Reply #38: They are wrong, That's not the law [View All]

[treestar]

In fact, you can return without it, it's just illegal. That is, they have to let you back in, but they will fine you.

But you don't have to have it to leave legally. As a practical matter you might, because the country on the other end usually fines airlines (as the US does) for bringing someone they have to deport, so the airlines make sure you have whatever passport/visa is needed before they let you get on.