BI: Foreign parents of Filipinos need visa, entry exemption

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has clarified that foreign parents of Filipinos must secure a visa and an entry exemption document before traveling to the Philippines.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated that foreign parents of Filipino citizens are not covered by the Balikbayan privilege and thus need to apply for an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates abroad.

Additionally, these parents are required to present an entry exemption document, which can be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or the National Task Force Against Covid-19 (NTF).

Even if traveling with their Filipino children, foreign parents still need a valid 9(a) visa and an entry exemption document.

Failure to present the required documents upon arrival will result in denial of entry and immediate booking on the first available flight back to their point of origin.

This reminder was issued in response to inquiries from families of Filipinos planning to travel to the Philippines.

Morente reiterated that only Filipinos, former Filipinos, and their accompanying foreign spouses and children are eligible for the Balikbayan privilege.