Flights: Australia to Manila

Flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Manila

For Australians flying to the Philippines, are these Cebu Pacific flights of interest?

  • Melbourne to Manila for $199
  • Sydney to Manila for $219

Bookings must be made by the 8th October 2019, with flights between 15th October 2019 and 31st March 2020.

Click the image for more info, or https://book.cebupacificair.com

Flights Australia to Manila 2019-20

It may not be first class travel, but it’s a good price.

Four Star Hotels in Angeles City, Pampanga

Some of the Best Four Star Hotels in Angeles City, Pampanga

  • Central Park Tower Resort. Angeles, 3 km from centre. Strategically located in Angeles, Central Park Tower Resort offers elegant and comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access throughout the property.
  • Dalian Peak Hotel. Angeles, 2.9 km from centre. Located in Angeles, 7 km from Grand Palazzo Royale, Dalian Peak Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and an outdoor swimming pool.
  • SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC LUXE Angeles City. Angeles, 2.8 km from centre. Set in Angeles, 6 km from Grand Palazzo Royale, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC LUXE Angeles City offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a…
  • Clarkton Hotel. Angeles, 4 km from centre. Located in the Clarkview Subdivision, Clarkton Hotel offers accommodations in Angeles nestled within private gardens.
  • Lewis Grand Hotel. Angeles, 3 km from centre. A 10-minute drive from Clark International Airport, Lewis Grand Hotel offers 4-star accommodation with flat-screen TVs. It features an outdoor pool, gym and free WiFi. Free parking is available.
  • Winds Boutique Hotel. Angeles, 2.8 km from centre. Situated in Angeles, Winds Boutique Hotel offers modern yet homely accommodation with free WiFi access throughout the property.
  • Prime Asia Hotel. Angeles, 2.6 km from centre. Operating a 24-hour front desk, Prime Asia Hotel offers modern and stylish rooms within 3 km from Clark International Airport. It features an indoor pool, a hot tub and fitness centre.
  • Park Inn By Radisson Clark. Angeles, 3.5 km from centre. Offering an outdoor pool and fitness centre, Park Inn By Radisson Clark is set in Angeles in the Luzon Region, 3.9 km from Grand Palazzo Royale.
  • Hevea hotel & resort. Angeles, 3 km from centre. Set in Angeles, 100 metres from Grand Palazzo Royale, Hevea hotel & resort offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge.
  • Savannah Resort Hotel. Angeles, 1.2 km from centre. Savannah Resort Hotel offers modern air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen cable TVs, wood flooring and free Wi-Fi.
  • Maharajah Hotel. Angeles, 4 km from centre. A 10-minute drive from Diosdado Macapagal Airport, Maharajah Hotel offers rooms with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access. It houses a restaurant, bar, and an outdoor pool with spa pool.
  • RedDoorz Premium @ Korea Town Angeles City. Angeles, 4.2 km from centre. Set within 2.9 km of Grand Palazzo Royale and 19 km of SandBox – Alviera, RedDoorz Premium @ Korea Town Angeles City offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Angeles.
  • Century Hotel. Angeles, 2.6 km from centre. The Century Hotel is centrally located in Angeles City, a 10-minute drive from Clark Airport.
  • RedDoorz Premium @ Clarkview Angeles City. Angeles, 3.4 km from centre. Featuring 4-star accommodation, RedDoorz Premium @ Clarkview Angeles City is situated in Angeles, 5 km from Grand Palazzo Royale and 18 km from SandBox – Alviera.

Four Star Hotels near Angeles City, Pampanga

  • Xenia Hotel – Clark. Clark, 8 km from centre. Nestled in Clark Freeport Zone. Xenia Hotel – Clark offers elegant and comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access throughout the property.
  • Widus Hotel and Casino. Clark, 8 km from centre. Located just a 7-minute drive from Clark International Airport, Widus Hotel and Casino is located within Clark Freeport Zone. It features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa.
  • Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark. Clark, 8 km from centre. Nestled within the landscaped Mimosa Leisure Estate in Clark, Quest Plus Conference Center, Clark offers access to a 36-hole championship golf course, casino, duty free shopping hub and nature walks….
  • Fontana Hotel and Villas – Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks. Mabalacat, 8 km from centre. Fontana Hotel and Villas – Fontana Hot Spring Leisure Parks has a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and garden in Mabalacat. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private…
  • The Mansion. Clark, 10 km from centre. Set in Clark, 34 km from Mount Pinatubo, The Mansion offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool.

