Do I need a return ticket for ESTA or a US visa?

Under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), travelers are generally expected to hold a return or onward ticket, and airlines check it at check-in. For a B1/B2 visa, a return or onward itinerary supports your case that you will leave. A real, verifiable reservation satisfies this - you can check any reservation for free at verifymypnr.com.

Does the onward ticket for the US have to be paid?

Not necessarily for showing intent - a genuine, verifiable reservation showing your departure is what matters. Many travelers use a real, temporary airline reservation rather than buying a full-fare ticket. VerifiedTraveler issues a real verifiable reservation for a flat fee, refunded if it cannot be verified.

Will the airline ask for onward travel before flying to the US?

On ESTA / visa-waiver travel, yes - carriers verify a return or onward ticket at check-in because they are responsible if you are refused entry. Have a reservation you can pull up on the airline's own page so it holds up.

US entry guide - 2026

Onward / return ticket for a US visa or ESTA

Short answer

Travelers entering the US on a B1/B2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) are commonly expected to demonstrate that they will leave - usually with a return or onward flight, plus evidence of ties to their home country. Airlines also check onward travel at check-in. The safest evidence is a real, airline-verifiable reservation: a genuine PNR you can confirm yourself on the airline's own Manage Booking page, rather than a static PDF that may not be live in the system.

Show proof you can verify

Use a real airline reservation, not an edited PDF.
Confirm it on the airline's site - or free at verifymypnr.com - before you fly.
Choose a service with a refund if it cannot be verified.

A verifiable onward ticket for the US

Real airline PNR, flat fee, refund if it cannot be verified.

Get your onward ticket