How to Avoid Getting Offloaded?
It's really exciting to travel in new places and meet new people with different cultures and traditions right? But there are things you need to keep in mind when travelling outside your country. I know you're already familiar with the Immigration Officer, they are the one who will interrogate you, ask for your documents and decide if you were able to go outside your country.
When you already planned a trip and it was all set like you already completed the document needed, book a hotel, have your return ticket and make an itinerary for your guide on your trip. But you get offloaded for some reason?
Maybe now, you already know what is the biggest nightmare of Filipino people right? It was getting offloaded knowing that you are capable to travel in terms of financial. You'll feel like you just wasted everything: money, time and effort. Now, I will tell you some tips based in my experience and gathered information but NOTE that not everything mentions below will be applicable to you.
Here are some tips in Airport and Immigration Officer:
COME EARLYYes! You should come early in the airport. So that you can still make a way if there's any problem happen. Be there like 3-4 hours before your flight. DON'T BE LATE.
BRING YOUR DOCUMENTS
There are 3 main documents you'll be needing when travelling and facing the Immigration Officer. Don't forget to bring it with you everytime.
- Passport (With atleast 6 months Validity)
- Roundtrip Ticket
- Visa (If Applicable)
Additional Documents of:
Student
- Student ID
- Registration Form
- Certificate of Enrollment
- Travel Itinerary
Fresh Graduate (Unemployed) and Travelers with NO Financial Capability
- Authenticated Affidavit of Support indicating your relations to the sponsor, together with the supporting documents (Sponsor's Certificate of Employment, Income Tax Return or Bank Statement proof that they can support all your need all throughout your trip)
- An Affidavit of Undertaking
Working
- Company ID
- Copy of your Income Tax Return (ITR)
- Certificate of Employment - try to indicate the salary and length of stay in the Company.
Check-In Online
Maybe you're also not familiar with online checking. Online Check-ins is the process in which passengers print their own boarding passes. You can also print your boarding pass at the airport at one of the self-service kiosks, so you have a lot of time and can skip the line in the counter.
Dealing with an Immigration Officer
- Don't panic when you're already facing the Immigration Officer.
- Relax and calm yourself
- Be polite. Greet them "Good morning", "Good Afternoon" or "Good Evening".
- Answer the question of the immigration officer confidently and be honest.
- 1 question, 1 answer. Don't tell the story of your life. HAHAHA
Usual Questions that Immigration Officer ask:
- Where are you going?
- Where will you be staying? - Sometimes they ask for the hotel reservation
- What will you do there?
- Whom are you travelling with? - For first time travelers, I highly suggest that you should travel with your friends / family first before going on a solo trip. In my case, when i tell the Officer that i'm with my sister and friends she stamped my passport already.
- When will you return to the Philippines?
Sometimes, they will asked you a follow up questions. Just be confident in your answers.
If you got stamped already. Congratulations! You passed the interrogation process. You can now breath fresh air! HAHAHA.
Avoid to Wear Metals
Don't wear clothes and shoes that has metal to avoid hassle in line because you'll be removing all the thing you wear with metal like your belt. Better to wear comfy cloths as much as possible.
Limit the Liquids
You are only allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids on a plane. Each liquid container should be equal or less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per item. Better booked to a hotel with free shampoo, soap and toothpaste to less your liquid items.
HAVE FUN!
Don't forget to enjoy! The reason of your trip is to be happy, leave first your problems in your country, seize the moment, meet the locals, eat in night market. HAHAHA
There you have it! I hope this article helps you. Have a safe travel!! :)
