I understand that some Countries you go to you need to have a return flight booked otherwise they wont let you on the plane.
So how do people get around this?
I'm trying to get to South East Asia, and if I land in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia i can get that for £200 from the UK. If i book a return, then that's boosted up to £400.
I dont understand how RTW travellers do this from country-to-country if you need a return everywhere you go?
Can someone please enlighten me?
Personally I nearly always have a round the world ticket with open jaw sectors i.e. land in London depart from St Petersburg etc. This demonstrates that I plan to move on as my ticket shows I have a trip planned a few countries away.
Rarely do the countries actually check proof of onward travel, but all countries have it as a requirement for entry.
A lot of people also plan a bit ahead like buy a flight say from London to Bangkok and then Bangkok to Hong Kong before departing. Then when you arrive in Bangkok buy your next flight that is after Hong Kong etc so you always have that proof that you plan to move on if they do ask for the proof. When you plan to do overland travel it is a bit harder because unless you buy a return flight you don't really have any proof unless you have a flight somewhere in the middle that would demonstrate a plan to leave the country when you say that you plan to.
You do not want to turn up to a country and then if you get questioned have absolutely no idea of what you want to see or do in the country. That is when you will find yourself getting denied entry.
[ Edit: Edited on 06-Feb-2010, at 02:25 by aharrold45 ]
No, you don't necessarily need a return ticket. Even onward ticket will do, just to show that you don't intend to stay beyond your supposed visit in the country (to prevent illegal immigration stays). So people on RTW ticket usually have a looping ticket that goes from country to country of their itinerary and eventually return to their home country.
Who said you had to have a return ticket?
You just need an onward ticket.
I've never known Malaysia to ask for an onward ticket. I dont think they even ask me how long, for UK passport holders you get up to 2 months entry without a visa, just arrive and your good to go.
New Zealand and Australia have become a little pissy about onward tickets lately. I buy a one way ticket at where ever I can get the best deal, then buy a premium refundable one way ticket to the nearest country for my onward ticket to show immigration. Once in the country, cancel the ticket for a $50 fee and you can then stay as long as you want within your visa and buy your next ticket to where ever you want. Its such a stupid rule since it has such a huge loop hole.
One other thing to mention, especially to young travelers. Always have a outfit that is your travel clothes. For guys these are a good collard shirt, and long pants. Going though immigration in your tie dye tee shirt and ripped up shorts is always going to get you more grief than if you dress a little nicely. You'll be amazed at the respect it will get you and ease things with Immigration.
Ohmygoodness-
I booked my flight into Delhi with absolutely no itinerary or exit flight booked, I just told them I was leaving overland and it was fine. Ditto Bangkok, Saigon, Laos, and Malaysia. Only issue was Singapore but I have relatives there so they didn't bother me so much. You don't need to have an exit ticket, just be good at pretending you have a plan to take the train and you'll be fine. Don't even worry about it! 