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BALIKBAYAN PRIVILEGE


 

The Philippines’ BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for Filipinos working overseas and for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (including Australia). The visa-free stay privilege is extended to the balikbayan’s non-Filipino spouse and children, on the two conditions that (1) they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan and (2) they are citizens of a country listed under EO 408.

 

Former Filipino balikbayans travelling to the Philippines are advised to bring either their old Philippine passport or a copy of the Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship.

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Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents to show evidence of the relationship:

  • For the spouse: copy of the marriage certificate

  • For each child: copy of the birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)

  • For adopted children: copy of adoption papers

 

 Steps:

  1. Prepare your and your dependents’ documentary requirements.

  2. Upon arrival in the Philippines, request the Philippine Immigration Officer at the point of entry to grant you and your dependents Balikbayan Privilege.

 

Reminders:

The spouse and minor dependents of former Filipino citizens may enjoy Balikbayan Privilege provided that the following conditions are met:

 

  • That they are not required entry visas under existing regulations; and

  • They are travelling together with the balikbayan spouse / parent to the Philippines

 

Please see below information regarding e-travel:

 

All inbound passengers going to the Philippines are currently required to register through https://etravel.gov.ph/ within 72 hrs prior to the intended date of arrival. Registration is free.

 

 

IMMIGRATION-RELATED CONCERNS

For other immigration- related concerns, please get in touch with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Manila through the following contact details: 

 

Official Email Address: xinfo@immigration.gov.ph | immigPH@immigration.gov.ph 

Website: https://immigration.gov.ph/

Facebook Account: www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration

X Account: twitter.com/@immigPH

Instagram Account: www.instagram.com/immigph

Trunkline Number: (+632) 8-465-2400 / Direct line Number: (+632) 8-524-3769

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