Can I safely wait in the transit area of a destination airport for my visa to be approved?











up vote
2
down vote

favorite












If I've got a flight booked to a country that requires an e-visa for entry (say Brazil, for example), and my visa hasn't been processed yet, but will most likely be processed within 24 hours of my flight's arrival, is it safe to board my flight, and then just wait in the transit area of the airport until my visa is approved? Or could I get in trouble for even arriving at the airport without a visa?



Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?



Note: I'm making a few assumptions like 1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight 2) the visa will be approved 3) I am flying with only carry-on bags 4) I already have an international SIM in my phone 5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.










share|improve this question
























  • Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
    – phoog
    58 mins ago















up vote
2
down vote

favorite












If I've got a flight booked to a country that requires an e-visa for entry (say Brazil, for example), and my visa hasn't been processed yet, but will most likely be processed within 24 hours of my flight's arrival, is it safe to board my flight, and then just wait in the transit area of the airport until my visa is approved? Or could I get in trouble for even arriving at the airport without a visa?



Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?



Note: I'm making a few assumptions like 1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight 2) the visa will be approved 3) I am flying with only carry-on bags 4) I already have an international SIM in my phone 5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.










share|improve this question
























  • Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
    – phoog
    58 mins ago













up vote
2
down vote

favorite









up vote
2
down vote

favorite











If I've got a flight booked to a country that requires an e-visa for entry (say Brazil, for example), and my visa hasn't been processed yet, but will most likely be processed within 24 hours of my flight's arrival, is it safe to board my flight, and then just wait in the transit area of the airport until my visa is approved? Or could I get in trouble for even arriving at the airport without a visa?



Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?



Note: I'm making a few assumptions like 1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight 2) the visa will be approved 3) I am flying with only carry-on bags 4) I already have an international SIM in my phone 5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.










share|improve this question















If I've got a flight booked to a country that requires an e-visa for entry (say Brazil, for example), and my visa hasn't been processed yet, but will most likely be processed within 24 hours of my flight's arrival, is it safe to board my flight, and then just wait in the transit area of the airport until my visa is approved? Or could I get in trouble for even arriving at the airport without a visa?



Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?



Note: I'm making a few assumptions like 1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight 2) the visa will be approved 3) I am flying with only carry-on bags 4) I already have an international SIM in my phone 5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.







visas transit transit-visas






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 5 hours ago

























asked 5 hours ago









Jo Sprague

25618




25618












  • Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
    – phoog
    58 mins ago


















  • Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
    – phoog
    58 mins ago
















Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
– phoog
58 mins ago




Your first assumption is almost certainly incorrect. Airlines are typically fined a few thousand dollars for each passenger they bring to a country without proper documents, so you're almost certain to be denied boarding.
– phoog
58 mins ago










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
13
down vote













You won't get in trouble for arriving at the airport without a visa. Instead, the airline you're flying won't let you on the plane to depart in the first place. They can check the status of electronic visas at the time you check in. They do this because the airline is responsible for transporting you back out of the country if you are refused entry. If you don't have a valid visa, and you need one, you will be refused.






share|improve this answer





















  • I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
    – Jo Sprague
    5 hours ago






  • 2




    @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
    – Giorgio
    4 hours ago












  • @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
    – Michael Hampton
    3 hours ago










  • @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
    – Zach Lipton
    1 hour ago


















up vote
0
down vote













As Greg Hewgill notes, the airline will not allow you to board. The airline will generally use a database of visa requirements (e.g. Timatic) and will determine what documents you require based on the passport you present. So if you present a passport that requires a visa to enter Brazil, they will know you require a visa, regardless of what country you're flying from. This is generally built into the airline's IT system and is not simply something they may forget to do even if you're flying from a country where many people don't require visas.



Buying an additional refundable flight out of Brazil wouldn't work either, because Timatic will tell them that you can only transit without a visa if you have "a connecting flight booked on the same ticket in transit." As stated on a Brazilian government site, you need a transit visa if you have separate airline tickets to change planes in Brazil. The airline will enforce this rule and deny boarding as well.



In addition, not all countries and airports allow you to remain in the transit area overnight, so even if you make it there, you could have a problem if you stick around for long enough.






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Judging from my personal experience (primarily with JFK and MIA), your tickets will be checked by the airport staff/security regardless of whether you're going to clear the customs or proceed to the transit area. If there are no transit passengers on board, there may not even be an option to get there as the corresponding door would be locked.



