I am hoping to go over to Phil at the end of the year, not seen wife and family for four years now down to being not well, so this may well be the last time I'll go, and am going for more then 20days (40DAYS), anyone tell me what I need to do at airport before leaving about the balikbayan visa, I know my wife has to be there with marriage certificate, but is there more to know...anything please. many thanks Tony.
My understanding is that your wife would have to enter the country with you, rather than just be present at the airport in order to qualify for the Balikbayan privilege (it is NOT a Visa) though rules sometimes do seem to be relaxed, but there is no guarantee they will be. You could apply for your Philippines visa in the UK and stay in the Philippines for 59 days... http://philembassy-uk.org/consular-matters/visa The other thing to consider is whether your house insurance will cover you if you are out of the country for 40+ days. Most house insurance policies only cover you for unoccupation of 30 days or less.
Thanks Howerd house insurance is not a problem, wife is already there in Makati City or near and can be at the airport when needed, from what I have read it seems that we both needed, (not 100% sure) at the airport. Has you say could go for a 59 day visa but why pay if you can have the said privilege, I also know that there is a fee for it, trying to find little more about it before booking.
The rules state that the Filipino spouse has to enter the country with the non-Filipino spouse... http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/balikbayan-one-year-visa-free-stay.html
I reckon that is the best course of action, as requesting an extension while in Pinas may prove to be a bit of a daunting task if you don't know where to go and do .. good luck.
Well who is right and who is wrong..? "Also if you are married to or become married to a Filipino while there, you automatically earn "Balikbayan" status. Balikbayan just means that you are a native born or spouse / child of a native born filipino (even if the filipino is now a citizen of another nation). In this case you are granted a 1 year entry. This occurs on entry to PI at airport for same price of 550 peso tax but your filipino spouse has to be with you or already in the country. If you marry while there you can just go to the govt immigration office for a balikbayan stamp once you have proof of marriage." so if your wife is already there, can she meet you at the airport (immigration office)..?
I'd already posted my other post before I saw this one...! I may just go on the free 30days visa and then go for the Balikbayan Privilege when am there, wife am sure will know where to go, just can't see a big problem because I was married there and reg here before going out.
Personally I'd go there on the 30 day non visa and get an extension when there. I believe your wife has to be with you on entering the country for you to get a balikbayon visa.
I think you are just quoting from an answer given to someone on Yahoo. The quote I provided is from the Philippines Embassy in the UK. I did read of one guy who did get a Balikbayan stamp in his passport without his wife being with him, but I think he had a prior history of Balikbayan stamps in his passport. They were bending the rules by doing this and you say you have not seen your wife/family in four years, so I doubt immigration officials would bend the rules in your case. It is not possible to obtain a Balikbayan 'Visa' whilst you are in the Philippines either; it is a point-of-entry privilege only. You would have to leave the Philippines and return with your wife to get Balikbayan status. Getting a Visa to extend your stay from 30 to 59 days, once you have entered the Philippines, takes time and effort and you have to appear in person I believe. But you can get a 59 day visa here in the UK by post. That is the worry-free option which seems important given that you have not seen your family for four years and you are in poor health. Also, make sure your passport is valid for six months beyond the end of your intended stay in the Philippines. Seems the cost of the 59 day visa is just £22. If your application is by post you have to bear the postage costs (special delivery) both ways and the cost of notarization of documents. A bargain for peace of mind I think... http://philembassy-uk.org/consular-matters/visa
This is giving me a headache, if it say's....."This occurs on entry to PI at airport for same price of 550 peso tax but your filipino spouse has to be with you or already in the country." (OR ALREADY IN THE COUNTRY) if she is there already there (other side of Immigration gate say) how can she be with you, it is this that is most confusing me.
The Filipino spouse has to enter the Philippines with the non-Filipino Spouse. That is what all the official sources confirm.
Thank you Howerd I do see your point, but why pay £22 for a visa and the post there and back, when you should be having it for £7.96 - 550 peso's. think its time to pull out of this......thank you all.
550 Pesos is the Departure Tax when you leave the Philippines. You have to pay that when you leave the Philippines, irrespective of any visa status... https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines/entry-requirements If you apply for visa extension in the Philippines the cost appears to be at least 3030 Pesos plus two days of inconvenience. The Balikbayan 'Visa' is totally free, but unless you enter Philippines with your wife, as Methersgate suggests - meet in Hong Kong - then you cannot get Balikbayan privilege.
Sorry if I am repeating the obvious. It’s not a matter of your wife being at the airport but that you and your wife must arrive TOGETHER from abroad. ...................... , as requesting an extension while in Pinas may prove to be a bit of a daunting task if you don't know where to go and do .. The renewal is simple, albeit entails some queuing. The Immigration office for Manila is in Intramuros (Thats a park. The office is near Jones Bridge. It has a red roof and is visible from some distance).
