One Way Ticket Visa Question

[CanadianTeacher]

So I came across a thread a while back which was saying one could have issues gaining a visitors visa with a one-way ticket, and wanted to know if anyone on the boards could clarify this with any certainty.

I won't bore you with the details, but I cannot get return ticket, and my only option is going with a one way ticket. Will I be left at the airport, and not be allowed a visitors visa without a ticket back? I checked the Taiwanese embassy here in Canada, and they didn't mention anything about needing a return ticket to gain a visitors visa. Also when I tried to call I got that annoying prick of a robot trying to wade me through my question...not fun.

So I would love to hear if any Forumosians have an answer to my question, or any advice that could help me obtain my visa with little difficulties.

Thank you in advance!!!

[Steviebike]

Whilst I can't compare you to me. I came here on a one-way ticket. I was slightly concerned because I had heard it might pose a problem. No one asked me anything.

If you think about it as another scenario, you could come here on a 90 day visiting visa, but not know where you are going next. So why would you want/need a return ticket?

[Hamletintaiwan]

I think you don't need a return ticket.
You need a ticket leaving the island.
This can be HK or Japan or anywhere else.

[CanadianTeacher]

Whilst I can't compare you to me. I came here on a one-way ticket. I was slightly concerned because I had heard it might pose a problem. No one asked me anything.

If you think about it as another scenario, you could come here on a 90 day visiting visa, but not know where you are going next. So why would you want/need a return ticket?

Exactly. On my way home I plan on backpacking Europe, but don't know where I'm going to start, so a return ticket is impossible. My travel agent told me an open return ticket is only good for one year, which is impossible for me since I will be signing a one year contract when I find a job.

Thanks a million for the response. Makes me feel more at ease haha. On a side note however, do I need to gain a 90 visiting visa before I depart, or can that be done at the airport?? From what I've read, all that can be done at the airport, but I would love to hear if I am misinformed.

Thanks again for the help!

[Ryan the third]

Whilst I can't compare you to me. I came here on a one-way ticket. I was slightly concerned because I had heard it might pose a problem. No one asked me anything.

If you think about it as another scenario, you could come here on a 90 day visiting visa, but not know where you are going next. So why would you want/need a return ticket?

Exactly. On my way home I plan on backpacking Europe, but don't know where I'm going to start, so a return ticket is impossible. My travel agent told me an open return ticket is only good for one year, which is impossible for me since I will be signing a one year contract when I find a job.

Thanks a million for the response. Makes me feel more at ease haha. On a side note however, do I need to gain a 90 visiting visa before I depart, or can that be done at the airport?? From what I've read, all that can be done at the airport, but I would love to hear if I am misinformed.

Thanks again for the help!

If you do not arrive with a visa I'd bet they want to see the ticket with which you leave Taiwan before they grant you the visa at the airport.

[Steviebike]

Whilst I can't compare you to me. I came here on a one-way ticket. I was slightly concerned because I had heard it might pose a problem. No one asked me anything.

If you think about it as another scenario, you could come here on a 90 day visiting visa, but not know where you are going next. So why would you want/need a return ticket?

Exactly. On my way home I plan on backpacking Europe, but don't know where I'm going to start, so a return ticket is impossible. My travel agent told me an open return ticket is only good for one year, which is impossible for me since I will be signing a one year contract when I find a job.

Thanks a million for the response. Makes me feel more at ease haha. On a side note however, do I need to gain a 90 visiting visa before I depart, or can that be done at the airport?? From what I've read, all that can be done at the airport, but I would love to hear if I am misinformed.

Thanks again for the help!

If you do not arrive with a visa I'd bet they want to see the ticket with which you leave Taiwan before they grant you the visa at the airport.

I didn't have a visa on arrival, just filled in the landing card. You will need and address and a to tick a box on why you're here. I'm English not sure how it is for Canadians... No one even looked at my ticket! But I did land at Kaohsiung on this arrival. Last time it was Taipei and I had a return ticket, guess what, no one looked at my ticket.

[Taiwan Luthiers]

I have heard that airlines will check them and won't let you board unless you have a return ticket if you're going without a visa, because the airline has to return you at their expense if you have been denied entry or something.

[Puppet]

I have heard that airlines will check them and won't let you board unless you have a return ticket if you're going without a visa, because the airline has to return you at their expense if you have been denied entry or something.

Immigration tends to not give a rat's ass. It's the airline you need to worry about. You might not be able to get on board.

You might be able to book a ticket, and cancel it immediately after you print it out.

[CanadianTeacher]

So after many hours on the phone I have found out what will happen.

I most likely will not be able to board my plane without a return ticket. This is a piss off since I specifically asked my travel agent who booked my ticket about issues with one-way tickets, and she said it would not be an issue. It seems like I will have to buy a return ticket at the airport, then cancel it and get a refund when I land. Anyways, I just really wanted to thank Puppet and Taiwan Luthiers, for bringing this to my attention. Otherwise, there would have been a massive freakout by yours truly in the airport. Airport + freakouts + airport security = a bad start.

Thank you both for your resposes!! If we ever meet, there will be many drinks bought for you. But since that probably won't happen, I hope my 'thank yous' will suffice.

[Taiwan Luthiers]

Get an outbound ticket to Hong Kong, then cancel it when you get here.