    While this is impossible to say whether or not you would be "lucky" with the visa check upon departure and the ticket check upon arrival, generally such a strategy sounds like a risky undertaking.






    share|improve this answer



















    • 1




      The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
      – Patricia Shanahan
      3 hours ago






    • 1




      The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
      – Burhan Khalid
      58 mins ago






    • 1




      @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
      – phoog
      56 mins ago


















    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Here are some more things you should be aware of:




    1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight




    Greg and Zach both mentioned correctly that airlines do check your eligibility to be landed at the destination; as they are fined and are responsible for repatriation if you are inadmissible.




    2) the visa will be approved




    This a dangerous assumption to make, and as per #1, a moot point.




    3) I am flying with only carry-on bags




    This really doesn't have an impact on your waiting in the transit area. At some airports, you can freely move between the transit and the landing areas. In others, transit areas are limited, restricted, or may be closed entirely.




    4) I already have an international SIM in my phone




    Not really relevant to your original question, not sure why this is even a concern.




    5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.




    You are assuming that you will find a sales desk in the transit area for the airline you want to take. This is risky. In my experience, transfer desks in transit zones don't sell new tickets (they can only assist with existing reservations and upgrades / downgrades). I have had many people whose flights were cancelled try to buy tickets on another airline but the agents were unable.



    If an onward ticket is required for your visa, this will also be checked by the airline before you are boarded.



    Gone are the days that you could buy a ticket from the gate agent - these days you need a ticket just to get past security.




    Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?




    At some airports you may be questioned if you look like you don't belong - as to what you are doing in the transit area. A ticket may not help you, since you would need a boarding pass to really justify your presence in the secure area.



    In some airports, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the transit area (before you must be landed or depart).






    share|improve this answer





















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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

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      4 Answers
      4






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

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      up vote
      13
      down vote













      You won't get in trouble for arriving at the airport without a visa. Instead, the airline you're flying won't let you on the plane to depart in the first place. They can check the status of electronic visas at the time you check in. They do this because the airline is responsible for transporting you back out of the country if you are refused entry. If you don't have a valid visa, and you need one, you will be refused.






      share|improve this answer





















      • I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
        – Jo Sprague
        5 hours ago






      • 2




        @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
        – Giorgio
        4 hours ago












      • @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
        – Michael Hampton
        3 hours ago










      • @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
        – Zach Lipton
        1 hour ago















      up vote
      13
      down vote













      You won't get in trouble for arriving at the airport without a visa. Instead, the airline you're flying won't let you on the plane to depart in the first place. They can check the status of electronic visas at the time you check in. They do this because the airline is responsible for transporting you back out of the country if you are refused entry. If you don't have a valid visa, and you need one, you will be refused.






      share|improve this answer





















      • I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
        – Jo Sprague
        5 hours ago






      • 2




        @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
        – Giorgio
        4 hours ago












      • @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
        – Michael Hampton
        3 hours ago










      • @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
        – Zach Lipton
        1 hour ago













      up vote
      13
      down vote










      up vote
      13
      down vote









      You won't get in trouble for arriving at the airport without a visa. Instead, the airline you're flying won't let you on the plane to depart in the first place. They can check the status of electronic visas at the time you check in. They do this because the airline is responsible for transporting you back out of the country if you are refused entry. If you don't have a valid visa, and you need one, you will be refused.






      share|improve this answer












      You won't get in trouble for arriving at the airport without a visa. Instead, the airline you're flying won't let you on the plane to depart in the first place. They can check the status of electronic visas at the time you check in. They do this because the airline is responsible for transporting you back out of the country if you are refused entry. If you don't have a valid visa, and you need one, you will be refused.







      share|improve this answer












      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer










      answered 5 hours ago









      Greg Hewgill

      24.5k16495




      24.5k16495












      • I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
        – Jo Sprague
        5 hours ago






      • 2




        @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
        – Giorgio
        4 hours ago












      • @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
        – Michael Hampton
        3 hours ago










      • @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
        – Zach Lipton
        1 hour ago


















      • I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
        – Jo Sprague
        5 hours ago






      • 2




        @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
        – Giorgio
        4 hours ago












      • @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
        – Michael Hampton
        3 hours ago










      • @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
        – Zach Lipton
        1 hour ago
















      I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
      – Jo Sprague
      5 hours ago




      I'm flying from a country that doesn't need a visa to enter Brazil, so I have a feeling they might not be checking. But if they are checking, I think buying a refundable onward flight might work.
      – Jo Sprague
      5 hours ago




