Ask Headmaster Ken

Hi,

Has anyone had any experience using a one-way ticket to enter China (Beijing) combined with a tourist L Visa?

Would I be refused entry at immigration? And what happens if I am - can I purchase a ticket to Hong Kong on the spot??

Thanks

Leon

You may encounter difficulties being allowed to board the aircraft. Airlines are not supposed to sell you one way tickets to China.

Under their agreement with China, they are responsible to pay your return air fare and other associated costs if you end up stranded penniless in China. Airlines don't want this any more than China wants this situation,so most airlines will ensure you have a follow on ticket.

Even though you may be able to buy a one way ticket online, don't be surprised if the carrier requires you to show another follow on ticket.

I have heard some who buy an inexpensive, refundable ticket to the Philippines and then cash it when they arrive.

I don't know officially the current level of enforcement of this rule by China's immigration control; although I understand it may be higher than usual until after the first week of October (60th birthday of the PRC).

If you are being refused entry to China, I would be doubtful they would allow you to buy a ticket to HK. My experience is they will insist you return to your point of origin unless you can do some skillful negotiating in Chinese and have someone buy you a ticket (since you will be under detention).

I would strongly recommend against his idea.

Okay this worries me a bit...I have a one way ticket from Hong Kong to WuHan. I also have a Z visa..am I going to need to come up with a return ticket? Cash is tight right now and if I need one would it have to be from Wuhan to Hong Kong or could I get a cheaper one just from Hong Kong to the Philippines or something. I am currently in the Philippines by the way. Thanks.

I came to China around the end of October 2008 on a one way ticket from Canada to Beijing. I had a 6 month L-Visa and there were no problems with getting on the airplane or at customs.

However, my wife is a Chinese citizen, which in many cases seems to make the authorities here a little more lenient (I taught English on my L-Visa for a few months and had two "encounters" with the police... once they found out I was married to a Chinese citizen everything was sorted out quickly!)

I bought a one way ticket to Chongqing I hope there are no problems with it, I asked the staff at the Brisbane Chinese consulate about the enforcement for a Z visa and they said it didn't apply to me so I hope I can explain this to the airline before I leave.

Otherwise i might buy one of those $80 tickets from Chengdu to kl if i have to.