ph – Philippines Information

Australian Agriculture Visa

Some interesting information for people to consider before paying anyone to get them a visa to work in Australia.

Some Social Media posts have been made offering agriculture jobs in Australia. Those posts link to unusual website names. They might be a scam.

A report dated 25 Feb 2022, states that the Philippines has formally withdrawn from Australia’s new Agriculture Visa negotiations.

That means that a Filipino is not eligible for the Australian Agriculture Visa.

This official statement on the subject.

Outbound Travel from the Philippines Oct 2020

Filipinos can Leave the Philippines fronm Oct 21.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has said:
“Starting October 21, the BI will be allowing the departure of Filipinos with non-essential travel.”

Initially, only foreign nationals, overseas Filipino workers, permanent visa holders, students enrolled abroad, participants accepted in exchange visitor programs, as well as those who had essential travel, were allowed to depart.

The new ruling, however, expands this to include non-essential travel.

“Outbound tourism is now allowed for Filipinos, subject to compliance with protocols set by the IATF,” said Morente.

IATF Resolution no. 79 requires outbound Filipino tourists to present a round trip ticket, health and travel insurance, and a negative antigen result at least 24 hours before departure.

However, according to the ruling, if the country of destination requires an RT-PCR test, then the same must be presented instead.

Departing Filipinos shall also be required to sign a declaration acknowledging the risks of their
travel, to be provided by airline check-in counters. “Afterwhich, passengers will still undergo regular immigration assessment.”

See Press Release 18 October at
immigration.gov.ph

Where to get a Passport in the Philippines

DFA Offices in the Philippines

DFA Regional Consular Offices are available at about 36 locations in the Philippines.

This is a list of the offices shown at the Department of Foreign Affairs website, that handle new Philippine Passports. The information at their website shows the local address and the local phone number of each office.
www.passport.gov.ph

Angeles – MarQuee Mall, Angeles, Pampanga
Antipolo – SM Cherry, Antipolo City, Rizal
Bacolod – Robinsons, Bacolod
Baguio – SM City, Baguio
Butuan – Robinsons, Butuan
Cagayan De Oro – Centrio Mall, CDO City
Calasiao – Robinsons, Calasiao, Pangasinan
Cebu – Pacific Mall, Metro Mandaue, Cebu
Cebu POW – at SM Seaside
Clarin – Town Center, Clarin, Misamis OCC
Cotabato – Mall of Alnor, Cotabato City
DFA Manila – Aseana
DFA NCR East – SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
DFA NCR North – Robinsons Novaliches, Quezon City
DFA NCR Northeast – Ali Mall, Cubao, Quezon City
DFA NCR South – Metro ATC, Muntinlupa City
DFA NCR West – SM City, Manila
Davao – SM City, Davao
Dumaguete – Robinsons, Dumaguete
General Santos – Robinsons, Gen. Santos City
Ilocos Norte – Robinsons Place, San Nicolas
Iloilo – Robinsons, Iloilo
La Union – Manna Mall, San Fernando, La Union
Legazpi – Pacific Mall, Legazpi
Lipa – Robinsons, Lipa
Lucena – Pacific Mall, Lucena
Malolos – CTTCH., Xentro Mall, Malolos City
Pampanga – Robinsons StarMills, San Fernando
Paniqui, Tarlac – WalterMart
Puerto Princesa – Robinsons, Palawan
San Pablo – SM City, San Pablo
Santiago, Isabela – Robinsons Place, Santiago
Tacloban – Robinsons, N. Abucay, Tac. City
Tagum – Gaisano, Mall of Tagum
Tuguegarao – Reg. Gov’t Center, Tuguegarao City
Zamboanga – Go-Velayo Bldg. Vet. Ave. Zamboanga

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

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

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

No-Visa Entry for 30 Day Stay Privilege under EO 408

30 Day Visa Free Stay under EO 408

Under Executive Order 408 dated 9 November 2014, as amended, nationals of the following countries may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days provided that they are holders of a passport valid at least six (6) months beyond the period of stay in the Philippines, and possess return or outward bound tickets to their country of origin or next country of destination.

