What Is the Balikbayan Privilege?
The Balikbayan privilege is a special entry benefit under the Philippines’ Balikbayan Program. It allows qualified balikbayans and their eligible family members to enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for up to one (1) year on initial admission.
Who is Considered a Balikbayan?
Under RA 6768, as amended by RA 9174, a balikbayan may be any of the following:
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A Filipino citizen who has been continuously outside the Philippines for at least one year;
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A Filipino overseas worker.
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A former Filipino citizen who became naturalized in a foreign country and is returning to the Philippines.
The law also includes the balikbayan’s family, meaning the spouse and children who are not balikbayans in their own right but are traveling with the balikbayan to the Philippines.
What to present to the Philippine Immigration Officer to avail of the visa-free privilege for Balikbayan?
Former Filipinos returning as Balikbayans may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period of one (1) year provided that they have the following:
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Passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines;
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Proof of Philippine citizenship (e.g., old Philippine passport or PSA-authenticated birth certificate).
What are the appropriate supporting documents to show proof of relationship:
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For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate (indicating the balikbayan as spouse)
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For each child: copy of birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)