For anybody traveling to the Philippines, depending on your Visa type, you might need an “ongoing ticket” upon arrival.
Don’t understand what an “ongoing ticket” is, read here to get a full explanation!
Check Visa types below and read the information, which will tell you if an ongoing ticket is required.
Tourist Visa Waiver
A Tourist Visa Waiver means that you are traveling to the Philippines without any visa at all. For residents of most countries a visa is not required to enter the Philippines. You must only show your passport from (issued by a country that is included in the Visa Waiver program) and you will be issued a Visa Waiver which will allow you to stay in the Philippines for 30 Days visa free. If you plan to stay longer than 30 Days that is OK, but you will need to extend your Visa Waiver each time that it is about to expire. You can stay in the Philippines for up to 3 years on a Visa Waiver.
If you are entering the Philippines and will use the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to have an ongoing ticket that will transport you to a place outside the Philippines. The ongoing ticket must be for travel within 59 days of your arrival in the Philippines.
Tourist Visa (non Waiver, Embassy issued)
If you have obtained a Tourist Visa from a foreign Philippine Embassy or Consulate and will be traveling to the Philippines using that visa, you are required to have an ongoing ticket that will transport you to a place outside the Philippines. The ongoing ticket must be for travel within 59 days of your arrival in the Philippines.
Balikbayan Privilege
The Balikbayan Privilege (often called a Balikbayan Visa) is a special program that may be used by former citizens of the Philippines. The Balikbayan Privilege may also be issued to Spouses and Children of former and/or current Philippine Citizens. In other words, if your spouse is a Philippine citizen you may obtain the Balikbayan Privelege, but only if your spouse is traveling with you when you enter the Philippines. If you are a minor and one of your parents is a Philippine Citizen and is traveling with you, you are eligible to receive the Balikbayan Privilege.
If you are entering the Philippines and intend to avail of the Balikbayan Privilege you are not required to have an ongoing ticket. If the airline tells you that you must have an ongoing ticket they are incorrect, although this is a common error by the airlines, because they do not understand the policy. If this happens, ask to speak to an airline supervisor and tell them to check Philippine Immigration policies (on their computer) and look specifically at the Balikbayan Privilege information.
SRRV Visa
The SRRV is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa. It is a visa that is for retirees in the Philippines. The SRRV is obtained through a detailed application process. If you are not sure whether you have an SRRV, then don’t be concerned, because you don’t have one. If you went through the application process, you would know it.
If you are entering the Philippines and you are an SRRV holder you are not required to have an ongoing ticket. You should have an SRRV ID Card that you can show upon entry, and no ongoing ticket will be requested. If the airline tells you that you must have an ongoing ticket they are incorrect, although this is a common error by the airlines, because they do not understand the policy. If this happens, ask to speak to an airline supervisor and tell them to check Philippine Immigration policies (on their computer) and look specifically at the SRRV information.
13 Series Resident Visa
The 13 Series of Resident Visas includes multiple different resident visas, but the most common are the 13A Visa and the 13G Visa. The 13A is for spouses of Philippine Citizens. The 13G is for spouses of former Philippine Citizens.
If you are entering the Philippines and you are a holder of a 13 Series Resident Visa you are not required to have an ongoing ticket. You should have an ACR I-Card that you can show upon entry, and no ongoing ticket will be requested. If the airline tells you that you must have an ongoing ticket they are incorrect, although this is a common error by the airlines, because they do not understand the policy. If this happens, ask to speak to an airline supervisor and tell them to check Philippine Immigration policies (on their computer) and look specifically at the Resident Visa information.
Hi Bob, I went with my filipina fiancé to the states on a fiancé visa. We were married in the U.S. but we decided that we wanted to live in the Philippines. I was aware of the Balikbayan privilege and figured I would be good to go. But unfortunately at check in they asked for my ongoing ticket. I told them about the Balikbayan privilege and they talked to their supervisor. They insisted that I must have an ongoing ticket. So I had to buy a ticket online in the airport in a hurry in order to fulfill their requirement and board the plane with my new Filipina wife. So now we will be leaving again and so I once again purchased a throwaway ticket. They are cheap and I would rather play it safe.
Yep! For sure!