will they let me in?! - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

polarbear · 09-15-2008, 12:04 PM

i was contemplating getting a one way ticket, then leaving when i run out of money and tapping into a saving for a one way ticket home.
will they let you into a country without a return flight? what experience do you have with doing this?
i appreciate any advice!
PB

**offhegoes03** · 09-15-2008, 12:22 PM

I'd say it depends. I never tried flying in without a return ticket, but when I got to Barcelona, they didn't even check to see if I had necessary funds or a return ticket at all.

**pinknic38** · 09-15-2008, 12:37 PM

I think only the countries who require you to have a visa, for the most part, want to see that return ticket. Like in EU you're fine. When I got into Poland they didn't even stamp or look at my passport. I know if you go to Russia and probably anywhere in eastern Europe you might.

**Elizabeth** · 09-15-2008, 01:24 PM

Nowhere I've been has asked. When you go thru there shouldn't be a problem. Also don't act like you've done something wrong or act suspicious. They should leave ya alone unless they're having a bad day.

I think this would be a problem if you had a passport from a poorer country then they'd suspect you'd want to stay and work illegally. Most of eastern europe is now part of the Schengen zone so their requirements for entry are the same as those of France or Spain. Most countries dont even give you a stamp now. =[

Only 3 border crossings I'd say you'll get hassled at are Ukraine-Moldova if passing thru Transdnister (they want a bribe), Ukraine-Romania (heard conflicting reports on this border), or maybe any Serbian border if you're a US citizen. Some girl told me they gave her a really hard time and searched her stuff for like 6 hours. This was right after Kosovo declared independence. Other than that last year they were fine to me. If all your paperwork is in order, I've never heard of anyone having a hard time at the Russian border.

**c0urt** · 09-15-2008, 01:58 PM

I flew to ireland on a one way ticket. they didnt ask. the eu should be fine.

polarbear · 09-15-2008, 03:17 PM

excellent. i was hoping it wasnt a need. i was unsure of how long i wanted to stay, and this would solve any issues i had with it. although plane tickets from europe to the US seem overly expensive. one way that is

snowball1982 · 09-21-2008, 07:26 AM

I did this into Belfast and had no problems at all. When I flew from Glasgow to Stockholm, the swedish customs guy asked me some questions... but not a big deal. If you really want piece of mind, just get a bank statement the day before showing you do have some cash.

**buzzingtalk** · 09-21-2008, 10:07 AM

ive never been asked for proof of onward travel...only once, when comeing from the uk to the USA. i cant anticipate you have any problems, if you have rough plan then thats all they need most of the time if they do decide to ask. i cant see an illegal immigrant learning english well enough and having fake plans to backpack, buying a guide book/maps etc. just be honest, and im sure youll have no problesm