Last Updated: 14 February 2017

1. Andorra
2. Angola
3. Antigua and Barbuda
4. Argentina
5. Australia
6. Austria
7. Bahamas
8. Bahrain
9. Barbados
10. Belgium
11. Belize
12. Benin
13. Bhutan
14. Bolivia
15. Botswana
16. Brazil*
17. Brunei
18. Bulgaria
19. Burkina Faso
20. Burundi
21. Cambodia
22. Cameroon
23. Canada
24. Cape Verde
25. Central African Republic
26. Chad
27. Chile
28. Colombia
29. Comoros
30. Congo
31. Congo, Democratic Republic
32. Costa Rica
33. Cote d’ Ivoire
34. Croatia
35. Cyprus
36. Czech Republic
37. Denmark
38. Djibouti
39. Dominica
40. Dominican Republic
41. Ecuador
42. El Salvador
41. Equatorial Guinea
44. Eritrea
45. Estonia
46. Ethiopia
47. Fiji
48. Finland
49. France
50. Gabon
51. Gambia
52. Germany
53. Ghana
54. Greece
55. Grenada

56. Guatemala
57. Guinea
58. Guinea·Bissau
59. Guyana
60. Haiti
61. Honduras
62. Hungary
63. Iceland
64. Indonesia
65. Ireland
66. Israel*
67. Italy
68. Jamaica
69. Japan
70. Kazakhstan
71. Kenya .
72. Kiribati
73. Korea (ROK)
74. Kuwait
75. Kyrgyzstan
76. Laos
77. Latvia
78. Lesotho
79. Liberia
80. Liechtenstein
81. Lithuania
82. Luxembourg
83. Madagascar
84. Malawi
85. Malaysia
86. Maldives
87. Mali
88. Malta
85. Marshall Islands
90. Mauritania
91. Mauritius
92. Mexico
93. Micronesia
94. Monaco
95. Mongolia
96. Morocco
97. Mozambique
98. Myanmar
99. Namibia
100. Nepal
101. Netherlands
102. New Zealand
103. Nicaragua
104. Niger
105. Norway
106. Oman
107. Palau
108. Panama
109. Papua New Guinea
110. Paraguay

111. Peru
112. Poland
113. Portugal
114. Qatar
115. Romania
116. Russia
117. Rwanda
118. St. Kitts and Nevis
119. Saint Lucia
120. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
121. Samoa
122. San Marino
123. Sao Tome and Principe
124. Saudi Arabia
125. Senegal
126. Seychelles
127. Singapore
128. Slovak Republic
129. Slovenia
130. Solomon Islands
131.South Africa
132. Spain
133. Suriname
134. Swaziland
135. Sweden
136. Switzerland
137. Tajikistan
138. Tanzania
139. Thailand
140. Togo
141. Trinidad and Tobago
142. Tunisia
143. Turkey
144. Turkmenistan
145. Tuvalu
146 .Uganda
147. United Arab Emirates
148. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
149. United States of America
150. Uruguay
151. Uzbekistan
152. Vanuatu
153. Vatican
154. Venezuela
155. Vietnam
156. Zambia
157. Zimbabwe*Brazil and Israel remain eligible for 59-day visa-free entry as elaborated under Section D of FSC-21·10.

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

Holders of Brazil passports; and
Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days

Holders of Macau SAR passports
Holders of Hongkong SAR passports
Indian nationals coming for tourism or business with valid Australian, Japanese, American, Canadian, Schengen, Singaporean and UK visas or permanent residence permit (admission is implemented only at NAIA I, II, III and IV)

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

Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
Holders of Macau-Portuguese and Hongkong British passports
Chinese nationals from mainland China coming for tourism purposes with valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa

Important Note:
Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) shall not be admitted to the Philippines.

Source: dfa.gov.ph/no-visa-entry-for-30-day-stay-under-e-o-408

Philippine Citizenship for Foreigner with Filipino Parent

Citizenship for a Foreign Child of a Filipino Parent

The Philippines adheres to the principle of Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s.

A foreign national, who wishes to be acknowledged as a Filipino citizen, and who had a Filipino citizen parent at the time of the applicant’s birth, is able to apply for Philippine Citizenship.

