onward travel ticket reddit

What is Proof of Onward Travel and What Are Your Options?

Proof of onward travel is a common yet frustrating question that you might get asked for when you’re travelling into a new country. This is especially the case if you're travelling with flexible plans, and don't necessarily have your next country planned (or booked) yet.

Proof of onward travel is usually requested when checking in at the airport, however I’ve also heard some stories of a few people who have been asked for proof of onward travel while crossing land borders, Basically, it's evidence that you'll be leaving the country before your visa expires, usually in the form of a flight ticket to another country.

The easiest way to bypass proof of onward travel?

Rent an onward ticket.

This is the simplest and most reliable method (although there are other ways too). Read on to learn more about proof of onward travel and your options.

Proof of onward travel causes endless confusion amongst travellers, so it’s good to know what your options are and to do a little bit of research into your next country beforehand. Sometimes airport staff get it wrong as well – I’ve once had to argue my way onto a flight from South Korea to Vietnam, which doesn’t require proof of onward travel.

Proof of onward travel seems to be requested more often in South East Asia (probably due to the high volume of expats doing monthly visa runs). I've also been questioned when flying into the UK as well.

Skip to Section

What is Proof of Onward Travel?

In short, proof of onward travel is evidence that you will be leaving your destination country. This is usually a return flight ticket or another flight ticket to your home (or next) country. A land border crossing in the form of a bus or train ticket is usually accepted as well, but I’ve heard quite a few stories of airport staff specifically asking for a flight ticket.

Proof of onward travel is required by some countries for all sorts of reasons, but in general, it’s to make sure that:

• You have enough money to leave the country.
• You intend to leave the country before your visa expires.
• You don’t intend to stay in the country (illegally).

If you think about it, using proof of onward travel to determine one of the above scenarios doesn’t seem like a particularly bright idea, but for now, it’s best to treat it as just one of those old, bureaucratic rules that haven’t yet been updated.

What Counts as Proof of Onward Travel?

A flight ticket out of the country you're visiting is the best proof of onward travel. Technically, bus or train tickets should be accepted as well, but a flight ticket is your safest bet as this is what border control is used to. If you're not sure, you should try and find an official source (e.g. the government website of the country you're visiting) or play it safe with one of the options below.

The cheapest and most surefire way is to rent a ticket .

What Countries Require Proof of Onward Travel?

Countries that definitely require proof of onward travel include Peru, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Costa Rica and Panama.

My personal experience of being asked for proof of onward travel was flying into Thailand. I was also asked for proof when flying to Vietnam, but I did my research and found that proof of onward travel was not needed. I showed my evidence to the check-in desk at Bangkok Airport, and they finally let me through.

I tried digging around some more to find a more comprehensive list, but couldn't find one - not to mention, it probably changes from time to time. Renting a ticket alleviates this uncertainty altogether, but if you want to check your destination's government resources - more power to you!

How to Get Proof of Onward Travel

My first experience with a request for proof of onward travel was when I flew with a one-way ticket from Sydney to Thailand several years ago. I intended to catch an overnight bus into Cambodia before my one-month visa expired, but I wasn’t sure when – so I didn’t have a ticket yet.

Thailand requires an onward ticket, and I didn’t want to pay for one. So, like any self-respecting digital native of the 21st century, I went to the internet to find answers. And as always, the internet delivered: with hundreds of pages of conflicting advice from self-proclaimed “experts”, hare-brained theories and generally inconsistent anecdotes.

Not exactly the clarity I wanted. Thanks, internet.

So, what are your options?

1. Risk It and Smile

While it’s possible that you won’t be asked for proof of onward travel at the airport, it’s a good idea to be prepared on the off-chance that it might happen. Life is full of unexpected surprises: tour taxi to airport could be late, there could be traffic… and you might get denied entry when boarding your flight.

This leaves you with no choice but to book an onward flight (or follow one of the options below), and if you’re short on time, you might end up missing your flight altogether. The alternatives are so simple that there really is no point in risking it.

Verdict: high risk, not recommended.

2. Create a Fake Ticket Confirmation

If you’re a Photoshop whiz, you can try editing an old email confirmation from another airline or travel agent. Just make sure that the flight number and departure times of the flight you’ll be “boarding” actually exists!

Alternatively, you can start the booking process with some airlines and take a screenshot of the check-out screen. Some creative cropping will result in a document you can keep on your phone to show at the gate.

I’ve met a lot of people that advocate this approach, but personally, I’m not a fan. While it’s highly unlikely that they’ll actually check the details at the gate, this method leaves you vulnerable to accusations of knowingly forging official documents. And let’s be honest: that’s exactly what you’ve done. You’ll have almost no options to defend yourself and completely at the mercy of the airport official.

3. Buy a Flexible Date Ticket

Another legitimate way of skirting around the onward travel rules is to buy a ticket where you can change the flight dates. The issue is that flexible date tickets are often significantly more expensive, especially if you compare it against local airlines that offer flights that are inflexible but are also half the price (or less).

Verdict: expensive.

4. Buy a Cheap Throwaway Ticket

While expensive, this the most legitimate way to beat the system. In fact, this is what most process-abiding airline staff will tell you if they find you don’t have an onward ticket.

In a nutshell, this method requires you to buy the cheapest ticket possible to a nearby country, while still being within your visa period. I’ve also heard of people getting by with a cheap bus or train ticket between countries, although it seems like there have been mixed results with this approach. Still, this strategy is expensive – not to mention wasteful.

Verdict: unnecessary, expensive and wasteful.

5. Hold a Flight Ticket for 24 Hours

All US airlines (and some online travel agencies) are also required to offer a 24 hour “hold” period. With this method, you can reserve a ticket at a certain price for 24 hours. You’ll be issued with a confirmation email, which you can show to the airport staff if asked.

This was my personal preference for a while as it’s completely free, however I’ve heard stories of some people having their flight reservations questioned at the airport. It’s hard to say whether they got unlucky or the airports have become wise to the act, but this method is still a relatively low risk way of bypassing proof of onward travel. If all else fails, combine it with method #6 or #7 if you’re challenged at the airport.

Verdict: low risk, but not foolproof.

6. Buy a Refundable Flight Ticket

In the United States, all airline companies are required by federal law to provide a complete refund on all bookings within a 24 hour period. This means that you can book any flight at random, use it to get into your destination country as “proof of onward travel”, then get all your money back.

Just make sure you process the refund before the 24 hour refund period expires!

The best way to do this is to pay by credit card to avoid dipping into your savings, or even better, to use your frequent flyer miles. All US airline companies should honour the 24 hour refund period, however there has been some chatter about American Airlines phasing out this option. To make sure you’re not going to stuck with a $1000 flight across the world, make sure you do your research: read the fine print before booking and make sure you have enough time to cancel before your 24 hours are up.

Verdict: low risk, but could be expensive if you don't cancel in time.

7. Rent an Onward Ticket

There are a number of services that allow you to rent a ticket for a small fee. At first, these services were using the “hold a flight ticket for 24 hours” method which made them rather unnecessary, but they have since become more sophisticated. When you present your flight number and details at the airport desk, you will now actually show up on airport systems – making this a legitimate way of having peace of mind.

As far as these services go, the self-titled  Onward Ticket website is a good place to get yourself an onward ticket. At the time of writing, renting a ticket costs $12.

Verdict: highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Proof of onward travel is an inconvenience that travellers will have to face at one point or another, so it’s good to be informed and have a plan before you end up stuck without being able to board your flight.

The simplest way to avoid any headaches is to simply  buy an onward ticket , but if you’re game, either holding a 24 hour reservation or refunding a flight ticket within 24 hours is also an option. Just be prepared in case an over-zealous airport official keeps asking questions.

