does anyone have any advice re: entering Ireland by plane, from the US, with NO return ticket? I would hate to run into a problem when I get there because of something so silly that I could avoid now if possible.. I will have a ticket out of Ireland, not to the U.S. but to mainland Europe. Am I requested to show my ticket for the date I will be leaving Ireland back to u.s. or anywhere, at my time of entry - or will they just ask how long I plan to be in their country for? (around 6 weeks over a 2 month period..will be going to Portugal for about 2 weeks and returning to DUB for xmas. I hope this does not cause further troubles?) after leaving ireland and going to 'mainland' europe I will buy a plane ticket home when I'm ready - within three months though..
any tips are appreciated! thanks!
Posted by
Lincoln, NE, USA
390 posts
We didn't have any problems when we arrived in Dublin - they didn't ask any questions and didn't need to see any documents except passport. However, when I went to England for five months, I was told to take along a record of finances to show that I had enough to support myself without needing to work. Never needed to show it though.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
I've never been asked for proof of return ticket when arriving in Ireland. They only asked how long I was staying, not where I was going when I left, nor did they ask to see any documentation. When I passed through London in May, though, they asked to see my ticket onward to Spain (I had said I was only going to be in the UK long enough to change airports).
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
20 years ago, I traveled on a special youth fair to London. One of the restrictions for getting the fair was that you could only book your return 3 days before departure. When I arrived in London, I must have looked like a poor college student because the passport agent asked to see my return ticket. I told him that I did not have one because I was traveling on a special youth fair. He then asked to see my money. I told him that I had some money, but would be paying for the ticket with a credit card. When I showed him the credit card, he was satisfied and let me through. Note that I have taken dozens of flights to Europe and within the EU since then and have never been asked to provide proof that I had a ticket home. If they ask you how long you are staying, just be truthful about your plans. You are allowed to leave and return ... just tell them this.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
About two weeks ago, my family and I were flying from Honolulu to Vienna w/ one-way tickets. The United check-in Lady in Honolulu was the one who was hesitant to let us proceed. First she (mistakenly) said we needed visas, then she said "proof of financial ability to return" would be sufficient. Anyway, we finally sorted it out. But, based on our experience, you could even be questioned on the U.S. side of the pond.
It sounds like you have a fun and interesting trip in the works. Happy travels!