Travel Advisory No. 7-2021: Visa Requirements For Foreign Nationals Allowed To Enter The Philippines While Under Community Quarantine

Travel Advisory No. 7-2021

Visa Requirements For Foreign Nationals Allowed To Enter The Philippines While Under Community Quarantine

WHO ARE ALLOWED ENTRY?

1. Dual Citizens

2. Balikbayan Program (accompanying foreign spouses and children of Filipino Citizens and former Filipino citizens)

3. IF NOT TRAVELING WITH THE FILIPINO CITIZEN: Foreign spouses, minor children and children with special needs of Filipino nationals, and foreign parents of minor Filipino children (subject to approval of exemption request)

4. Permanent (Immigrant) visa holders with valid visas

5. Incoming foreign government officials (FGOs) traveling for posting and assignment in the Philippines

6. Foreign individuals endorsed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Other National Government Agencies (NGA) or Instrumentalities

7. Foreign seafarers for purpose of ship rotation

8. Special (non-immigrant) visa holders with valid visas

9. Foreign Nationals allowed entry pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 98

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CATEGORY?

1. DUAL CITIZENS

If without a valid Philippine passport, former Filipinos in possession of a Recognition Certificate (RC) or Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 (RA9225) Certificate may be allowed entry.

Kindly note that the entry of abovementioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights

b. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)]

c. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry;

d. Without prejudice to applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

2. BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM (ACCOMPANYING FOREIGN SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF FILIPINO CITIZENS AND FORMER FILIPINO CITIZENS)

The following may be allowed visa-free entry privileges to the Philippines under Republic Act No. 6768 or the “Act Instituting the Balikbayan Program” and shall be admitted with one-year validity of stay from the date of arrival:

– Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them;

– Former Filipino citizens, including their spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them;

Kindly note that the entry of abovementioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. The Filipino or former Filipino should be traveling together with the spouse or children;

b. Must present either of the following documentary requirements:

o For foreign spouses: copy of PSA-issued marriage certificate; or apostilled foreign marriage certificate with English translation;

o For dependents/children: copy of PSA-issued birth certificate indicating that either or both parents are Filipino nationals; or apostilled foreign marriage certificate with English translation;

o For legally adopted children: original or certified true copy of Decree of Adoption;

c. Must be nationals allowed to enter the country visa-free under Executive Order No. 408, s/ 1960;

d. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights (https://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-4-2021/);

e. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)]

f. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers.

3. IF NOT TRAVELLING WITH THE FILIPINO CITIZEN, FOREIGN SPOUSES, MINOR CHILDREN, and CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OF FILIPINO NATIONALS, and FOREIGN PARENTS OF MINOR (AND SPECIAL NEEDS) FILIPINO CHILDREN (SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF EXEMPTION REQUEST)

The following foreign nationals (including former Filipinos falling under the categories specified below) shall be required to secure or possess appropriate (1) entry exemption document and (2) visas to be allowed entry into the Philippines:

a. Foreign spouse of Filipino nationals

b. Foreign minor children of Filipino nationals

c. Foreign children with special needs

d. Foreign parents of minor Filipino children; and

e. Foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs, regardless of age.

To request for an entry exemption document from the DFA (through the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona), e-mail the following documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for endorsement to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Manila. The approval process may take 15 working days:

a. Letter request specifying reason for the request for exemption;

b. Copy of foreign passport;

c. Copy of proof of filiation (e.g. DFA-authenticated PSA-issued birth certificate/marriage certificate, or apostilled foreign birth or marriage certificate with English translation;

d. Copy of your 9a visa (if already issued);

e. Copy of PH passport of Filipino spouse/parent/child; and,

f. Proof that Filipino national is already in the Philippines (e.g., immigration stamp, Barangay Certificate, school records, etc.)

g. Notarized invitation from the Filipino parent (if foreign national is not married to the Filipino parent of the minor child).

