Sydney to Manila Flights

[JJReyes]

Thanks everyone for the comments.  My wife and I are considering a side trip to Hong Kong sometime during our Christmas season visit.  I was going to use pesos from a Manila bank account to buy the tickets.  It might be best to purchase them using US dollars as having proof we have outbound tickets.  No problem with Philippine immigration since both our passports has several balikbayan stamps.  

[Gator]

My bad. Double post. Mods feel free to delete. Thnx 

Edited May 25 by Gator

[Gator]

On 5/24/2024 at 4:32 AM, Georgebob said:

Why is the Philippines make things difficult??

It’s their house so it’s their rules; and it’s pointless trying to compare their rules to those of other countries. If you don’t like their rules don’t go there. 

If the airlines don’t comply they face stiff fines and penalties. Also, if they do happen to overlook or ignore a requirement, and you’re denied entry by the BOI, I believe the airlines are then responsible for getting you back to your point of origin as well. 
 

[JJReyes]

46 minutes ago, Gator said:

If the airlines don’t comply they face stiff fines and penalties. Also, if they do happen to overlook or ignore a requirement, and you’re denied entry by the BOI, I believe the airlines are then responsible for getting you back to your point of origin as well.

This is a big problem at ports of entry.  A valid visa is issued by the US embassy (Department of State).  A US immigration officer (Department of Homeland Security) does not like how the passenger answers interview questions.  The passenger then undergoes secondary inspection.  Entry can be denied.  The airline is responsible for getting them back to the country of origin plus pay a hefty fine.  Another is the Department of Health & Human Services.  If they find you have an infectious disease, including syphilis, a health officer can deny entry.

It is not possible to avail to the US court system.  The rule is you have landed in the United States but have not entered the United States until US immigration has given approval.  Thereafter, the passenger is protected by the US constitution, similar to citizens.  Then an immigration judge and the court system become involved.  Since the process can take many years, this is the path taken by illegal immigrants crossing a land border claiming political repression at home and requesting asylum.  They can be given a work permit on the theory an illegal immigrant can earn a living rather become a "burden to the state".

[Joey G]

7 hours ago, JJReyes said:

A valid visa is issued by the US embassy (Department of State).  A US immigration officer (Department of Homeland Security) does not like how the passenger answers interview questions.  The passenger then undergoes secondary inspection.  Entry can be denied.  The airline is responsible for getting them back to the country of origin plus pay a hefty fine.  Another is the Department of Health & Human Services.  If they find you have an infectious disease, including syphilis, a health officer can deny entry.

In reality this is EXTREMELY rare.  It's not like immigration officers are trying stop legitimate valid visa holders from entering. The questions are benign, but OK if you say something totally ridiculous they might ask more questions.... RARE at best. The airline is NOT on the hook IF the US issues a valid visa and for some reason the immigration officer denies a person (again, extremely rare).  They don't check for syphilis (or any communicable disease), and unless you're falling down sick as a dog, don't check any health issues at immigration.  

[JJReyes]

1 hour ago, Joey G said:

In reality this is EXTREMELY rare.  It's not like immigration officers are trying stop legitimate valid visa holders from entering. The questions are benign, but OK if you say something totally ridiculous they might ask more questions.... RARE at best. The airline is NOT on the hook IF the US issues a valid visa and for some reason the immigration officer denies a person (again, extremely rare).  They don't check for syphilis (or any communicable disease), and unless you're falling down sick as a dog, don't check any health issues at immigration.  

 

It is extremely rare compared to the total annual arrivals.  

There is a program on the National Geographic channel that deals with this subject.  The focus is on drug smuggling, but they have many episodes on money laundering, and entry denial.  If you have a passport from the former Eastern Europe, South America, Africa, etc. and happen to be young looking, they suspect your real intent is to seek employment.  In addition to facial recognition technology to compare to a database, there are scanners to check temperature.  I have been stopped twice and escorted to see a health quarantine officer after arriving with a high fever.  Secondary inspection and consultation with a medical doctor before being allowed entry.  

The temperature check equipment was installed at most airports after the SAR problem surfaced.  They are installed in the corridors on your way to immigration and customs.  NAIA has them for both arriving and departing passengers.  The syphilis story involved a cocaine mule who was stripped search for strapped on drugs around his body.  The authorities found out that he also had other issues.  I believe you are automatically deported after serving your prison sentence.

[Georgebob]

16 hours ago, Gator said:

It’s their house so it’s their rules; and it’s pointless trying to compare their rules to those of other countries. If you don’t like their rules don’t go there. 

If the airlines don’t comply they face stiff fines and penalties. Also, if they do happen to overlook or ignore a requirement, and you’re denied entry by the BOI, I believe the airlines are then responsible for getting you back to your point of origin as well. 
 

So you saying it's Philippines rules to look at return flights?

Or was it the immigration officers rules ?

 

[Gator]

36 minutes ago, Georgebob said:

So you saying it's Philippines rules to look at return flights?

Or was it the immigration officers rules ?

 

The return / onward  flight rule is from the Philippines Bureau of Immigration. The airlines are responsible to ensure you have said ticket prior to boarding. This is usually done at your first port of departure, but it can be requested at any point during travel (such as connecting flights prior to boarding them).

In addition, though it does not happen often, upon arrival in the Philippines an immigration officer may also request to see proof of your return / onward ticket.

There are exemptions to said rule, but only for certain types of visa holders; such as those married to Filipino who already have a 13a visa. If you’re traveling on a 9a tourist visa or plan to obtain one upon arrival (which is what most ppl do), then the rule applies. 

[OnMyWay]

On 5/24/2024 at 11:42 AM, BrettGC said:

Watching this with interest as we may be entering from Australia in a couple of months when after I return there for surgery. 

I thought I recalled you were 13A now??

[BrettGC]

15 hours ago, OnMyWay said:

I thought I recalled you were 13A now??

It's under way. Still waiting.  Just covering all bases if it's not approved by the time I need to depart, we'll re-enter under balikbayan.  If that messes up the 13a, so be it; waited far too long for the surgery and that has priority.