If asked why you’re holding (and not buying) the ticket, you can simply say you’re waiting to see how price changes, or that you simply forgot. Make up an excuse. If they won’t get off your case, simply book the ticket on the spot. Just be sure that you can process the refund in time!

Whichever method you decide to use, don’t forget to smile and be friendly to all airport staff. Simply being nice can get you free seat upgrades, less questions, and even in one case, an exemption when I tried to bring 12kg of carry-on luggage onto an airline with a 7kg maximum.

If you have other strategies or experiences, I’d love to hear from you!

One more life hack how to create a real ticket for 24h for free: 1. Go to aeroflot.com and book a flight ticket 2. On the payment screen change language to RU. 3. Choose payment method by cash 4. They will give you booking number PNR for 24h. But without flight itinerary 5. Go to Photoshop for create itinerary Good Luck

Hey Weekends, this sounds pretty similar to the 2nd method listed here. All in all, I'd still recommend the 7th method to most people. It's just safer and it seems like airport officials are getting savvier. I personally wouldn't want to be caught with a Photoshopped ticket!

My bf and I just used fake flight tickets while traveling to Bali. It's a dummy ticket that looks exactly like the confirmation you get from Expedia.

good luck with your travels!

Thanks for sharing your experience!

I like the idea of renting a ticket.. I personally just bough the cheapest out of Thai to vietnam which I'll be happy to go to.. do you know if they will ask for onward proof?

Hey Firo, if you've bought a legitimate ticket you simply have to fill in the arrival card with your next destination. Thailand's border security has a reputation of asking for proof of onward travel, but you might not get asked at all. On the occasions that I've flown into Thailand, it was a 50/50 change on whether I was questioned or not.

Alternatively, you can rent a legitimate ticket with a provider such as Onward Ticket . This allows you to change your mind later on - for example, if you don't want to head to Vietnam any more.

So did the hold ticket work for you every time? How do I find the hold ticket, which page should I find it at? And any idea if trying to get a 60 days visa in my country from consulate is that also ok to use the hold ticket, any experience?

I've used the hold ticket method quite a lot of times and I haven't had any issues. You simply need to book with an American airline (any of them will do). That said, the last time I did this was a few years ago, so now I'd suggest renting a ticket instead - just to be safe.

As for your visa situation, I can't really say without knowing what visa you're trying to get. Depending on where you're going, some visa applications require that you provide an exit ticket (that is, a "confirmation" is not enough), but again, this really comes down to your personal situation and where you're going. Hope this helps!

We're traveling from the US to Singapore, Sabah Malaysia, Brunei, The Philippines then back to the US. The only tickets we have purchased are from the US to Singapore and from The Philippines back to the US. If we show our return ticket from the Philippines back to the US, will that be adequate for boarding flights to the other countries?

Hey Boyd, I'd say that this should be fine if you can show the full itinerary and the connecting flights.

The main thing that each country cares about is when you're going to leave, not where . Officially, Singapore and the Philippines both require proof of onward travel to enter the country (although there's a chance they just won't check). I suspect Malaysia will also ask, but I'm not 100% sure as this was one of the rare times I had an exit flight booked before I landed in the country.

Best of luck and safe travels!

Great article ! Onward tickets keep your booking with PNR confirmed for 14 days. Which is perfect for visa application as well. (i'm not paid to say that :p )

Hey Lucie, thanks for sharing! I didn't know about it working for visa applications too, but perhaps that would be useful someone else reading this 🙂

I rent onward tickets. Service could not be better! Immediate responses, personal attention, authentic ticket and they cancel it automatically. I highly recommend and will use them again.

Number 3 may not work in Thailand. If they ask you for proof, they won't accept an open ticket, as even their consulate's page mentions this. For Thailand, the easiest way seems to be a smile, a 'hello' in Thai, or, if you want to stay on the safe side: a throw-away ticket for 20 bucks from AirAsia.

Hey Roman, I think you've misunderstood #3. Purchasing a flexible exit ticket with the option of changing the departure date is 100% abiding by Thailand's rules. If you're going to buy a throwaway ticket, you may as well rent an onward ticket and save yourself a few dollars. Being nice to the person at the desk is always a good idea though 🙂

#ezw_tco--1 .ez-toc-widget-container ul.ez-toc-list li.active::before { background-color: ; } Skip to Section

Nomad Toolkit is a project by Pareto Digital . Built in Sydney, launched in Bangkok and grown in Berlin. Powered by Cloudways . For partnerships, consulting and everything else, please get in touch .

Suggested companies

Best onward ticket, onewayfly : flight reservation for visa, dummyticket.

Onward Ticket   Reviews

In the Travel Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.9.

Most relevant

I thought it was a scam or fake , but it is Real

I thought it was a scam or fake , watched a youtube video ,seemed kinda legit... paid 26/bucks got my ticket , to my surprise my reservation is confirmed on the air lines website.....applied for the visa and got it .... Guys you are amazing , i needed the visa to keep my options ready for summer should i change where i am going ....and again i got the visa ;) .....Thank you sooooooooooooooo much

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

It turned out fine!

After some payment problems, arranging the onward ticket went very smoothly! We were even able to change the date after payment! Thanks for that!

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

Well, Impressed by Onward Ticket!

Had a specific question to my flight needs and Onward ticket replied super-fast within 15 mins, and they gave detailed and professional response! Well, Impressed by Onward ticket and will be using them for all my future needs.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

I needed help with checking my ticket…

I needed help with checking my ticket at the airline and I was assisted even before the 30-minute deadline described on the website. Very responsive attendant, polite and willing to help. I will definitely recommend the site to anyone who needs it and will also use it more often.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

quick and effective human service!

I got a ticket for a connection floght that I was worried that won’t work for me, I wrote them and got an instant human response that allowed me to book a new one to try better combination and was refunded for the original booking. Not taken for granted at all! Trustworthy and helpful.

Date of experience : March 31, 2024

Always works

I've used their ticket several times in the last couple of years and they always worked well.

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

They are the Best

They are the Best! Even when i booked the wrong date, they just helped me so quick and solved my mistake in no time! I used them over the last 3 years every few months and i only had good experience!

Amazing costumer service

Amazing costumer service. I am still surprised on how fast they answered my emails even on a Sunday late afternoon. I was traveling that night and needed a change in the reservation.... they refunded my first ticket right away and helped me to buy the correct one. Totally recommend this company.

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

They responded within 3 minutes per…

They responded within 3 minutes per email when I had sent that my bank blocked my (international) payment. So helpful!!! Got my ticket right away without questions asked.

100% recommend!!

Recently was stopped at check-in and asked for a return ticket. I am a full time traveler, so I only buy one way tickets. Within 5 minutes, I got a ticket from Onward, and I was boarding my plane. It saved me so much money and time! I can’t recommend this platform enough! Thank you, Onward!

Date of experience : March 21, 2024

Gosh, this is a remarkable service. The support team person that helped me deal with my boo boo (Honey) was remarkable. As a customer we all know hard it is when customer support are inflexible. This normally is from an inflexible process; onward ticket is certainly a company that relates to their customers. I salute you all. Thank you.

Exemplary customer service

First time writing a review like this. Felt compelled to as the customer service was exemplary. I accidentally entered a wrong email address for my ticket so didn’t receive it and they helped troubleshoot the issue quickly, found the transaction and issued a refund. It’s customer service like this that will keep me as a user of the service.

Date of experience : March 24, 2024

Great Support

Booked a ticket, received it within seconds! But i booked it with a wrong date, texted the support, they got back at me within less than 30 minutes, gave me the opportunity to change the date! Amazing support!