This will normally be related to children born outside the Philippines, to a Filipino parent, ie: a citizen of the Philippines at the time of the child’s birth..

The Philippines recognises Dual Citizenship, so the child will also retain any other Citizenship that they hold. This is especially relevant to children born in the Americas, who often gain Citizenship by place of birth in the Americas.

The method to apply is shown as:

Secure the Checklist of required documents from either at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI G/F Main Office or from the official BI Website.
Submit the documents for pre-screening to the Central Receiving Unit (CRU)
Get the Order of Payment Slip (OPS).
Pay the required fees.
Submit copy of Official Receipt.
Attend hearing. Please refer to the Official Receipt for the schedule and venue of the hearing.
If approved, claim Identification Certificate.

The relevant cost, currently shown on the BI website, is a total of PHP 12,550

Source: http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php/services/citizenship-retention-and-aquisition/recognition-as-filipino-citizen

Philippine Passport Costs

A Philippine Passport, issued to someone in the Philippines, currently costs either 950 or 1,200 pesos, and takes between 6 and 12 business days.

A Philippine Passport, issued in the Philippines, but to a Filipino outside the Philippines may cost a lot more, maybe 5 times as much.

Source: http://consular.dfa.gov.ph/passport-fees

Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired Passport

Can a Filipino Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired or Lost Passport

You might need a One Way Travel Document.

Your local Philippines consulate will issue this. (Contact them first to double check your eligibility)

The details below are for Filipinos in ....

Can a Filipino Travel Home to the Philippines with an Expired or Lost Passport

You might need a One Way Travel Document.

Your local Philippines consulate will issue this. (Contact them first to double check your eligibility)

The details below are for Filipinos in Australia where travel to the Philippines is required in an Emergency and your Philippine passport has expired or is lost.

Please note that the Travel Document is recognised for entry into the Philippines only. Whilst in the Philippines you must renew your passport before you can gain entry back into Australia, or any other country.

Fees: AU$54 per document (Payable to the Philippine Consulate)

Processing Time: During Appointment at Consulate Office (via Appointment Only).

What to Bring: One way ticket to the Philippines, expired passport, 2 x passport photos, 1 x duly accomplished Application for Travel Document Form, Valid reason for Emergency, one form of Photo Identification with Signature clearly visible.

With a travel document, you are not allowed to get a flight where you might have to go through immigration at another country. A direct flight is best.

Notes from Philippine Consulates around the World

USA: A travel document is allowed only for applicants who cannot be issued a Philippine passport and have an emergency travel to the Philippines such as due to medical or legal reasons or death in the family.
It is valid for 30 days from issuance and can only be used one-way to the Philippines. In order for you to leave the Philippines, you will need to apply for a new passport. Travel Document fee $30.00 (March 2018)

Singapore: Filipinos who have lost their passport and need to travel immediately to the Philippines can apply for a Travel Document at the Embassy. The Travel Document issued by the Embassy can be used only for direct one-way travel to the Philippines and not for travel to any other country. The Travel Document is also issued to Filipinos with an expiring or expired passport and who must travel to the Philippines immediately. Travel document fees SGD 93.50

Australia: The Travel Document service is offered where travel to the Philippines is required in an Emergency and your Philippine passport has expired or is lost. Fees: AU$54 per document (Payable to the Philippine Consulate)

Filipino Married in Australia changing Middle name to Maiden name

Philippine Name Change Regulations for Filipina Marriage in Australia

Married applicants who are already using their married names in some of their Australian-issued identification cards/documents adopting Australian regulations are advised to apply for a Change of Name with the Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the State/Territory where they reside to harmonise records with the name reflected on their Philippine passport, using Philippine regulations.

Filipina Married in Australia changing Middle name to Maiden name

Philippine Name Change Regulations for Filipina Marriage

Under Philippine regulations, for single women and men, the middle name refers to the Surname of the person’s mother.

The processing of Philippine passports is guided by the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 and other relevant regulations, including the Civil Code of the Philippines.
Married applicants who wish to use the surnames of their husbands in their passports are advised that the following format will be used in accordance with Article 370 of the Civil Code of the Philippines which states that:

“A married woman may use:
(1) Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname,”

Once a woman marries and decides to use the surname of her husband, the maiden middle name (i.e. Santos) is automatically dropped and is replaced by her maiden surname (i.e. Cruz).

