ATTN. Boracay Bill !

"Willy Eckerslyke" wrote in message ...
Just *picking your brain*, mate !

Are you still in the know the balikbayan regulations ?

Me & the missus have just booked a couple of months hols. in the Phils. ,
for early next year.

The ticket *bucket-shop* just rang to ask me "do you know that you'll need a
visa, for a stay of more than 21 days ?".

I expained, as I did when I booked the flights, that my missus is an ex-flip
national & about the balikbayan regs.

The young guy STILL insisted that we'll need visas, for more than 21 days
stay. It wasn't the case, when we stayed for 2 months , last year.

Have the balikbayan terms changed ?

Cheers, in advance, for any advice !

In general, non-Filipinos from most countries can enter the RP without
a visa. A 21 day visa is issued at the airport. This 21 day visa can
be extended by another 38 days, making 59 days total. The 59 day stay
can be further extended in 59 day increments for up to a year. This
is a bit oversimplified but close enough in most cases.

If you are returning with your spouse and your spouse is either (1) a
former Filipino or (2) a Filipino who has been outside the RP for over
a year, you may be given a Balikbayan visa which will allow you to
stay in the RP for up to a year without renewing your visa.

See the following:

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/GEnera...-mainframe.htm
http://www.philcongenla.org/content....balikbayan.ini
http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno6768.htm