The Philippines announced new rules for travelers and outraged society: what will change
The Philippine government has announced that expats flying home on vacation will have to prepare more documents. Filipinos working abroad should be prepared for more thorough checks in some cases.
The rules came into effect on September 3 and have already caused outrage, forcing the authorities to apologize and explain the innovations, Khaleej Times writes.
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons of the Philippines (Iacat) insisted on implementing stricter rules to curb illegal recruitment and combat the "menace of human trafficking."
The updated exit regulations apply to all travelers planning a vacation in the country.
Filipinos working abroad should bring their passport, a valid work visa or work permit, boarding pass, a confirmed round-trip ticket, OFW or OEC permit, and proof of employment.
Tourists sponsored by Filipino relatives working abroad will need to prepare: passport, valid visa, boarding pass, confirmed tickets, proof of first civil relationship, copies of passport, work visa or work permit, and OEC.
If the sponsor is a relative up to the fourth civil degree of kinship (cousin, son-in-law, mother-in-law, etc.), additional supporting documents are required:
- Original Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (AOSG) notarized by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate/Honorary Consulate.
- Original birth certificate/marriage certificate issued by the PSA indicating the exact relationship between the traveler and the sponsor.
Self-funded travelers should bring: passport, boarding pass, valid visa, confirmed tickets, confirmed hotel reservation, proof of employment and other equivalent documents, and proof that financial capacity or source of income is appropriate for the stated purpose of travel.
The rules were so complicated that they caused outrage among tourists. Later, the authorities assured that more than 95 percent of traveling Filipinos do not need to present additional documents. They can be checked only in rare cases if the visit is considered suspicious.
The main documents that will definitely be checked are: a passport valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure, a valid visa, if necessary, a boarding pass and a confirmed round-trip ticket.
