A continuation ticket is proof that you will leave a country before the end of your authorized stay. Some countries require it upon entry, and without it, you risk a denied boarding directly at the counter.
The Good News : You can get one in just a few minutes, for about ten dollars, without having to buy an overpriced round-trip ticket.
A connecting ticket: What is it?
Also known as return ticket Where exit ticket, an on-ward ticket is a document that proves you will leave the country before your stay expires. Airlines or customs officials often ask to see it at the check-in counter, at the departure airport.
This ticket reassures the authorities: you will not stay in the country any longer than the maximum permitted length of stay. If you're traveling with a round-trip ticket, this does not apply to you, because your return flight already serves as proof of departure.
For more details, check out my next video on the’Onward Ticket :
What is a connecting ticket used for?
This document fulfills three specific roles depending on the situation:
- Ensure your departure: Customs requires this as proof that you do not intend to stay in their country illegally.
- Explain the purpose of your stay: It proves that your visit is temporary and that you have a set itinerary.
- Getting Your Visa: Some countries make this a mandatory requirement for issuing an entry visa.
How do I get this connecting ticket?
The simplest solution is to buy a one-way ticket out of the country. But to avoid spending money on a flight you’ll never take, you have three options :
- Buy a cancellable and refundable tickets, which you cancel once you've boarded. The problem is that you have to pay the cost—which can sometimes be high—up front and make sure to get a refund on time.
- Opt for a open ticket with no return date. This solution is often expensive and requires you to specify a fixed output destination.
- Get a verifiable reservation via ExitPass. This is the most convenient option for travelers who don't have a set return date.
A standard round-trip ticket is still an option, but it's expensive and requires you to set your itinerary in stone. For a around-the-world trip or a long stay in Southeast Asia, where you often have to travel overland—by bus—or to another country; that’s clearly not ideal.
ExitPass is a online service which provides temporary flight reservations, also known as «proof of departure from the country» (proof of onward travel).
You can make a reservation at any time and receive a proof of onward travel issued immediately or on the date of your choice thanks to their scheduled issuance option. The reservation is generally valid for 24 to 72 hours, which is more than enough to get through security or immigration.
Why is a connecting ticket required in some countries?
Some countries require this document upon entry into their territory for several practical reasons:
- Better control of migratory flows
- Preventing illegal immigration
- Protecting the local economy
- Respecting international agreements
Here are a few examples of destinations that often require proof of departure:
- Latin America : Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica...
- Southeast Asia : Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand...
- Oceania : Australia, New Zealand...
In reality, this oversight often comes from the airline rather than the country itself. The Thailand, for example, may ask you to show proof of your departure right at the check-in counter at the airport.
This check is not performed on every flight: it remains varies depending on the route and the agent.
Before you leave, check the official website of the embassy in your destination country to see if you need a connecting flight ticket.
If in doubt, it's better to have a valid one on hand than to miss your trip because of it.
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