Category: Visa and Passport

Taking Currency In or Out of The Philippines

Taking Currency In or Out of The Philippines

Laws on bringing money into the Philippines, and taking it out, need to be looked at from both Philippine Currency and Foreign Currency separately.

No permit is required from the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas to bring in to or to take out from the Philippines of foreign currencies, but money in excess of the limit must be declared, or forfeited.

Authorization by the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (Bsp), is required for the taking in and bringing out of the Philippines, of Philippine currency in excess of php 50,000.

The anti-money laundering act of 2001 requires all money transactions involving amounts in excess of php 400,000 to be reported to the anti-money laundering council (even if the transaction is done through the banks).

Some people who are caught breaking this law have had the excess money confiscated.

Bringing Foreign Currency into the Philippines

Arriving in the Philippines with Foreign Currency In Excess Of US$10,000

Travelers arriving in the Philippines must submit to the bureau of customs desk in the airport arrival area a declaration form stating the amount (foreign currency in excess of $10,000.00) being brought in. The source of the money (E.G., personal income) must be stated.

If a person wishes to bring more that the equivalent of USD 10,000, a written declaration must be made in the form of the BSP’s “Foreign Currency and Other FX-Denominated Bearer Monetary Instruments Declaration Form”.

Some websites say that there is no limit, but omit to mention the requirement to declare. eg:

The official rules state:

Rules on Foreign Currency www.bsp.gov.ph/…/faqfxreg.pdf (16 page PDF File. Section 10 and 11 on page 4 are relevant.)

Taking Foreign Currency out of the Philippines

Leaving the Philippines with Foreign Currency In Excess Of US$10,000

Travelers departing the Philippines must submit to the bureau of customs desk in the airport departure area a declaration form stating the amount (foreign currency in excess of $10,000.00) to be brought in or taken out of the philippines. The source of the money (e.G., personal income) must be stated.

Bringing Philippine Currency into the Philippines

Arriving in the Philippines with Philippine Currency In Excess Of Php 50,000

The taking in and bringing out of philippines of philippine currency in excess of php 50,000 is strictly prohibited, and any need to carry any currency in excess of the said amount must be given authorization by the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (Bsp) Cash Division.

Taking Philippine Currency out of the Philippines

Leaving the Philippines with Philippine Currency In Excess Of Php 50,000

The taking in and bringing out of philippines of philippine currency in excess of php 50,000 is strictly prohibited, and any need to carry any currency in excess of the said amount must be given authorization by the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (Bsp) Cash Division.

php1000-from-2010

New 10 Year Philippine Passport

Philippine Passports valid for 10 years available from August 17, 2017 ?

The Republic Act No. 10928 extended the maximum validity of Philippine passports from five years to 10 years for adult passport holders. Individuals under 18 years of age will still be issued with passports having a five-year validity period.

This act was approved on August 2, 2017, with Section 5 stating the effective date being: "fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation".

Philippine Passports valid for 10 years available from August 17, 2017 ?

The Republic Act No. 10928 extended the maximum validity of Philippine passports from five years to 10 years for adult passport holders. Individuals under 18 years of age will still be issued with passports having a five-year validity period.

This act was approved on August 2, 2017, with Section 5 stating the effective date being: “fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation”.

It has been reported that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that the new 10 year passports will cost applicants between P1,900 and P2,000, twice the current price of P950 for passports with five-year validity.

The Passport Office website is still quoting the 950 pesos passport price (8 Oct 2017).

Based on the above, I would assume that the new 10 year passport may not yet be ready to be implemented.  It does take time to create the new passports.

If anyone gets one, with 10 year validity, please let us know, as soon as you can, using the comments section below.

Sources:

Visa Free Entry to Philippines

Guidelines On The Entry Of Temporary Visitors To The Philippines

Nationals from countries listed below who are travelling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay.

Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less:

Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil (59 Days)
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel (59 days)
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

  • Holders of Brazil passports
  • Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:

  • Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports
  • Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
  • Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao
  • Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Important Note:

Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines.

Going to Australia on a Visitor Visa

The most popular Visitor visa for Tourism to Australia is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourism Stream. The Tourist stream is for people travelling to Australia for a holiday, recreation or to visit family and friends and for other purposes not related to business or medical treatment. This visa has options for up to three, six or 12 months visit periods. The three month option is the most common, and the easiest to process.

Tourist Visa for Visiting Australia for Filipinos

The most popular Visitor visa for Tourism to Australia is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourism Stream.

The Tourist stream is for people travelling to Australia for a holiday, recreation or to visit family and friends and for other purposes not related to business or medical treatment.