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Great service! Legit website!

Great service! Legit website! I made a booking reservation few hours before I’ll need it and made a mistake with the date, I sent an email to customer service and they replied back few minutes later and my problem was solved. I checked on the airline website and the booking with my details shows up when I enter the reservation code (yes, I’m not ticketed yet but the reservation was made). So very legit website and it cost only $16 (£12.57 for me). Thank you very much Mélodie for your prompt reply.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Perfect tool for a digital nomad

As a digital nomad, have been using their services a lot for visa applications or for countries that say that they require an exit ticket even if you are spending months there. I think I only had a problem once when a problem with payment made it so my purchase was charged twice. To which, when prompted, they managed to solve it in less than 20min. Nothing but compliments for them

Date of experience : March 06, 2024

This is the best onward ticketing…

This is the best onward ticketing service on the web, they gave my ticket in time, they respond in time, they are excellent, hopefully they just don't change and they remain good like this to customers forever

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Excellent service and efficient…

Excellent service and efficient support! I am satisfied with my purchase

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Service is spectacular!!

Service is spectacular!!! I’ve made a mistake and the company was so helpful about it, 10/10 would recommend it

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Been using them for years

Been using them for years! Recommend to my friends. They’re a life saver. Great customer service as well. I never leave reviews but had to do a lil somethin somethin for them because I am truly grateful something like this exists. I wouldn’t bother looking at other sites.

Date of experience : February 25, 2024

Simple and efficient

Simple and fast service & process, satisfied with the end result. The initially provided PNR wasn’t verifiable with the airline, but the Onward Ticket customer service provided me with an alternative in just over an hour after I informed them about this. That one performed just fine.

Date of experience : November 10, 2023

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

Updated: September 12, 2023

When you are heading to a new country, the boarding airline usually asks for proof of onward travel. At the arriving airport, the immigration officers also ask for a return or onward ticket.

If you are unsure of where you will be heading next, booking a return or onward ticket can be difficult. Especially if you are a digital nomad or traveling long term, it’s difficult to know your next destination several weeks in advance.

The airline’s staff at the check-in insist on showing a return or onward flight ticket. You will be denied boarding if you are not in possession of an onward or return flight ticket. But, how can you get a return or onward ticket if you are not sure where you will be heading next?

Reasons why you need proof of onward travel

Let’s understand why you would need a return or onward ticket. You would need a return or onward ticket for 2 reasons –

Reason 1: Airlines, especially, budget airlines have to make sure that you will not overstay in the destination country. If you overstay, you will, of course, be fined. But the airline that allowed you to enter will also be fined. These fines on the airlines are hefty and can sometimes cause airline employees to lose their jobs. Therefore, airlines make sure that you have proper proof that you will leave the country at the end of your stay.

Reason 2: Immigration officers at the border control have to make sure that you would leave the country at the end of your stay. Therefore, they ask you to show a return or onward ticket. They usually do not accept a bus, train or boat ticket as proof of onward travel. They only accept a flight ticket as proof of onward travel as flight tickets are verifiable.

Let’s look at various ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip.

01. Book a flight ticket with 24-hour FREE cancellation from online booking websites

A few online booking websites offer FREE cancellation on flight tickets within 24 hours of booking. Book a flight ticket from any of these booking websites right before heading to the airport. Take a print of the booking or simply show it on your phone. After you arrive in your destination country and pass through immigration, you can simply cancel the booking to get a full refund. This is the best and foolproof way to get proof of your onward travel.

Below are some of the booking websites that offer FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking.

• Expedia | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Orbitz | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Travelocity | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Priceline | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24-hour FREE cancellation on Expedia – A step-by-step guide

02. Book a flight ticket with 24-hour FREE cancellation from airline websites

A few airlines also offer FREE cancellation on flight tickets within 24 hours of booking. You can book a flight ticket on these airline websites just before heading to the airport. If asked to show a return ticket by the airline or immigration, just show your booking on your phone. Cancel the booking once you arrive and complete the immigration.

Below are some of the airline websites that offer FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking.

• United Airlines | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Delta Airways | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• KLM | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Alaska Airlines | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• British Airways | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Ana Airlines Japan | FREE cancellation applicable on the US site only
• WestJet | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• AeroMexico | FREE cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• KoreanAir | FREE cancellation applicable only at least 1 week prior to departure
• Hawaiian Airlines | FREE cancellation applicable only at least 1 week prior to departure
• Finnair | FREE cancellation applicable on the US site only, 1 week prior to departure
• Caribbean Airlines | FREE cancellation applicable only at least 1 week prior to departure

03. Rent an onward flight ticket from online travel agents

The above two options require you to pay for the flight ticket upfront. Though you will get a full refund, you have to pay for the ticket first from your own pocket.

If you are strapped for cash or you don’t want to pay the full price of the ticket upfront, you can use an online travel agent. These online travel agents will pay for the ticket on your behalf and get you a flight ticket. They will cancel the ticket within 24/48 hours on your behalf. But, they will charge a fee for this service.

Below are some of the online travel agents and their fees.

Recommended agents

• OnwardTicket | Price $16 USD | Ticket valid for 48 hours | Instant booking | 5% discount with code VT5
• BestOnwardTicket | Price $12 USD | Ticket valid for 48 hour

04. Book a cheap throwaway flight ticket from budget airlines

If there are any budget airlines that fly out of the country, you may be able to get a throwaway ticket at an extremely cheap price. A ticket for about $15-$30 is not a big deal. You would spend that much even if you use an online travel agent.

A few budget airlines offer extremely cheap tickets.

• AirAsia | Cheap flights in South East Asia
• Scoot | Cheap flights in South East Asia

05. Get a fake airline ticket

This is an extremely risky option. So, use this option only at your own risk.

There are a few online fake airline ticket generators. These tools generate a fake flight ticket that looks like an actual booking. These bookings are not real and cannot be verified.

Below are some of the fake airline ticket generators

• FakeFlightTickets | Price $5 USD | Downloadable fake airline ticket *
• KeyFlight | Free service | Downloadable fake airline ticket *

* IMPORTANT The use of fake airline tickets is illegal and against the law. If caught, you may be fined, prosecuted or jailed. So please use fake tickets at your own risk.

There you have it. 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip. If you are not sure how long you will stay in a country or where you will be heading next, these 5 options will help you get a return or onward ticket without much hassle.

Have you ever been asked to show proof of onward travel? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

RELATED POSTS

Loading 30 Comments... Please Wait.

• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Flight Itinerary
• Hotel Reservation
• Travel Insurance
• Onward Ticket
• Testimonials

Search this site

• New? Start Here
• Philippines
• Dominican Republic
• Expat Insurance
• Visas and Immigration
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Expat Insights Newsletter
• Overseas Health Insurance
• International Moving Costs
• Financial Independence
• Philippines Visa Help
• Colombia Visa Help

Onward Ticket: Get Verified Proof Of Onward Travel To Enter A Country

Entering some countries requires you to demonstrate that you plan to leave the country by a specific date by showing proof of onward travel. But what if you don’t know when you plan to depart? Here are the best ways to show immigration you have a valid onward ticket without wasting money on cancellation or change fees. minutes

  Mins Reading Time

About the author

Hi, I'm Marco Sison . I worked in finance for Fortune 50 companies before retiring early at 41 years old. I have been an expat for over 10 years, living in over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries outside the USA. I am a trusted resource on personal finance and overseas retirement for US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller- Abroad: Expats That Thrive .

What is an onward ticket?

An onward ticket is a document that proves that you have a scheduled departure out of the country within a specified period. Travelers often require proof of onward travel for visa applications or when crossing borders. This ticket is also referred to as a return ticket, departure ticket, or onward flight ticket.