      2




      2




      @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
      – Giorgio
      4 hours ago






      @ZachLipton why don't you combine your comments into an answer; it responds and expands on Greg's (and ping me so I can upvote, and delete this comment).
      – Giorgio
      4 hours ago














      @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
      – Michael Hampton
      3 hours ago




      @JoSprague It doesn't matter what country you board the flight in. The fact that that country's citizens don't need an e-visa doesn't matter if people of your citizenship do require an e-visa. They will check for it as soon as they see your passport.
      – Michael Hampton
      3 hours ago












      @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
      – Zach Lipton
      1 hour ago




      @Giorgio Fair enough, done.
      – Zach Lipton
      1 hour ago












      up vote
      0
      down vote













      As Greg Hewgill notes, the airline will not allow you to board. The airline will generally use a database of visa requirements (e.g. Timatic) and will determine what documents you require based on the passport you present. So if you present a passport that requires a visa to enter Brazil, they will know you require a visa, regardless of what country you're flying from. This is generally built into the airline's IT system and is not simply something they may forget to do even if you're flying from a country where many people don't require visas.



      Buying an additional refundable flight out of Brazil wouldn't work either, because Timatic will tell them that you can only transit without a visa if you have "a connecting flight booked on the same ticket in transit." As stated on a Brazilian government site, you need a transit visa if you have separate airline tickets to change planes in Brazil. The airline will enforce this rule and deny boarding as well.



      In addition, not all countries and airports allow you to remain in the transit area overnight, so even if you make it there, you could have a problem if you stick around for long enough.






      share|improve this answer

























        up vote
        0
        down vote













        As Greg Hewgill notes, the airline will not allow you to board. The airline will generally use a database of visa requirements (e.g. Timatic) and will determine what documents you require based on the passport you present. So if you present a passport that requires a visa to enter Brazil, they will know you require a visa, regardless of what country you're flying from. This is generally built into the airline's IT system and is not simply something they may forget to do even if you're flying from a country where many people don't require visas.



        Buying an additional refundable flight out of Brazil wouldn't work either, because Timatic will tell them that you can only transit without a visa if you have "a connecting flight booked on the same ticket in transit." As stated on a Brazilian government site, you need a transit visa if you have separate airline tickets to change planes in Brazil. The airline will enforce this rule and deny boarding as well.



        In addition, not all countries and airports allow you to remain in the transit area overnight, so even if you make it there, you could have a problem if you stick around for long enough.






        share|improve this answer























          up vote
          0
          down vote










          up vote
          0
          down vote









          As Greg Hewgill notes, the airline will not allow you to board. The airline will generally use a database of visa requirements (e.g. Timatic) and will determine what documents you require based on the passport you present. So if you present a passport that requires a visa to enter Brazil, they will know you require a visa, regardless of what country you're flying from. This is generally built into the airline's IT system and is not simply something they may forget to do even if you're flying from a country where many people don't require visas.



          Buying an additional refundable flight out of Brazil wouldn't work either, because Timatic will tell them that you can only transit without a visa if you have "a connecting flight booked on the same ticket in transit." As stated on a Brazilian government site, you need a transit visa if you have separate airline tickets to change planes in Brazil. The airline will enforce this rule and deny boarding as well.



          In addition, not all countries and airports allow you to remain in the transit area overnight, so even if you make it there, you could have a problem if you stick around for long enough.






          share|improve this answer












          As Greg Hewgill notes, the airline will not allow you to board. The airline will generally use a database of visa requirements (e.g. Timatic) and will determine what documents you require based on the passport you present. So if you present a passport that requires a visa to enter Brazil, they will know you require a visa, regardless of what country you're flying from. This is generally built into the airline's IT system and is not simply something they may forget to do even if you're flying from a country where many people don't require visas.



          Buying an additional refundable flight out of Brazil wouldn't work either, because Timatic will tell them that you can only transit without a visa if you have "a connecting flight booked on the same ticket in transit." As stated on a Brazilian government site, you need a transit visa if you have separate airline tickets to change planes in Brazil. The airline will enforce this rule and deny boarding as well.



          In addition, not all countries and airports allow you to remain in the transit area overnight, so even if you make it there, you could have a problem if you stick around for long enough.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered 1 hour ago









          Zach Lipton

          57.7k10175236




          57.7k10175236






















              up vote
              0
              down vote













              Judging from my personal experience (primarily with JFK and MIA), your tickets will be checked by the airport staff/security regardless of whether you're going to clear the customs or proceed to the transit area. If there are no transit passengers on board, there may not even be an option to get there as the corresponding door would be locked.



