MrBrownJay1:
very easy to do....lets say you are going to Congo for example: you buy a one way ticket from Nigeria to Congo, and then on the day of departure, you buy a fully refundable onward ticket from Congo to Zambia or Uganda... and as soon as you arrive in Congo and pass the Congolese immigration, cancel the ticket and get a full refund.... et voila!

most websites will give you a 24hr free cancelation policy on any ticket you buy, its the law (if in doubt just use Expedia)!

Ashleyadams:

Thanks for the info.
I was actually thinking of using a service such as onwardticket. They book and reserves the flight without making payment. They charge $15. The ticket will be valid when checked by an airline or immigration.

But I think I might use Expedia since it's more solid and reliable.
Would this 'full refund method' work for Kenya Airways or Ethiopian airways?. They are the two airlines going to my destination.

MrBrownJay1:


now many agencies know about onwardtickets and as they dont actually buy a ticket, a simple check can confirm that you dont have an actual ticket but only a reservation. a reservation is not a ticket thus some may deny you entry. on the other hand, if you buy a ticket with Expedia, thats a ticket. also, you could buy a train ticket too or even a bus ticket to leave the country. so long as you have an onward ticket, its all good (it doesnt have to be a plane ticket).

Ashleyadams:
You're right. I checked and couldn't find any train or bus service with an online system.
Thanks.

MrBrownJay1:


yeah online bus/train ticket are a bit difficult to get in Africa, compared to the rest of the world. good luck on your life move/relocation!

Ashleyadams:
Hi guys,

I'll be traveling to an African country on a tourist/visit visa.
Usually, airlines and immigration require a return ticket for visitors/tourists to make sure that you'll be leaving their country after your stay.

However, I have no intention of returning (I'll secure a resident permit) so I plan to book a 'Dummy Ticket' in place of a Return ticket in order to reduce my travel cost.

Has anyone tried this before? I'd like to know your experience/thoughts. Thanks!

fwallex4truth:



Please I'm actually travelling too soon on visit, and I don't intend to return. How do I do with my return ticket please?

Ashleyadams:

Hi, I don't understand your question. Could you rephrase your question?

Ashleyadams:

Hi, I don't understand your question. Could you rephrase your question?

fwallex4truth:


I mean I will be traveling on tourist/visit visa soon, and I don't want to buy return ticket because I don't have the intention of returning. Kindly guide me on how to go about it.

ednut1:
all this for Zimbabwe Is Nigeria no better than that country Nawa

Ashleyadams:

Ok. That is exactly why I created this thread.

The best solution is to book a one way ticket for going. Then book a return ticket a few hours before your departure using Expedia and cancel the return ticket after you arrive your destination.
Expedia offers a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours.
Note: Expedia is more expensive than booking directly on the airline website, but it guarantees you a refund.
Understood?

Ashleyadams:

I intend using it as a transit to another country.
But, besides the the inflation and economic crisis, zimbabwe has better infrastructure and is far safer than Nigeria. I know because I lived around Southern Africa for years.

Ashleyadams:

Ok. That is exactly why I created this thread.

The best solution is to book a one way ticket for going. Then book a return ticket a few hours before your departure using Expedia and cancel the return ticket after you arrive your destination.
Expedia offers a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours.
Note: Expedia is more expensive than booking directly on the airline website, but it guarantees you a refund.

Understood?

MrBrownJay1:
very easy to do....lets say you are going to Congo for example: you buy a one way ticket from Nigeria to Congo, and then on the day of departure, you buy a fully refundable onward ticket from Congo to Zambia or Uganda... and as soon as you arrive in Congo and pass the Congolese immigration, cancel the ticket and get a full refund.... et voila!

most websites will give you a 24hr free cancelation policy on any ticket you buy, its the law (if in doubt just use Expedia)!

Ashleyadams:
Hi guys,

I'll be traveling to an African country on a tourist/visit visa.
Usually, airlines and immigration require a return ticket for visitors/tourists to make sure that you'll be leaving their country after your stay.

However, I have no intention of returning (I'll secure a resident permit) so I plan to book a
'Dummy Ticket' in place of a Return ticket in order to reduce my travel cost.


Hi I know this thread is old, but how did it go? Did they ask for proof? I cannot afford a ticket home as it is $5000 from Australia and I am intending to live there. My trip takes two days total, so over the refund limit for Expedia. I need help!

Has anyone tried this before? I'd like to know your experience/thoughts. Thanks!