This visa has options for up to three, six or 12 months visit periods. The three month option is the most common, and the easiest to process.

The normal cost for this Visa is A$140 (1 July 2017) and normally takes between 3 and 5 weeks to process, although some do take longer or shorter than this.

The Visitor visa (subclass 600) Sponsored Family Stream does take longer, and is subject to more rigorous checks, and has a higher rejection rate. It is the same price but often takes between 6 and 9 weeks to process.

Australian Visa Applications from the Philippines:

Visa applications will NOT be admitted directly at the Australian Embassy except in cases of genuine emergency only.

The Australian Embassy strongly encourages online visa applications. You can apply 24/7 and you check your application status if you apply online.

Online applications can be done at: www.border.gov.au/immiaccount

Paper applications are lodged through (AVAC) which is operated by VFS Global.

VFS Philippines(Manila Visa Application Center)

Address:

Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Building
2305 Don Chino Roces Ave Extension
Makati City
Metro Manila 1231
Philippines

Contact:

Tel: 02 790 4900
Mob: 0916 226 3779
Email:
Web:

VFS Philippines (Cebu Visa Application Center)

Address:

9th Floor, Keppel Center, Unit 905, Samar Loop
cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City 6000
Philippines

Contact:

Tel:
Mob: 0916 226 3779
Email:
Web:

CFO clearance in Pampanga

The​ CFO-Clark Extension Desk at the “One-Stop Processing Center in Clark (OSPC)” opened in September 2016 and is located at the Clark Polytechnic Compound at Jose Abad Santos Ave. Clark Freeport Zone.

The CFO clearance is now available in Clarke, Pampanga.

The​ CFO-Clark Extension Desk at the “One-Stop Processing Center in Clark (OSPC)” opened in September 2016 and is located at the Clark Polytechnic Compound at Jose Abad Santos Ave. Clark Freeport Zone and minutes away from the Clark International Airport.

The CFO-Clark Extension Desk is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

Schedules for each country of destination can be seen at http://www.cfo.gov.ph/~comfil/news/cfo-news-and-events/3445-cfo-opens-extension-desk-in-clark-pampanga.html

 

How Much Money Can You Take into or Out of the Philippines

How much in Philippine currency can you take in or out of the Philippines? The figure has recently increased from Php 10,000.00 to Php 50,000.00 in local currency.

How much Currency can you take in or out of the Philippines

Most people know that there is a limit of US$10,000 or equivalent for money to be carried in or out of the Philippines.  It is a similar figure in most countries.

However, what about Travellers Cheques or Philippine Pesos?

How much in Philippine currency can you take in or out of the Philippines

Circular No. 922 Series of 2016 23rd November 2016 Increase from Php 10,000 to Php 50,000

The DFA wishes to inform the public that the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has approved the issuance of Circular No. 922 Series of 2016 increasing from Php 10,000.00 to Php 50,000.00 the amount of legal tender Philippine currency that may be imported/brought in and/or exported/brought out of the country physically or electronically without prior authorization from the BSP.
This is part of the continuing efforts to ensure that regulations are attuned to the need of providing greater flexibility to travelers to and from the Philippines. The new policy became effective on 15 September 2016. www.dfa.gov.ph

Prior to 2016 the figure was just 10,000 pesos, enough to last you a day or two when you arrive.

How much in Travellors Cheques can you take in or out of the Philippines

The answer to this appears to vary, depending on what part of the Philippine Government you listen to…. Or more appropriately as to whether you have got on the plane yet.

If you read a Philippine Consulate website you see this:

Residents and Non-residents: local currency (Philippine Peso-PHP): up to PHP 10,000.-. Exceeding amounts require an authorisation from the Central Bank of the Philippines. foreign currencies : up to USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent. Amounts exceeding USD 10,000.-, or its equivalent must be declared.
Note: Only banknotes and coins, which are legal tender must be declared (travelers checks, credit cards etc. are exempt from declaration requirement).

So you think… Hmm travelers checks are exempt. That’s good.

But, then you are on the plane and you get the “Customs Declaration Form” which says:

3: Are you carrying foreign currency or other foreign exchange denominated bearer negotiable monetary instruments (including travelers checks in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent?

So, which is right ? Well it is too late now. You have to fill in the “Customs Declaration Form”, or argue with Philippine Customs..

Play it safe is often best.

