Philippines New Travel Rules 2023: Understanding the Latest Travel Rule Changes

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Updated August 2023

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, while amid changing times, the country has introduced fresh travel rules. These regulations apply not only to Filipino citizens returning for vacations but also to all travelers, regardless of the purpose of their trip or whether they are self-funded or sponsored by relatives working abroad.

Keep reading as Wego examines the Philippines’ latest travel regulations and provides crucial insights.

Philippines new travel rules 2023

Starting from 3 September 2023, Filipinos living abroad who want to visit their home country for vacation will see changes in the requirements for their travel plans.

The Philippine Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking has introduced new travel rules to stop illegal recruitment and deal with the problem of human trafficking.

These new travel regulations have a broader impact, affecting not only Filipino expatriates returning home but also other travelers. The rules apply to both self-funded journeys and trips sponsored by relatives working overseas, targeting even tourists who receive financial support from abroad.

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Required documents

These are the general travel papers applicable to everyone, as outlined in an advisory released by IACAT on 24 August 2023:

• passport with a validity of at least six (6) months from the departure date
• valid visa, if applicable
• boarding pass
• confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, if necessary

Requirements for OFWs

Overseas Filipino workers currently fulfilling their employment contracts, known as Balik-Manggagawa, must fulfill the following set of requirements:

• passport with a validity of at least six (6) months from the departure date
• valid employment visa, work permit, or equivalent document
• boarding pass
• confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, if required
• OFW Clearance or OEC
• proof of employment, if needed (this includes evidence of ongoing employment with the present employer being returned to, such as a current certificate of employment, valid company ID, or recent pay slip)

Requirements for OFWs’ family members

Even tourists and visitors receiving sponsorship from Filipinos residing overseas will be required to provide additional documentation.

When the overseas sponsor is a relative within the passenger’s first (1st) civil degree, the following requisites apply:

• passport with a validity of at least six (6) months from the departure date
• valid visa, if necessary
• boarding pass
• confirmed return or roundtrip ticket
• proof of first (1st) civil degree relationship, such as the Original PSA-issued birth certificate/report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage
• copies of the following documents from the sponsor:
  • passport
  • work visa/permit, residence permit, or any equivalent document
  • OEC, E-receipt, or OFW Clearance for OFW sponsors

Relationships classified as first-civil degree relationships include parents, children, and spouses. Travel is considered sponsored when someone other than the traveler provides financial support for any aspect, such as airfare, hotel reservations or accommodations, and daily spending.

Should the sponsor be a relative up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity (such as cousins, brothers-in-law, mother-in-law, etc.), supplementary supporting documents are mandatory:

• original affidavit of support and guarantee (AOSG) notarized and authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate/Honorary Consulate
• original PSA-issued birth certificate/report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage indicating the specific relationship between the passenger and the sponsor

Requirements for tourists on self-funded trips

For tourists on self-funded journeys, the established requirements of a valid passport, visa, and confirmed return ticket guarantee a seamless and well-prepared travel experience.

• a passport that’s valid for a minimum of six (6) months from your departure date
• a valid visa, if the destination requires one
• your boarding pass.
• a confirmed return or roundtrip ticket
• proof of hotel booking or accommodation
• enough financial means or income source that aligns with your stated travel purpose
• documents that confirm your employment and other related records.