I recently bought a one-way ticket to Prague. I do not plan on overstaying my 90 days but i do have a question about entering the Shengen zone with a one-way ticket. I am flying from Phila to Frankfort and then a 12 hour layover then on to Prague. I was thinking about buying a ticket to Turkey that would put me outside of the Shengen zone before the 90 days. I have seen posts saying that I have to have a roundtrip ticket on the same intinerary. Since my tickets are not on the same itinerary, will they give me a hard time. Do I have to buy the ticket from Prague to Istanbul before leaving for Prague or can I buy once I arrive in Prague? Any advice?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23621 posts
It all depends on the immigration officer and how you answer his questions. He gets to decide if you get in. In all of all travels we have never been asked to see our ticket but our sons were asked a couple years ago when going into Italy. Age could be a factor. Young people might be more incline to try to stay in the country longer and work a little under the table. If you don't plan to overstay the 90 days then why would you not have a return ticket?
Posted by
OP
Drexel Hill, PA, USA
2 posts
Because I am traveling on from Prague to other areas of the world and not returning to the USA right away. I also see alot of posts saying to show proof of funds. How much money are they looking for proof of. I will have a letter from my bank to show I have the funds for the travel but wanted to know how much they are expecting me to show proof of.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
235 posts
You just need to be prepared to answer their questions. Usually in Schengen countries, you get asked the purpose of your visit and how long you're staying. Sometimes they don't even ask that, sometimes they ask more. Just make it clear that you're staying less than 90 days and then moving on to other parts of the world. It's unlikely they will give you problems, but they do want to know that you have a plan to leave. And if you story is inconsistent, they will keep asking you questions.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23621 posts
Proof of funds is when you are applying for a visa. You would not routinely be asked for proof of funds at immigrations.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
They will not ask for proof of funds because you are not allowed to stay beyond 90 days. Someone will most likely ask you how long you will be staying in Europe and the purpose of your trip. It sounds like you can easily and honestly answer those questions, so I don't see any problems. Immigration officials typically ask to see your passport, not your return airplane ticket. They can of course, but it is very unlikely and you can easily explain why you don't have one.