American deported from the Philippines and blacklisted for using obscene language in an eTravel form
The Philippines has permanently banned the entry of a "rude" American who decided to fill out an eTravel information form in a "witty" way. Allegedly, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) deported US citizen Anthony Joseph Lawrence.
The decision of the Filipinos angered the traveller, Inquirer.net writes. While talking to airport staff, he allegedly threw his passport and cell phone in anger.
The passenger arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingko said that Lawrence was asked to fill out an eTravel form upon arrival, but the American was allegedly reluctant to respond to the instruction at first.
This procedure was introduced to replace paper documents. Foreigners are required to enter the data at least 72 hours before arrival, but the passenger ignored the rule.
Apparently, the U.S. citizen was given an appointment, but he filled out the form incorrectly. After checking, it turned out that the American had entered a non-existent address in the Philippines, did not provide his full name, and wrote obscene words.
The Philippines reportedly banned the passenger from entering the country due to "crossing the line" and showing disrespect. The traveller was blacklisted and deported from the country.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, 44 foreign nationals have been banned from entering the country for disrespecting the country and its people this year alone.