From the Philippines Consulate in Canada

Philippines Customs declaration rules

then the form to fill in on the Plane:

From the Philippines Department of Finance: Bureau of Customs, 2015

Philippines Customs declaration form

US – Philippines Dual citizenship

US – Philippines Dual Citizenship from an American Viewpoint

The automatic acquisition or retention of a foreign nationality does not affect U.S. citizenship; however, under limited circumstances, the acquisition of a foreign nationality upon one’s own application or the application of a duly authorized agent may cause loss of U.S. citizenship under Section 349 (a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1481 (a)(1)].

In order for loss of nationality to occur under Section 349 (a)(1), it must be established that the naturalization was obtained voluntarily by a person eighteen years of age or older with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/service/dual-nationality.html

US – Philippines Dual Citizenship from a Philippine Viewpoint

All natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have acquired any other citizenship are eligible to be a Philippine dual citizen.
A person is a natural-born Filipino citizen if s/he was born to a father and/or mother who was Filipino at the time of her/his birth.

Re-acquiring Filipino citizenship

Under Republic Act No. 9225, 2003, a natural-born Filipino who lost her/his Filipino citizenship through naturalization in another country may re-acquire Filipino citizenship by taking the Philippine Oath of Allegiance before a duly authorized Philippine official. The Philippine Oath of Allegiance does not require the renunciation of citizenship in any other country.

Prior to 2003 a Filipino could not have Dual citizenship

Residency in the Philippines is not required of those who wish to re-acquire or have re-acquired Filipino citizenship.

Marriage Visa for Philippines

Marrying and Staying in the Philippines

I am a foreigner and married to a Filipino. How can I apply for an Immigrant Visa?

If you are a foreign national whose country also grants permanent residence and immigration privileges to Filipinos, under Foreign Service Circular No. 21-10, you may apply for a Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage to a Filipino Citizen of Section 13 (a) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (PIA).

What are the requirements for an Immigrant Visa by Marriage to a Filipino citizen?

Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13 (a) you are eligible for permanent residency in the Philippines. This visa is issued to an alien on the basis of his valid marriage to a Philippine citizen.

To qualify for this visa, the applicant must prove that:

    • He contracted a valid marriage with a Philippine citizen.
    • The marriage is recognized as valid under existing Philippine laws.
    • There is no record of any derogatory information against him in any local or foreign law enforcement agency.
    • He is not afflicted with any dangerous, contagious or loathsome disease.
    • He has sufficient financial capacity to support a family and will not become a public burden.
    • He was allowed entry into the Philippines and was authorized by Immigration authorities to stay.

NOTE: This visa is only available to citizens of a country which grants permanent residence and immigration privileges to Philippine citizens.

www.immigration.gov.ph/…/conversion-to-non-quota-immigrant-visa-by-marriage

Removing Name from Immigration Blacklist

Prescribed Periods For Lifting Of Entries From The Blacklist

The Philippine Immigration Department has a ruling on the amount of time before an Immigration Blacklisted person can be removed from the blacklist.

This is often either 3 or 6 months after being blacklisted, but can be as high as 10 years.

Ruling no: SBM-2014-01 4th February 2014 – Prescribed Periods For Lifting Of Entries From The Blacklist

The full ruling can be seen at: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/images/ImmiAdminCircular/AdminCircularNO.%20SBM-2014-001.pdf

Three (3) months

Three (3) months from date of actual implementation of the exclusion order for foreign nationals who were excluded under the following grounds:

1. Public charge
2. Incompetent
3. Member of a family accompanying an excluded alien and companions thereof
4. Children below 15 years old unaccompanied by parents
5. Stowaways
6. Improperly documented

Six (6) months

Six (6) months from date of actual implementation of the exclusion order or inclusion for foreign nationals who were included in the Blacklist under the following grounds:

1. Deported by virtue of a Voluntary Deportation Order
2. Overstaying for less than one year

Six (6) months after being cured of the condition or illness for foreign nationals who were excluded under the following grounds:

1. Insane
2. Afflicted with loathsome or dangerous and contagious disease

Twelve (12) months

Twelve (12) months from date of actual exclusion or implementation of deportation order for foreign nationals who were excluded/deported under the following grounds:

1. Prostitutes of procurers of person who came for any immoral purpose
2. Person who practice polygamy or who believe in or advocate the practice of polygamy
3. Paupers, vagrant and beggars
4. Unskilled manual laborers
5. Indigent
6. Those who entered the country through misrepresentation
7. Those who entered the country without inspection and admission
8. Those who are drunk and disorderly at the port of entry
9. Those who refuse to comply with inspection procedures
10. Those who display unruly behavior or discourtesy to immigration official
11. Illegal entrants
12. In violation of the condition of limitation of stay
13. Overstaying for more than one year
14. Cancelled visa
15. Undocumented
16. Improperly documented

Five (5) years

Five (5) years from date of actual implementation of deportation order for foreign nationals who were deported under the following grounds:

1. Engaging in profiteering hoarding, or black-marketing
2. Defrauding of creditors
3. Undesirability

Ten (10) years

Ten (10) years from date of actual exclusion or implementation of deportation order for foreign nationals who were deported under the following grounds:

1. Conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude  What is Moral Turpitude?
2. Conviction for a crime under Section 45 and 46 of the PIA, Alien Registration Act or the Naturalization Law.

