Job Discussion Forums

Down Home · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

Has anyone ever had a problem getting into the country on a one-way ticket?

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

No, I haven't. But if you don't bring enough scratch with you, there could be some difficulties getting out again in a hurry should the need ever arise.

Moon Over Parma · Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 819

If you have an actual, sponsored Z visa: it's not a problem.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

How about an F visa? Can you still enter on a one way ticket with an F visa?

China.Pete · Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 547

"Can you still enter on a one way ticket with an F visa?" -- Nature Girl

I've entered on a one-way ticket with a tourist visa. Any entry is obviously at the discretion of the immigration officials, but I've not had a problem.

Totemic · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 118 Location: Nanjing

Totemic · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 118 Location: Nanjing

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I guess it's just luck of the draw. I'm hoping the tons of previous Chinese visas I've had will help me out. Though they are in my old passport, with my old name, but still.

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

I would say you are more likely to have problems with the airlines, rather than Chinese immigration officials. Some airlines will insist that you have a return ticket, unless you show a 'Z' visa in your passport, as they are responsible for transporting you out of the country in the event that you are refused entry (in addition to being liable for a substantial fine).

I had this very problem from Thailand some years ago. The Thai staff in the airline offices and travel agencies would not even sell me a one-way ticket to the PRC without a 'Z' visa. Eventually, I had to fly into Hong Kong and arrange a flight from Shenzhen. Crossing the land borders from either Hong Kong or Maccau may be a better bet.

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I had a friend who flew into HK with Qantas who sold him a one way ticket online, but wouldnt board him / check him in, without onward travel or a return ticket.

As stated, the airlines are more likely to be a problem that the immigration staff. I have kept flight etickets, and normally just change dates on them and present them if asked. Im flying on Air Asia later this year (one way) and have kept a Virgin eticket from last year ... Ill change the date on it ... they dont actually check with the airline concerned...its just a visual check ... that has been my experience so far.

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

Immigration officials at passport control don't care about air tickets. They won't ask you for one and all they will look at it your passport. If you have a valid visa, and you don't raise any other red flags, you're in.

Airline officials at your point of departure will be the main problem with a one way ticket. When traveling on a one way ticket, airline officials in some countries will enforce the regulation that proof of onward travel is needed before they'll even let you check in, officials in other countries couldn't care less.

Boofalonius · Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 5

Never had a problem. Airlines don't care and neither does China. It may change. The worst that will happen is you will have to purchase another ticket..
Don't waste your time with the round trip unless you can refund with no penalty.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572