Return or onward ticket needed when flying into Colombia?

Roncita says on Jul 14, 2004, 06:38:

it depends on your visa I don't remember ever being asked to show a return ticket on arrival in Colombia BUT I was asked once when I flew via Madrid, in Madrid airport. They wouldn't let me fly without one so I had to queue up at the Avianca desk and buy one there and then and then get it refunded once I was in Colombia. It was a bit of a hassle as the money took ages to come through. However, I think it depends on what visa you fly on. If you have a work/student visa ie one that shows you're going to be around for at least 1 year, then they should let you through, but if you don't have any visa they won't. I didn't have a visa when I flew via Madrid so that's why they told me I had to show a return ticket.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 14, 2004, 08:49:

I've run into this You're very unlikely to ever be asked to show a onward ticket in immigration even though legally you are required to have one. However, I once had the airlines refuse to let me fly down on a one-way because, they claim, if I got caught for not having the onward ticket they would be responsible for flying me back to the USA. The solution was simple and much cheaper than buying an open-schedule round trip. I bought a fully refundable one-way ticket on that airline back from Bogota to Miami just in case I was asked. After this inconvenience they allowed me to board the plane. And, of course, nobody in Bogota ever asked for the ticket. Once in Colombia I got the ticket refunded.

If you do this just be sure you buy a full-fare ticket with no fees for changes or refunds.

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kiwi says on Jul 14, 2004, 10:12:

I'm gonna book one way Gracias for the advice, think one way is best as I can't see the point in buying return only to not use it. I will buy a one way COL-US before leaving Miami I reckon. Is it a hassle to get a refund from Avianca? How far in the future did u buy the return ticket?
Although we are 5 mths away, flights are hard to find for December...most London - COL flights r full already. Unbelievable!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 14, 2004, 13:15:

One piece of advice I'd avoid buying the BOG-MIA one-way on Avianca. I've never had to get a refund from them but every single dealing I've had with the Avianca ticketing folks has been a royal pain. Buy it on a reliable, easy to deal with US carrier like American, Delta or Continental and use a credit card. I bought an open ticket good for one year. The fare from Bogota to Miami was something steep, like $500, but you're gonna get it refunded anyway.

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kiwi says on Jul 15, 2004, 04:16:

Cheers for the advice Hollywood I'll buy the ticket at Miami airport with one of the other carriers then. I'd rather pay more & have less stress, like u say I'll get the $ back. What's the process once u're in COL & want to get the refund - just call up the airline & tell them you want to cancel? I've never had to cancel a flight b4.
BTW, did u travel to COL on a tourist, student, or wk visa?
I'm investigating whether I should apply 4 a student visa b4 I go, as I will be studying Español there, & wish to stay for 12+ mths.
Hasta luego...

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 15, 2004, 09:14:

Ticket refunds I got my tickets refunded at an airport in the states. Allegedly you can do it at the ticket counter of the airlines at El Dorado but I preferred to just wait.

I work here so my visa situation is different from yours. If you're here for 12 months it's probably worth getting the student visa just to be legit.

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kiwi says on Jul 16, 2004, 05:00:

gonna go for student visa By the sounds of it I think it makes sense to get a student visa that will let me stay 12 months. Will look into at the Consulado here in London, think it costs at £30.
gracias amigo

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