In compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the Bureau of Immigration stated that foreign spouses and minor children of Filipinos now need an entry visa before entering the Philippines effective last August 9, 2020.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated, “Foreign spouses of Filipinos must now secure entry visas from our Consulates abroad before traveling to the Philippines. Otherwise, they will be denied entry by our immigration officers and sent back to their ports of origin.“
Foreigners may apply the entry visa to the nearest Philippine foreign service post in their respective country of residence. This is the list of people who were allowed to enter the Philippines before the changes:
- Filipinos
- Foreign spouse and minor children of Filipinos
- Children with special needs (regardless of age) of Filipinos
- Foreign parent of minor Filipinos
- Foreign parent of children with special needs (regardless of age) of Filipinos
- Accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents
- Foreign airline crew members
- Foreign seafarers with 9(c) visa
- Foreign nationals with long-term visas
Those who are mentioned above except for Filipinos and foreign airline crew members now need an entry visa in compliance with the 4 IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) conditions. These conditions are:
- Must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry
- With pre-booked accredited quarantine facility
- With pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider
- Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers as set by the National Task Force for COVID-19
Entities who can also enter the Philippines but also need to apply for an entry visa:
- children with special needs (regardless of age) of Filipinos
- foreign parent of minor Filipinos
- foreign parent of children with special needs (regardless of age) of Filipinos
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I bring our marriage certificate before going to the Philippines?
Yes. Please remember to always bring your authenticated marriage certificates and other supporting documents with you when traveling to the Philippines.
2. I’m married to a Filipino and from a country that enjoys a visa-free entry to the Philippines, do I still need to apply for an entry visa?
Yes. Even those who used to enter the country without needing to apply for a visa is now required to have an entry visa (if you have a Filipino spouse). For as long as you belong to those people who are foreign spouses of a Filipino, then you must have an entry visa. A Tourist visa is not counted.
3. I have a valid permanent and temporary resident visa, do I still need to have an entry visa?
No. If you acquired your valid permanent and temporary resident visa by reason of marriage to a Filipino, then you don’t need to apply for an entry visa.
4. Where can I apply for the entry visa?
You may apply to the nearest Philippine foreign service post in your country.
Read the full statement of the Bureau of Immigration here.
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