Australian Name Change Regulations for Filipina Marriage

In Australia, a person’s middle name refers to his second name, it is not a family name.
Applying Australian regulation to Juana Santos Cruz who marries John Doe, she drops her maiden surname (i.e. Cruz) and instead carries her maiden middle name (i.e Santos) making her new full name, Juana Santos Doe. This is contrary to Philippine Laws.
As such, this regulation cannot be applied to a Philippine passport.

Married applicants who are already using their married names in some of their Australian-issued identification cards/documents adopting Australian regulations are advised to apply for a Change of Name with the Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the State/Territory where they reside to harmonise records with the name reflected on their Philippine passport.

Sources:

Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages:

Births, Deaths and Marriages in the ACT
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in NSW
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the NT
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces in Qld
Births, Deaths and Marriages in SA
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Tas
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Vic
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in WA

Republic Act 386 The Civil Code of the Philippines Articles 364-380

Article 370 of the Civil Code states:
A married woman may use:
(1) Her maiden first name and surname and add her husband’s surname, or
(2) Her maiden first name and her husband’s surname or
(3) Her husband’s full name, but prefixing a word indicating that she is his wife, such as “Mrs.”

There are certain provisions under the law, which limit the instances when a married woman who has already opted to use her husband’s surname to revert to the use her maiden name, such as those provided under Republic Act No. 8239 or the Philippine Passport Act of 1996.

A Married woman is not obliged to use her husband’s surname

In the case of Maria Virginia V. Remo vs. The Honorable Secretary of Foreign Affairs (G.R. No. 169202, March 5, 2010), the Supreme Court explained:

A married woman has an option, but not a duty, to use the surname of the husband in any of the ways provided by Article 370 of the Civil Code. She is therefore allowed to use not only any of the three names provided in Article 370, but also her maiden name upon marriage.
She is not prohibited from continuously using her maiden name once she is married because when a woman marries, she does not change her name but only her civil status. Further, this interpretation is in consonance with the principle that surnames indicate descent.”

It is settled in the aforesaid case, however, that if a married woman started to use the surname of her husband in her passport, she cannot revert to the use of her maiden name unless her marriage to her husband has already been annulled, declared null and void or she was divorced by her husband and the divorce was already recognized in 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

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 ?

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:

DFA Passport Appointment Website www.passport.gov.ph/appointment
Republic Act No. 10928 www.lawphil.net/…/ra_10928_2017.html

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:

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

then the form to fill in on the Plane:

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

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

Old Philippines Passports after 31 October 2015

Old Philippines Passports to be phased out by 24 November 2015

All Filipino machine readable-ready passports (MRRP; green passports) and machine readable passports (MRP; maroon passports) will be completely phased out by November 24, 2015. Those who fail to travel with a new E-Passport will likely encounter difficulty at immigration checks when traveling through ports of entry around the world after October 2015.

Old Philippines Passports to be phased out by 24 November 2015

From the Department of Foreign Affairs

International Civil Aviation Organization Worldwide Passport Rules

Per the regulations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), all non-machine readable passports may no longer be extended beyond October 31, 2015 and must be completely phased out by November 24, 2015.

All Filipino machine readable-ready passports (MRRP; green passports) and machine readable passports (MRP; maroon passports) will be completely phased out by November 24, 2015.

Holders of the above Passports must apply for a new e-Passport as soon as possible before the expiry of these MRRP (green) or MRP (maroon) passports.

The Dark Maroon passport below is the only type to be Valid from November 2015

Those who fail to travel with a new E-Passport will likely encounter difficulty at immigration checks when traveling through ports of entry around the world after October 2015.

www.gov.ph

Filipinos Offloaded at Manila, Cebu, Clark Airports

Many Filipinos are being reported as being offloaded at airports for often unknown reasons. The word "offloaded" is technically incorrect, as they never get to board the plane in the first place.

Filipinos offloaded at airports are not allowed to travel

Many Filipinos are being reported as being offloaded at airports for often unknown reasons. The word “offloaded” is technically incorrect, as they never get to board the plane in the first place.