Never

Foreign nationals who were excluded/deported under the following grounds shall not be qualified for lifting of entries from the blacklist
unless otherwise ordered by the Secretary of Justice for lifting.

1. Involvement in subversive activities
2. Conviction for a crime involving prohibited drugs
3. Registered sex offender

How to remove name from Blacklist

All Requests for lifting of entries from the Blacklist shall be addressed to the Commissioner and filed at the Main Office, stating therein the nature of the request with attached duly authenticated/certified true copies of documents to prove that the ground for inclusion in the Blacklist no longer exists.
Requests filed within the periods prescribed herein do not however guarantee its approval.
Conversely, filing of requests outside the prescribed periods may automatically cause its disapproval unless the said request is meritorious as to constitute a waiver of the periods herein prescribed.

Overstaying Foreigners

Overstaying Foreigners

Overstaying Foreigners 1 Hours upwards

Foreigners who have overstayed a visa by even 1 hour, maybe even less, will need to pay penalty fees.
An example of this is: leaving the Philippines on a flight that departs at 2am, on the day after the visa expires, and the cost is 4,310 pesos. Fortunately this might be able to be paid at the airport, at least it can at Terminal 3 in Manila.

Overstaying Foreigners 6 to 12 Months

Foreigners who have overstayed for twelve (12) months or less but have been in the country beyond the maximum allowable period already may be permitted to update their stay with order to leave the country within fifteen (15) calendar days therefrom and their names may be included in the Bureau’s blacklist upon the discretion of the Commissioner; Provided that, the Commissioner, in the exercise of sound judgment, may allow such foreigners to update and extend their stay taking into consideration their Filipino lineage, medical condition, minority and other analogous circumstances.

Overstaying Foreigners 12 Months plus

Foreigners who have overstayed for more than twelve (12) months regardless if their stay is within the maximum allowable period or those found to be overstaying by virtue to a complaint or Mission Order regardless of the period shall be referred for deportation.

Immigration Offices in The Philippines

A list of the Bureau of Immigration Offices in the Philippines

Bureau of Immigration Offices

You can check what Transactions each BoI office is authorised to do at: www.immigration.gov.ph/…/directory-of-transactions

Angeles Immigration Field Office

Ground Floor, Metro Supermarket, MarQuee Mall, Pulung, Maragul, Angeles City 2009.
Tel: 045-404-0215

Aparri Immigration Field Office

Philippine Port Authority (PPA) Compound Loriga Gallarza, Street Barangay Punta, Aparri, Cagayan.
Tel: 078-8882196

Bacolod Immigration Field Office

Aguinaldo Street, Bacolod City, 6100.
Tel: (034) 433-8581

Baguio Immigration Field Office

#38 Wagner Road, Military Cut-Off, Baguio City, Benguet 2600.
Tel: (6374) 447-0805

Balabac Immigration Field Office

c/o Elizabeth’s Pensionne Tumandao St., Poblacion II, Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Tel:

Balanga Immigration Field Office, Region Iii

2nd Floor, Santiago Building, Garcia corner Laurel Street, Capitol Drive, Balanga City, Bataan.
Tel: (047) 237-4958

Batangas Immigration Field Office

Division Road, Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City.
Tel: 043-723-2784

Batuganding Immigration Border Crossing Station

Batuganding, Sarangani, Davao Del Sur.
Tel:

Bislig Immigration Field Office

Requina Village, John Bosco, Mangagoy, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur 8311.
Tel:

Boac Immigration Field Office

Boac, Marinduque 4900.
Tel:

Bongao Immigration Field Office

Ridjiki St., Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Tel: (638) 268-1000

Boracay Immigration Field Office

Abrams Compound, Sitio Ambulong, Brgy. Manoc Manoc, Malay, Aklan.
Tel: (036) 2885267

Brooke’s Point Border Crossing Station

Brooke’s Point, Palawan.
Tel:

Calapan Immigration Field Office

Provincial Capitol Complex, Brgy. Camilmil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
Tel: (6343) 288-2245; (6343) 287-3570

