Entry To USA On One Way Ticket?
 

Good morning Ladies and gents

We are booking our tickets etc, the travel agent says we won't get into the USA on a one way ticket from New Zealand?, we are heading South from Alaska to South America so will be in the US / North America for approx 4 or so months.

Did a search but could not find anything so any help would be greatly appreciated to help the kiwis fly.

Nope..!
 

Hey,

I tried the same in 2009 as I was going to fly into the states, do a training course and head out from another state. My company bought my ticket to fly from Kuwait but when I arrived in Schipol airport (Amsterdam) they refused me entry onto the plane as I hadn't a return ticket. I had to purchase a completely new ticket at great expense to board the flight as the course was paid for. Gutted!
It's all to do with the Anti-terr/Immigration laws and applies to all non American or non-Green card holders.

Plus, your only allowed 90 days on a tourist visa so your '4 or so months' may be compromised..!

I know bikers have gone there and successfully done their trips but I'm just offering what little I know from experience. I hope this helps in some way.

Buy a return ticket and cancel the return flight when you are there for a small refund.

I'm from the US so I haven't had this problem, but wouldn't bringing in 2 bikes and saying you're riding to Mexico cover this? Come up with a Mexican hotel reservation at a future date within 3 months and say you're going there.

Yeah, it is an issue, but like strimstrum says, buy a return ticket, they are not that much dearer and it saves a heap of bother in the long run.

I ended up flying back from BsAs to use my return ticket, but then I always planned on returning, either by bike or whatever means available :)

Cheers
TS

Get yourself a B2 Visa, then you do not need to worry about a return/exit ticket.

Heya BruceP, that is what were were wanting to do but it seems that we may not even be allowed to enter the US without a fowarding ticket or return ticket.

It seems to be a real grey area and if we get it wrong with our approach it could cost us about $2500.00 extra as quick as that, 2.5k is a good while on the road!!

If we can do the one way and B2 that is perfect.

A friend of ours did the same. You could pm him here (LonesomeGeorge). He applied for the visa in the UK and had to go for an interview before the visa was granted. He was approved without a return ticket.
As a Canadian, we had a few challenges entering the US last year on our travels, but managed to get in anyway.
Daryll

Morning ladies and gents

OK, good news, I rang the US consulate in USA and talked to Erica who was really helpful, without going into the hard details she gave me the ACTUAL lowdown on what is required and we have confirmed our one way ticket with an application for a B-2 pass.

We need to prove our ties to New Zealand by way of property ownership etc and work stuff as well as our intent to continue on from the US South, in fact the main reason we are starting up North is that I wanted to see Alaska, if Ellen had it her way we would have gone straight into South America.

Anyway, half way there now, juts gotta get the paperwork side tidied up.

Andi & Ellen

That is good news and thanks for sharing that piece of good information - enjoy your trip.


Martin

Unless things have changed since last year, a B2 visa allows for entry with no exit flight.

Alternatively.... fly to Canada, they are a touch less strict for Commonwealth countries.

Or, get a different agent :-)

We flew into Canada in Sept 2010, on one way tickets. Got questioned a bit (ok a fair bit) and were given 6 months.

We then crossed into the US using our B2 visas (we have had them since we did a US trip in 2007). No one wanted to see any exit flight details.

Also, Panama, if you are on a bike, they accept you will be leaving. You don;t need any onward flight details.

Welcome, thanks for the support and ideas.

Pleased to be sorted now, well almost sorted, still have to get our B2 stuff done but seem as we have been to the US 4 times prior with no trouble and causing trouble in a place we want to go to is not high on our agenda we should be sweet.

Hi Kiwis
I'm from OZ on a round the world trip. I had the same problem coming from Europe across to the US. What I did is get a Travel Agent to book a return flight from any city other then where you fly into, print out the details and cancel it straight away. That way you have the letter confirming you leaving the US without having to pay out any extra money.
The check in at Zurich airport accepted that letter and we could get on our flight to the US.
The US customs never asked to see a return ticket and never asked any questions about it.

Enjoy your trip. We are in Guatemala now and loving it.

Ps: Don't believe all the bad news you will get about Mexico it's a great place as save as all the places we been to.
Kusi

Heya Kusi

Looks like we are under control now so hopefully and cross fingies all will go well from here.

Really looking forward it now, tickets confirmed and we arrive in Anchorage 03rd May 2012.

Really looking forward to our trip from USA south.

Cheers mate and enjoy

twomotokiwis
 

Greetings from across the ditch. Just found your thread. Currently in Australia and returning 17th March to L A then onto Phoenix to collect the bike. Do not know your plans but we will be heading North to Alaska/Innuvik this summer but a little later than you guys. If you are in the vicinity of Flagstaff AZ on the 18-20 May there is an Overlanders Expo which may interest you. Overland Expo - Home We will be there along with several other motorcycle presenters/adventurers before heading north through Yosemite NP, Oregon and Washington State. We enjoyed three years riding South America so could possibly offer some info for your pending adventure. Drop us a line and maybe we can meet up along the road.

Cheers.. Ken and Carol