Proof of onward travel, explained
Dozens of countries expect visitors to show a ticket out before they let you in — and it's usually the airline that checks, right at check-in, because they pay the fine if you're refused entry. Here's what counts as proof, where you'll be asked, and the cheap, legitimate way to sort it when you're travelling one-way.
What counts as proof
A confirmed onward or return flight with a verifiable booking reference is accepted everywhere. Some countries also accept bus, train or ferry tickets out. What does not work: an edited PDF or a screenshot of a booking that doesn't exist — officers type the reference into their system, and a fake can be treated as document fraud.
Travelling one-way on purpose? Two legitimate options: a refundable full-fare ticket you cancel later (ties up hundreds of dollars), or a verifiable short-lived reservation from an onward-ticket service (a real airline booking with a checkable PNR that expires on its own, from about $12–16).
Commonly checked (20)
Expect to be asked — often before you're allowed to board.
Checked case-by-case (37)
A formal entry condition; enforcement depends on route, airline and officer.
Before you travel
One-way traveller? Sort your exit proof in minutes.
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