Not every country asks for proof of onward travel, but the COVID situation has led many countries to mandate onward ticket checks with the latest lockdowns and pandemic border restrictions. 

While an onward ticket is not necessary when traveling to every country, an immigration officer can request you provide documented proof that you are not planning to stay in the country illegally. 

It's good to be prepared just in case. You can buy an onward ticket for $14 from a reputable website; there are even some free options  I cover in the article below. Having an onward flight ticket will ensure there are no problems when dealing with bureaucratic border control upon arrival at immigration.

This article serves as a guide on purchasing and using onward ticketing to minimize your costs while maintaining maximum flexibility.

Why is it important to have an onward ticket?

It is all about illegal immigration. Many countries are cracking down on foreigners overstaying their valid visa days. Proof of onward travel shows authorities that you have the means and intention to leave the country and do not intend to stay in the country illegally.

63% more illegal immigrants overstay their visas than illegally cross the borders.

Showing an onward ticket for short-term tourists on vacation is not typically an issue, as tourists usually have a pre-booked itinerary with a fixed departure date and a prepaid return ticket. 

However, proof of onward travel doesn't work for digital nomads or nomadic retirees like me who choose to stay relaxed about our plans. Picking a departure date usually means paying for an airline ticket we don't plan to use (throwaway ticket), paying exorbitant change fees to choose a different departure date, or risk immigration not letting us into the country for not providing an onward ticket.  

Travel flexibility is where using an onward ticket provider comes in handy.   Onward ticket providers allow you to "rent" proof of onward travel confirming you have a flight out of the country. You can confidently present your proof of onward travel to the airline check-in agent or immigration when you arrive in the country. A rented or disposable onward flight ticket is a 100% legitimate, verifiable flight reservation made in your name.

A disposable onward ticket is a smarter, more flexible, and cheaper way to deal with proof of onward travel.

I have partnered with the most trusted online ticket provider on the web with a 4.7 rating on Trust Pilot and loads of happy customer reviews. You can  book an onward ticket for just $14 . 

Other Guides On Expat Life In The Philippines

2024 philippines online annual reporting requirement guide for expats, expat life in the philippines: an american expat’s pros and cons, foreigner’s guide to prenuptial agreements in the philippines- protecting your money, a comprehensive guide to philippines health insurance for expats, 24 facts about healthcare in the philippines every expat must know, how do i send money to the philippines my remittance rundown, best places to live in manila- an expat guide to metro neighborhoods, an expat guide on where to eat in manila [best restaurants and groceries], can foreigners buy property in the philippines [options, tips, laws].

Page [tcb_pagination_current_page] of [tcb_pagination_total_pages]

How do I book an onward ticket on your website?

You can get verified proof of onward travel in as little as sixty seconds from our travel partner's website. Simply click the button link below to start the application.

• 1) Enter your origin and destination airport, passenger information, whether you want a round-trip or one-way flight ticket, and whether you wish to extend the reservation validity duration
• 2) Pay for your ticket- The booking form takes all major credit cards or Paypal. After payment, a flight reservation is made within seconds by a registered travel agency.
• 3) Your travel itinerary with a PNR code is immediately available for download. Additionally, the onward ticketing system will send your confirmable flight itinerary in a confirmation email within minutes.

How much does an onward travel ticket cost?

You can buy a disposable onward ticket reservation that meets airline and immigration requirements for onward travel proof for $14 USD.  There are optional add-ons if you want additional features added to your reservation. 

Optional add-ons include

• Make your ticket a return ticket $7- a full round-trip ticket is helpful for a visa application
• Delay your ticket delivery date $1- if you don't want to activate your ticket until a later date
• Increase the validity period to 14 days $17- makes the ticket valid for 14 days (if you think the visa application process might take longer than 48 hours)
• Only use direct flights $2- to only use non-stop flights on your airline itinerary (avoids potential visa complications with stopovers in other countries)

How do I use a temporary onward ticket?

• 1 Check the visa requirements of your destination country-  Not every country requires an onward ticket
• 2 Book your onward ticket on this website before you leave home-  Your onward ticket can be checked at the airport when you depart and by immigration at the airport when you land. If you wait to purchase your onward ticket when you land, you may not have time or internet access to buy the ticket before you get your passport checked.
• 3 Get onward ticket reservation in two minutes-  Pick your departure and arrival airports, enter your passport details, and pay. The system sends a confirmed flight reservation to your email address.
• 4 Show your onward ticket reservation to the immigration officer when you arrive-   Smile. Be polite. Don't be nervous. Your airline reservation is confirmed and has a departure date. Our ticket partners provide 100% legitimate tickets with a unique Passenger Name Record (PNR) code that immigration officials can verify with the airline.
• 5 Get an onward ticket before you depart-   It could save you a lot of hassle at the airport.

  INSIDER TIP   : Extending A Disposable Onward Ticket- Tickets purchased from our partner's website are real flight reservations. As such, the purchased reservation is only valid for 48 hours, enough time to fly to a new country and pass immigration. However, if you need to show proof of onward travel for a visa application, you can extend the reservation for 14 days.

Get Verifiable Proof of Onward Travel Within 60 Seconds

Nomadic FIRE has partnered with the most trusted Onward Ticket Provider on the web . They will make a confirmed flight reservation on your behalf and provide you Proof Of Onward Travel to show visa or immigration officials.

It's the cheaper, smarter option for traveling with complete freedom.

10 Ways to show proof of onward travel

There are a few ways to buy an onward ticket. The safest options cost money, as they create legitimate, verifiable airline reservations with your name and travel information that can be confirmed by any airlines agent, immigration authority, or border control officers.

• Rent a temporary onward ticket $
• Buy a Flexible Date Ticket $$$
• Purchase an expensive refundable ticket $$$
• Make a 24-hour Hold on an airline ticket $
• Book directly with airlines that offer free cancelations $
• Buy a cheap return ticket $$

Risk it [NOT RECOMMENDED]

Sign an airline liability waiver [not recommended].

• Use a bus or train ticket [NOT RECOMMENDED]
• Photoshop a Fake Ticket [NOT RECOMMENDED]

Buy a flexible travel ticket ($$$)

The most straightforward way to show proof of onward travel is to purchase a ticket where you can change your departure date. This type of ticket gives you some flexibility if your travel plans change. The problem is airline companies make a killing off of flexible tickets. Changing an airline ticket is always expensive, as airlines can tack on change fees and charge you the difference in the fare price.

Get confirmed proof of onward travel for just $14

Purchase an expensive refundable ticket ($$$)

Another option is buying fully returnable tickets. Just make sure to read the fine print. Some airlines only refund tickets using flight vouchers instead of cash. A refundable ticket is not always available for every flight and often comes with a refund or change fee. A refundable ticket is almost always more expensive, and refunds are not always immediate. Qatar airlines, for example, held my money for one 1-month after requesting a refund on a legitimate ticket I purchased.

Reserve a flight ticket using online travel websites with FREE 24-hour cancellation ($)

The cheapest way to get an onward travel ticket is Expedia.com. Expedia has a 24-hour refund policy for most of its flights. I say cheapest, but if you keep a watchful eye, this method is actually FREE, as in 100% of your money back. In fact, Expedia has never charged my credit card when I cancel a flight within the 24-hour refund window. Expedia simply withdraws the reservation, and I never even see the charge hit my credit card statement.

While I mention Expedia, I'm sure other websites offer a similar policy. However, since I haven't had any reason to use a different company, I can't vouch for how they work. Expedia, to me, is tried and true.

