Hi,
I am flying into Caracus 21st Jan 2010 and have been told I need to book some sort of transport out to prove i'm leaving the country otherwise I may not be let in!! I am trying to book a coach ride instead of a flight to keep the price down. Does anyone know a good website as I cannot find one online or any other source?
Thanks,
Dean
It is the airline, not the immigration authorities, that may require a round-trip ticket. If you are deported from the country, the airline must return you to your original point of departure; if you have no return ticket, it has to do this at its own expense. Bus tickets are not valid for the airlines.
A ticket out of the continent is enough.
Post 1:
I have just returned from traveling in South America. I went through 6 countries and the only time I ever had to show proof of having an onward ticket was when I bought a one way flight from Tulcan (Ecu) to Cali (col). Not once did an immigration official ever ask for this.
Post 2:
I have crossed countless borders in South America and never once have I been asked to show proof of onward travel. I think this is a law on the books so they can block someone questionable, but, when a tourist shows up with all their documents in order and carrying cash or credit cards, they are welcomed with open arms.
Post 3:
I went in and out of countries all over (probably 20+ border crossings) the continent and was never asked for proof of an onward ticket. A ticket out of the continent should be good enough if you were ever asked.
Post 4:
Countries have these regulations to keep out the riffraff. They are used to deny entrance to poor people who are clearly coming in to work. They are not used against tourists. Tourists are welcomed with open arms.If you have concerns, plan out your itinerary and print it out. Then, when the airlines asks about a return ticket at check-in (something, I repeat, I was never asked about), show them your itinerary and explain you will be leaving by bus on such-and-such date. That, with a credit card to show that you have the means to leave the country will satisfy any immigration agent who happens to ask. Or call the airlines and explain what is going on and ask them to put a note on your record so you will not be denied boarding.
30-October-2009 post:
At the border, foreign tourists are rarely asked for any proof on onward travel. That requirement is really to keep out the riffraff who might be coming to look for work. At the La Paz airport, the sign says "Proof of onward travel or a credit card". In other words, show us that you are leaving or have the means to leave. Your problem will be with your airline. They do not want to fly anyone who might not be admitted because they have to fly unadmitted people back for free. They have the immigration laws in their computers and apply them much more strictly than do the immigration folks at the border -- as they must since they are the ones making the financial risk in flying you back. So, ask these questions to your airline.
Buenos Aires Memory
It always amazes me when people travel to places they can't even spell correctly. In this case a capital and one of major South Am cities.
(I take it's not a typo as it's in the title and the text).
deanobambino999,
Your writing style and your manners go along with your knowledge of geography.
People like you don't last long on this forum.