Proof of onward travel: which countries ask for it
Proof of onward travel is evidence that you do not plan to stay in a country permanently: a return or onward flight reservation out of the country. Airlines check it before boarding and immigration officers can ask at the border.
What counts as proof of onward travel?
A confirmed reservation for a flight, bus or boat that leaves the country within the period your visa or entry stamp allows. A flight reservation with a real booking reference (PNR) is the most widely accepted form, because officers can verify it.
Which countries commonly ask for it?
Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates are among the countries where airlines and border officers most often request onward proof. Rules change, so always check the current entry requirements of your destination before you fly.
When is it checked?
Most often at the departure gate: if the airline lets you board without the required documents, they can be fined, so their staff check before letting you on. Some countries also verify it again on arrival at immigration.
How to satisfy the rule without buying a ticket
Immigration wants proof of a planned departure, not proof that you paid a fare. A reservation hold gives you a genuine, verifiable booking reference for a fraction of a ticket price – and if your plans change, nothing is lost when the hold expires.