What happens is that the Immigration Officer checking their papers on leaving, may request an interview for one of many possible reasons.

This interview may show probable cause for the Immigration Officer to decide that the passenger should not be allowed to travel.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison said the Bureau and Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT) has come up with a set of clear-cut rules under the Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International Bound Passengers approved by the Department of Justice.

The said Guidelines were formulated by a technical working group pursuant to RA 9208 or the Anti Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and is in effect since January 2012.

BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison said: “Offloading is not a policy but a consequence of the implementation of the Guidelines.”

How do people travelling, especially alone, get past this possible problem of being offloaded?

Passengers heading for Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, are considered transit points accounting for high incidents of human trafficking, and therefore will be more closely targetted. Maybe choose a different holiday destination?

I was reading a BoI notice to All Philippine Airports etc, and one part said this:

Partners and spouses of foreign nationals intending to depart to meet and/or marry his/her fiance without the CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate, will be subjected to secondary inspection.

This has caused problems in that past when a BoI officer relied on the wording exactly.
The young lady was going overseas to meet her boyfriend, and therefore came under the above section. However, the CFO did not apply to her as he was not emigrating.

The Young lady did the right thing.
The CFO did the right thing in not giving a CFO stamp to a Tourist
The BoI officer followed the rule correctly, as printed.

No-one was wrong, other than the rules not being specific enough and overlapping in the wrong way.

So… What chance do you have ?

Know were you are going, know everything about who and where you are visiting, have ALL the right paperwork. Avoid giving the BoI officer cause for concern about your safety.
Have enough funds to support your stay.
If you travel with your boyfriend/partner etc., you have a better chance of leaving, even without own funds in a bank account. Even without having a bank account.
But nothing is guaranteed.

Some Numbers to put it Offloading in perspective:

According to the Bureau of Immigration, about 40 Filipinos get offloaded at the Manila NAIA Terminal 1 every day for various reasons. That is almost 15,000 each year.

However, over 1 million Filipinos travel overseas each year. That means at least 985,000 of them do NOT get offloaded.

2,700+ are OK to leave each day
40 are offloaded each day

US and Philippine Dual Citizenship

How will an application for dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 affect a U.S. citizenship?

The Philippines Consulate General in Los Angeles advises that Prospective applicants for dual citizenship under R.A. 9225 are advised to visit and read the contents of www.travel.state.gov/…/citizenship_778.html, the website of the U.S. Department of State which contains information about current U.S. government policy on dual nationality, or to seek legal advice from a U.S. immigration lawyer.

A natural born Filipino CAN hold Dual Citizenship with other countries, as far as the Philippine Law is concerned.

Can a US Citizen who renounces US Citizenship to become another nationality be considered a US Citizen ?

There is at leasat one case where a US Citizen had renounced US Citizenship when taking another Nationality, but was still treated as a US Citizen by US Authorities.
This appears to say that US Citizenship is not lost even after renouncing it.

Kawakita v. United States, 1952, 343 U.S. 717

Philippines Immigration – Letter of Invitation

What is an Invitation Letter for Visitors to the Philippines?

Some statements taken from a Philippines Embassy website MAY help to work out if an Invitation Letter is applicable or even appropriate.
However, this information was taken from an Overseas Philippines Embassy and refers to a Filipino in another country inviting a relative to visit from the Philippines to that other country.

What is an Invitation Letter?

A: The Bureau of Immigration requires that this document, in the form of an affidavit of support or guarantee, be authenticated at ….
A: The so-called “invitation letter” is just another affidavit issued by an Embassy.

How to do an Invitation Letter?

A: If you have determined that your relative requires an invitation letter, please come to the Embassy during office hours…. Processing takes two working days, as any other authentication.

Is an Invitation Letter a guarantee of the visitor being accepted?

A: During the application for the “invitation letter” at the Embassy, we always mention at the counter that this document is not a guarantee that the invited party will not be offloaded.
A: The assessment of the Immigration Officer, at the point of entry, is the final decision on whether the preson is allowed in or is turned back.

This page is intended to give a guide to some aspects of the “invitation letter” and is not to be taken as expert opinion in any way.