One way ticket

[slimjim]

I am one of the lucky few who gets to spend an extended period in Negril. The last few years I've stayed 4-6 weeks before Xmas and then 10-12 weeks after. This year my plans have changed a little because of the weakness of the Canadian $v. the U.S. and Jamaican dollars. So I'm going to spend as long as possible (90 days max) from January to April sometime and skip the pre Xmas part of my routine. This is a hard choice because I LOVE Negril in November and early December.
Anyway, because I want to stay as long as my budget allows, I'm thinking of arriving with no return ticket booked.
In my own experience I have never been asked for evidence of return flight. If the customs card is filled out properly; a few cursory questions and "welcome home". The kiosks-even simpler.
Has anyone here been asked? Am I taking a serious risk? I think Jamaican Immigration regulations require me to have a return ticket. I have no intention of misrepresenting anything and I could buy a ticket then and there if required.
So, a long story to ask: any thoughts?

[JitterBug]

i say wing it!! . . . i've never been asked in 32 years or travel!!

[slimjim]

Thanks! That's pretty much my experience.

[Bnewb]

SlimJim,
We know many people that have been asked...including one having to buy a return ticket in order to stay.
I was asked when I was first moving down here...maybe my length of stay triggered the question...which may happen in your case.

[Accompong]

SlimJim,
We know many people that have been asked...including one having to buy a return ticket in order to stay.
I was asked when I was first moving down here...maybe my length of stay triggered the question...which may happen in your case.

Lisa,

Just wondering but is traveling from Canada different than traveling from the US (because of former Crown Colony status maybe??)

I know that prior to 9/11 I can't ever remember being asked to produce a R/T ticket but since then I have been asked to produce it every time before my entry is granted.

Curious.
Peace and Guidance

[Bnewb]

Lisa,

Just wondering but is traveling from Canada different than traveling from the US (because of former Crown Colony status maybe??)

I know that prior to 9/11 I can't ever remember being asked to produce a R/T ticket but since then I have been asked to produce it every time before my entry is granted.

Curious.
Peace and Guidance

It's the same for both countries...prior to 9/11 travel was definitely different including being able to get into the country with just a driver's license.

[booger]

I am one of the lucky few who gets to spend an extended period in Negril. The last few years I've stayed 4-6 weeks before Xmas and then 10-12 weeks after. This year my plans have changed a little because of the weakness of the Canadian $v. the U.S. and Jamaican dollars. So I'm going to spend as long as possible (90 days max) from January to April sometime and skip the pre Xmas part of my routine. This is a hard choice because I LOVE Negril in November and early December.
Anyway, because I want to stay as long as my budget allows, I'm thinking of arriving with no return ticket booked.
In my own experience I have never been asked for evidence of return flight. If the customs card is filled out properly; a few cursory questions and "welcome home". The kiosks-even simpler.
Has anyone here been asked? Am I taking a serious risk? I think Jamaican Immigration regulations require me to have a return ticket. I have no intention of misrepresenting anything and I could buy a ticket then and there if required.
So, a long story to ask: any thoughts?

I have only been to Jamaica 11 times, so my feedback might not be as relevant as a long time traveler, however Jitterbug has had similar experiences to myself. I have NEVER been questioned or asked to show supporting documentation on my return. So it is up to you if you can pull this off or not. I know what I would do......

[Rumlover]

I've never attempted this and have never been asked to prove my return but I would think that leaving your return information blank on the immigration form would trigger a question. If actual flight information where entered, whether or not you had a reservation (not suggesting anything here) verification would most likely not be requested. Enjoy your winter retreat to paradise.

[Babalew]

I've been asked several times....starting with the US airline. I usually purchase 1way tickets flying with different airlines, so airline asked to see proof of return flight. And ja has asked to see proof once. I stay 3 months or more.

[Marko]

mi stay 10-12 weeks every reach so mi got you covered on this thingy cause mi never know when mi leaving......

the airlines will ask if you have a return ticket......their suppose to......and Spirit wants proof......
Jamaican immigrations usually only ask how long you staying.....in 30+ years they have never asked about a return flight

what I do is book mi one way ticket down whenever mi get a good price.....
and the night before mi fly down....mi book mi one way flight back
so when mi travel down der mi can say to everyone yes mi have a return ticket.......
and after when mi land in Jamaica......mi call mi airline that mi booked mi return one way ticket with....
and cancel the ticket since you have 24 hours to cancel a flight without charge.......
Spirit actually has an option for like $45 to move an existing flight till 24 hours before a flight....
mi usually take the $45 as an insurance policy on da return flight in case mi call doesn't get thru within the 24 hour window.....

of course having a Jamaican cellie on you helps a lot.....
you can always use someones Jamaican cellie after you land....
to call your airlines to cancel(make sure you have the customer service number).....
and give the Jamaican some bucks for the use of der phone.....
mi usually around mi place on Pee Wee Lane all Winter and Summer.....
and you welcome to use mi Jamaican cellie to call your airlines to cancel for free....yah mon

Cool Runnings, Marko