Proof of onward travel was the last thing on my mind. I was in my free spirit mode when I arrived at the airport in Santiago, Chile. I was heading to the final country on my 3-month South America Itinerary.
My travel plans that day from Valparaiso to Santiago had gone perfectly so I patiently waited for my flight to Colombia via Panama. The wifi was terrible so I surfed the net trying to use up my data on my Chilean SIM card which would be useless once in Colombia.
Asked To Show Proof Of Onward Travel
I didn’t rush to check in as I already had an assigned seat and was travelling “a mano,” hand luggage only.
As I placed my passport back in my bag, the Latam airline official leaned forward and asked to see my proof of onward travel. My heart sunk. I knew I didn’t have any onward travel proof. I hadn’t really decided when I was leaving Colombia to return to the Canadian winter.
I explained in Spanish that I was definitely planning to leave Colombia but I just didn’t have an onward travel ticket yet.
I explained again in English. I asked to see the manager. I was promptly shown Colombia’s immigration rules on a computer screen in English clearly stating the need for proof of onward travel.
The manager told me I could book a bus ticket to Ecuador. I could leave Colombia however I wanted but I needed a confirmation number and an onward travel ticket to prove I was actually planning to leave the country.
Seated on the floor of the Santiago airport I scoured the internet, thankful I still had some data left. Some kind of onward travel solution was needed. Bus tickets to Ecuador. Not available online.
Sailings to Panama. Mostly booked. Expensive. Non-refundable.
Time was ticking away. I did not want to miss my flight to Colombia.
I had a lot of decisions to make. Which city would I leave Colombia from? Where was I even going in Canada? Were there any deals?
I finally decided on an onward travel ticket and tried to book it but everything froze on my phone. I took a screenshot and went back to the counter, budged the line and told the airline employee that I intended to leave Colombia on this onward travel ticket but my phone had frozen. She called over the manager. He looked at me point blank and said, “You need onward travel proof. The doors of your flight are closing soon.”
I started all over again. Right in front of the agent I bought my expensive Delta ticket, my proof of onward travel, and finally got a boarding pass handed to me.
I raced down the halls of the Santiago airport and realized I still had to make it through the L-O-N-G line of Chilean customs. The hands on the clock were moving much faster than the customs line. Was I going to make it?
Once through customs, I barrelled through security and ran to my gate. Not a soul in sight.
Needless to say, I made the flight, barely, but gave myself a boatload (planeload) of stress not having proof of onward travel.
The thing is, I do know better about proof of onward travel.
Read More | I did indeed make it to Colombia. Here are my articles about Colombia.
Everything You Need To Know About Proof Of Onward Travel
1. What Is Proof Of Onward Travel?
Proof of onward travel requires the traveller to show that they have fixed travel plans to leave the country which they are hoping to enter.
This is not a problem if you are on a vacation with a set amount of time. Chances are you will have a return ticket booked. Long term travellers and digital nomads like to travel with less of a fixed itinerary. Flexibility is key to this kind of lifestyle. Onward travel tickets can be a challenge.
2. Why Is Proof Of Onward Travel Necessary?
Here are the facts:
- Countries want to make sure that you do not overstay your visa or allowable days to visit.
- This law also tries to prevent illegal immigration, although I would hazard a guess that most travellers are just wanting flexibility in their travel plans.
- Countries also want to confirm that you have enough money to actually purchase a ticket and leave the country.
They are very valid reasons.
And the airlines are held responsible and are required to check for proof of onward travel.
If you slip through the airlines, immigration officials at your final destination might also ask to see your onward travel ticket. Without one, you run the risk of being sent back to your point of origin.
Read everything I’ve got on Solo Female Travel…right here!
3. Which Countries Require The Onward Ticket?
If you are planning long term travel, research the countries you are travelling to and find out their immigration rules.
Countries that absolutely require proof of onward travel are:
- Peru
- New Zealand
- the United Kingdom
- the U.S.A
- the Philippines
- Indonesia
- Brazil
- Costa Rica
- and
- Panama.
This is not an exhaustive list. Check the countries where you are going.
I have entered three of those countries without being asked by airline employees or immigration officials for proof of onward travel.
So what are the rules? Is every traveller asked? Did I just slip through? Do they ask every tenth traveller?