Once the entry exemption document from DFA is secured, 9(a) visa may be processed subject to the submission of the following documents:

General Requirements for 9(A) visa issuance:

a. Copy of entry exemption document from DFA;

b. Original passport and photocopy of its data page;

c. Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form;

d. Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last 3 months, pasted in the designated box in the application form;

e. Original and photocopy of proof of marriage or filiation (e.g. PSA birth certificate, PSA marriage contract

f. Copy of the Philippine passport of the Filipino relative as proof of Philippine citizenship;

g. Proof that your Filipino spouse/minor child/parent is already in the Philippines (e.g. barangay certificate, school records, etc.); and

h. Copy of flight itinerary.

The above individuals who still possess valid visas previously issued by either the Bureau of Immigration, other competent authorities or Foreign Service Posts abroad need not apply for a new visa. However, an entry exemption document from DFA will still be required.

In addition, covered foreign nationals should also show proof of marriage or filiation and proof of Philippine citizenship of the immediate relatives, and other supporting documents to Immigration authorities upon arrival in the Philippines. Kindly note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the Philippines.

Note: If applying for a visa as a foreign spouse of a Filipino national, your Filipino spouse is either traveling with you or is already in the Philippines. Otherwise, you may be denied boarding by the airlines, or denied entry by immigration officials in the Philippines.

4. PERMANENT (IMMIGRANT) VISA HOLDERS WITH VALID VISAS

The following foreign nationals who are holders of the following visas, valid at the time of entry, may be allowed to enter. No new visas shall be issued.

a. Temporary Resident Visa based on CA 613, Section 13a (marriage to Filipino, including 13 quota, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13G visas)

b. Temporary Resident Visa based on MO ADD-01-038/ADD-02-015 (Indian nationals)

c. MCL-07-021 Permanent Resident Visa based on CA 613,Section 13a (Chinese nationals married to Filipino citizens)

d. Native Born Visa based on CA 613, Section 13c (for foreigners born in the Philippines with at least one Permanent Resident parent);

e. Republic Act 7919 visas granted through the Social Integration Program (qualified foreign nationals who entered the Philippines before 30 June 1992); and,

f. Executive Order 324 visas (foreigners who entered the Philippines before 1 January 1984 w/ legal residence status)

The exemption also covers dependents of aforementioned nationals.

Kindly note that the entry of abovementioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. Must have valid and existing visa at the time of entry;

b. Must present valid Re-entry Permit or validly extended Re-entry Permit, unless otherwise exempted (for issuance, the Bureau of Immigration may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.);

c. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights;

d. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)];

e. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry;

f. Without prejudice to applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

5. INCOMING FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS (FGOs) TRAVELLING FOR  POSTING AND ASSIGNMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES (DIPLOMATIC VISAS)

Incoming foreign government officials (FGOs) travelling for posting and assignment in the Philippines may be granted diplomatic visas and allowed entry into the Philippines.

General Requirements for 9(E) visa issuance:

a. Original passport;

b. Duly filled-out visa application form (with recent photograph);

c. Clear photocopy of the visa applicant’s diplomatic/service/official passport;

d. Supporting documents on the assignment of the FGO; and

e. Copy of flight itinerary.

NOTE : Appropriate 9E visas can only be issued to arriving FGOs, qualified dependents and members of the official’s household only upon receipt of the appropriate authority from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

A representative of the foreign government official (other than a duly registered travel agency) may submit the visa application documents at the visa processing window, upon presentation of a duly-signed letter of authority.

6. FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS ENDORSED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (DTI), THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY (PEZA), THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOTr), AND OTHER NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (NGA) OR INSTRUMENTALITIES

Requests for exemption from the temporary suspension of visa issuance (FSC No. 29-2020) for business purposes must be formally endorsed by the DTI, PEZA, DOTr or any relevant NGA to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), before they could be considered.

Accordingly, the Philippine companies sponsoring, supporting or seeking the entry of foreign executives, employees, consultant, technical experts for urgent and essential reasons must send a letter of request to the DTI, PEZA, DOTr or any relevant NGA .

DTI, PEZA, DOTr or any relevant NGA will endorse the letter to DFA in Manila which shall issue the necessary approval for travel ban exemption.