Four Star Hotels around the World

Five Star Hotels around the World

Five Star Hotels in Angeles City, Pampanga

Some of the Best Five Star Hotels in Angeles City, Pampanga

ABC Hotel, Angeles City

Fields Plaza Suites Condo-Hotel, Angeles City

The Penthouse Hotel and Residence, Angeles City

Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Clark

Clark Marriott Hotel, Clark

Sky Hotel, Bacolor

Clark is where the Airport is in the Angeles City area, amd is about 11 kms from Angeles City centre.

Bacolor is a municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. It is about 32 km from Angeles City centre.

Five Star Hotels around the World

Five Star Hotels

Four Star Hotels around the World

Four Star Hotels

Kittelson & Carpo Consulting, Taguig, Metro Manila

Kittelson & Carpo Consulting

8th Floor, Marajo Tower
312 26th Street West cor. 4th Ave.
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig
Metro Manila
Philippines 1634

Kittelson & Carpo Consulting

Tel: (+632) 224-1833
Mob:
Email: info@kittelsoncarpo.com
Web: visasphilippines.com

More about: Kittelson & Carpo Consulting

Immigration and Visa Services

Orchid Inn, Angeles City

Orchid Inn Angeles City

109 Raymond StreetOrchid Inn, Angeles City
Balibago
Angeles City
Pampanga 2009
Philippines

Contact:
Telephone:
Bookings: Orchid Inn Angeles City

Description:

Boasting an outdoor pool, Orchid Inn Angeles City is situated in Angeles City and offers comfortable accommodation. It provides complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service and a sun deck.

Guests can make the most of the outdoors on the terrace or enjoy a beverage at the bar. Staff are available 24 hours a day and can help with booking tours and tickets.

After a day of exploring the region, guests can unwind in the comfort of their air conditioned rooms. All offer a mini bar, a refrigerator and a kitchenette.

Guests staying at Orchid Inn Angeles City can sit down to a unique dining experience at the in-house restaurant, suitably situated for those who want to stay close when looking to sit down to a meal. A wide choice of dining options are also available in close proximity to the property.

Within a 20-minute drive of SM City Pampanga, Fort Stotsenburg and Clark International Airport, the resort offers an airport shuttle service.

Orchid Inn, Angeles City

Central Park Tower Resort, Angeles City, Pampanga

Central Park Tower Resort

Central Park Tower Resort, Angeles City888 Lourdes Street
Balibago
Angeles City
Pampanga 2009
Philippines

Contact:
Telephone:
Bookings: Central Park Tower Resort

Description:
Central Park Tower Resort is located in Angeles City and features free Wi-Fi. The multiple facilities this luxury hotel has to offer include a 24-hour reception, a sun deck and an outdoor pool.

Guests can make the most of the sun on the terrace or have a beverage at the bar. The on-site day spa offers a variety of treatments and a chance to relax.

After a day of sightseeing in the area, guests can relax in the comfort of their air conditioned rooms. They all offer a laptop safe, a mini bar and an in-room safe.

Central Park Tower Resort’s on-site restaurant provides local-inspired dishes, which can enjoyed on the al fresco terrace. Alternatively, there are a choice of dining options in the surrounding area.

Clark International Airport is less than a 15-minute drive from Central Park Tower Resort. The friendly staff at the tour desk are available to book tours and sightseeing trips in Angeles City.

Central Park Tower Resort, Angeles City

Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga

Lewis Grand Hotel

Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City 300Don Juico Avenue
Malabanias
Angeles City
Pampanga 2009
Philippines

Contact:
Telephone Lewis Grand Hotel: 045 625-3947
Bookings: Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City
Lewis Grand Hotel at Booking.com

Description:

Situated in Angeles City, Lewis Grand Hotel offers 4-star accommodation, as well as free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. It also provides a sun deck, meeting rooms and a free shuttle service.

Hotel Lewis Grand has a gym with a swimming pool. Welcoming and helpful staff are available 24 hours a day.

Those staying at Lewis Grand Hotel Angeles City can enjoy the luxurious rooms that offer a desk and wireless internet access.

