2

My brother is a cyclist in one of Philippine cycling teams and invited to the 11th Tour De Singkarak. He took the flight to Indonesia from Asmara with Ethiopian Airlines. But up on arrival He was refused by the immigration reasoning that the invitation doesn't state Visa on Arrival. He returned back home and was asked by Ethiopian airlines to pay 3500 USD.

  1. Can the airline charge the passenger?
  2. If Indonesian immigration reasoning is right, shouldn't the airline be responsible in checking an eligible document prior to boarding?
Mikael Dúi Bolinder
  • 2,145
  • 8
  • 43
  • 81
Mussie
  • 21
  • 1

1 Answers1

6

If (and how much) the airline can charge depends on the contract between the passenger and the airline. Usually the contract will state, somewhere in the fine print, that the passenger has to pay the costs if the entry is refused and the destination country forces the the airline to transport the passenger back.

The obligation of checking entry papers is also written down in the contract. Usually this states that the airline can refuse boarding if the papers are deficient, but that the airline is not held responsible if it transports the passenger but entry is refused.

o.m.
  • 38,247
  • 2
  • 65
  • 113