BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,
I am planning a trip to central america which I am planning on flying one-way to Cancun and taking chicken busses and my backpack. I intend on staying for 3 months but am keeping all plans very loose. My question is, most central america countries have the stipulation "must have onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in ..." If I enter a country and don't know if I plan on staying a week or a month, what do at the borders concerning the "onward ticket" hangup?

If you enter through land borders, such things are not a problem. I have done so many times with few questions. If you have a few thousand in travelers cheques, or even a 1000 dollars, you'll be covered on the money front.

I've never had a problem with onward tickets at land borders. If anyone asks, just show them a copy of your return ticket from Cancun, or a copy of the itinerary. This will prove that you are going home at some point.

Usually a debit/credit card will suffice for proof of funds. Traveler's cheques will work too.

By the way, how cold's Duluth right now? I'm from Minneapolis.

Hey thanks for your help, folks.

Duluth has been clear and not too cold which is not typical January weather here. Its usually grey and -10 in January.

Don't even worry about an onward ticket. If I take your meaning, you plan to enter CA from Cancun and have no idea which direction you will go, or whether you will fly out from Tegucigalpa or Panama City. No worries. I have flown one way five times. Never once have I been asked about a return ticket. I have gone to the trouble of going to a travel agent and getting a prospective itinerary for some other main city than where I am flying, but have never had to produce it. Look neat, look confident. You'll have no troubles.
Good luck out there.

quote:

Look neat, look confident.

Can't overstate the importance of that. Dress neatly at border crossings. I have no idea what you look like, but the "travelers" of the sort who wear clownpants and dreadlocks are definitely the ones who tend to get hassled at CA borders. Be presentable, don't act sketchy, and you won't have any problems.

Have a wicked trip!

I did the same thing this spring and had no problems - I agree with what others have said - dress somewhat smartly, and act like you know what you're doing...