The bottom line is, especially after my last experience, be prepared with onward travel proof.
Read More | Is the best-kept secret/solution to purchase an Onward Ticket for $12 US that’s good for 48 hours?
4. Be Prepared With Proof Of Onward Travel Plans
Smile and hope for the best. I don’t think I will be trying this again. If you decide to use this method, I would advise doing some previous research so that if you find yourself on the floor of an airport booking proof of onward travel, you already have dates, destinations and flights in mind.
5. Onward Travel Solutions: Book A Refundable Flight
Once again, you need to do your research here. Read the small print very carefully. Airlines, such as Air Canada and Westjet, offer refunds within the first 24 hours of purchase. I realize now that the Delta airline ticket I bought under duress was also refundable for 24 hours. IT NEVER CROSSED MY MIND TO CANCEL IT…
After talking to fellow travellers, I discovered that it is possible to get an airline ticket refunded if booking through expedia.com. I have not personally done this. Yet.
Some airlines will refund flights but only issue flight vouchers. So do very careful research if you plan to purchase a ticket and then cancel the reservation within 24 hours.
Planning travel has many steps involved. This post will help you plan your next journey.
6. Onward Travel Solutions: The “Throw-Away” Ticket
Buying an onward travel ticket that you know you are not going to use, is not a cheap option. I did once buy an onward ticket as proof that I would be leaving Thailand.
When asked if I had an onward travel ticket at check-in, I confidently stated the airline, date and destination even though I was not asked to show my ticket confirmation. Was it worth it? I felt it was.
Read More | Posts about SE Asia, South America and Central America.
7. Solutions From Other Travellers (Not Yet Tried By Me)
- With this company, Onward Ticket, you can “rent” a ticket for $12 which is good for 48 hours. They send you a confirmation to show to the airlines/ immigration and then the onward ticket is cancelled once you have arrived. Woah.. I wish I had known this before arriving at the Santiago airport.
- Book an onward flight the morning that you are travelling and pick “pay in person/ at the airport.” The onward travel ticket is legitimate and saved for 24 hours. The ticket automatically cancels when you don’t show up. I have never noticed this payment option, possibly it is only for certain airlines. Worth keeping in mind for sure.
Flexibility in travel is a tricky business but clearly, there are onward travel solutions. Hopefully, you will not find yourself sitting on an airport floor purchasing a last-minute onward travel ticket.
Do the same rules apply when entering countries by bus or crossing borders on foot? In my experience, I have only been asked once to provide proof of onward travel when entering at a land border. Crossing from Costa Rica into Panama on foot, it is common knowledge that you need to provide proof of onward travel.
Entering other countries, such as Nicaragua, Bolivia and Chile. I was not asked at all.
Immigration is a serious business.
As for me, I will be confidently strolling into the next airport with an onward travel solution already planned.
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Good points to consider. I generally have very structured travel plans with a fixed departure date so I have not encountered this issue. I can see how it could be a problem for someone who wants flexibility in their travel plans.
Yes, flexibility can be tricky! But I keep learning about other ways to avoid buying a last minute ticket on the airport floor!
Uggghh. I can just imagine the stress that you went through! I just hate rushing through to catch a flight. Good to know you were still able to board on time 🙂 Great tips on booking a refundable flight for digital nomads. We’ve never had experience this before as we still travel on fixed dates, but this is a good thing to keep in ind when we eventually venture to being digital nomads 🙂
Yes, tuck it in your back pocket for when you become a digital nomad. I added more info on how to “rent” a ticket too!
You’re totally right to say that flexibility in travel is a tricky business! A few years ago we planned to stay in the USA for several months for a cross-country road trip. But because we had to have a proof of onward travel, we had no other choice than to buy a return flight, which was the less expensive option. So we ended up not doing a cross-country road trip but only stayed in and around the Western coast of the US. Now we’ve also discovered that some tickets can be cancelled within 24 hours. So cool!
Oh no! How disappointing. Thanks for sharing your experience. Yes- I definitely have some new strategies in my back pocket after this experience!
I always have an outward ticket (depending on what sort of transport) because I know how tough border officials can be, espeically in USA and South America. I love to have flexabitiy whilst on the roads and cant stand countries who dont like it. 🙁
I know. Flexibility is such a joy and clearly a total luxury for long term travellers. Oh well. Lesson learned over here!