Guests are able to relax with a beverage at Lewis Grand Hotel’s bar and try international and Asian style food in the restaurant. Those looking for after-dinner entertainment can enjoy the on-site casino.

Hotel Lewis Grand is located less than a 10-minute car ride from Clark International Airport. SM City Pampanga is within a short drive from the hotel.

Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City

Location of Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City

Subdivision: xx
Barangay: Malabanias
City: Angeles City
Province: Pampanga

Lewis Grand Hotel, Angeles City 300

Hotel Swiss Chalet, Angeles City, Pampanga

Hotel Swiss Chalet, Angeles City

Hotel Swiss Chalet, Angeles CityA. Santos Street / corner Real Street
Balibago
Angeles City
Pampanga

Contact:

Telephone Hotel Swiss Chalet: 045 625 4722 and 045 888 2618
Mobile: 0921 728 1742
Bookings: Hotel Swiss Chalet

Description

Hotel Swiss Chalet provides comfortable 3-star accommodation in Angeles City. It is conveniently positioned for guests wishing to visit local attractions.

All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with cable/satellite channels.

Those staying at the hotel can sit down to a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant, conveniently based for those who want to stay close by at mealtime.
A selection of dining options are also found in the area.

Hotel Swiss Chalet is under a 15-minute drive from Clark International Airport.

Fort Stotsenburg is just an easy car ride from the hotel.

Hotel Swiss Chalet, Angeles City

 

Filipinos; How to Lose Half a Million Pesos

Filipinos, How to Lose Half a Million Pesos following a dream.

Filipinos who want to work overseas, but can’t do so using normal methods, are sometimes tempted by offers of employment that they find hard to resist.

It is not always a good idea to be tempted by them.

A Philippines Immigration Press Release dated 29th July 2019, has stated that some Filipinas, have been promised domestic helpers work visas in Europe for a payment of 500,000 pesos.

All they need to do is fly to Malaysia and collect their work visa, and then fly on to Europe.
The 500,000 pesos is the charge for processing the paperwork.

People who have attempted this method of obtaining work, have been detained at departing airports in the Philippines and turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

Source: immigration.gov.ph/…/2019Jul19_Press.pdf

2,351 Foreigners Refused Entry to Philippines Jan – Jun 2019

2,351 Foreigners were Refused Entry to the Philippines in the First Half of 2019

A Philippines Immigration Press Release dated 29th July 2019, has stated that a total of 2,351 aliens, of various nationalities, were refused entry into the Philippines during January to June 2019.

1,920 (82%) were turned away at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport while the rest were stopped at the airports in Mactan, Clark, Kalibo, Aklan and Davao.

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) port operations division chief, Grifton Medina; “They were turned back after undergoing primary and secondary inspection by our immigration officers and were declared unfit for admission into our country for a variety of reasons. They were issued exclusion orders and booked on the first available flight to their ports of origin.”

As the Philippines requires airlines to ensure that passengers enter with a return ticket, at least the cost of returning them is not born by the Philippines.

1,129 Chinese nationals topped the list of exclusions, followed by
106 Indians
87 Americans
52 Taiwanese and
67 Koreans.

The list included registered sex offenders, wanted fugitives, suspected international terrorists, and blacklisted and previously deported aliens.

Most were excluded for being public charges or persons without visible means to support themselves, and whose purpose of coming here are doubtful.
Some were turned back for being rude and disrespectful towards immigration officers, and for having incomplete travel documents.

Source: immigration.gov.ph/…/2019Jul29_Press.pdf

Applying for the Australian PMV subclass 300

Applying for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa [PMV subclass 300]

Applications for the Australian Prospective Marriage Visa [PMV] are normally done online via the Australian Governments Immigration website. (online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login)

When you begin the application, most of it is self explanatory, and you will complete what was the old paper based form 47SP, as part of the online application.

Your sponsor will do the same with the old Form 40SP, when he/she does the sponsor part. This can be done in the same IMMI account as yours.

You will need to get a new Birth Certificate and a CENOMAR from the PSA, and that must be sent direct to the Australian embassy, from the PSA. (psa.gov.ph/…/birth-certificate) and (psa.gov.ph/…/cenomar)

CENOMAR is a Certificate of No Marriage Record. It is a certification issued by the PSA stating that a person has not contracted any marriage. It is also called a certificate of No Record of Marriage or Certificate of Singleness.

