Return tickets

Immigration officers may deny you entry if they see you have no planned date of return....lack of a return ticket sets off alarm bells in their heads. As well, two one-way tickets would be prohibitively expensive, I would think.

For whatever reason, it's not unusual for a one-way ticket to cost 3 or 4 times more than a return ticket.

On the other hand, I have never, ever, had an immigration officer ask to see my ticket. He/she may ask how long do I plan to stay, though.

Norma, I've had them ask me in London. I was just passing through en route to Spain. When they asked me how long I planned to stay in the UK and I said, "Just long enough to get to Stansted for my next flight", they asked to see the ongoing ticket. Maybe it is random, but it can happen.

Deborah, it is best to check with the embassy in Canada for whichever country it is that you will be landing in, just to be safe. So if the flight is in to London, UK, then check with the UK Embassy to Canada. If flying into France, then check with the French Embassy, etc.

Deborah, rules vary from country to country, but one specific rule you will see constantly for immigration is "proof of return or on going travel" right next to passport.

I almost got denied boarding from Amsterdam to the UK, because I didn't bring my return ticket with me to the states. (Thankfully it was on the same airline.)

Not sure about Canada, but the US gov maintains a big list of what countries requite for us at state.gov - you'll see that "proof of return travel" phrase everywhere. Hope that helps.

And if you are allowed to travel without a return ticket, know that you are going to be hand searched. And your carry-on will be hand searched.

Being asked about a return ticket is random but has a lot to do with your age, how much luggage you have, and the answers to any previous questions they may ask. They may also ask you how you plan to support yourself while in Europe.

Since you are only allowed to stay up to 3 months, they may question why you wouldn't have a return ticket booked.

In Canada it is common for the budget airlines to sell "return" tickets as two one way tickets, so it is not 3-4 times the cost of a return here. While you "may" be asked about your return plans, if you do not have a return ticket but can show you have the resources to pay for it and a time frame for your stay I doubt if you will have a problem, but it may depend on where you are flying into. As someone suggested, check with the embassy/high commision of teh country you are landing in.