That must have been a really stressful situation. I have always been aware of proof of onward travel since I learned about it sometime when I was a teenager. It’s too bad you couldn’t have found a cheaper option, but luckily you made it on to your flight 🙂
Yes, it was pretty stressful. It won’t happen again and I was so happy to get on my flight (the last one to board!)
This is a very thorough post, and although this hasn’t happened to me, I can totally imagine how stressful it must’ve been trying to book that ticket with the clock running out! I think you’re right that it totally is worth it to be prepared, and the options you list at the end of this post are excellent; most people don’t know about the 24 hours where the flight is refundable. I’ll probably be using the $12 one for one of my upcoming trips 🙂
Hey Kevin – let me know how the “rent a ticket” option works out. I have a friend that used it but she is the only one I know!
I was never asked to show it, so luckily things went smoothly, but some colleagues said they were asked to show it while checking in at the airport. I think for only 12 dollars, it’s worth the little bit of extra effort so you’re not scrambling to arrange it last minute at the airport!
Agreed! I am going to try the “rent a ticket” option as I really found purchasing a ticket under pressure stressful!
BIG lesson learned … ain’t travel great for those learning experiences? 😉 But now, you are an expert, and won’t make the same mistake and best of all, you can advise others, as you have. Most airlines have, and in many countries are required to allow, tickets that will give a full refund if cancelled in 24 hours. And as you noted, there is that option to check “pay at counter” for many and that works wonders. Never knew about Best Onward Travel for “renting” proof of onward travel … must look into that.
Oh yes… you are so right about travel. It just throws one learning experience after another right in your face!! Learning to roll with these situations on the road is important and then adding them to the arsenal of expertise is quite satisfying! I have never even noticed the “pay at the counter” option. Will be looking hard for that option but I am most curious to try the “rent a ticket” option!
Oh my goodness, I cannot imagine being in a situation like that. I am SO happy that you’ve linked the onward travel site for temporary tickets – what a lifesaver really. Thanks so much for this enlightening post.
It was pretty stressful at the time! You are welcome for the post. Next time, I will be using/ testing out the “rent a ticket” option!
Wow, such a useful and valuable read. As our travels extend beyond Europe this info is so important. Thank you. kx
Thanks, Karen. Glad you found the information useful!
That sounds so exhausting and stressful! This is fantastic info on how to work around it.
It was DEFINITELY stressful! Could have been avoided after all. I look forward to trying out the “rent-a-ticket” option next time I am travelling long-term.
I don’t recall ever encountering this, but I am glad I learned from you so I can be aware of it for future reference. I’m sorry to hear you had so much stress getting to your flight! I am glad everything ended up OK and that you are able to share all of your great wisdom with us about what to do in the future.
I travel all the time on one way tickets, and always buy a ticket from http://www.flyonwardticket.com just in case I get asked for proof of onward travel. Highly recommend .
Thanks, Clara for letting me know. I can’t wait to give it a try because flying with one-way tickets is the ultimate in freedom!
Go Onward Ticket works great. I tried other services before. But this one works
best for me. I will use Go Onward Ticket it in the future again. https://goonwardticket.com
Great to know. I can’t wait to give it a try as it has been highly recommended to me! Thanks so much for letting me know.
I am a Canadian and had a 6 week return ticket from Toronto to Bangkok Thailand..at my departure in Toronto I was denied boarding the flight because. although my return ticket was in 6 weeks. the visa upon arrival in Thailand is only 30 days..I had to immediately purchase a bus ticket online to Cambodia($15)..that worked for the Air Canada flight kiosk and boarded…I had never been asked before from any Asian airline in the past 20 years but I now buy a departure bus ticket ..reduces stress..lol
Thanks for sharing your experience here, Maria. I love to hear about other travellers’ experiences when it comes to proof of onward travel. I was told a bus ticket would be accepted but I couldn’t seem to find one under pressure (time). I’m so glad you were able to quickly buy a bus ticket and then board your flight. Hope it was a marvellous trip!
I think you just saved my butt. Thank you!
You are welcome! It was a tough lesson to learn and one I’ll never forget! Good luck and safe travels.