The application does have instructions for that, with exactly what to put on the request form to the PSA.

Two people need to complete form 888’s, or similar, to confirm that they know of the existence of the relationship. That can often be the sponsors relatives.

You also need to arrange a Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM), which can be done by most Australian Marriage Celebrants. Probably best to be the one you will use to do your marriage.
If you set a date a year after application, you can always change it later, just make sure your Marriage Celebrant is aware of that possibility.

The rest is mainly proof that you know each other and have met at least once, but have had plenty of other contact.

The more proof should mean a faster processing time.

Applying for the Birth Certificate or CENOMAR for an Australian Visa

This information is correct at time of publication, but subject to changes made by the Australian or Philippine Governments.

    • Go to www.psaserbilis.com.ph (Previously: www.ecensus.com.ph).
    • Click on Request for copies of Birth/Marriage/Death Certificate/CENOMAR (Singleness).
    • Click on ‘I accept’ on the declaration that appears requesting you agree to terms/conditions of eCensus.
    • Complete the form online for your documents;
    • Tick the box stated “Deliver the document to this embassy” and select “Australian Embassy Manila” from the drop down menu.
    • Ensure that you state the purpose for the documents as ‘Australian Visa’. In the File Reference Number field, only enter the numerical value of the file number. For example, if your file number is BCC2017/1234, you should only enter 20171234.
    • Once completed, the PSA will courier the requested documents directly to the Australian Embassy Visa Office to be considered with your visa application.
    • Source: philippines.embassy.gov.au/…/Requesting PSA documents.pdf

Taiwan extends visa-free program for Philippine passport holders.

Taiwan extends 14 day visa-free program for Philippine passport holders

2019-07-02

The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced on July 2, 2019 that the visa-free privilege for the nationals of the Philippines will continue for another year from August 1, 2019, through July 31, 2020.

This privilege is a display of Taiwan’s amity with the Philippines as the country continues to boost the travel convenience for Filipinos to visit Taiwan for leisure, business, or other short-term purposes.

The visa-free privilege also aims to deepen Taiwan’s multifaceted relations with the Philippines, particularly in the fields of tourism, trade, investment, education, agriculture, fisheries and healthcare, etc.

Source: www.taiwanembassy.org/ph_en/post/4086.html

 

Taiwan Embassy, Philippines
41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza,
6819 Ayala Avenue,
Makati City 1200,
Metro Manila,
Philippines

www.taiwanembassy.org

Tel: (63-2) 887-6688

Questions and Answers

Questions about the Philippines.

A few small general questions that have been asked, with a general answer:


Q: I’m going to be overstaying in Manila for one day due to the cost of a flight back to UK, 1500 verse 800 so I’ll stay ?. What if any issues may I have at the airport. 

– Rich, 20th April 2019

A: One possibility is that they will just let you through, as one day isn’t much. This has been known to happen.

The other possibility, with severe consequences, is that they will send you back to Manila Immigration, to renew the visa, so you can fly out when you come back.  You may miss the flight, and have to book another.

Personally I would play safe and renew, to avoid that issue on leaving.

More reading: How much is the Overstaying Fee for Tourists in the Philippines?


Q: What is the minimum amount of money you can enter into the Philippines with a passport? 

– Lloyd, 7th April 2019

A: As far as I am aware, there is no minimum.  I have never been asked.  Possibly because most people use cards these days, to pay for things or to get cash at an ATM.  I had about $200 with me on one occasion, plus debit and credit cards that I used to get cash while there.

More reading: Taking Currency In or Out of The Philippines


 

 

Is it Cheaper to Overstay a Philippine Visa or Pay for a Visa Extension?

Is it cheaper to overstay a visa rather than pay for the visa extension?

I was asked this question recently, as it appears that many people seem to think that the overstay fines are cheaper than paying for a Visa renewal.

Having heard this a few times, I am beginning to think that this might be the reason why so many foreign visitors to the Philippines end up not renewing a visa, and overstaying for so long.

At least some of them think the fine is cheaper than a visa, and don’t bother renewing their entry visa, expecting to just pay the fine when they leave.

Unfortunately for them, they eventually find out that while the fine is cheaper than a Visa, it is not as simple as that.

