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Hi all.

This question doesn't appear to be a Cambodian immigration stipulation but from what I can gather more an airline issue.

Has anyone suffered the "return ticket" out of Cambodia when boarding their flight to either Phnom Penh or Siam Reap? If so could you please tell me what airlines you have had to face this problem with?

My post is not meant to be a name and shame but rather just for general knowledge.

Getting some great info from the forum so far so thanks for the replies.

I have no idea what it refers to... Can you be more explicit or can someone else explain?

I think the OP is talking about the fact that some airlines require you to have a return ticket when flying into Cambodia, I flew into PP only once on a one way ticket, no questions asked.
I once flew from Amsterdam to Bangkok and had to sign a form stating that the consequences of not having a return ticket were mine.

An international law for airlines (not immigration) to enforce - some do, some don't.

More and more do. Malaysia Airlines always do and forced a friend to buy a ticket out of the country before they'd let him check in.

And there's the critical part, I believe. Airlines that give the time and energy to securing an upsell!

aussieexpat1068 wrote:Hi all.

This question doesn't appear to be a Cambodian immigration stipulation but from what I can gather more an airline issue.

Has anyone suffered the "return ticket" out of Cambodia when boarding their flight to either Phnom Penh or Siam Reap? If so could you please tell me what airlines you have had to face this problem with?

My post is not meant to be a name and shame but rather just for general knowledge.

Getting some great info from the forum so far so thanks for the replies.

I understand- You should have proof of onward travel. When moving here, I didn't get a tourist visa or anything in my home country's Cambodian Embassy. I knew how easy it was to get one at the airport when I landed. That being said, on my one way ticket from LAX to PP, the lady working for China Eastern Air at LAX airport did indeed ask me for proof of onward travel. Not being a stupid traveler, I had purchased a 60$ AirAsia round trip ticket from PP to KL for 29 days after my arrival. I showed her and she really looked it over and was satisfied. Wasn't a bitch about it, just doing her job.

When I flew to Bangkok from LAX in 2012 with EVA Air on a one way ticket. The very young EVA check in lady saw my one way ticket, kind of raised her eyebrow and asked me " How long do you plan to stay in Thailand" ...I knew she wanted some number that was under "30 days" so I just said " 28 days then I am taking the bus to Cambodia" she said okay and off I went.

Immigration in Cambodia don't require you to have an outward bound ticket,( I believe). The major issue is that if you get refused entry for some reason, it is up to the airline to fly you back, possibly at their own cost if you don't have the funds to pay for the ticket. So it's the airlines trying to (understandably) cover their arses. Having said that, I've only ever been asked once and that was about 3 years ago at Coolangatta airport on an Air Asia flight. Once I showed the girl my old visa''s and explained that Cambodia don't require an onward ticket, she checked with her supervisor and 10 minutes later all was good.

Another option is to book a bus ticket online at http://www.giantibis.com/ to Vietnam. It's only like $10-15 and you're covered. You may even be able to get a refund or sell it to someone else once you get here... or just use it for a nice holiday. Ho Chi Minh is a fun little town for a couple of days.

aussieexpat1068 wrote:Has anyone suffered the "return ticket" out of Cambodia when boarding their flight to either Phnom Penh or Siam Reap? If so could you please tell me what airlines you have had to face this problem with?

I suffered it. I can't remember the airline.

I pushed back hard and wouldn't give in.

I told the guy there is no requirement in Cambodia for such a thing. When he wouldn't cave I asked to speak to his manager, who came over shrugged and said, "It's Cambodia, it's not a problem".

I've also heard of people signing contracts or forms saying the Airline won't be held financially liable if you get sent back out. So you can try to get them to do that too as a last resort.

If you don't wanna buy a return ticket, I'd just go the airport a bit early. And if they give you trouble and really won't cave or let you sign some kind of agreement, then buy a ticket online.