Can I go to Amsterdam as a U.S. citizen with a one-way ticket?

It is Immigration, not Customs, you will be dealing with, and I have never had an Immigration officer ask to see my airline ticket, but I suppose as he questions you about your reason for coming to A'dam it may be apparent that you have only a one way ticket. If you have a reasonable explanation for this you should be OK.

I think you can do it. Immigration (not a customs issue) in Europe has never asked us to see a return ticket. Bigger problem might be getting out of the US. The question might be raised at checkin on this side. One way tickets raises flags with TSA security. Interesting question. How do you intend to return?

It's getting out of the US--as Frank said. In 2007 my daughter was going to Vienna for 6 weeks, I was joining her at end of the trip, so I thought I'll keep the return ticket with my tickets. Wrong--had to make a flying trip back to the house (in another town) and get her roommate that was on a later flight take it to her before they could leave from Atlanta. Won't try that again.

Luckily Evelyn, in today's world of E-tickets, you'll never have to do that again. All the information is in the computer.

I believe the Schengen countries will allow you in on a one-way ticket. They might ask you now long you plan to stay. If you say I don't know, they may be edgy thinking you're trying to move there illegally.

However, when you leave the U.S., you will more than likely be flagged for secondary screening by TSA. They don't like one-way fliers.

Look on your boarding pass for the code SSSS. If you have it, be prepared for a pat down.

I would expect some issues with European immigration. One way tickets are a red-flag for both TSA and immigration. As far as I know they don't need to see your ticket, they will be able to see your travel itinerary on their computer. They will probably ask you how you are getting home.

Frank is right. I would be really surprised if you weren't sent to secondary screening by TSA when you board your plane.

Australia is the only place I've been that I recall requiring a return ticket but things have become more strict in the last seven years.

They might question you, but after that I think you should be able to go. I don't believe they can do much against you, just questioning you more than others and search your bags. Holland is a very picky country.They interview anyone when leaving the country.
Why would you buy an one way ticket anyway? Unless you don't want to come back to the US, it makes sense.Keep in kind that you are not allowed to stay in Europe more than 6 months, unless you have dual citizenship.
You can buy an open ticket, which is going to cheaper than buying 2 tickets.

I agree with the "it is getting out of the U.S. that may be the problem" statement. In 2007 we (U.S. citizens)were returning to Europe from home-leave in the U.S. The airport check-in lady (United Airlines) said she couldn't let us go on a one-way ticket. I showed her our Austrian Residency permit. Ment nothing to her because it was in German. Showed her proof of my employment in Vienna, etc. No go. Finally she read the rules again and it said something to the effect of "if the traveler has a valid credit card with which they can buy a return ticket or on-going ticket" they can go. So bottom line: We were allowed to come home. But there were a few minutes of nervousness and "I can't believe this is happening to us!"

Why in heavens name would he have any problem leaving the US unless he has a criminal record. The US gov't doesn't really care where the average citizen is going to or coming from. I have booked one way tickets to Europe in the past and have never had any issues. The most the immigration person will ask you when entering the country is nature of travel and how long you intend to stay.

You won't have a problem except that TSA will search your luggage upon departure from US soil.

When I was in my 20s and backpacking, I was requested to show my return ticket when I went through immigration in London. At that time, I did not have one as I was travelling on a special youth fare that you could only buy 3 days before departure. The immigration officer asked to see my money to pay for the ticket. I told him I was going to charge the ticket with a credit card and then was asked to show the credit card.

By the way, I cannot recall being asked to show a return ticket any other time; however I have frequently been asked when I am leaving.

Last year I was asked to show a continuing ticket when I was changing airports in London. I flew into Heathrow and was asked to show my ticket out of Stansted before being allowed to enter the UK.

Yes, I think things are likely to tighten up with the world economic situation. Migrants coming in looking for illegal work (and possibly taking up welfare-type resources) are personae non grata these days already.

I recently was embarassed coming into New Zealand--I was asked to show my return ticket and realized that I had accidentally left my photocopied itinerary in the seat pocket on the plane!! I don't know that I fit any particularly profile (advanced middle aged woman in a business suit with limited luggage?) but they would not budge on letting me through. Finally, I was allowed to go into an office and show proof of a return ticket by logging onto my email and showing my itinerary receipt. But it took almost two hours for the whole process, and a betting person might have laid odds on my being on the next flight back to the US if they hadn't let me prove that I had a return ticket.

I think it is somewhat random and, to be honest, somewhat subject to your "profile". The main concern is someone coming in with the intent to violate a visa by staying too long and/or getting work. If you are a young backpacker type, maybe a person of color (varies by country), or are unsure in your responses, be prepared for added scrutiny. If nothing else, be prepared to show an itinerary, your plan for getting back(and why you held off on the return ticket), even some evidence of financial support (bank account statement, credit card, etc.) All play a role in showing you do not intend to violate the terms of your visa.

She is planning on getting under the radar work while overstaying, per her other post..