If you’re anything like me, you love travelling on a one-way ticket – embracing spontaneity and booking last minute. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, that can be tricky due to strict immigration rules.
Philippines proof of onward travel is a mandatory requirement to enter the country. The good news? After years of travelling, I’ve found a few simple ways to get around this and save yourself hundreds of dollars.
What is the Philippines proof of onward travel:
Proof of onward travel confirms that you have a planned exit from the country you’re visiting. Governments require this to prevent visa abuse and overstays.
It can be a flight, bus, or ferry ticket booked in your name, but it must fall within the validity period of your visa.
Valid types of Philippines proof of onward travel:
- Return ticket
- Flight ticket to next destination
- Flight reservation ticket (read on)
- Bus or ferry ticket to next country – government-recognised modes of transport only
Do I need Philippines proof of onward travel if I plan to extend my visa?
Yes, you do. And you might be thinking, “Surely, if I explain to the nice immigration officer that I plan to extend my visa, they’ll let me through.”
From personal experience—and countless hours of people-watching in the check-in line—I can confirm: no, that won’t work. You absolutely need proof of onward travel.
So what should you do? Use Onward Ticket.
What is Onward Ticket?
Onward Ticket is a flight reservation system created specifically to help spontaneous backpackers avoid having to book a return ticket.
Here’s how it works:
- You input the departure and destination cities you want
- You pick a flight
- You pay $16
- You get a ticket confirmation sent to your email within 60 seconds
- This ticket is valid for 48hours and acts as your proof of onward travel
I always use Onward Ticket to book a flight reservation, and it has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
If an immigration officer asks why I haven’t paid in full for my ticket (which is highly unlikely – they usually just input the code and move on), I say that I’m considering extending my visa and postponing my flight for a couple of weeks.
While several companies now offer similar services, I always stick with this company. It has never disappointed me – it’s fast, reliable, and offers great customisation options.
What documents do I need to show at the airport Philippines?
I highly recommend checking out the official Philippines Government website for up-to-date entry requirements.
As of 2025, all foreigners entering the Philippines require proof of onward travel, a valid visa (unless from a visa-free country), a completed E-arrival form, a passport and a boarding pass.
The E-arrival form is free to complete (make sure you don’t get scammed online and pay an unnecessary fee).
More Philippines Travel Advice
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We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.
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