on hand at entry/departure points). Most destinations want those flying in to have a RT ticket, forwarding ticket OR an itinerary. I know that usually refers to a tour group itinerary but I have read others who used this or something like it with success. TripIt uses confirmations to create the itinerary so it has some degree of verification and looks business-like (this is not a promo, honest). Also, I will bring any info about next leg travel with me such as reservations (bus/ferry/train) where possible or print out of the planned transit (when no reservation exists) and proof of funds (bank acc’t balance print out). I will, of course, dress to impress, or at least ditch the shorts and tee for pants and collar shirt, and be polite and patient on travel days. Hopefully the combination will do the trick. As far as visas go, I will be on the road for 12-18 months so I can't get all of them before hand, many would expire, so I will get some as I go as well. I'm putting together a detailed spread sheet on visa requir. to be prepared and will update along the way.
Anon, honestly I think you're being over-cautious… but it can't hurt.
I'd not worry about wearing smart clothes for arrivals. Most 12-18 month travellers *look* like they're travelling! But, yes, always be polite. Most arrivals staff are fine, but some can be really officious. They do have to "randomly" pick a certain number of people for extra checking – don't give them an excuse for it to be you.
When I started travelling I carried an itinerary, booked in advance, kept printouts of my bank balance. And I honestly don't think I ever had to produce them.
Most often I was asked where I'd be staying. If you're crashing with friends, have their address. Heck, if the immigration card asks for somewhere – put *anything*. They only seem to pull you up if you leave it blank. Punishment for honesty – got to love it.
Great post Brian – it's one of those hassles that you just don't hear talked about. I nearly had a break down on my trip when the Melbourne airport wouldn't let me file into Thailand because I had a one-way ticket. It caused a huge issue and ended up costing me a good deal of money to find internet and buy a one-way out of the country!
I feel lucky though because some of these are truly horrendous stories!
@Anon
For me, the bank account statement is just too much. If I was going to stay for months or apply for residency or citizenship I understand. But not if I'm just passing through.
You seem well prepared. The ground transportation option seems like a better way for one-way travel. The govt can't fine a big airline for breaking rules.
@Mosher
Yeah I would not worry about dressing smart more than being annoying or making a ticket agent or Customs agent angry.
Humans are funny like that. Piss them off and they'll want to take revenge anyway they can. If that means holding you up in a detention room because things aren't perfect in your story or paperwork, they'll do it.
Be polite, calm and smile and that is half the battle.
@Shannon OD
I felt compelled to investigate further because there have been previous commenters who said you won't have a problem if you're dressed well and polite. From the variety of people this has happened to and the places it has happened, it all could be who is looking at your ticket and whether they want to be a stickler for the rules at that particular moment.
I always prefer return ticket as it offers more value for money.I plan my travel well in advance so getting a return ticket is not a problem for me.
Great post! I had been nervous about buying one way tickets on our round the world trip but we were lucky and had no problems. We mainly spent time in Africa, the Middle East and India/Nepal. I think some of the problems are very country specific.
@Cheap Amsterdam Hotels
Understandable. But sometimes the best laid plans means suddenly having to take a one-way trip somewhere.
@Budget Your Trip
Indeed some of the problems are country specific but what we are finding it that it is not consistent. Seems more like who the airline is or customer agent has more to do with it than anything else.
I am currently investigating this problem as I want to fly into South Africa & then travel overland to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda. I then want to fly to either the West Coast or Morocco. I would like to hear from anyone who has managed this & whether they had any problems with no proof of onward travel. I am thinking I will have to buy a bus ticket before I get to South Africa as I know they won't let you in. Has anyone tried this & does it work?
Greetings Everyone!
I am trying to get a one way ticket from Miami, Florida stopping in Manila, Philippines for about 21 days ending in Hong Kong after my stop in Manila. I appreciate any input on this
Thanks in advance,
Reggie
I really don’t know what to tell you. Policies are very inconsistent from government to government and airline to airline. You can call the airline and ask if the return ticket is required by the government of the final destination. Since you’re going to Hong Kong I would get a return ticket since I got stopped in Bangkok on my way to Hong Kong. You can even buy a cheap ticket on AirAsia for $40-$50 just to show you plan on leaving at some point. You could be forced to by ticket at the airport before boarding the flight which could cost an arm and a leg.
