Onward ticket requirements by country
Strictly checked
Airlines usually ask at check-in, and immigration can refuse entry without it.
Philippines
Visa-free visitors must show a return or onward ticket out of the Philippines, dated within the stay they are granted. Airlines flying to Manila, Cebu and Clark check it routinely at check-in.
Read more 🇮🇩Strictly checkedIndonesia (Bali)
Indonesia’s visa on arrival and e-VOA are issued to visitors who can show a return or onward ticket. Airlines flying into Bali commonly check before you board.
Read more 🇨🇷Strictly checkedCosta Rica
Costa Rica asks visitors to prove they will leave: a ticket out of the country within the stay they are granted. Airlines flying into San José and Liberia check it, and so do immigration officers.
Read more 🇵🇦Strictly checkedPanama
Tourists entering Panama are expected to hold a ticket out of the country and may be asked for proof of funds. Airlines and immigration at Tocumen both check.
Read more 🇳🇿Strictly checkedNew Zealand
Visitors to New Zealand must hold a ticket onward to a country they have the right to enter. Airlines check it at check-in, and New Zealand immigration can refuse entry without it.
Read more 🇫🇯Strictly checkedFiji
Fiji grants visitor permits to travelers with a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds. Airlines flying to Nadi check onward travel before boarding.
Read moreOften checked
Part of the entry requirements and often requested, especially on one-way tickets.
Thailand
Entering under Thailand’s visa exemption, you are expected to hold a ticket out of Thailand within your permitted stay. Checks are inconsistent - but airlines, especially on one-way fares, can and do ask.
Read more 🇨🇴Often checkedColombia
Colombia lets many nationalities visit without a visa. Airlines often ask one-way passengers for an onward ticket, and every traveler must complete the online Check-MIG form before flying.
Read more 🇵🇪Often checkedPeru
Tourists entering Peru can be asked for proof that they will leave within their permitted stay. Airlines flying one-way passengers into Lima commonly check.
Read moreSometimes checked
Not always requested, but airlines and immigration can ask for it.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s rules hinge on your visa. Visa-exempt visitors and e-visa holders are not always asked for onward travel, but airlines can ask one-way passengers to show when they are leaving.
Read more 🇲🇾Sometimes checkedMalaysia
Many nationalities enter Malaysia visa-free. Immigration and airlines can ask for proof that you will leave within your permitted stay, and every visitor needs the MDAC digital arrival card.
Read more 🇯🇵Sometimes checkedJapan
Japan admits many nationalities visa-free for short stays. Proof of onward travel isn’t asked of everyone, but immigration officers and airlines can request it - especially from one-way travelers.
Read more