For those of you who have NOT bought/used a RTW ticket, but still plan on traveling around the world (wherever your heart desires at that moment), have you had trouble with buying one-way tickets? I plan on flying (from the US) to Sweden in May and then probably flying from somewhere in Europe to SE Asia or wherever I feel like it. I have been told that buying a one-way ticket could be risky as they may not allow you to board the plane without proof that you have plans on "going back home". Any insight on this issue?
1
masexpi
Hi
You are right : some countries won't let you to go in if you don't have a return ticket or anything that proof you will leave the country. That's the case for China. The solution is to buy a return ticket just before entering in the country; and once you are in, get refund. It is easy to do if you buy expensive tickets (not the economics ones) They are fully refundable.
I haven't try it yet but it seems to work and to be the best solution.
Good luck
Marion
2
ratalinda
My husband and I decided to do one way tickets for part of our ATW flights and so far we have been fine. We have not had any problems yet, that said... we always check the visa requirements before going and then do what Marion said above if you think you might run into any problems. It also depends on your Citizenship. I am a US Passport holder so it is easier for me, my husband is from Eastern Europe and it is not as easy for him.
3
johnoberg
Marion, how confident are you in buying these expensive tickets? Do you know if its risky, or is it a guaranteed thing? Also, do you know if its an easy process? Thanks :-)
Ratalinda, I too am a US Passport holder, so hopefully that will help me along the way. Thanks for your help!
4
presuki
This question has come up numerous times before.
A lot of people say that despite a rule existing requiring proof of onward travel, many countries will let you through if you explain. Many have said they have travelled through many countries with these rules and have had no trouble.
#1, have you been to China? (I'm not putting down your point in anyway, I'm just curious as many other people on this board say that China isn't strict in this regard once you're there, i.e. you haven't been stopped by your airline)
5
bunglegirl
I've gone on two RTW trips with one-way tickets. I've only been asked for a continuing ticket once, when entering London. I was on my way home and had another one way ticket so it was no problem. I've heard that Australia can be tough. I would assume that entering Europe, Australia or the US on a one-way could possibly be troublesome. Why don't you look at a ticket and then call the consulate for the country you will be entering to see what the rules are. Often airlines ask me about visas and question me when I don't have a visa for the country I'm flying to. I always have to explain that I'm getting it on arrival. Not all airline agents know the rules so you should be knowledgeable and confidant yourself. In any case, I haven't had problems in NE Asia, SE Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East or Africa.
6
bunglegirl
To answer presuki, I've flown to China on a one way ticket and had no problem (in 2004). I've also entered China overland twice (in 2006) and not been questioned.
7
johnoberg
Thank you very much, that is valuable info. I think I am going to take the chance with a one-way ticket, especially since the actual plane ticket is from Chicago to Frankfurt and then I may trek over to Cologne and take a budget airline to Stockholm. I figure the onward ticket to Stockholm will be enough to satisfy Germany if they ask and I hear they never ask with budget airlines. Plus, I only plan on staying in Sweden for a few weeks to a month before I move on to a different area of Europe, hopefully not long enough to catch the attention of immigration or anyone! How does this sound to you, as you are pretty experienced? Do you agree?
8
bunglegirl
If you have some sort of future ticket to another country I think it will be fine. If anyone asks just say you're going by land.
9
johnoberg
Okay, thanks. I asked virtually the same question on another forum and this one user started blasting away at me saying I was breaking the law and acting as an illegal immigrant and etc., etc. He really threw some confusion/worry into the mix for me. I really didn't think that it would be that big of a deal to go to Europe without a return ticket. Maybe I'll just have some story for the Swedes if they ask. Maybe something like I'm only staying for two weeks and then taking a ferry to Finland or something? Who knows, I judging by what you and others have said I'm sure it won't be a huge issue. Thanks again for your time!
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