Job Discussion Forums

xenia · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 2

I'm wondering if anyone has had trouble entering a country on a one-way ticket. Most (all?) countries require proof of onward/return travel to grant visas, but is this rule actually enforced? (and specifically, is it enforced in China, Japan, Thailand, or Indonesia?)
thanks!
Xenia

Girl Scout · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 525 Location: Inbetween worlds

I came to China on a one-way ticket. I didn't even need any tickets to get my visa. Once I had all the proper documents for the z-visa, they simply processed it. I bought my tickets after I got the visa.

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

Let me guess-you are a newbie embarking on your TEFL career and you are never coming back.

Calories · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 361 Location: Chinese Food Hell

ugh, I wanted a one way ticket because I couldn't afford a return ticket, but then I was told I couldn't get into China with a one way and blah blah blah...so I searched for awhile and flew out of the states on a return ticket that cost less than a oneway from Canada.

tedkarma · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:01 am Post subject:

It is usually up to the airline - as they will be the people responsible to take you back - for free - if you are not allowed in.

I've never had a problem anywhere - except once with Singapore Air - but when I explained I had reservations where I was going and would pick up my tickets there - they let me go anyway.

Bayden · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 988

Lady Penelope · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 5:23 am Post subject: one way

I came out to China on one-way ticket and 30 day tourist visa (later converted to full visa) in 2005, so that I could remain as flexible as possible at the end of my contract. I did not experience any problems.

anospi · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 5:42 am Post subject:

I've only been to China once but wasn't asked to show an onward ticket. In fact, I've been to quite a few countries that have an onward ticket as a requirement, but the only time I was asked to show one was in Canada at Toronto airport!

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

Last year I came to China on a one way ticket and tourist visa. I was harrassed at the airport a bit. Dont say you are coming to work here. Say something like after you get to China you will buy tickets to another destination undecided or you will travel overland to another country... i.e. by boat to Japan and you cannot purchase the tickets until you get to china.

winterlynx1 · Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:58 am Post subject:

One way ticket to China is standard practice. But make sure you get your working visa BEFORE entering the country. The old 'tourist visa' route has been closed.

Calories · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 361 Location: Chinese Food Hell

I found a return ticket that was cheaper than a one way ticket with Continental when I flew in. I was never asked to show anything but my passport when I was getting my visa (came in on a tourist visa) and the border was a joke. They made us fill out a bunch of forms just so some guy could ignore them and stamp them and give them back to me. I could have wrote "I'm coming to China as a bible thumping terrorist and to recruit prostitutes and illegal export 500 year old goods" and he wouldn't have noticed. I don't think he could read English. After being in China for awhile, I've realised that pointless paperwork and stamps is a definining hobby for Chinese people.