Most of people travel with a return ticket/onward ticket.

But, what if you don’t have an onward ticket? Can you be denied boarding if you don’t have an onward ticket? Well, the thing is, it might actually happen. You may be denied boarding if you don’t have proof of onward travel. In this blog post, we will explore this question in detail and help you understand what kind of complications you might face if you decide to travel with just a one-way ticket.

So, let’s get started!

1. What Is an Onward Ticket?

An onward ticket is a ticket that confirms your departure date from your destination country. It can be a return ticket back to where you are flying, or it can be a ticket to some other destination.

It is usually required by immigration officials to ensure that travelers do not overstay their visas or work illegally in the country they are visiting. While onward ticket requirements vary by country, you may be asked to show one by the airline staff at the airport of departure. Yes, even if the country doesn’t explicitly require an onward ticket for arriving tourists.

So, the question is…

2. 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.

Failure to have an onward ticket may result in being denied boarding. This applies to all passengers, especially those with a tourist visa/traveling for tourism.

Airlines may request an onward ticket before boarding to avoid liability issues if you are refused entry into your destination country. They don’t want to be held responsible for transporting you back, just in case there are any problems and you aren’t allowed to enter the country of destination.

You won’t receive denied boarding compensation if the reason is not having an onward ticket.

3. You Don’t Have an Onward Ticket/Return Ticket. Here Are the Most Likely Scenarios

Let’s assume you don’t have an onward ticket.

Here are the most likely scenarios that you should be aware of.

3.1 No One Asks You for an Onward Plane Ticket, You Travel as Usual

You check in for the flight as usual.

You board the flight as usual. And arrive in the country.

3.2 You Are Asked for an Onward Ticket Before the Flight

In most situations, it’s airline staff asking for an onward ticket.

You tell them that you don’t have an onward ticket, and this is where it ends. You board the flight in an hour or two and arrive in the country as normal. Sometimes, though, you will be asked to share your travel plans at check-in – intended length of stay, when and how you are planning to leave the country.

• It may work out just fine.
• You may be asked to sign an agreement, agreeing to take full responsibility just in case you aren’t allowed to enter the country – meaning that you, not the airline, will pay for your flight out of the country in case of any problems.
• You may be asked to buy an onward ticket on the spot, or you’ll be refused to board the plane.
• You may be denied boarding right away.

Be polite and respectful. And in 99% of situations, you’ll avoid the latter. Be prepared to act quick and have a plan B, to make it for the flight on time, in case things don’t go the way you were planning.

3.3 You Are Asked for an Onward Ticket on Arrival (Immigration)

This is the second most likely place where you are asked to show proof of onward travel – on arrival, when going through passport control.

Similar to check in (3.2), that may lead to several possible scenarios:

• You are asked about your travel plans, and let in the country.
• You are asked to buy an onward ticket on the spot. To be on the safe side, it’s always a good idea to have an internet connection for that, so you don’t have to rely on airport WiFi availability. We recommend you buy an eSIM for that (Airalo is a good option that we have used since 2021).
• You are denied entry into the country.

The latter is the worst possible scenario. Because this may also mean a permanent or temporary ban on travel to the country. Plus, you can’t leave the airport and have to fly back or onwards as soon as possible. And you have to pay for that. Everyone knows that last-minute flights can be very expensive.

3.4 Travel Prepared

If you do not have an onward ticket, you may be able to provide proof of your onward travel plans, such as an itinerary, hotel bookings, or a bus or train ticket that confirms your departure date.

However, these may not be enough to satisfy immigration officials or airlines. It is always advisable to carry an onward ticket when traveling to avoid any issues that may arise with immigration officials or airlines, especially when traveling to countries with strict immigration policies.

Read more: Onward Ticket Review – How This Service Works?

4. Why Do Airlines Ask for Proof of Onward Travel?

The main reason airlines ask for proof of onward travel is to avoid liability.

They don’t want to be responsible for transporting you back. Just in case they don’t allow you to enter the country, which – if you don’t have an onward ticket – is more likely than if you have a ticket.

5. Check the Entry Requirements

In conclusion, an onward ticket is not always mandatory, but its requirements vary according to the country you are visiting. If you are unsure whether you need an onward ticket, it is important to check the latest entry requirements and airline policies to avoid being denied boarding.

For a stress-free journey, print the ticket/confirmation or any proof that you have of your planned trip, and remember – be polite and respectful.

Safe travels!