  INSIDER TIP   : Expedia.com- This method only works on Expedia.com. For reasons unknown to me, the .com site offers free refunds, while Expedia.ca, Expedia.co.uk, etc., does not.

Make airline reservations that have a 24-hour Risk-Free Cancellation Policy ($)

Another cheap option. The premise is the same as option 1 above, except you book directly with airline websites instead of Expedia. The key is finding an airline that offers FREE 24-hour cancelations AND has flights on the dates and arrival airport you need.

Here are some larger airlines that allow FREE refunds for reservations canceled within 24 hours of booking. Since airlines can change their policy, confirm with the airline if they still offer refunds with no change or cancelation fees. Additionally, verify your payment is refunded back to your credit card and not issued as flight credit or flight vouchers.

Alaska Airlines:  24-hour free cancellation.  

American Airlines:  Keeps reservations on hold for free for 24-hours.

Delta Airlines:  provides a full refund for cancellation on flight tickets made by midnight the day after the purchase

JetBlue:  24-hour free cancellation.  

United Airlines:  24-hour free cancellation.

  INSIDER TIP   : Booking Direct vs. Online Travel Websites- I find booking my flight directly with airlines is cheaper 90% of the time. While I make nearly all my normal flight bookings directly with airlines vs. using an online travel website, I prefer travel websites when I need a temporary onward ticket. Why? Because online travel websites compile all the options for me, I need to check each airline one by one if I book direct. Since I'm don't plan on ever using or paying for the flight, I don't mind paying for the more expensive flights.

Buy the cheapest one-way ticket

An extreme budget airline like Ryanair, Asia Asia, or Wizz Air can drive down the cost of a one-way flight laughably low. In these situations, you can throw away or consider the ticket disposable. It may seem like a waste of money to burn a ticket, but some low-cost airlines have international flights for $10-$20. My girlfriend once paid less than $10 for a one-way ticket from Vienna, Austria, to Limassol, Cyprus. An Uber in Vienna to the airport costs twice as much as the cost to fly to another country.

Use an Onward Ticket Providers

The Onward Ticket Provider is my travel partner. They provide onward travel solutions by allowing customers to purchase a pre-booked itinerary as proof of onward travel on their website.

You can buy tickets using the site for $14, valid for 48 hours. 

Sample of a confirmed reservation will receive from an Onward Ticket Provider

Four Ways To Travel Without A Ticket With A Scheduled Return

To be 100% clear, I do not recommend the following options. These options carry a high risk of being denied boarding your flight by airline agents or getting deported by Immigration authorities at your destination. Don't risk it. When you can get peace of mind by renting an onward ticket for $14 , why take a chance?

A risky option is to arrive at the airport and try to get on the flight without proof of onward travel and hope no one checks. You'll need to pass through three potential checks:

• At the airline ticket counter during check-in
• By the gate agent before boarding your flight
• By immigration and passport control officers at your destination

I was caught without an onward ticket on my first business trip to Bogota, Colombia. It was my first time in the country, and ignorant about the proof of onward travel requirement. I'll never know why no one checked me at my departure airport or my transit airport. However, Colombian Immigration asked about my onward travel plans when I arrived. 

I apologized profusely to the Immigration officer and politely explained my situation. I showed them my business card and the business card of the clients I was scheduled to meet in Bogota. After a few more questions, he waved me through. I'm not sure if it mattered, but I looked the part of a business traveler with proper business casual attire and a collared shirt.

The airline cares about money. If the check-in agent at the ticket counter denies you boarding for a flight, ask if you can sign a financial liability waiver rather than providing proof of onward travel. Typically, the airline is responsible for getting you out of the country if you are deported. By signing the waiver of liability, you are responsible for your travel costs if immigration denies you entry to your destination. The airline is no longer financially liable if immigration decides to deport you in this situation.

However, even if you successfully convince the airline check-in desk agent, the actual immigration officials at your arrival airport still need to permit you to enter.  

Buy a bus or train ticket [NOT RECOMMENDED]

When you're at the airport or immigration, and they ask for proof of onward travel, one option is to say that you will continue your trip via a land border. Buying a $20 to $30 bus or train ticket seems like an inexpensive way to show you're leaving the country. Sometimes this option works if you're entering a country by land, but most airlines and airport immigration officials won't accept an international bus or train ticket as onward tickets.

Additionally, bus tickets, train tickets, ferry tickets, etc., are harder to book and buy online before arrival, making this option even more inconvenient.

Photoshop a Fake Ticket or fake flight itinerary [NOT RECOMMENDED]

 There are many ways to forge a ticket, but the most common is editing an existing flight itinerary in a photo editor like Photoshop or GIMP. You can even use a word processor like Microsoft Word or Powerpoint to create a realistic-looking fake onward ticket for cheap.

A fake ticket is the riskiest option. Giving a falsified document to a government official is a big mistake. Forging a government document is illegal and can get you into serious trouble if caught. By falsifying a fake ticket and submitting it to a government official, you are essentially lying to the immigration officer and breaking the country's immigration law.

RELATED POSTs ON Philippine Visas

How-To Get A Philippines Visa Extension [2023]: Guide, Fees, Requirements

Philippines visa application forms and visa extension forms, philippines investor visa- how to invest in the philippines for residency, requirements and how-to apply for a philippines visa for uk citizens, philippines visa for us citizens- entry requirements and how to apply, what countries require proof of onward travel.

Surprisingly, there is no comprehensive resource online showing all the countries that require proof of onward travel. However, here is a list of countries I am familiar with that need onward travel tickets.

• Colombia - You may be  denied entry to Colombia  if you do not have a return ticket. 
• Greece - You must arrive in-country with proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or other evidence that  you will depart Greece . 
• New Zealand
• Philippines -  requires valid return ticket
• United Kingdom
• United States

It's important to note that every country has different requirements for proof of onward travel. Some countries, like Taiwan, do not require an onward ticket for Europeans but do for Vietnamese nationals. Other countries, like Thailand, will ban you from entry if you don't have proof of onward travel.

So, what should you do if you're planning on traveling abroad and don't have a valid onward ticket? The best thing to do is check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting. They will be able to tell you exactly what documents they require for entry.

FAQs: Onward Tickets and Onward Flight Services

Can i choose the airline, destination, or specific flight for my onward ticket.

You can choose a destination, but there is no option for specific flights, times, or airlines. You can pick the departure and arrival airports, the dates, and if you prefer a non-stop flight. Our travel partner reserves the best onward flight instantly to ensure the fastest service.

Can I use my onward ticket as a return ticket?

No. Purchasing an onward ticket from our travel partner only provides a verifiable flight reservation. The reservation is automatically canceled after 48 hours unless you extend the validity for 14 days. You will need to purchase a separate ticket to receive an airline ticket you can use to travel.

What are the benefits of using a rentable onward ticket service?

Using an onward ticket service:

• Simplifies life if you don't know how long you want to stay or where you will go next
• Can be used for check-in verification at the airport and at border controls.
• Is cheaper than buying a throw-away ticket
• Is more flexible than buying a return ticket
• Is less complicated than a refundable ticket.

Overall, we believe that our travel partner's service provides excellent value for those looking for convenience and peace of mind during their travels.

Can I travel without an onward ticket?

An onward ticket is a required document for many countries proving you plan to leave the country and will not stay in the country illegally. Not every country requires a departure ticket. Popular tourist countries requiring proof of onward travel include the  Philippines  and  Colombia .

If I have a visa on arrival, do I still need an onward ticket?

Countries require a departure ticket to crack down on tourists illegally staying in the country. When you leave matters less if you hold a long-term visa, but if you have a short-term tourist visa or visa on arrival, immigration authorities want to ensure you don't overstay your visa dates.  