Calbayog Immigration Field Office

Room 201, 2nd flr., Calbayog City Convention Center, Brgy. Capoocan, Calbayog City Samar.
Tel: (055) 209-3310

Cagayan de Oro Immigration District Office

Door 7, Ground Floor, YMCA Building, Julio Pacana Street, Cagayan De Oro.
Tel: (088) 880-1824

Cauayan Immigration Field Office

46 Burgos St., Brgy. District II, Cauayan City, Isabela.
Tel: (078) 652-3892

Cebu Immigration District Office

2nd Level J Centre Mall, A.S Fortuna St., Bakilid, Mandaue City, Metro Cebu 6014.
Tel: (032) 505-4166

Dagupan Immigration Field Office

Dagupan People’s Astrodome Building, Tupac District, Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
Tel: (075) 523 4047

Dasmariñas Immigration Field Office

Lingkod Pinoy Center Level 1, Annex, Robinson Place, Dasmarinas, Cavite.
Tel: (046) 506-7119

Dumaguete Immigration Field Office

Door # 8 Lu Pega Bldg., 38 Dr. V. Locsin St., Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, 6200.
Tel: (035) 225-4401

Gaisano Immigration Satellite Office

Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, Annex Bldg., Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015.
Tel: (032) 495-2852

General Santos Immigration Field Office

Ground Floor, Robinsons Place, J. Catolico Sr. Avenue, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City.
Tel: (083) 302-3442

Glan Immigration Field Office

CIQS-OSAC Building, Port of Glan, Saranggani Province.
Tel: (083) 262-1013

Iligan Immigration Field Office

2nd Floor, Room 203, Diocesan Centrum Bldg., Salvador T., Lluch St., Iligan City 9200 .
Tel: (063) 221-6282

Jolo Immigration Field Office

Sanchez Street, Walled City 7400 Jolo, Sulu.
Tel: 085-341-8911

Kalibo Immigration Field Office

Magno Bldg., Quezon Ave., Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan.
Tel: (036) 268- 3164

Lucena Immigration Field Office

2nd floor Quezon Convention Center, Quezon Capitol, Compound, Lucena City.
Tel: (042) 710-7109

Makati Immigration Extension Office

Ground Floor, Board of Investment Bldg., #385 Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.
Tel: (632) 899-3831

Mariveles Immigration One Stop Shop

Administration Building, FAB, Mariveles, Bataan.
Tel: (047) 237-4958

Naga Immigration Field Office

Unit 7, 2nd Floor, Phonecian Building, Panganiban Drive corner Isarog Street, Naga City 4400.
Tel: 054-881-1463

Olongapo Immigration Field Office

111 Gordon Avenue, New Kalalake, Olongapo City.
Tel: (6347) 224-2766

Ozamiz Immigration Field Office

3rd Floor Ortiga Building, Valconcha St., 7200 Ozamiz City.
Tel: (088) 521- 1581

Peza Immigration Extension Office

PEZA Building, Ground Flr., Corner San Luis St., Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
Tel: (632) 551-9590

Puerto Princesa Immigration Field Office, Region Iv

2nd flr. Servando Bldg., 412 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Prinsesa City, Palawan.
Tel: (048)433-2248

Sm North Immigration Satellite Office

Upper Ground Floor, The Annex, , SM North Edsa, Quezon City.
Tel: (02) 441-8622

Santa Rosa Immigration Field Office

2nd flr, Annex building, City Government of Santa Rosa, Rizal Blvd, Brgy. Tagoopo, Santa Rosa City, Laguna.
Tel: (6349) 508-2544

Student Visa Office

Second Floor, Civic Center Building C. Quezon City Hall, Complex, Quezon City.
Tel: (02) 433-1466

Subic Immigration One Stop Shop, Region Iii

Rm. 203, 2nd floor, Regulatory Building, Labitan St., corner Rizal Highway, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Tel: (6347) 250-0478

Surigao Immigration Field Office

Lamar Arcade, Borromeo corner Espina Street, Surigao City.
Tel: (086) 826-8263

Tagbilaran Immigration Field Office

2nd Floor Sarabia Co Torralba Bldg., CPG Ave., Tagbilaran City 6300.
Tel: (038) 235 6084

Taganak Immigration Field Office

Taganak, Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.
Tel:

Taytay Immigration Field Office

Old Municipal Building, JP Rizal Street, Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal.
Tel: 658-7261

Tibanban Immigration Border Crossing Station

Purok 1 Sampaguita, Barangay Tibanban, Davao Oriental.
Tel:

Vigan Field Office

Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol, Quezon St., Vigan City.
Tel:

Zamboanga Immigration Field Office

1st flr., Radja Building, Gov. Camins Avenue, Zamboanga City 7000.
Tel: (062) 991-2234

Sourced from: www.immigration.gov.ph/contact-us/other-immigration-offices
BoI Philippines

Philippine Citizens – Countries where Visa is Not Required

Countries where a Visa is Not Required for Filipinos

As at 2015 the following Countries either did not require a Visa on entry, or are a issued a Visa on Arrival, to Philippine Passport holders.