              While this is impossible to say whether or not you would be "lucky" with the visa check upon departure and the ticket check upon arrival, generally such a strategy sounds like a risky undertaking.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 1




                The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
                – Patricia Shanahan
                3 hours ago






              • 1




                The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
                – Burhan Khalid
                58 mins ago






              • 1




                @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
                – phoog
                56 mins ago















              up vote
              0
              down vote













              Judging from my personal experience (primarily with JFK and MIA), your tickets will be checked by the airport staff/security regardless of whether you're going to clear the customs or proceed to the transit area. If there are no transit passengers on board, there may not even be an option to get there as the corresponding door would be locked.



              While this is impossible to say whether or not you would be "lucky" with the visa check upon departure and the ticket check upon arrival, generally such a strategy sounds like a risky undertaking.






              share|improve this answer



















              • 1




                The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
                – Patricia Shanahan
                3 hours ago






              • 1




                The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
                – Burhan Khalid
                58 mins ago






              • 1




                @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
                – phoog
                56 mins ago













              up vote
              0
              down vote










              up vote
              0
              down vote









              Judging from my personal experience (primarily with JFK and MIA), your tickets will be checked by the airport staff/security regardless of whether you're going to clear the customs or proceed to the transit area. If there are no transit passengers on board, there may not even be an option to get there as the corresponding door would be locked.



              While this is impossible to say whether or not you would be "lucky" with the visa check upon departure and the ticket check upon arrival, generally such a strategy sounds like a risky undertaking.






              share|improve this answer














              Judging from my personal experience (primarily with JFK and MIA), your tickets will be checked by the airport staff/security regardless of whether you're going to clear the customs or proceed to the transit area. If there are no transit passengers on board, there may not even be an option to get there as the corresponding door would be locked.



              While this is impossible to say whether or not you would be "lucky" with the visa check upon departure and the ticket check upon arrival, generally such a strategy sounds like a risky undertaking.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited 54 mins ago

























              answered 3 hours ago









              undercat

              1,3732312




              1,3732312








              • 1




                The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
                – Patricia Shanahan
                3 hours ago






              • 1




                The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
                – Burhan Khalid
                58 mins ago






              • 1




                @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
                – phoog
                56 mins ago














              • 1




                The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
                – Patricia Shanahan
                3 hours ago






              • 1




                The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
                – Burhan Khalid
                58 mins ago






              • 1




                @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
                – phoog
                56 mins ago








              1




              1




              The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
              – Patricia Shanahan
              3 hours ago




              The US is unusual in requiring all transit passengers to go through passport control.
              – Patricia Shanahan
              3 hours ago




              1




              1




              The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
              – Burhan Khalid
              58 mins ago




              The US, Canada and Schengen (for external flights).
              – Burhan Khalid
              58 mins ago




              1




              1




              @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
              – phoog
              56 mins ago




              @BurhanKhalid most Schengen airports do not require external-to-external transit passengers to clear immigration controls.
              – phoog
              56 mins ago










              up vote
              0
              down vote













              Here are some more things you should be aware of:




              1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight




              Greg and Zach both mentioned correctly that airlines do check your eligibility to be landed at the destination; as they are fined and are responsible for repatriation if you are inadmissible.




              2) the visa will be approved




              This a dangerous assumption to make, and as per #1, a moot point.




              3) I am flying with only carry-on bags




              This really doesn't have an impact on your waiting in the transit area. At some airports, you can freely move between the transit and the landing areas. In others, transit areas are limited, restricted, or may be closed entirely.




              4) I already have an international SIM in my phone




              Not really relevant to your original question, not sure why this is even a concern.




              5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.




              You are assuming that you will find a sales desk in the transit area for the airline you want to take. This is risky. In my experience, transfer desks in transit zones don't sell new tickets (they can only assist with existing reservations and upgrades / downgrades). I have had many people whose flights were cancelled try to buy tickets on another airline but the agents were unable.



              If an onward ticket is required for your visa, this will also be checked by the airline before you are boarded.



              Gone are the days that you could buy a ticket from the gate agent - these days you need a ticket just to get past security.




              Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?




              At some airports you may be questioned if you look like you don't belong - as to what you are doing in the transit area. A ticket may not help you, since you would need a boarding pass to really justify your presence in the secure area.



              In some airports, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the transit area (before you must be landed or depart).






