FAQ: Who Is Covered Under A Balikbayan Visa?

By legal definition, a balikbayan is: A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure; A Filipino overseas worker; or. A former Filipino citizen with foreign passport and members of his/her family.

Who is considered a Balikbayan?

Former Filipino citizens, together with their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are traveling with them.

What are the benefits of Balikbayan?

Family members (spouse and children holding foreign passports) of a Balikbayan (returning Filipino citizen or former Filipino citizen) are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a maximum stay of one (1) year from the date of their arrival in the country each time they enter the country.

Are foreign spouses allowed to enter Philippines?

Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines if they have a valid visa previously issued to them by the Bureau of Immigration. They do not need to obtain an entry visa from their port of origin.

How long US citizen can stay in the Philippines?

For all visas, visitors are allowed a maximum 59 days per stay (meaning if you have a multiple-entry visa, you will need to exit the and re-enter Philippines after 59 days in the country).

Who are eligible under Balikbayan program?

By legal definition, a balikbayan is: a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure; a Filipino overseas worker; or. a former Filipino citizen with foreign passport and members of his/her family.

What is the difference between OFW and Balikbayan?

A “Balikbayan” is another term for an OFW or a former Filipino. A returning resident is also a BALIKBAYAN when he has stayed abroad for at least one (1) year. Therefore Balikbayans are entitled to duty and tax-free privileges.

Is Balikbayan privilege suspended?

RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL OF BALIKBAYAN TO THE PHILIPPINES LIFTED. Effective Saturday, 1 May 2021, kababayan in the United States who are covered by the Balikbayan Program, under Republic Act No. 6768, can now again travel to the Philippines.

Can a Balikbayan own property in the Philippines?

There are any restrictions or specific laws for Balikbayans to buy a house in the Philippines. Typically like any natural-born Filipino, the Balikbayan can buy and register, under their own name, land in the Philippines, but there is a cap to how much they can buy. Up to 1,000 square meters of residential land.

How long can a Balikbayan stay in the Philippines?

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.

Is Philippines Open for Foreigners 2021?

The Philippine government has imposed travel restrictions Philippines, suspending the entry of all foreign nationals through May 31, 2021. Only 1,500 per day inbound international passengers are allowed to enter the country.

Can foreigners enter the Philippines 2021?

The Embassy hereby informs the public that starting 0001H of 08 May 2021, Manila time, the new testing and quarantine protocols for all arriving international passengers to the Philippines shall be: Mandatory quarantine for 14 days; However, international arrivals shall be required to undergo a facility or hotel

How long can a foreign spouse stay in the Philippines?

If in the Philippines and visa holder wants to extend his/her stay beyond 59 days, an application for extension of stay must be filed at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila, or the Immigration office nearest to the place where the applicant is temporarily residing. See Long Stay Visitor Visa Extension.

Can a US citizen live permanently in the Philippines?

Yes, under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13 (a) you are eligible for permanent residency in the Philippines.

What happens if you overstay in the Philippines?

You are considered to have overstayed if you have exceeded the maximum number of days your visa allows. In the worst-case scenario, offenders will be deported and never allowed back into the country again. The standard fine is P500 per month overstayed.

Can I extend my tourist visa in Philippines?

Foreign nationals can enjoy longer visa extension ( six months ) under a single transaction. The visa costs Php 13,900 for visa-required nationals and Php 11,500 for non-visa required nationals. Foreign travelers can prolong their stay in PH without the need to frequently visit BI for processing of documents.