We moved the comments to the  New Expat Forums

My girlfriend wants me to relocate to the Philippines, so should I purchase a refundable return ticket to show proof to the airport authorities or immigration authorities that I have a return ticket?

Hi Randall,

You are correct. Foreigners without a permanent visa entering the Philippines must show proof of onward travel with a date no more than 30 days from your arrival date.

If you can find a refundable ticket, that works great. Just double-check the T&Cs, as some airlines and travel websites try to sneak in fees or put restrictions on the refund. You can also “rent” a flight reservation for about $14. I use this service all the time when I travel.

https://link.nomadicfire.com/onward-ticket

Enjoy your trip to meet your girlfriend. If you need any additional help, drop us a line.

So I’m going to live in the UK for a year or so, should I buy a one way ticket or just book round trip and just miss the flight back?

You haven’t provided enough information to answer that question, as the requirements depend on your visa and citizenship. Additionally, the UK isn’t a country I focus on, so I am unsure of their specific entry requirements. I suggest checking with the UK embassy in your home country for current specifics.

Hello. Re: extension visa.

He’s staying for 6months but he doesn’t have extension visa yet. Should he buy 2months return ticket then rebooked it when he have extension visa already? Or he can booked 6months return or onward ticket immediately?

He will need a return ticket or other proof of onward travel dated no more than 30 days from arrival. Even if he plans on staying 6 months, he needs to show a flight out in 30 days. Stupid bureaucracy, I know. One recommendation is to get a rented onward travel ticket from this website for $14 .

Then he can extend his Philippes visa and not worry about the onward ticket.

Does that make sense?

I have a 2 day flight to the Philippines. Will booking the onward ticket before i leave still be applicable? I believe their website says it is good for “up to 48 hours”.

Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison . I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last eight years to over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest , and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the  Amazon Best-Seller , Abroad: Expats That Thrive.  [view press...]

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Onward Flight Ticket: Everything You Need to Know About Onward Flight Tickets

When travelling abroad, it is typical for nations to impose entry requirements that include documentation of onward travel. A dummy ticket, often known as an onward airline ticket, serves as this proof most frequently. Here is a breakdown of what an onward flight ticket is, why you need one, and how Dummy Flight can help you get one.  

• 1.1 Benefits of a Dummy Air Ticket for an Onward Flight Ticket 
• 1.2 Benefits of a Dummy Ticket 
• 2.1 Dummy Flight Offers Packages for Every Need and Budget 

What is an Onward Flight Ticket?  

A confirmed flight reservation indicating your intent to depart the country of destination at a later time is known as an “onward flight ticket.” An  Onward Flight Ticket  demonstrates to immigration officials that you have no intention of overstaying your visa or settling down illegally. Although it does not guarantee you a seat on the plane, it signals your determination to abide by immigration laws.  

Benefits of a Dummy Air Ticket for an Onward Flight Ticket  

There are many advantages to purchasing a dummy air ticket for your subsequent travel. First off, it enables you to satisfy numerous countries’ admission requirements. You can guarantee a simple immigration procedure and prevent any difficulties or delays at the border by presenting proof of onward travel.  

A  Dummy Ticket might also help you save money. You may get a dummy ticket for a lot less money than buying a real airplane ticket, which is subject to change costs. This is especially helpful if you have changeable travel plans or are unsure of your precise departure date.  

Benefits of a Dummy Ticket  

There are advantages to possessing a dummy ticket in addition to fulfilling the requirements for further travel.  

You can apply for visas and other things with a dummy ticket. When requesting a visa, many embassies and consulates accept fake tickets as proof of travel.  

Dummy tickets are a practical choice for people who need to provide proof of travel for conferences, business meetings, or other occasions where reservations for flights are necessary. You can reserve your travel arrangements with a dummy ticket without committing to buying a genuine ticket.  

How Dummy Flight Helps with Onward Flight Tickets  

Dummy Flight is your trusted partner when it comes to obtaining onward flight tickets. We offer various packages that meet the needs and budgets of our customers.   

Here’s how Dummy Flight can assist you:  

• Valid tickets as proof of travel and for visa applications: Our dummy tickets are acceptable for use in visa applications as proof of travel. The traveler’s entire name, point of boarding, point of exit (airport codes), and trip departure and arrival dates are all included in them.  
• Verification and cancellation: With our dummy tickets, we include a confirmation number that you can use to confirm your reservations. We also offer a free cancellation if you need to change your reservation.  
• Secure payments: All major credit cards are accepted, and our third-party payment system ensures safe and secure transactions. Your credit card information is safe and secure.  
• Worldwide accessibility: Dummy tickets can be ordered from any location in the world. We provide delivery within the allotted time range, guaranteeing prompt receipt of your reservation.  
• Cost savings: In comparison to buying real tickets, using a dummy air ticket will save you a sizable sum of money. If you have several trip arrangements or are unsure of your specific travel dates, this is extremely helpful.  

Dummy Flight Offers Packages for Every Need and Budget  

We at Dummy Flight are aware that every traveller has various needs and financial constraints. We provide a variety of to match your unique demands, so regardless of whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, we have a package for you.  

Our packages come with a variety of characteristics, including the number of dummy tickets, opportunities for revisions or cancellations, and other services like hotel reservations. You can compare rates and select the plan that best meets your needs using our user-friendly interface.  

An onward flight ticket, commonly referred to as a dummy ticket, is an important document that shows you intend to abide by immigration laws. Dummy Flight can assist you in acquiring the required evidence of onward travel for your visa applications or other travel-related needs. You can confidently plan your trip with our safe payment system, global accessibility, and affordable solutions Dummy Flight.  

Visit our website or call +971 58 590 7899 to book your dummy ticket today and experience the ease and convenience of our services. Safe travels!  

Comments are closed.

Connecting Flights Guide

This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our  disclaimer .

Onward Ticket: FAQ

Last updated:

Onward ticket? Can it be a return ticket?

When it comes to travel, one thing that can be confusing for many people is the onward ticket. To put it simply, an onward ticket is proof of your departure from the country you are visiting. This can be a return ticket or a ticket to another country. So, why do you need an onward flight ticket and how do you get one?

In this blog post, we will answer all your questions on onward tickets and help you navigate this process.

Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online .

1. What Is an Onward Ticket?

An onward ticket is a “travel document” that shows proof of your intention to leave a country within a certain period of time. It is typically required by immigration authorities to ensure that travelers do not stay in a country illegally.

Theoretically, an onward ticket can be a flight, train, or bus ticket that proves you have plans to continue your journey to another destination. In reality, though, it may be tricky traveling without a flight ticket. For some reason, immigration officers like plane tickets much more than bus or train tickets.

What it means is that if you don’t have a plane ticket, you may be question more about your travel plans than if you have a plane ticket.

Onward ticket meaning: a proof of you leaving the country. Usually, it refers to a flight ticket back to your home country, or to another country.

It is important to check the entry requirements of the country you are visiting to determine if an onward ticket is required.

1.1 Can You Use a Bus Ticket as an Onward Ticket?

Theoretically, yes, you can use a bus ticket as an onward ticket.

However, make sure to check the entry rules of the country that you are going to, as they may be asking specifically for a plane ticket. You may still be okay if you have a bus ticket, or train ticket, even if they are asking for a plane ticket. But you can never be 100% sure of that – it depends on the specific airline employee (if they will allow you on the plane) and immigration officer at your destination (if they allow you in the country).

1.2 Can You Use a Train Ticket as an Onward Ticket?

Theoretically, yes, you can use a train ticket as an onward ticket.

As long as it’s a train to another country, and you’ll be leaving not later than your visa ends. Keep in mind, though, that you may be questioned more when checking in for the flight , boarding the plane and entering the country. For some reason, immigration officers and airline staff, put more trust in plane tickets.