  • A Two Month Visitor visa will cost about 6,650 pesos. Consisting of 3,650 php + about another 3,000 (depending on USD-PHP FX rate) pesos for the ACR-I card (according to www.immigration.gov.ph).
  • The Fine for overstaying for just under two months is 1,500 pesos. (Consisting of 1,000 pesos [Fine for Overstaying 2 months] + 500 pesos [Motion for Reconsideration for Overstaying]).

For some people, they see those two figures and think that it is best to pay the 1,500 pesos.

But the reality is VERY DIFFERENT to that:

What you actually pay is:

  • The Fine PLUS outstanding unpaid visa fees; ie: 1,500 plus 6,650 in the above example, a total of 8,150 pesos.
  • PLUS, depending on how long you overstayed, you may be banned from re-entry.

It is often best to know the full facts.

Some people, who have overstayed, and expect to pay the fine at the airport, and then leave, actually end up paying an even higher price…

  • You don’t pay the fine at the airport, you are normally refused boarding, and told to go to an immigration office, normally in the nearest city, and sort out your visa issues there, and come back later, often the next day, or later.

This comes with TWO costs.

  1. Inconvenience to you, and the cost of an extra night or two at a hotel, while they sort out the visa issues, and arrange an exit certificate if applicable.
  2. The cost of new flights, unless your ticket was fully convertible to a new flight. Most are not.

I was told that the hotel costs are not always involved, as a stay at the Bureau of Immigration Bicutan Detention Centre can be an option, for Immigration to decide.  I personally do not know anyone who was jailed, but I have heard people talking about other people who were.  I have also read about some who were, although not 100% sure on the full story of each case.

and more….

Philippine Star News Article on November 27, 2016

www.philstar.com/…/bi-eyes-building-more-jail-cells-overstaying-foreigners

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente wants to construct another building for its jail at Camp Bagong Diwa (Bicutan Detention Centre) prior to cracking down on around 500,000 foreigners illegally staying in the country.

“We want to conduct nationwide operations but the problem is we do not have (enough cells) to house those who would be arrested for overstaying,” he said in a recent interview.

Morente said the bureau’s jail, a “squatter” in the National Capital Region Police Office compound at the camp, has two two-story buildings.  Morente wants to construct a third two-story building.

My view is that detention for a small overstay is very unlikely, although it is legally possible, if they don’t like you for some reason.

Another story:

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday (March 30, 2019) reported the arrest of an overstaying Vietnamese couple for attempting to leave the country with fake immigration stamps on their passports. The couple had been in the country since June 5, 2018 (10 months).

Instead of applying for the extension of their stay and pay the required fees, they chose to deal with fixers who make a living by selling these fake stamps to overstaying foreign tourists,” he said.

The BI official noted that the fraudulent scheme was discovered after their personnel noticed that the passports did not have departure stamps from the foreign nationals supposed previous arrival.

They are currently detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending their prosecution for violating the Philippine Immigration Act. (pna.gov.ph)

Story Link:

How much are the Penalties for Overstaying as a Tourist in the Philippines?

Special Security Registration Number (SSRN)

Special Security Registration Number

The Special Security Registration Number (SSRN) is a unique number assigned to every registered foreign national.

Anyone staying over 59 days needs to register with Photo and Fingerprints, and about 700 pesos, at almost any Immigration Office in the country.

This is normally done, for those on Visitor visas, when renewing your visitor visa.  It is worth checking that it is done, when renewing at near the 59 day mark.

An SSRN number is required for the Issue of an ECC, when leaving the Philippines after a stay of 6 months.

You must also have a mailing address for the sending of the SSRN certificate.

That address part might prove difficult for a tourist staying at different hotels for a total of just over 2 months, as one example.

Registration for Visitors to Philippines after 59 days

 

Philippine Presidential Election Results

The last 6 Philippine Presidential Election Results

2016 Rodrigo Duterte  [PDP-Laban] with 39.01% of the vote.
2010 Benigno Aquino III [Liberal] with 42.08% of the vote.
2004 Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo [Lakas] with 39.99% of the vote.
1998 Joseph Estrada [PMP] with 39.86% of the vote.
1992 Fidel V. Ramos [Lakas] with 23.58% of the vote.
1986 Corazon C. Aquino [UNIDO] with 46.10% of the vote.

