One Way to Europe - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

alpinejones · 04-08-2010, 10:38 AM

In August I ordered a oneway ticket to Paris. I plan to travel around Western Europe and play everything by ear for the most part. I hope to be in Europe a couple months.

Will I have difficulty with customs in any countries in western Europe because I have a one way ticket? Should I apply for a visa or anything?

**agriadam** · 04-08-2010, 11:08 AM

Welcome to Travel.State.Gov Has all the most up to date information on what each country requires.

You should be fine entering the EU with out a return ticket.

Quote:

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: France is party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter France for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. A passport is required and should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. Anyone intending to stay more than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa issued by one of the French Consulates in the United States prior to departure for France. This also applies to anyone considering marriage in France. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (greencard holders) should check with a French consulate before they travel, as some may require a visa.

Source: France and Monaco

Good luck and safe travels.

**Elizabeth** · 04-08-2010, 12:48 PM

I'm not sure how tough immigration is in France, but you should at least bring a bank statement showing you have funds to cover your expenses while in Europe and to cover a ticket home. What passport are you traveling on? You can find a list of visa exempt countries here. If it so happens that you need a visa, you should apply for your Schengen visa at the French embassy, and they're probably going to want to see your return ticket. Whether you need a visa or not, you only get 90 days in the Schengen zone so plan accordingly.

**MeTurk** · 04-09-2010, 03:23 AM

I posted a thread about two young Americans that got turned away from Ireland because their paperwork wasn't correct. They ended up being flown back to Ireland for free as it became a national disgrace but these kind of things can happen and there won't be any national outrage in France if American tourists get turned away.

**travelpunk** · 04-09-2010, 03:21 PM

Yeah, I remember that about the backpackers going to Ireland. That was jacked up.

Do as the others said to avoid future problems.

I know it's late since you've already bought your ticket, but what I normally do is buy a round trip ticket with the latest return date (usually 90 days), then just don't use the return ticket. Usually the RT tickets are cheaper. If you do end up having or wanting to fly back home, you'll already have you ticket.

Also, if you pay a little more up front (I believe most airlines work like this), you will have the ability to change your return date in the future without future charges. Eventually you'll be heading back home at some point, right?

Have a great time

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