Proof of Onward Travel

 

If you are visiting a country overseas but haven’t booked a return ticket or a flight out of that country, then you may be in for a surprise at the airport. Many countries nowadays have a requirement that the travelers using one-way ticket prove their intention to leave. If you don’t have a way to demonstrate that you will be leaving the country, you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

 

If you would like to know how to fulfill this requirement and avoid the hassle, then continue reading. This article explains what proof of onward travel is, why it is needed, and how you can prove onward travel with a one-way ticket.

 

What is Proof of Onward Travel ?

 

Proof of onward travel is basically a documented evidence that supports your departure from the country you are visiting. It could be a return ticket to your home country, a ticket to the next country if you plan ahead, or even a bus ticket if you are crossing a land border. Proof of onward travel is usually requested at the airport but you may be required to provide it when crossing land borders.

 

Purpose of Proof of Onward Travel

 

There are a number of reasons why proof of onward travel is required. Usually, countries that require it want to make sure that:

• You have the money to return to your home country or travel to another country.
• You don’t plan to stay in the country illegally.
• You intend to leave before your visa expires.

 

Which Countries Require Proof of Onward Travel  ?

 

More and more countries nowadays are implementing this requirement. At the moment, following are the countries that require proof of onward travel:

• Argentina  ,  Australia
• Thailand , Brazil
• Philippines , The United States of America
• Costa Rica , Canada , Chile
• Ecuador , Japan ,Malaysia
• New Zealand , United Kingdom , Peru
• Indonesia , Mexico , Panama
• Iceland , South Korea , Vietnam , Singapore
• Etc..

 

Ways to Provide Proof of Onward Travel

You have several options when it comes to providing proof of an onward flight. Some of them are free while others cost you money. Some are more secure than others. Here are the key methods:

 

Rent A Ticket Confirmation (BEST)

 

The safest/cheapest option is to “rent” an airline ticket confirmation from a real-life travel agency. This is what I usually do. Onwardticketvisa.com is a service that books a real return ticket in your name, then cancels it for you later.Prices is only $10, and you’ll get your official ticket confirmation within 5-15 minutes. It’s cheaper than buying your own ticket and safer than trying to forge one (don’t do that!). This is the option I recommend.

 

Buy a Ticket Using Points or Miles

 

You can book award travel using your airplane miles, providing that you have accumulated a lot of them. Cancelling a flight booked with miles is generally very easy. However, it is recommended that you check the specific terms of services of  the airline. Any fees associated with the award ticket is not likely to be refunded, so keep that mind before using this method.

 

Buy a Cheap “Throwaway Ticket”

 

In some countries, onward tickets are as cheap as $50. However, they are not refundable. This method is best used in Asia, South America, and some European countries, but it should be your last resort because it is basically equivalent to throwing away money.

 

Proof of onward travel is an annoying travel requirement and sadly, it is becoming more and more common. To avoid the hassle of having to organize your entire itinerary or changing your travel plans, it is recommended that you use one of the above-listed methods to provide proof of onward travel.

 

Talk To Your Travel Agent

You can contact to your travel agents, you can still request they send you a pre-booked itinerary as proof of onward travel.

When booking your entire trip with an agent, they may offer the service for free, but in most cases, you’ll have to pay a expensive fee for the print-out.