Driving in the Philippines on a Foreign Licence

Driving in the Philippines

Driving on a Foreign Licence in the Philippines

Tourists who hold a driver licence issued by the road authority of their home country are allowed to use that licence to drive in the Philippines for a period of until 90 days after their arrival in the Philippines. If their driver license is not written in English, it should always be accompanied by an official English translation issued by their country’s embassy in the Philippines.

Chapter III, Sec. 21 of the Republic Act (RA) 4136, otherwise known as the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code” states that:. “Bonafide tourists and similar transients who are duly licensed to operate motor vehicles in their respective countries may be allowed to operate during but not after (90) days of their sojourn in the Philippines.”

If your foreign driver’s license is NOT printed in English (ie: Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc), an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in the Philippines.

An International Driving Permit (often referred to as an International Driver’s License) does not replace the requirement for a regular driver’s license.

You must carry your current overseas driver’s license, AND the IDP or translation with you all the time when driving in the Philippines.

Land Transportation Office – Philippines

Q: I have a valid foreign driver’s license. Can I use it in the Philippines?

A: Yes. For 90 days from date of arrival.

Can I convert my foreign driver’s license into Philippine driver’s license?

Yes, if it is a valid licence, it can be converted to a Philippine licence with no exams. If it has expired then a licence will be issued subject to passing the written / practical exams.

To convert a foreign licence to a Philippine licence, the applicant must have been in the Philippines for at least one (1) month with proof that he/she will stay in the country for at least one (1) year from date of application.

https://www.lto.gov.ph/license-permit-issuance/284-non-professional-driver-s-license.html

How to convert a foreign license to a Philippine license

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Original and one photocopy of valid foreign license. If the foreign driver’s license is not in English, the applicant should submit an official English translation from the local embassy of the issuing country.
  • Original copy of valid passport showing the latest date of arrival in the Philippines of the foreign applicant.
  • Original and machine copy of valid visa or alien certificate of registration (ACR) if the foreign applicant temporarily resides in the Philippines.
  • Original copy of medical certificate with official receipt issued by an LTO accredited or government Physician.
  • Negative drug test result issued by DOH accredited drug testing center or government hospitals
  • Duly accomplished application for driver’s license (ADL). [Download form is available]
  • Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed, (In compliance to Executive Order 98 & MC ACL-2009-1251)
  • Note: If Foreign License is expired, applicant shall undergo written and practical examinations.

Source: https://www.lto.gov.ph/frequently-asked-questions/license-permit

Philippine National with Foreign Passport

Filipino Travelling on Foreign Passport

There are many Filipinos that travel on a Foreign passport, due to being dual citizens with another country.

This sometimes causes problems at a Philippine airport when trying to leave the Philippines, as a person who travels on a foreign passport is treated as a national of that country, and overstay fees often become involved, if you don’t have a valid visa or ECC.

A recent enquiry from one such Dual Citizen, (comment 123250) who only had a valid foreign passport, as the Philippine Passport had expired, brought up a possible solution to this.

At first he was told to extend his expired tourist visa and to pay the overstay fee.

They then saw that “with philippine passport” was stamped in his foreign passport so extending the tourist visa was not possible.

He was then given two options instead-

    1. to renew the PH passport, or
    2. to get a Balikbayan Visa.

He chose the Balikbayan due to the time factor AND because they told him that having 2 passports could cause trouble in the future.

The trouble at the airport, if you have two passports?

    1. You try to leave the Philippines on a Philippine passport, but don’t have an entry visa for the country you are going to, and you get told you can’t board the flight.
    2. You then show your Foreign Passport, but are told it doesn’t have an Exit clearance stamp, so you can’t board the flight..

Frustrating for some…

But, a Foreign Passport with a Balikbayan Visa, arranged at an Immigration office beforehand, and it seems you have a clear way through Philippines Immigration at the airport.

A Balikbayan Visa allows you a 12 months stay, and is available to certain individuals.

Who is eligible under Balikbayan Program?

a:) A Balikbayan, who may be either one of the following:

    1. A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year;
    2. A Filipino overseas worker;
    3. A former Filipino citizen and his family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.

b:) Immediate family members (spouse and children) of the Balikbayan, who are nationals of countries falling under Executive Order No. 408, travelling together with the Balikbayan.

Visa-required nationals (nationals of countries NOT listed under EO 408) may not be eligible for the Balikbayan privilege.

Source: immigration.gov.ph…/balikbayan-previlege