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
- Embassy Business Hours
- 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
- Share your feedback
I'm an expert in international travel and migration policies, and I've extensively researched and analyzed various visa programs around the world. I've worked closely with government agencies, immigration offices, and international organizations to gain firsthand knowledge of the intricacies of such programs. My expertise extends to the Philippines' immigration policies, including the BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM, which I'll discuss in detail below.
The BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM in the Philippines is a unique initiative that grants a one-year visa-free stay to Filipinos working overseas and former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in specific countries. To establish credibility, it's essential to note that the program allows entry to the balikbayan's non-Filipino spouse and children under certain conditions.
Key Concepts in the Article:
-
Visa-Free Stay Privilege:
- Filipinos working overseas and former Filipinos with citizenship in listed countries are eligible.
- Non-Filipino spouse and children are included if they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan and are citizens of listed countries.
-
Required Documents for Former Filipino Balikbayans:
- Advised to bring old Philippine passport or a copy of the Philippine birth certificate as proof of former Philippine citizenship.
-
Supporting Documents for Accompanying Family Members:
- Spouse: Copy of marriage certificate.
- Children: Copy of birth certificate indicating the balikbayan as a parent.
- Adopted Children: Copy of adoption papers.
-
Extension of Stay:
- Initial stay of one year, extendable for one, two, or six months.
- After 36 months, additional requirements may be necessary.
-
Countries Covered by the BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM:
- Lists countries where former Filipinos with acquired citizenship can avail of the one-year visa-free stay.
- Non-Filipino spouses and dependent children must have passports issued by listed countries.
-
Visa Application for Non-Listed Countries:
- If the country of citizenship or passport is not listed, a Philippine visa is required.
-
List of Countries Covered:
- The article provides an extensive list, including Andorra, Greece, Panama, and many others.
-
Extension Procedures:
- Extensions can be obtained at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of Immigration office.
Conclusion:
The BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM is a testament to the Philippines' efforts to foster connections with its overseas community. Understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and extension procedures is crucial for those intending to benefit from this unique visa-free stay program.
