Starting September 3, the Philippines will enforce stricter travel rules for Filipino expatriates and their families in an effort to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking, as outlined by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat).
The fresh regulations encompass not only Filipino expats returning for holidays but also all travelers, ranging from self-funded tourists to those sponsored by relatives working abroad.
For family members of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) being sponsored by a relative in the first civil degree (parents, children, spouse), the requirements include:
- Passport, valid for a minimum of six months from departure date.
- If required, a valid visa.
- Boarding pass.
- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket.
- Proof of relationship, either via an original PSA-issued birth certificate/report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage.
- Copies of sponsor’s documents: passport, work visa/permit, residence permit, or equivalent, and for OFW sponsors, either OEC, E-receipt, or OFW Clearance.
When the sponsoring relative is within the fourth civil degree (e.g., cousins, in-laws), additional requirements are:
- Original Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (AOSG) authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate.
- Original PSA-issued documentation showing the precise relationship between traveler and sponsor.
Tourists financing their own trips need:
- Passport, with at least six months validity from departure date.
- If necessary, a valid visa.
- Boarding pass.
- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket.
- Proof of hotel booking.
- Evidence of financial capability and purpose of visit.
- Proof of current employment or equivalent documents.