              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                0
                down vote













                Here are some more things you should be aware of:




                1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight




                Greg and Zach both mentioned correctly that airlines do check your eligibility to be landed at the destination; as they are fined and are responsible for repatriation if you are inadmissible.




                2) the visa will be approved




                This a dangerous assumption to make, and as per #1, a moot point.




                3) I am flying with only carry-on bags




                This really doesn't have an impact on your waiting in the transit area. At some airports, you can freely move between the transit and the landing areas. In others, transit areas are limited, restricted, or may be closed entirely.




                4) I already have an international SIM in my phone




                Not really relevant to your original question, not sure why this is even a concern.




                5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.




                You are assuming that you will find a sales desk in the transit area for the airline you want to take. This is risky. In my experience, transfer desks in transit zones don't sell new tickets (they can only assist with existing reservations and upgrades / downgrades). I have had many people whose flights were cancelled try to buy tickets on another airline but the agents were unable.



                If an onward ticket is required for your visa, this will also be checked by the airline before you are boarded.



                Gone are the days that you could buy a ticket from the gate agent - these days you need a ticket just to get past security.




                Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?




                At some airports you may be questioned if you look like you don't belong - as to what you are doing in the transit area. A ticket may not help you, since you would need a boarding pass to really justify your presence in the secure area.



                In some airports, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the transit area (before you must be landed or depart).






                share|improve this answer























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote









                  Here are some more things you should be aware of:




                  1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight




                  Greg and Zach both mentioned correctly that airlines do check your eligibility to be landed at the destination; as they are fined and are responsible for repatriation if you are inadmissible.




                  2) the visa will be approved




                  This a dangerous assumption to make, and as per #1, a moot point.




                  3) I am flying with only carry-on bags




                  This really doesn't have an impact on your waiting in the transit area. At some airports, you can freely move between the transit and the landing areas. In others, transit areas are limited, restricted, or may be closed entirely.




                  4) I already have an international SIM in my phone




                  Not really relevant to your original question, not sure why this is even a concern.




                  5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.




                  You are assuming that you will find a sales desk in the transit area for the airline you want to take. This is risky. In my experience, transfer desks in transit zones don't sell new tickets (they can only assist with existing reservations and upgrades / downgrades). I have had many people whose flights were cancelled try to buy tickets on another airline but the agents were unable.



                  If an onward ticket is required for your visa, this will also be checked by the airline before you are boarded.



                  Gone are the days that you could buy a ticket from the gate agent - these days you need a ticket just to get past security.




                  Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?




                  At some airports you may be questioned if you look like you don't belong - as to what you are doing in the transit area. A ticket may not help you, since you would need a boarding pass to really justify your presence in the secure area.



                  In some airports, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the transit area (before you must be landed or depart).






                  share|improve this answer












                  Here are some more things you should be aware of:




                  1) the airline doesn't check if I have a visa and I'm able to board the flight




                  Greg and Zach both mentioned correctly that airlines do check your eligibility to be landed at the destination; as they are fined and are responsible for repatriation if you are inadmissible.




                  2) the visa will be approved




                  This a dangerous assumption to make, and as per #1, a moot point.




                  3) I am flying with only carry-on bags




                  This really doesn't have an impact on your waiting in the transit area. At some airports, you can freely move between the transit and the landing areas. In others, transit areas are limited, restricted, or may be closed entirely.




                  4) I already have an international SIM in my phone




                  Not really relevant to your original question, not sure why this is even a concern.




                  5) if the visa isn't approved for any reason, I could just buy an onward flight to somewhere else.




                  You are assuming that you will find a sales desk in the transit area for the airline you want to take. This is risky. In my experience, transfer desks in transit zones don't sell new tickets (they can only assist with existing reservations and upgrades / downgrades). I have had many people whose flights were cancelled try to buy tickets on another airline but the agents were unable.



                  If an onward ticket is required for your visa, this will also be checked by the airline before you are boarded.



                  Gone are the days that you could buy a ticket from the gate agent - these days you need a ticket just to get past security.




                  Would it be helpful to buy a cheap onward ticket for the next day, just in case I get asked any questions about why I'm waiting around in the airport?




                  At some airports you may be questioned if you look like you don't belong - as to what you are doing in the transit area. A ticket may not help you, since you would need a boarding pass to really justify your presence in the secure area.



                  In some airports, there is a limit on how long you can stay in the transit area (before you must be landed or depart).







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered 46 mins ago









                  Burhan Khalid

                  35.2k368142




                  35.2k368142






























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