Flying to Italy on a way one ticket? - advice? Anyone had issues?

I am a New Zealand born citizen with a brand new NZ passport.

On my last trip to Europe I flew one-way into Athens, Greece, and didn't have any problems, however my travel agent suggested I may need to show proof of onward travel from Italy - is this true?

I don't plan on overstaying, but was concerned I may get turned around when I try fly into Italy?

What are the entry requirements for a NZ citizen? It would be worth checking the NZ government's travel website.

It's usually cheaper to buy a return ticket than two one ways - not sure if that is a factor for you.

Its very unlikely this would be enforced by Italian immigration,even if it is possible.

More likely the airline would enforce it,as they are responsible if you are refused entry (they would be fined and ghave to fly you back to NZ).

Many countries have these theoretical requirements ,which they use if they think necessary...basically if you are a white person from a rich country and you look like a 'tourist' they willl rarely create a problem.

If yoiu want to get around it and be 100% sure,but don't want a return ticket,there are various options.

You can buy the cheapest possible ticket out of Italy..say,a 20 euro flight to Malta.Then either use it or just throw it away.

You can use a company like flyonward.com.You pay somethin g like US$10,they buy you a refundable ticket and they then cancel the return part for you when you are in Italy.

You can buy a fullly refundable ticket and then cancel the return part yourself.Often this is not 'free',there is a fee to pay.You will also need to wait a while to get your money back.

BTW don't pay much attention to what yor travel agent says...they are looking for ways to get the most money out of you.

That's why I book everything myself...no need for travel agents anymore in this day and age,particularly for booking flights and accommodation.

@lucapal gave you the best piece of advice here:
Many countries have these theoretical requirements ,which they use if they think necessary...
Major thing is Italy has no problem with NZ citizens overstaying.

@thomajd

I just had a look on their embassy website and it says "New Zealand citizens holders of a valid New Zealand passport entering Italy or any or all of the Schengen countries as tourists for a stay of no more than 90 days are not
required to obtain a visa."

From the embassy website (http://www.ambwellington.esteri.it/resource/2011/02/45114_f_amb61RequirementsForSCHENGENVISA.pdf) it sounds like you only need a return ticket if you are another national living in New Zealand.

It's usually cheaper to buy a return ticket than two one ways - not sure if that is a factor for you.

@helen0104 I would like to keep my trip open (no fixed return date) and the flight is only $624 :D

Thanks @lucapal - I will give the airline a call and see what their advice is, otherwise that ticket sounds good! Do you think a train one would work too? Or just a flight?

Thanks for your help :)

BTW don't pay much attention to what yor travel agent says...they are looking for ways to get the most money out of you.

That's why I book everything myself...no need for travel agents anymore in this day and age,particularly for booking flights and accommodation.

@lucapal - I shouldn't say I'm booking through a 'travel agent' - what I mean is they are a well known travel agency and I just booked the flights through their site :) I definitely like to book everything myself too lol

I doubt that the airline will say anything, but if they do..a flight ticket is probably better.And cheaper too...international trains are not cheap.

You can always leave it to check in,if you arrive early enough and have a smartphone.

I've done that once...they refused to let me on without a ticket out (this was Cambodia not Italy) and I bought the cheapest possible flight out,on the spot,with my phone.

It's usually cheaper to buy a return ticket than two one ways - not sure if that is a factor for you.

This used to be true (I remember once buying a return ticket with no intention to use the return part, simple because it was cheaper than a one way) but this has changed with many companies. It is worth checking and comparing.

@thomajd

I just had a look on their embassy website and it says "New Zealand citizens holders of a valid New Zealand passport entering Italy or any or all of the Schengen countries as tourists for a stay of no more than 90 days are not
required to obtain a visa."

If you don't require a visa, I can't see why anyone should be looking to make sure that you plan to leave.

Honestly you'll be fine, because there are so many ways out of Italy you can just tell them you plan on leaving Italy by a certain date or if you have a certain accommodation booked outside of Italy as proof. My last trip to Italy was only about a week if your looking for things to do or places to stay check out http://brittsboardingpass.com/category/italy/

Honestly you'll be fine, because there are so many ways out of Italy you can just tell them you plan on leaving Italy by a certain date or if you have a certain accommodation booked outside of Italy as proof. My last trip to Italy was only about a week if your looking for things to do or places to stay check out http://brittsboardingpass.com/category/italy/

Thanks Brit :) I'm just having a look at your blog and will definitely be bookmarking it!

New Zealand citizens holders of a valid New Zealand passport entering Italy or any or all of the Schengen countries as tourists for a stay of no more than 90 days are not required to obtain a visa

All good and well. But the assumption seems to be that they will take your word that you don't plan to stay for more than 90 days.

Maybe they will. Maybe they won't.

Human nature suggests this depends on a lot of intangibles. If the immigration official in question has been told by his/her boss that s/he needs to "crack down," or even if they got up on the wrong side of the bed or had a fight with their spouse earlier that day and is an ornery mood.

A cheap flight out of Schengen would be a good insurance policy.

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