I've been in the Philippines since May. I came in under the balikbayan privilege.

Jerry JacksonNov 6

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I've been in the Philippines since May. I came in under the balikbayan privilege.
I don't need a reply from the admins.

I'd like to hear from other people who have been through the same thing.

So I'm posting this question in a way that won't get it automatically rejected.

I have some business to take care of, so I need to go back to the US for about a week. My wife, who is Filipina, won't be coming with me.

My question is: would it be okay to buy a round-trip ticket from the Philippines?

Or would it be better to buy two separate one-way tickets, one to the US and one to the Philippines?

I know that when I travel without my wife, the airline will ask me to show a ticket out of the Philippines (or back to it).

But if I buy a round-trip ticket that includes the return flight to the Philippines and throw away the return leg, would that be a problem, or would it be better to buy a one-way ticket and throw it away?

Again, what I'm asking about is going from the Philippines to the US and then coming back to the Philippines.

What the comments sayAI summary of comments

Some replies say that if you don't enter the country together with your wife, you'll only get a 30-day tourist status on your own. As for the flight ticket, the airline requires one, so some suggest bringing your marriage certificate or buying a round-trip ticket. That said, some people say they were never asked even once.

From

Reactions9 of 83 original comments

Entering the country with my wifeExperience with being asked for a flight ticketJust buy a round-trip ticket

Tom Clooney9

When you come back, you absolutely must come with your wife! She has to be physically with you. You can go somewhere like Japan, meet your wife there, and re-enter together. Then you can stay for 1 year. If you enter alone, they only give you 30 days. Good question, I wish more people would ask questions that fit this kind of situation.

SincereSquirrel44843

If you're a US citizen going from the Philippines to the US, a one-way ticket is enough. You're a citizen. But when you're coming from the US into the Philippines, you have to buy a round-trip ticket. Since you're not a Philippine citizen, the immigration officer will ask for an outbound flight ticket dated before your visa expires.

Dave Whitey2

I brought my marriage certificate to the airline... no problems at the airport or at immigration.. as long as your visa period is still valid.

I've been in the Philippines since May. I came in under the balikbayan privilege.

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