Filipino travling to the Philippines on US passport

[Ann Marie and Leo 9]

My wife will soon get her US Citizenship, and will then travel to the Philippines for around a two month stay. Will she then be required to get a visa for the extended stay like US citizens have to get. Anyone experence this before.

[Tahoma 2,291]

She can stay in the Philippines free for up to one year. When she arrives at NAIA, she should ask the officer to stamp her U.S. passport and write in the one year period. She may or may not have to show her Philippines passport/birth certificate.

Chinook and I recently went to the Philippines, and we both traveled on U.S. passports. The officer at NAIA wrote in a one year stay in both of our passports and didn't even ask Chinook to see her Philippines passport nor her birth certificate.

[RWD 2]

In her US passport, it will say Philippines for the place of birth. The immigration officers usually notice this and give a 1 year stay, but make sure they do.

[carton025 38]

As long as her US passport states her country of birth as the Phil. She will get at least a 1 yr. BB visa stamp.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Balikbayan one-year visa-free stay

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 balikbayans:
◦Tax-exempt maximum purchases in the amount of USD 1,500, or the equivalent in Philippine and other currency, 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.

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

[Greenbaum 12,259]

May I suggest that she reacquire her Filipino citizenship as a dual US/Phil citizen. She just needs to visit the Phil consulate and they will process everything for her. Of course bring all necessary and typical documentation with you especially her Phil and US passport. She needs to go to the Bureau of Immigration, take and oath and pay $50usd to reacquire her Philippine citizenship. She could do that in the US at the Philippine Embassy or consulate before she leaves. Note; it is not needed so it can be done at anytime. For this visit just use her US passport.

Good luck

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

May I suggest that she reacquire her Filipino citizenship as a dual US/Phil citizen.

Why? Unless she wants to vote in Filipino elections, or hold certain professional positions in the Philippines, there is no advantage to Filipino citizenship.

There would be certain disadvantages to consider.

[Hank_ 9,173]

... or own real estate. Only Philippines citizens are allowed to own real estate.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

... or own real estate. Only Philippines citizens are allowed to own real estate.

Not true.

If a former Filipino who is now a naturalized citizen of a foreign country does not want to avail of the Dual Citizen Law, he or she can still acquire land based on BP (Batas Pambansa) 185 & RA (Republic Act) 8179 but limited to the following:

For Residential Use (BP 185 - enacted in March 1982):

Up to 1,000 square meters of residential land.

Up to one (1) hectare of agricultural of farm land.

For Business / Commercial Use (RA 8179 - amended the Foreign Investment act of 1991):

Up to 5,000 square meters of urban land.

Up to three (3) hectares of rural land.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Good to know... thanks

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Why? Unless she wants to vote in Filipino elections, or hold certain professional positions in the Philippines, there is no advantage to Filipino citizenship.

There would be certain disadvantages to consider.

The ones you mention are foremost but how about the "succession of inheritance" that would

take preference over any will, or statements?

How about owning land as only Filipino Citizens can, as US citizen cannot.

Protections that are afforded the Filipino Citizen from their Government.

_______

I think there are more but off the top of my head that is what I have.

Of course, if none of this is important to you, then their is no need. But, for $50 tell me why you wouldn't.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

... or own real estate. Only Philippines citizens are allowed to own real estate.

What you say is partially correct but could be confusing.

As a US citizen I can own real estate (like a building or house) but not the land that it is on only Phil Citz (PC) can. I can own a condo but not the land it's on. A PC can own a business, I can't. A PC can own a coconut or banana field, I can't.

[Hank_ 9,173]

What you say is partially correct but could be confusing.

As a US citizen I can own real estate (like a building or house) but not the land that it is on only Phil Citz (PC) can. I can own a condo but not the land it's on. A PC can own a business, I can't. A PC can own a coconut or banana field, I can't.

Even with the condo there are exception, and it has to do with total % ownership of the complex.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

There are several disadvantages to dual citizenship, the most significant being subject to the jurisdiction of both countries, and no protection from one country, while within the territory of the other country. While the US is unlikely to experience a coup anytime in the near future, the Philippines has a history of instability. So, if you are a dual citizen, and find yourself suddenly in trouble with the Filipino authorities, those dubious protections afforded Filipino citizens will not save you, and neither will the US State Department and the Marines assigned there.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

The ones you mention are foremost but how about the "succession of inheritance" that would

take preference over any will, or statements?

How about owning land as only Filipino Citizens can, as US citizen cannot.

Protections that are afforded the Filipino Citizen from their Government.

_______

I think there are more but off the top of my head that is what I have.

Of course, if none of this is important to you, then their is no need. But, for $50 tell me why you wouldn't.

Former Filipino Citizens can own land, as I already posted.