IMPACT – HIGH

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has clarified its policy on whether foreign spouses of Filipino citizens can enter the country.

Key points:

  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines if they have a valid visa previously issued to them by the Bureau of Immigration. They do not need to obtain an entry visa from their port of origin.
  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens are also allowed to enter the country if they have a valid 9(g) working visa or a Special Retiree’s Resident Visa (SSRV). Foreign spouses with these visas do not need to apply for a new entry visa from Philippine consulates abroad.
  • Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens who do not have a valid visa are required to obtain an entry visa to enter the Philippines. Foreign spouses of Filipino citizens with expired Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Cards) will need to renew them before traveling to the Philippines.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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