Entering Australia... Do you actually need a return ticket?

[davidar75]

planning on moving to australia. I heard that you may be asked to show proof that you have a return ticket. Is this true? do they ever ask? What if you don't know what your return date will be?

[kalun]

immigration will definitely ask why you don't have a return ticket so you may either get grilled or they might not even let you in the country.i think their biggest fear is that you might stay indefinitely etc.

are you not sure of when you want to return? you can always look into purchasing an open ended ticket (one that would allow you to be flexible with your return date).

[Allyssa]

I've been stopped from coming into countries before without a return ticket. I had to book one on the spot (even though I was able to change the date later)just to go on to my destination.
I'd suggest getting a return, but making sure you can change the date if necessary.

Allyssa

[_betty_]

there is no such thing as an open ended ticket anymore =(
i asked a agent the other day. it sucks.
like you, i'm scared about beign denied into the country.
so i think maybe book a return ticket for a year in advance and just look around for the airline that has the best cancellation fees/changing the date ect.

that or cross your fingers and hope they dont make you buy a ticket on the spot

[misterbig]

It depends on your immigration status. I'm Cdn citizen and Aus perm.res. They don't ask me. I fly Aeroplan points so it is open ended as we always change our return date. I've come on one-way tickets, never a problem.

[aliyainoz]

Response is a bit late I know, but thought I'd throw in my 2 cents!

I came here 6 months ago on a one way ticket, and I wasn't asked any questions at all. Mind you, it was a Student visa, so I'm not sure if that made any difference?

When I went to NZ though, their immigration asked to see my return ticket.

[pixie_girl77]

I just got here and was totally worried about it too. I brought a copy of my bank statement showing I had enough money to fly home. Turns out there was no need for the stress.at the airport I wasn't asked even one question!

[CindyT]

I came in on a Tourist Visa and a oneway ticket without a problem from the Middle East where I had been working.