A truly fascinating post, I travelled extensively around SE Asia but thinking back many of my one-way trips were internal. I found that it was often cheaper to buy a return ticket anyway so I never encountered this problem.
It may be the bigger airlines or certain countries enforcing it, but it definitely happens. I got into trouble trying to get from Cambodia via Vietnam and Thailand to Hong Kong.
As a US citizen traveling from Hong Kong to Manila on Cathay Pacific, the Cathay Pacific folk told me I couldnt board for Manila without showing an onward ticket leaving Manila. I in fact -had- an onward ticket booked with Asiana airline, and could show my printed itinerary, but Cathay Pacific said they needed a -ticket-, and that a printed itinerary was not sufficient.
I pointed out that I havent seen a physical ticket in years …. its always an e-ticket …. but they wouldnt let me board until at the very last conceivable moment they managed to get ahold of Asiana airlines and confirm my onward ticket. This took hours, partly because it was too early in the morning and Asiana’s desk wasnt staffed, and in the end I had to sprint a long way to the airplane, with a Cathay Pacific employee along helping me cut through to the head of the queues.
They told me that there was some sort of printout that they could have accepted, which is more official than an itinerary, and they claimed I should be able to get such a printout on the airline’s site. I have no idea what they were talking about, and I just talked to both Delta and Continental about the problem because I am about to make a similar trip with a Hong Kong-Manila leg and my onward trip is again with another airline. Both Delta and Continental told me they can only provide the itinerary. Cathay Pacific now says they will check it with the airline … apparently they still can’t accept an itinerarary and now its two years later.
Fortunately this time my trip is at a reasonable hour and it should be checkable.
Good to know Larry. A printed itinerary may not be enough anymore, at least for Cathat Pacific. Thanks for commenting.
This was interesting. Im planning on going to malaysia for 5 myhs for school plus as much travel as possible. So was debating
One way to cambodia for $850 and have freedom
$1350 round trip thailand. Cheaper but then i have to leave from thailand.
Thoughts?
I don’t know if Cambodia will let you in with a one way ticket. You may want to call the airline and just ask.
Hmmm! I’m a bit concerned. I’m Canadian and traveling into Canada on a one way ticket. I know I won’t have any issues. However, my boyfriend, who’s Australian, will be arriving in Vancouver on a one way ticket, also – and a day before me. He’s already had issues checking in at Sydney, the airline made him sign forms to verify that he was not ‘the airline’s responsibility’ once he lands in Canada. They told him that without a RT, he might have issues getting through immigration in Vancouver. But if he has Canadian connections (myself and my aunt who we’re staying with in Victoria) will he really have issues? Will he be forced to buy a RT? Our story is that we want to decide where to go next once we’re together in Canada, thats why we haven’t got any outgoing ticket yet.
Yep you might have a problem. I don’t think it’s going to make a difference who he is staying with to Border Control. Someone staying with a trusted friend/family/bf/gf can easily disappear when the visa expires. Immigration has seen/heard that line before.
so you think they might force him to buy a ticket out of Canada? The thing is, this is the first time I’ve ever come across this issue. Border control – in other countries – have never asked me for proof of return, they just ask me how long I intend to stay. Are they going to demand proof from my boyfriend? How often do they do that?
I have no idea if he will get through or not. All I’m saying is that he could have a problem. Or Canada could greet him with open arms and not ask him anything.
You may want to call Canadian Immigration/Border Control. I would do so anonymously so they can’t look for you!
I will say that the fact that the airline has had him sign waivers is not a good sign…
You mean buy it at the airport once he arrived and they refused him. They might. He’s on the plane already??? There are stories of other people who have been put on the next plane out of town. Sorry I can’t be more helpful but the rules and regulations vary from country to country and airline to airline. Like the post says, some people have problems and some don’t.
If you want to be absolutely safe, find the cheapest ticket out of Vancouver for a few months down the road. Even Seattle will do. When/If you need to show proof you can show the ticket for Seattle. But then make sure you have a ticket leaving Seattle!