Proof of return ticket when entering Schengen area

[aturnick54]

Guyr said:

My understanding is that whilst you can be asked for a proof of return it is not a formal requirement, since you could easily choose to leave the EU by ferry/car/train at any point without booking in advance. It is entirely reasonable to not have booked the return leg if for example planning a long car tour of Europe where you don't know which port you'll end up travelling back from, or whether you'll exit into a non-Schengen country in Eastern/Southern Europe as part of the trip.

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry...

"As a non-EU national, if you don't fulfil the entry conditions set out in the Schengen Borders Code, an EU or Schengen country may refuse you entry. Under these rules you must have a:

valid travel document
visa (if needed, except if you hold a valid residence permit or a valid long stay visa)
justification for the purpose and specifics of your stay (including proof of sufficient financial means)"

They may ask for details of your plans, proof of finances and return plans, but it is exceptionally rare that they would. What they are looking for is a pattern of suspicious behaviour e.g. flying in on a one-way ticket, with little money would indicate the possibility of attempting to work.

Proof of funds is required and is the biggest determinant of suspicion. Sufficient money indicates a holiday, little money indicates plans to work.

Edited by Guyr on Thursday 25th April 09:32

Interesting to know. I guess turning up in a £20k car with a boot full of furniture is not going to fit the profile of coming into the EU to illegally work.

What proof is needed for funds? I carry my debit and credit card with me anyway, do I need statements?

[Guyr]

aturnick54 said:

What proof is needed for funds? I carry my debit and credit card with me anyway, do I need statements?

I would assume just showing them money in the bank with a phone App or a spare limit on a Credit Card via App would do.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

I've never ever been asked anything. Never had any issues at all.

Except at Jamaican immigration who didn't know where New Zealand was and thought I was a migrant from a poor country.

[paulrockliffe]

Was in a queue for ages in Stockholm last year, the person in front of me was staying with their daughter so had no accommodation booked and no return ticket booked either. They were pretty in eventually, but the interrogation was quite extensive first.