Can I enter Canada with a one way ticket and buy a return once I'm there?

[Phil_Taylor]

I'm visiting Canada over summer for just over 3 months.

I only have a one way ticket as I intend to purchase my return ticket in Canada as my girlfriend is travelling back with me.

What kind of problems will this cause at immigration and will I have trouble boarding the plane in England?

Please Help !!

[PMM]

Hi

I'm visiting Canada over summer for just over 3 months.

I only have a one way ticket as I intend to purchase my return ticket in Canada as my girlfriend is travelling back with me.

What kind of problems will this cause at immigration and will I have trouble boarding the plane in England?

Please Help !!

If you are not a Canadian nor a PR, you may have problems boarding the flight as if you are refused, the airline is responsible for returning you.  Save yourself aggravation buy a return. 

PMM

[Baloo]

Buy a return, make sure that the return flight date can be changed - changing a lower priced ticket on Air Canada costs about $150.

[italo-argentina]

From my personal experience. I flew to Canada from Gatwick with not return ticket. I am an Italian Citizen.  I was never asked about return ticket either when I left England and when I arrived to Canada.

I am not recommending you do something a certain way, I am just telling you from my own personal experience.

[Hope42010]

Citizens from no visa requirement countries are not required to have returning tickets, look at visa section of Canada embassy BUT you have to prove that you have money to buy it.

Sugestion, buy a two way ticket with open date it will cost less then buying two.

[ColorMePanda]

I am just going to speak from my own experience but please remember all experiences are different since the determination is always at the discretion of the IO.

When I flew to Canada, I did not have a return ticket but I did have my bf with me. They did not ask me for proof of my return but still wanted to know when I expected to be traveling back. Then they were interested in how I would support myself. I told them that my bf's family was letting me stay with them and that they would be taking care of me. While I was in the office, apparently they had went outside to talk to his parents and make sure that information was indeed correct so make sure you have a story to back you up. Generally though as long as you proof you have no intent to overstay, that you are aware of the visitor terms, that you will obey those terms, and you have some financial support with money to return home then should be fine.

Once again remember every IO and experience is different. If you aren't flying with a return ticket then I would advice that you bring proof of your ties back home. This could include but not limited to: bank statements, bills, house lease, rental agreement, letter from employer expecting your return, appointment letter from a doctor, etc. Don't show all this to them unless asked. They may ask and they may not. But best to be prepared for the worst anyway even if it does turn out for the best.

[toby]

The fail-safe method is to buy a fully-refundable one-way ticket from Canada to the UK.  Then, once in Canada, cash it in for a refund. This is a  strategy used frequently by tourists going to Costa Rica (the details are not relevant to this topic).