travelling to Phils soon

[john&louella 0]

Hi my family are travelling to Philippines for at least 24 days of stay.

-We are all US Citizen and was told we can stay maximum of 30 days without needing the balikbayan visa, how true is this?

-also, we will be needing a hotel to stay for the night before we catch our next flight in the morning bound to province, any recommendations?.

i'd prefer a decent, safe hotel that very closeby the airport.

-airport fees etc?

thank you.

[Rissa92 1]

I would recommend you to stay at lotus garden hotel it's near at airport and easy to get taxi, safe and affordable too

Here's the website http://web.lotusgardenhotel-manila.com/?gclid=COODoLP22MUCFVU2gQodyjsATQ

We always stayed at this hotel bc the staff are friendly nice too..

Edited May 23, 2015 by Rissa92

[thespoons 33]

Oh try starlight bnb. Its cheap, very clean, superb servicr and the food is awesome

[Cess & Ryan 5]

You can stay at the Remmington Hotel. Its right opposite to the Airport and surrounded by fast food chains.Also, they have free shuttle bus from and to the Airport…Enjoy your stay in the Phils.

[Tahoma 2,291]

Were you or your spouse born in 'Pinas?

If so, all of you can stay for up to a year.

When you arrive at NAIA, make sure manong customs officer Is aware that you are a balikbayan, and make sure he stamps your passport for a one-year visit.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Hi my family are travelling to Philippines for at least 24 days of stay.

-We are all US Citizen and was told we can stay maximum of 30 days without needing the balikbayan visa, how true is this?

-also, we will be needing a hotel to stay for the night before we catch our next flight in the morning bound to province, any recommendations?.

i'd prefer a decent, safe hotel that very closeby the airport.

-airport fees etc?

thank you.

If your wife has dual citizenship it will be easy for you to enjoy the balikbayan privilege - which allows any USC to stay for one year without obtaining a visa (one day short in reality). To get the stamp your wife needs to be with the USC's in the foreigner line, show her Philippines passport and then they give USC the BB stamp in their passport. It's always a good idea that she carries her BC and the marriage license as it is asked sometimes by customs. BTW, you can avail yourself of Duty Free if you would like.

Here is the official word:

Balikbayans – any overseas Filipino returning to the Philippines, including former Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship – can stay in the Philippines without a visa for a period of one year. The balikbayan visa-free stay privilege is extended to the balikbayan’s non-Filipino spouse and children, provided they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan.

Former Filipino Balikbayans traveling to the Philippines are advised to bring either their old Philippine passport or copy of Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship. Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents:

• For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate

• For each child: copy of birth certificate

• For adopted children: copy of adoption papers Philippine Law (R.A. 9174) provides benefits to baikbayans:

• Tax-exempt maximum purchases in the amount of up to US$2,000.00 (US$1,000.00 as arriving Balikbayan and US$1,000.00 as arriving passenger), at Philippine Government–operated duty free shops

• Exemption from Travel Tax, provided that their stay in the Philippines is one year or less. If their stay in the Philippines exceeds one year, Travel tax will apply to them.

From: http://www.philippineconsulate.com.au/balikbayan-one-year-visa-free-stay.html

Airport Fees: http://www.tieza.com.ph/

Hotel recommendations are listed on the main page of this Philippines thread. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/328357-h0tels-in-manila/

Edited May 24, 2015 by Greenbaum

[Tahoma 2,291]

On our trips to 'Pinas, there has been no need for Chinook to show her Philippines passport. The biographical page of her U.S. passport shows that she was born in 'Pinas. You can get the balikbayan privelge based upon that alone.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

I don't care where I'm traveling to internationally,I carry those items and especially to the Philippines where the law is open to interpretation.

[Tahoma 2,291]

You have a Philippines passport?

[SennaBrigante 92]

Which airport will you be arriving or departing at?

[Hank_ 9,173]

I don't care where I'm traveling to internationally,I carry those items and especially to the Philippines where the law is open to interpretation.

I agree with you, follow the "official requirements" vs someone's personal experience... everyone gets lucky once in awhile, but hate to get caught when the dice don't roll in your favor.

I will add, I had no issue getting the BB stamp in my passport with my wife simply showing her Philippine passport. She had a copy of our marriage certificate but wasn't asked for it, the agent just compare our last name and we were on our way.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Hank_

[Greenbaum 12,258]

I agree with you, follow the "official requirements" vs someone's personal experience... everyone gets lucky once in awhile, but hate to get caught when the dice don't roll in your favor.

I will add, I had no issue getting the BB stamp in my passport with my wife simply showing her Philippine passport. She had a copy of our marriage certificate but wasn't asked for it, the agent just compare our last name and we were on our way.

Thanks

I'm glad you arrived in the Phil without any problems. Good to see your back in the saddle.

[VOL 425]

On our trips to 'Pinas, there has been no need for Chinook to show her Philippines passport. The biographical page of her U.S. passport shows that she was born in 'Pinas. You can get the balikbayan privelge based upon that alone.

My nephew wife went to Philippines last year, she no longer has a Phlippines Passport, She got her US Citizenship about 8 years ago. She was able to take my nephews son, Only her stepson and he got balikbayan stamp in his passport, based on her being with him. She went back home and left him there......

[VOL 425]

Hi my family are travelling to Philippines for at least 24 days of stay.

-We are all US Citizen and was told we can stay maximum of 30 days without needing the balikbayan visa, how true is this?

-also, we will be needing a hotel to stay for the night before we catch our next flight in the morning bound to province, any recommendations?.

i'd prefer a decent, safe hotel that very closeby the airport.

-airport fees etc?

thank you.

Just catch a late night flight into manila arrive around 11pm and get all your luggage and then go to your next terminal, Most flight are at 4 am to the provinces. I always hang in the airport waiting areas.....