Job Discussion Forums

martha7 · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

I know the one-way ticket topic has been covered a lot in general, but I can't find many recent posts about flying into Ecuador on a one-way. I've found cheap one-way tickets with Avianca, flying from Madrid (so just need to hop on a low-budget flight from UK) and really want to get a one-way rather than a return so I can be entirely flexible, as I have no idea what country in South America I'll be returning to the UK from and when.

But - will a one-way be acceptable? Will it cause problems - will they turn me away or make me buy a return? What about buying a ticket back once in South America - are they a lot more expensive? Plus, will it cause problems when entering other South American countires overland?

I'd appreciate any advice, thanks!

satraveller · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

Martha7,
I entered Quito on a 1 way ticket last June and no one even questined it. I stayed my 3 months then went and got an extension for another 3 months and again no one questioned it. I also left and went to Bogota, returned back to Quito in 2 weeks and again no one questioned it. I don't think it is really something anyone checks unless you look and dress like someone who obviously can't support yourself for any length of time.

matttheboy · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 854 Location: Valparaiso, Chile

ecuadorian immigration won't care (nor will immigration in any other south american country) but you've got a good chance of the airline not letting you on the plane. it's happened to me 3 times out of around 10 flights to south america. once at heathrow, once in madrid and once in miami. it's the airline that gets fined if they let someone on the plane who doesn't comply with immigration regulations in the extremely unlikely case of that person being refused entry. make sure you have enough money on your credit card to be able to buy a 100% refundable ticket at the counter if they decide to hassle you about it.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:45 pm Post subject:

Matt's right about the airlines.

Technically, you should have a round trip to enter Ecuador, but that's only a technicality. If immigration asks about it, it's usually enough to tell them that you plan to leave overland. (Mention wanting to see Machu Pichu. All tourists say this.)

Best,
Justin

martha7 · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks everyone for your help! I have now bought a one-way so fingers crossed!!

puddin · Joined: 02 Feb 2007 Posts: 6

On this topis of one way flight; is an onward flight sufficient? I'm flying one way to Brazil but have another flight from Brazil to Lima booked.

martha7 · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 7

Just thought I�d let you know what happened with this... I sort of got away with it, though not completely... got to the airport and they insisted there was no way I was going to Ecuador without that return ticket. Seemed like they had seen this a lot before though (Avianca this was), and sold me a refundable ticket from Quito to Bogota. I can refund this though I lose 30 pounds. Not bad still though, considering how cheap my one way ticket was. So basically I got away with it (immigration in Ecuador didn�t want to see anything) and honestly I would do it again. Having a one way means so much more flexibility and all I lost was a few quid.