Check with each Counties Embassy to see how long a Visa Free period is given.  It may be as low as 7 or 14 days in some countries.

Visa not required

Bolivia
Brazil
Brunei
Cambodia
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
Ecuador
Fiji
Haiti
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Israel
Laos
Malaysia
Micronesia
Mongolia
Morocco
Myanmar
Peru
Rwanda
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Singapore
Suriname
Thailand
Vanuatu
Vietnam

Visa on Arrival

Armenia
Burundi
Cape Verde
Comoros
Djibouti
Guinea-Bissau
Iran
Kyrgyzstan
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mozambique
Nepal
Nicaragua
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Saint Lucia
Senegal
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tuvalu
Uganda
Zambia

Philippines Special Work Permit

Special Work Permit (SWP)

A Special Work Permit is not a Visa, but a temporary permit that allows a Visitor Visa holder the ability to do limited work in the Philippines. The holder is responsible for keeping his temporary visitor’s visa valid during his or her stay in the country.

The SWP is normally issued for 3 months and can then be renewed once for a further three months.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/services/special-permits/special-work-permit-commercial

Other Working Visas for the Philippines:

Pre-Arranged Employees (Commercial) visa (9G)

Any foreign national wishing to work in the Philippines must obtain a valid work visa, called the 9(G) visa

a Pre-Arranged Employees (Commercial) visa under Section 9 (g) and Section 20 of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (PIA). This is a working visa that allows employers or proprietors [in the Philippines] to employ foreign nationals with skills, qualifications and experience that may be short in supply in the Philippines.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/pre-arranged-employee-visa

Provisional Permit to Work (PPW)

The PPW is issued to foreigners who have an application for a 9G Visa in process. The issuance of a PPW allows a Visa holder to work while waiting for the 9G visa to be issued.

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/services/special-permits/provisional-work-permit

Alien Employment Permit:

An Alien Employment Permit is a document issued by the Department of Labor and Employment which authorizes a foreign national, with a valid visa, to work in the Philippines.

http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/faqs.asp

Balikbayan Visa and Return Air-ticket Requirement

Does a Visitor to the Philippines need a Return Ticket if they are Married to a Philippine Citizen

A Balikbayan Visa holder, is a person who gets a special Passport stamp to allow them to stay in the Philippines, for one year, if they are married to a Philippine Citizen.  They get this stamp on ENTRY into the Philippines, not before.

Most visitors to the Philippines normally need a Return or onward air-ticket before being allowed to fly into the Philippines.  (I have read that the airline faces a $1,000 penalty if a passenger is found to be not holding an onward ticket)

Most airlines will NOT give return tickets up to a one year period.

So, does a Balikbayan Visa holder need a Return Air-ticket ? And if so, how ?

There are many questions on this, on various Internet Forums etc, going back for years, with various different answers.

A quote from the Philippine Consulate states:

Under the Balikbayan Law, a Filipino citizen’s (including dual citizens and former Filipinos) foreign spouse and children are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines and visa-free stay for a period of one (1) year, provided they enter the Philippines with the said Filipino and they have a return air travel ticket.
http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/dual-citizenship/introduction-note.html

This does appear to be the legal viewpoint.

Yes. You do appear to NEED a return/onward ticket.

Marriage, Birth Certificate or CENOMAR for Australian Migration

Originals of Marriage, Birth and Single Certificates for Australia Immigration

When applying for Migration to Australia the requirements for some Visas include the Birth Certificate and Marriage or CENOMAR Certificates.

The online application process includes an option to upload these documents, which is easy to do by scanning them in.
However, many applicants receive an email to ask for these again, at some stage during the process

If we read the Embassy webpage on this subject, we can see why:

Applying for a marriage / birth certificate or CENOMAR from the National Statistics Office?

Clients should only apply for an NSO document(s), once a visa application has been submitted, and at the request of a case officer.

