Why You Need an Onward Ticket for Travel (And Where to Get One Instantly)

  When I was on airport I still remember the look on the airline agent’s face. I was standing at the check-in counter at Delhi airport, excited to board my flight to Bangkok. My backpack was packed, passport ready, and I had triple-checked my visa. Everything was set—or so I thought. Then she asked: "Do you have proof of onward travel?" I blinked. "Um, what?" She explained that some countries, including Thailand, require travelers to show a confirmed flight out of the country — an onward ticket — to be allowed entry. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to leave by bus, train, or magic carpet. If you can’t prove it, you might not even board your flight. And just like that, my trip was almost over before it began. What Is an Onward Ticket? If you’ve never heard the term before, you're not alone. An onward ticket is basically a document showing that you have plans to leave the country you’re entering. It’s not always required, but many immig...