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 (refer to list of countries below). 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 below.
Former Filipino balikbayans travelling to the Philippines are advised to bring either their old Philippine passport or copy of Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship.
Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents to show evidence of relationship:
- For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate
- For each child: copy of birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)
- For adopted children: copy of adoption papers
EXTENSION OF STAY
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. Balikbayans who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months may be required to submit additional requirements.
COUNTRIES COVERED BY THE BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM
Former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship from a country listed below can avail of the one-year visa-free balikbayan stay. If the country of citizenship is not listed, the balikbayan must apply for a Philippine visa.
The non-Filipino spouse and dependent children of a former Filipino can avail of the one-year visa-free balikbayan stay if their passport is issued by a country listed below. If the country of passport is not listed, the spouse or dependent children must apply for a Philippine visa.
Andorra | Greece | Panama |
Angola | Grenada | Papua New Guinea |
Antigua and Barbuda | Guatemala | Paraguay |
Argentina | Guinea | Peru |
Australia | Guinea Bissau | Poland |
Austria | Guyana | Portugal |
Bahamas | Haiti | Qatar |
Bahrain | Honduras | Republic of Korea |
Barbados | Hungary | Romania |
Belgium | Iceland | Russia |
Belize | Indonesia | Rwanda |
Benin | Ireland | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Bhutan | Israel | Saint Lucia |
Bolivia | Italy | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Botswana | Jamaica | Samoa |
Brazil | Japan | San Marino |
Brunei Darussalam | Kazakhstan | Sao Tome and Principe |
Bulgaria | Kenya | Saudi Arabia |
Burkina Faso | Kiribati | Senegal |
Burundi | Kuwait | Seychelles |
Cambodia | Kyrgyzstan | Singapore |
Cameroon | Lao People’s Democratic Republic | Slovak Republic |
Canada | Latvia | Slovenia |
Cape Verde | Lesotho | Solomon Islands |
Central African Republic | Liberia | South Africa |
Chad | Liechtenstein | Spain |
Chile | Lithuania | Suriname |
Colombia | Luxembourg | Swaziland |
Comoros | Madagascar | Sweden |
Congo | Malawi | Switzerland |
Costa Rica | Malaysia | Tajikistan |
Cote d’Ivoire | Maldives | Thailand |
Croatia | Mali | Togo |
Cyprus | Malta | Trinidad and Tobago |
Czech Republic | Marshall Islands | Tunisia |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Mauritania | Turkey |
Denmark | Mauritius | Turkmenistan |
Djibouti | Mexico | Tuvalu |
Dominica | Micronesia | Uganda |
Dominican Republic | Monaco | United Arab Emirates |
Ecuador | Mongolia | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
El Salvador | Morocco | United Republic of Tanzania |
Equatorial Guinea | Mozambique | United States of America |
Eritrea | Myanmar | Uruguay |
Estonia | Namibia | Uzbekistan |
Ethiopia | Nepal | Vanuatu |
Fiji | Netherlands | Vatican |
Finland | New Zealand | Venezuela |
France | Nicaragua | Vietnam |
Gabon | Niger | Zambia |
Gambia | Norway | Zimbabwe |
Germany | Oman | |
Ghana | Palau |
KEY LINKS
- Embassy Appointment System
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- Embassy Directory
- Dress Code for Clients & Visitors
- Philippine and Singapore Holidays
- Free Embassy Shuttle Service
- IATF Regulations
- Noticies of Petitions for Correction
- Marriage Banns
- Overseas Absentee Voter Registration
- Important Reminders for Travel to the Philippines
- Important Reminders for Filipino Travellers intending to Transit through Singapore
- Validation of Vaccination Status for Returning OFWs and Non-OFWs
- Crisis & Suicide Prevention Helplines
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As a seasoned expert with an in-depth understanding of immigration policies and visa programs, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of the Philippines' Balikbayan Program. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of international migration regulations and firsthand experience navigating through the nuances of various countries' visa systems.
Now, diving into the specifics of the Balikbayan Program, it is evident that this initiative serves as a welcoming gesture for Filipinos working overseas and former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in specific countries. The key highlight of this program is the provision of a one-year visa-free stay for eligible individuals and their accompanying non-Filipino family members. Let's break down the essential concepts outlined in the provided information:
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Filipinos working abroad and former Filipinos with citizenship in certain countries are eligible.
- Non-Filipino spouses and children can benefit if they enter the Philippines with the Balikbayan and are citizens of listed countries.
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Required Documentation:
- Former Filipino Balikbayans are advised to bring their old Philippine passport or a copy of their Philippine birth certificate as proof of former citizenship.
- Accompanying family members need specific supporting documents:
- Spouse: Copy of marriage certificate.
- Each child: Copy of birth certificate indicating the Balikbayan as a parent.
- Adopted children: Copy of adoption papers.
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Extension of Stay:
- Initially, Balikbayans are granted a one-year stay, extendable for an additional one, two, or six months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of Immigration office.
- Balikbayans exceeding 36 months in the Philippines may have additional requirements.
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Countries Covered by the Balikbayan Program:
- Former Filipinos with citizenship in listed countries can avail of the one-year visa-free stay.
- Non-Filipino spouses and dependent children with passports from listed countries can also benefit.
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List of Countries Covered:
- The extensive list includes countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, and many others.
This comprehensive program reflects the Philippines' efforts to foster strong connections with its overseas community. Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the extension process is crucial for a smooth and compliant experience under the Balikbayan Program.