Clients need to include a file number or Health (HAP ID) number when applying for an NSO document. See, applying for NSO documents. The documents are sent directly to the Australian Embassy in Manila. This ensures that the most recent and complete information is provided from NSO and avoids additional checks on individually submitted documents which may lead to a delay in the processing of the application.

Please note that we only accept NSO documents obtained using this process.

There is a standard process for submitting Philippines Statistics Authority (formerly National Statistics Office or NSO) documents such as birth or marriage certificates.

Please note that we only accept PSA documents obtained using the process outlined below. If the documents are not obtained through this method, there are likely to be delays in processing and the application may result in a refusal for non-compliance.

https://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/National_Statistics_Office2.html

The parts in red may help to understand what is expected.

Also, please read this:

What is a CENOMAR

A Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is a certification issued by the Philippines NSO stating that a person has not contracted any marriage. Also called a certificate of No Record of Marriage or Certificate of Singleness.

A single person is someone who has never been married, or is annulled void ab initio, (not valid in law to start with).
An Unmarried person is someone who was previously married and was divorced or widowed.

https://psa.gov.ph/civilregistration/requesting-civil-registry-document/cenomar

Australian Visa Processing Times from Philippines

Processing Times for Australian Immigration Visas from Manila Embassy

To give an idea of how long it takes before a Visa application is looked at by the Visa and Immigration Office of the Australian Embassy in Manila, we have pulled the following dates and times from their Website at September 9th 2015.

These dates do NOT constitute guaranteed dates, or dates of approvals.
They are an indication of dates that your application MAY be first looked at.

Visa Class and Application Dates

Visa Sub-class Permanent Visa Category Application Lodgement Dates*
Partner Visa Applications (309, 100, 300) 30 May 2015
Aged Dependant Relative (114) 30 December 2014
Remaining Relative (115) 7 May 2014
Carer (116) 03 October 2014
Child (subclass 101, 102, 117, 445) 30 June 2015
Citizenship by Descent 3 July 2015

This indicates the following:

A Partner Visa Application will be looked at maybe about  FIVE MONTHS after lodgement

An Remaining Relative application will be looked at maybe about  TEN MONTHS after lodgement

A Partner Visa Application will be looked at maybe about  SIXTEEN MONTHS after lodgement

A Carer Visa Application will be looked at maybe about  TWELVE  MONTHS after lodgement

A Child Visa Application will be looked at maybe about  FOUR MONTHS after lodgement

 

http://philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/Visa_Processing_Times2.html

 

 

Stay for 3 Years as a Tourist in The Philippines

Three Years on a Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Non Visa required nationals can stay for up to Thirty-six (36) months on eligible tourist visas before needing to leave the country again.

Visa required nationals can stay for up to Twenty-four (24) months on eligible tourist visas before needing to leave the country again.

The 24 or 36 month period is counted from the date of applicant’s latest recorded arrival.

Bureau of Immigration Philippines

Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM 2013-003 issued on 23 December 2013.

Foreigners admitted under Section 9 (a) of the Philippine Immigration Act (PIA) of 1940, as amended, or Executive Order No. 408, as amended, may extend their authorized stay every two (2) months for a total stay of not more than:
a) Twenty-four (24) months for visa-required nationals; and
b) Thirty-six (36) months for non-visa required nationals.
The said periods shall be counted from the date of applicant’s latest recorded arrival.

Entering the Philippines with a Passport with under 6 Months left.

Can you enter the Philippines with a Passport that expires within 6 Months?

From the 15th July 2015 foreign nationals with passports or official travel documents of less than six (6) months validity from date of arrival may be allowed entry into the Philippines.

Those that will be allowed entry must be Nationals from countries allowed entry to the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days under Executive Order No. 408.

The countries listed in the OPERATIONS ORDER NO. SBM-2015-026 are:

Angola
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Benin
Brazil
Cambodia
Canada
Chile
Cyprus
Ecuador
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea
Kuwait
Laos
Mexico
Myanmar
Netherlands
New Zealand
Niger
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Portugal
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
United States of America
Venezuela

This change is based on the embassy or consulate located in the Philippines being authorized to renew or extend the validity of their passport or official travel document

Thailand on a Tourist Visa from the Philippines

Philippines to Thailand on a Tourist Visa

Filipino Citizens are allowed to enter Thailand without a Visa, and are allowed a 30 day Tourist stay if entering via international airport.

Entry via a land border checkpoint only allows a 15 days stay.

Philippine Immigration on leaving the Philippines

Philippine Immigration will need to be assured that you are a valid traveller for tourist reasons, and that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip.

Many people, younger females especially, will be interviewed under rules set down for anti human trafficking laws, and some may not be allowed to depart, if the Philippine Immigration Officials deem them to be at risk.