General Requirements for 9(A) visa issuance:

If granted an exemption, the applicant may submit his/her visa application at the Consulate with the following documents:

a. Copy of the DFA letter addressed to the Bureau of Immigration granting exemption.

b. Original passport and photocopy of its data page.

c. Duly accomplished non-immigrant visa application form; and

d. Passport-size color photograph of the visa applicant, taken within the last 3 months, pasted in the designated box in the application form; and

he Copy of flight itinerary.

NOTE: Appropriate 9A visas can only be issued after the receipt of appropriate authority from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila. The visa, together with the DFA Letter addressed to the Bureau of Immigration, shall be presented to immigration authorities. The Consulate shall no longer issue a separate Certificate.

7. SEAMAN OR CREW LIST 9(C) VISAS

General Requirements for 9(C) visa issuance:

a. Duly accomplished visa application FA Form No.2 (download here: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/consular-forms);

b. Duly accomplished Form No. 61 (Excel format) with the e-signatures of the Agent/Representative in Part E and of the Captain/Master in Part F (download https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/consular-forms);

c. Scanned copies of passport data pages of the foreign seafarers. The passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized period of stay in the Philippines;

d. Scanned copy of the letter from the shipping company;

e. Must not be an excludable alien; and

f. Must not be in the DFA Blacklist.

Kindly note that the entry of abovementioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. Must have valid and existing visa at the time of entry;

b. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights;

c. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)]

d. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry;

e. Without prejudice to applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

8. SPECIAL NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

Foreign nationals who are already holders of the following visas (valid at the time of entry) may enter the Philippines. No new visas shall be issued.

a. Those with visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to EO No. 226, including Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)

b. Those with 47(a)(2) visas issued by the Department of Justice;

c. Those with 9(d) visas under CA no. 613 issued by the Bureau of Immigration;

d. Those with RA8756 visas (Regional Office Headquarters [ROHQ] visa)

e. Those with visas issued by the following economic zones: – Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO) – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) – Authority of the Freeport rea of Bataan (AFAB) – Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) – Clark Development Corporation (CDC)

Kindly note that the entry of above-mentioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. Must have valid and existing visa at the time of entry;

b. Must present ACR I-Card and valid Special Return Certificate or validly extended Special Return Certificate, unless otherwise exempted (for issuance, the Bureau of Immigration may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.);

c. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights (https://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-4-2021/);

d. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)]

e. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry; and

f. Without prejudice to applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

9. FOREIGN NATIONALS ALLOWED ENTRY PURSUANT TO IATF RESOLUTION NO. 98 (BEGINNING 16 FEBRUARY 2021)

The following foreign nationals who are already holders of the following visas (valid at the time of entry) are allowed entry to the Philippines. No new visas shall be issued.

a. Those with valid 9(g), 9(f), SVEG and SIRV (under EO63) visas;

b. Holders of valid and existing Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV) and Section 9(A) visas, provided they present an entry exemption document to the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival.

Note: The entry exemption document may be secured from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upon the endorsement by the relevant national government agency (NGA) or instrumentality. In the case of SRRV holders, endorsement must be first secured from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Kindly note that the entry of abovementioned foreigners is subject to the following conditions:

a. Must have valid and existing visa at the time of entry;

c. With pre-booked DOT/DOH-accredited quarantine facility for at least ten (10) nights (https://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-4-2021/);

d. (To be done before the flight) With E-CIF registration [For PAL passengers: https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF; for other airlines: https://www.padlab.ph/DLS/PassengerCIF)]

e. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry;

f. Without prejudice to applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

Reminders:

Other visa categories not mentioned above continue to be suspended.

GENERAL ARRIVAL PROTOCOLS

All arriving passengers are kindly advised to be guided by the following:

a. Mandatory quarantine for 14 days shall be completed;

b. International passengers shall be required to undergo a facility or hotel quarantine for ten (10) days upon arrival;

c. Testing will be done on Day 7, with Day 1 being the date of arrival/check-in;

d. International passengers may continue their quarantine at home or in their hotels (as the case may be) from Day 11 up to Day 14, provided they get a negative RT-PCR test result.

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Travel Advisory No. 7-2021: Visa Requirements For Foreign Nationals Allowed To Enter The Philippines While Under Community Quarantine