Plane tickets are the best option for hassle-free travel.

2. Why Do You Need an Onward Ticket?

You need an onward ticket as a proof that you will be leaving the country.

More and more countries require visitors to have an onward ticket before they enter. This is to ensure that travelers do not overstay their visa and become illegal immigrants. Even though you could still overstay, right? Nothing is stopping you from that. But that’s the rules, and if the ticket is required, mostly you’ll be asked for it when boarding a flight to this particular country.

That leads us to the next question about onward ticket (number 3).

2.1 What Countries Require an Onward Ticket?

It’s best to assume that all countries require an onward ticket.

Not very helpful? I know, but that’s just the reality of travel.

So, it’s best to assume that you may be asked for an onward ticket, either when checking in for the flight or when going through the immigration on arrival. And in case if you decide to travel with a one-way ticket only, just be prepared for that conversation. It’s always a good idea to have an itinerary to share (it doesn’t need to be written down) and clear answers to questions like “how long are you going to stay” and “what’s your plan about where are you going to next”.

It’s the best to assume that all countries require an onward ticket. For the best experience, it’s a good idea to always have an onward or return ticket. You can also check the entry requirements here, on the website of IATA .

Here’s one example, I was traveling from South Korea to Uzbekistan. I don’t need a visa for Uzbekistan, and they don’t require an onward ticket (they don’t mention it at all on their government websites). However, I was asked for an onward ticket when checking in for the flight in South Korea. I didn’t have one, and was asked to sign a document stating that I’m taking the risk and that the airline won’t be held responsible in case I’m not allowed to enter the country.

You have to be prepared for this.

2.2 What Countries Don’t Require an Onward Ticket?

There’s no one list of countries that don’t require an onward ticket. Generally speaking, the less strict immigration process, the more loose onward ticket rules.

You can also check the entry requirements here, on the website of IATA .

It also depends on your nationality (your passport). If you don’t need a visa for some country, the higher the chance you won’t be asked for an onward ticket. For example, if you are a EU citizen traveling within the European Union (EU), there’s a 99.9% chance you won’t ever be asked for an onward ticket.

2.3 What Should You do If You’re Unsure About a Country’s Onward Ticket Requirements?

It’s always best to assume that you’ll need it.

If you’re going to travel without it, for your own safety and convenience, find at least one or two reliable sources for the entry requirements (where they don’t mention an onward ticket; to have better chances of getting on the plane).

3. Do Airlines Check for Onward Tickets?

Yes – airlines check for onward tickets/ return tickets .

The trickiest part is that they may ask you for a proof of an onward travel even if it isn’t required. And if you don’t have an onward ticket, sometimes, it will end well. They will just let you go, after you let them know of your travel plans. Other times you may be denied boarding.

4. What Happens If You Don’t Have an Onward Ticket?

There are three possible scenarios:

• You may be questioned more. At check-in or on the border on arrival to the country (airport immigration control).
• You may be denied boarding. It sucks, but it can happen. The airline staff may deny boarding if you don’t have an onward ticket. Especially when you are traveling to a country that clearly requires it. You won’t get a UK/EU flight compensation from the airline for this, and you won’t have a right to care if that happens.
• You may be denied entry and/or visa. This is the worst of the options. Because this may also mean a permanent or temporary ban to travel to the country. Plus, you can’t leave the airport, and have to fly back as soon as possible. And you have to pay for that – last-minute flights can be very expensive.

In some cases, they may give you the opportunity to purchase an onward ticket at the airport, but this is not guaranteed.

4.1 Can You Be Denied Boarding If You Don’t Have an Onward Ticket?

Yes, you can be denied boarding if you don’t have an onward ticket .

While the specific policies may vary by airline and destination, it is always a good idea to check the entry requirements of the country you are visiting to determine if an onward ticket is required. Failure to provide proof of onward travel may result in you being denied boarding or asked to purchase a return ticket before being allowed to proceed with your journey.

4.2 Can You Get Deported If You Don’t Have an Onward Ticket?

Yes, if you don’t have an onward ticket, you could potentially face deportation. This is the worst possible scenario.

5. How Do You Get an Onward Ticket?

There are a few ways you can get an onward ticket. The easiest way is to simply purchase a return ticket, or onward ticket.

If you are not planning on returning to your home country, you can purchase a ticket to a nearby country that you plan to visit next. Or, any country. It doesn’t have to be a nearby country. Just a country where you are going to next.

It can also be a refundable ticket to anywhere. You may cancel it later.

Another option is to use an onward ticket service. These services provide a reservation for an onward ticket, which is automatically cancelled (mostly in 24-48 hours). They are sometimes called “onward ticket rental services”.

6. Renting an Onward Ticket, How Does It Work?

Here’s how it typically works:

• You choose a service . There are several online services that offer rented onward tickets, such as OnwardTicket , Best Onward Ticket , and others.
• You provide information about yourself. You’ll need to provide some basic information such as your name, email address, and sometimes your intended travel date and destination.
• You pay the fee . These services usually charge a small fee, typically between $10 and $20. Some services offer a refund if you cancel within a certain timeframe.
• Receive your onward ticket : After you’ve paid, the service will book a real flight in your name and send you a legitimate booking confirmation. This booking will show up in airline systems, so if it’s checked by immigration officials or airline staff, it will appear valid.
• The company cancels the ticket. Usually, the company will automatically cancel the ticket after a certain period (24-48 hours). This means you can’t actually use the ticket to fly, but it serves its purpose as proof of onward travel.

It’s a real plane ticket, real reservation that you can check online.

If you rent an onward ticket, it’s a real plane ticket. It’s a real flight reservation that you can check online.

These companies usually are travel agents. At the same time, it’s important to note that while many travelers use these services without issue, there’s always a small risk. If possible, it’s safer and more reliable to book a refundable onward ticket yourself, or to have a next destination already planned.

Read more: Onward Ticket Review

6.1 Are Rented Onward Tickets Safe?

In short, renting an onward ticket always involves a risk.

There are three risk factors you should consider.

First, what is the company providing the service? Are they reliable? What are their reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Facebook, etc.? For your own safety, use services of only trustworthy companies.

Second, is this a real reservation? This you will be able to check only when you get the ticket. Go to the website of the airline and find the reservation. Mostly, you can do it on the “manage booking” section.

Third, this is not a real, real ticket. Well, it is a real ticket, and it isn’t a real ticket. This one goes without saying, but if someone asks, you can’t say that you rented an onward ticket. As after that they may not consider it a real enough proof of an onward travel anymore. This is a grey zone. It’s kind of legal. Because, hey, anyone can decide and change their travel plans, right? It is what it is.

Don’t forget about the validity! These tickets are valid for 24-48 hours only. If your flight gets delayed for long-enough, and you are needed a ticket on your arrival, it may also be expired already.

6.2 How Long Is an Onward Ticket Valid? (Rented Onward Ticket)

Some onward tickets are valid for 24 hours, while others – 48 hours.

The validity of an onward ticket varies depending on the service you use, and the ticket that you are buying. The same service may offer both 24 and 48-hour onward tickets. Make sure to check the validity period before making a reservation so that you do not run into any issues.

6.3 OnwardTicket.com Review (Onward Tickets in 60 Seconds)

OnwardTicket.com is a great service for travelers.

The speed at which they operate is impressive, providing tickets swiftly to ensure a seamless travel experience. The process is incredibly user-friendly, with clear instructions to choose your flight and receive your ticket. Plus, the affordability of their pricing is a huge bonus.

It’s a hassle-free, cost-effective solution for securing onward tickets.