More: www.in-philippines.com/filipinos-offloaded-at-manila-cebu-clark-airports

Thai Immigration on entering Thailand

Thai Immigration will want to see:

A passport valid for at least 6 months following your departure date.

A confirmed travel itinerary

Proof of accommodation and funds of at least THB 10,000 per person.

How Many Filipinos Visit Thailand each Year

 Philippine Visitors to Thailand by year
tba 2015
304,813 2014
321,571 2013
289,566 2012
268,375 2011
246,430 2010
217,705 2009
221,506 2008
205,266 2007
198,443 2006

Emigration Clearance Certification (ECC) to be available at Airports

Emigration Clearance Certification (ECC) to be available at Airports

Visitor Visa Holders can now get the ECC at the Airport..

IF

a) Is leaving the country within twenty-four (24) hours and with Boarding Pass;
b) Stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months but not more than one (1) year;
c) Is a holder of a valid Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV);
d) Has no pending obligation with the Government, its instrumentalities, agencies and subdivisions, and has no pending criminal civil or administrative action which by law requires his presence in the Philippines; and
e) Is registered under the Alien registration Program (ARP) and was issued a Special security Registration Number (SSRN).

The Cost is either 1,210 pesos or 500 pesos depending on if you paid an ECC Fee  with your First Temporary Visitor’s Visa extension.

The official document on this is shown at: www.immigration.gov.ph/…/OOSBM%202015-009.pdf and is copied below:

 

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION
MAGALLANES DRIVE, INTRAMUROS
1002 MANILA

OPERATIONS ORDER NO. SBM-2015-009

AUTHORITY TO ISSUE EMIGRATION CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE (ECC) AT INTERNATIONAL PORTS OF EXIT

WHEREAS, foreign nationals with Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV) who stayed in the country for six (6) months or more are required to secure an Emigration Clearance Certification (ECC) before they are allowed to depart from the Philippines;

WHEREAS, under present regulations, ECCs are only issued at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office, through the Alien Registration Division (ARD), and Sub-Port Offices; WHEREAS, statistics show that the primary reason for deferred departure of foreign nationals is their failure to secure an ECC prior to their intended departure;

WHEREAS, the incidence of deferred departures of foreign nationals shall substantially decrease if bi offices at the international ports of exit are authorized to issued ECCs and will facilitate their travel;

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to book IV, Chapter 6, sections 29 and 36(2) of Executive Order No. 292, as amended, otherwise known as the “Administrative Code of 1987”, in relation to Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, otherwise known as the “Philippine Immigration Act of 1940”, the following rules are hereby ordered:

Section 1. Issuance of ECC at the International Port of Exit. – An Emigration Clearance Certificate may be issued to a foreign national at the international port of exit who:

a) Is leaving the country within twenty-four (24) hours and with Boarding Pass;
b) Stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months but not more than one (1) year;
c) Is a holder of a valid Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV);
d) Has no pending obligation with the Government, its instrumentalities, agencies and subdivisions, and has no pending criminal civil or administrative action which by law requires his presence in the Philippines; and
e) Is registered under the Alien registration Program (ARP) and was issued a Special security Registration Number (SSRN).

Section 2. Duties of the Airport Operations Division (AOD). –

Upon finding that the foreign national qualifies for issuance of ECC under Section 1 hereof, the Airport Operations Division (AOD), through its duly authorized Collecting Officer /Cashier, shall collect from the foreign national the amount of Seven Hundred Ten Pesos (Php 710.00) as ECC Fee and Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) as express Lane Fee; Provided, however, that if the ECC Fee was already paid upon the First TVV extension, only the amount of Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) as Express Lane Fee shall be collected.

Section 3. Deferred Departure. – A foreign national without an ECC and not qualified for issuance thereof pursuant to Section 1 hereof shall not be cleared for departure and shall be referred to the nearest BI Office authorized to process and issue such ECC.

Section 4. Duty of the Immigration Officer. –
the Immigration Officer on primary inspection shall indicate in the Border Control Information System the:
a) Official receipt Number/s covering the fees paid at the international port of exit; or
b) ECC Number issued by the BI Main Office or Sub-Port Offices.

Section 5. Supercession Clause. – All circulars, memoranda, orders and other issuances inconsistent with this Circular are hereby repealed, amended of modified accordingly.

Section 6. Effectivity. – This Order Shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Let a copy of this Order be furnished to the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), U.P. Law Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. City of Manila, Philippines.
16 April 2015
Signed
SIEGFRED B. MISON
Commissioner