November 27, 2020

UPDATED ADVISORY ON THE ENTRY OF FORMER FILIPINO NATIONALS TO THE PHILIPPINES

UPDATED ADVISORY ON THE ENTRY OF  FORMER FILIPINO NATIONALS TO THE PHILIPPINES

Pursuant to Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 85 dated 26 November 2020, and with reference to Republic Act No. 6768, as amended, the following shall be exempted from the temporary suspension of visa-free privileges starting 07 December 2020:

1. Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them; and
2. Former Filipino citizens, together with their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them;

The Bureau of Immigration has subsequently announced on 28 November that the 1-year balikbayan privilege shall be given to the balikbayan, their foreign spouses and children who are traveling with them.

This will apply to inbound Balikbayan tourists who:

• are from visa-free countries under Executive Order No. 408, s.1960;
• have a pre-booked quarantine facility;
• have a pre-booked COVID-19 testing at a laboratory operating at the airport; and
• be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

Former Filipinos who wish to avail of the balikbayan privilege should present their old Philippine passports or a copy of their birth certificate to the immigration officer upon arrival, while their spouses and children shall present their marriage certificates and birth certificates, respectively.

For the public’s information and guidance.

Supplemental Advisory – Revised Guidelines – 03 December 2020