Highly recommended!

7. Can You Get a Refundable Ticket Instead of an Onward Ticket?

Absolutely – this is one of the best options if you need a proof of an onward travel but can’t or don’t want to book a flight anywhere yet. Getting a refundable ticket instead of an onward ticket is a common strategy used by many travelers.

You can book a refundable ticket. Cancel it. And get the money back.

7.1 How to Buy a Refundable Ticket?

Buying a refundable ticket is a process similar to buying any other airline ticket, with the main difference being that you specifically choose a fare that allows for refunds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Choose your airline. Some airlines offer fully refundable tickets, including Southwest, JetBlue, Delta , United , and American . Research which airlines provide this option for your intended route.
• Search for flights. For the simplicity, we recommend you to use an airline’s website. To make things as cheap as possible, look for shorter flights/cheaper flights. You will have to spend this money initially.
• Select a refundable fare. When choosing your fare, look for options labeled as ‘refundable’ or ‘flexible’. These fares are typically more expensive than non-refundable fares but can be cancelled for a full refund.
• Last but not least, read the fine print . Before finalizing your purchase, make sure to read the fare rules and conditions. Confirm that the ticket is indeed refundable and understand any terms or fees associated with cancelling the ticket.

Remember, refundable tickets are typically more expensive than non-refundable tickets, so it’s important to take this into account. Also, don’t assume that you’ll be getting back the money right away. It may take days, sometimes weeks.

Always check the cancellation policy before making your booking. Don’t just assume that the ticket is going to be fully refundable.

8. What If You Can’t Buy an Onward Ticket?

Maybe you don’t know where are you traveling next.

Maybe you are planning on applying for a visa extension, and don’t know yet when are you going to leave the country. You also don’t know yet, if they are going to give you that visa extension. Sometimes, you just don’t know.

Or, maybe you want to stay as flexible as possible. You want to have the freedom of traveling with one-way ticket. What are your options?

• You can take a risk. And just go. Without a proof of onward travel.
• You can book a refundable ticket. Just book an onward ticket somewhere. Cheap. Refundable. And then cancel it, if you don’t plan to use it. See the previous point to learn more about refundable flight tickets.
• You can rent an onward ticket.

It all comes with either some risk, or extra effort that you have to make. It’s one of the one-way international flights problems . There’s no perfect solution. Most likely there also won’t be a perfect solution in near future.

9. Do You Have to Print Onward Ticket?

Yes, it is better to print onward ticket. If possible. I know it sounds silly, but, again, this is the reality of air travel in many countries.

If you can’t print onward ticket, or you don’t want to do it, make sure you will be able to access your onward ticket without internet.

• Save it to your phone.
• Save it to your laptop or tablet, if you have one with you.
• Save it also somewhere on the internet, where you can easily access it from anywhere. Just in case something happens with your electronics.
• Write down the reservation number and flight data.

Do all the 4 steps, and you’ll be definitely fine!

10. Do You Need a Return Ticket to Enter the US?

Whether or not you need a return ticket to enter the US depends on several factors including the type of visa you hold.

With ESTA, it’s highly recommended. If you’re traveling on an F-1 student visa, you do not need a return ticket. Speaking of other short-term visas, such as B1/B2, a return ticket is recommended (because you may have to be able to prove the length of your planned stay in the US).

Don’t forget that you need a “visa” for connecting flights through the USA .

11. Onward Flight Ticket for Thailand? Onward Flight Ticket for the Philippines?

Do you need a return ticket to enter Thailand?

It’s a good idea to have it. If, however, you are planning on extending your visa, make sure to read the visa extension rules and be prepared for possible questions about your travel plans. Many people do so, you aren’t the first or the last one. Just make sure you have some plan, and it isn’t your 4th, 5th or 6th arrival in a short period of time, because then it may get tricky.

What about the Philippines? The same like with Thailand.

12. Do You Need a Return Ticket to Enter Australia?

You don’t have to have a return ticket when traveling to Australia. But, the immigration officers at the border may ask you for one , or for the proof that you plan to leave and can afford to do so before your visa runs out.

So, if you don’t have a return or onward ticket, be prepared for possible questioning on arrival and/or when checking in for the flight.

What is your experience with onward tickets? Have you even had any problems traveling without an onward ticket? Have you tried onward flight ticket rental services?

Featured photo by Natã Romualdo

About the author:

Kaspars Misins

Kaspars is a digital nomad and travel blogger who’s been traveling the world extensively since 2013. Since 2017, Kaspars has been writing about the less-known aspects of air travel, things like air passenger rights laws and regulations. He’s really good at simplifying complex concepts and making them easily understandable. Kaspars favorite airlines are Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SafetyWing  – Insurance for nomads

GLOBAL E-SIM

Stay Connected

CHEAP FLIGHTS WITH CASHBACK

Get Cashback

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Your go-to guide to air travel rules and regulations. Connecting flights, self transfer, onward tickets and more – we want you to understand air travel better

• Air Travel Rules (70)
• Air Travel Tips (51)
• Airlines (50)
• Airports (5)
• Missed Connecting Flight Compensation (5)
• Travel Services (6)

Latest posts:

• Vilnius, Lithuania September 12, 2023
• Riga, Latvia September 11, 2023
• Luggage Storage at Airports August 25, 2023
• What to Do if Your Flight Is Delayed? August 25, 2023
• Why Are Some Layovers So Long? August 22, 2023
• Why Are Low Cost Airlines So Cheap? August 22, 2023
• Pros and Cons of Low Cost Air Travel August 21, 2023
• The Art of Comfortable Flying: Accessories and Tips for Better Air Travel August 21, 2023
• What to Do if Your Flight Is Overbooked? August 21, 2023
• Expedia One Key Loyalty Program: FAQ August 18, 2023

Oregon player comes forward as $1.3 billion Powerball lottery winner, officials say

Officials with the oregon lottery say they are working with the ticket holder who came forward, but security measures and vetting will take time..

A person in Oregon has come forward as the winner of Saturday's $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot .

The Powerball jackpot was won by a single ticket in Oregon after Saturday's delayed drawing , lottery officials announced.

In a press release posted Sunday, officials said the Oregon Lottery is working with the ticket holder who came forward on Monday to claim the prize, adding that the process involves security measure and vetting that will take time before a winner can be announced.

No additional details have been provided about the person who came forward.

With a few exceptions, winning players in Oregon cannot remain anonymous. This was the largest Powerball prize ever won in the state, beating $340 million Powerball jackpot win in 2005. The Powerball was last won in Oregon in 2018, when a Salem man won $150.4 million.

The winning ticket was sold at a Plaid Pantry on Columbia Boulevard in Portland. The convenience store will receive a $100,000 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket, the Oregon Lottery said.

“This is an unprecedented jackpot win for Oregon Lottery,” Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said in a statement. “We’re taking every precaution to verify the winner before awarding the prize money, which will take time.” 

Saturday's winning jackpot was the fourth largest jackpot in Powerball history and the eighth-largest jackpot ever won in the U.S.

Who won the $1.3B Powerball jackpot? We might know soon. Here's why.

What were the latest winning Powerball numbers?

After Saturday's win, the Powerball jackpot reset to $20 million. With no winners on Monday, the jackpot has grown to $31 million with a cash value of $14.5 million.

The winning numbers from Monday's drawing were 6, 21, 23, 39 and 54. The red Powerball was 23 and the Power Play was 2X.

In addition to no jackpot winners Monday, there were also no Match 5 + Power Play $2 million winners or Match 5 $1 million winners reported.

To view the full list of winners, visit the Powerball website .

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by  Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network .

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through  Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network , in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit  jackpocket.com/tos  for full terms.