Balikbayan Program Question

[Hoofie Puppet 3]

Hello.

 

Not sure if I'm quite understanding the Balikbayan program.  My wife is here in the US with me and NOT a dual citizen.  Yes, she's been here longer than one year.  She still has a valid Philippines passport.  If we decide to go back to the Philippines, can I ask for the 1-year balikbayan visa?  Can this visa be used only for FORMER Philippines citizens?

 

Thanks.

[Edward and Jaycel 1,661]

As the spouse of a Philippine citizen, you can get the 1 year Balikbayan visa upon arrival as long as you enter the country with your Philippine Citizen spouse and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate

[Hoofie Puppet 3]

Ok great!   So it doesn't matter if she's a dual citizen or former?  Here's what the Washington, DC Embassy told me (they didn't say you had to be a FORMER Philippines citizen ONLY):

 

If you are a former Filipino who is now a naturalized citizen of a visa-free country (under Executive Order 408), you can avail yourself of the Balikbayan Visa-Free Privilege and stay in the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year from the date of arrival in the Philippines.
Your family members (spouse and children) with foreign passports can also enjoy this privilege if they enter the Philippines with you and present proof of filiation to the immigration officer.  The following documents need to be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival:
 

1. Former Filipino Citizens: Philippine Birth Certificate or old Philippine Passport.
2. Dual Citizens Using a Foreign Passport: Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate
3. Foreign Spouse: Marriage certificate as proof of relationship.
4. Children: Birth certificate as proof of relationship.

Note: Passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in the Philippines.

Edited April 1 by Hoofie Puppet

[Edward and Jaycel 1,661]

2 minutes ago, Hoofie Puppet said:

So it doesn't matter if she's a dual citizen or former?

No it doesn't matter:

 

Yes, as a US citizen, you may be eligible for a visa-free entry to the Philippines under the Balikbayan Program if you are the spouse of a former Philippine citizen, provided you travel with them and meet certain requirements. 
Here's a more detailed explanation: 
Balikbayan Program:
This program allows former Filipino citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship, along with their foreign spouses and children, to enter the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year.
Requirements:
You must be the spouse of a former Filipino citizen.
You must travel with your former Filipino citizen spouse.
Your spouse must be able to prove their former Philippine citizenship (e.g., old Philippine passport or PSA-issued birth certificate).
You must present a valid passport and any other required documents as determined by the Philippine immigration officials at the port of entry.

[Hoofie Puppet 3]

5 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Balikbayan Program:
This program allows former Filipino citizens who have acquired foreign citizenship, along with their foreign spouses and children, to enter the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year.
Requirements:
You must be the spouse of a former Filipino citizen.
You must travel with your former Filipino citizen spouse.
Your spouse must be able to prove their former Philippine citizenship (e.g., old Philippine passport or PSA-issued birth certificate).
You must present a valid passport and any other required documents as determined by the Philippine immigration officials at the port of entry.

Interesting but it does FORMER.

[Edward and Jaycel 1,661]

Just now, Hoofie Puppet said:

Interesting but it does FORMER.

 

It's also valid for immediate family members of current Philippine citizens

As a U.S. citizen married to a Filipino citizen, you can enter the Philippines visa-free as a family member of a Balikbayan (returning Filipino citizen) for up to one year, provided you travel with your spouse and present proof of your relationship. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Balikbayan Program:
The Balikbayan program allows returning Filipino citizens (including former Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship) and their immediate family members (spouse and children) to enter the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year. 
Visa-Free Entry:
As a foreign spouse of a Filipino citizen, you can enter the Philippines visa-free under this program, provided you are traveling with your Filipino spouse and present the necessary documentation to the immigration officer. 
Required Documents:
Proof of Relationship: You will need to present a valid marriage certificate as proof of your relationship with your Filipino spouse. 
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the Philippines. 
Balikbayan Definition:
A Balikbayan includes:
Returning Filipino citizens 
Filipino overseas workers 
Former citizens of the Philippines who are now holders of foreign passports 

[Tahoma 2,298]

My Filipino wife and I have traveled to the Philippines many times.  We’ve never been asked for any supporting documentation.  We have never even had to ask for the Balikbayan benefit.  They always automatically give us one year.  Since my wife became a dual citizen, she always travels on her U.S. passport.  She never brings her Filipino passport.  When your wife becomes a dual citizen and travels with a U.S. passport, you’ll notice that her U.S. passport includes her “Place of Birth.”  When she travels that way, she will automatically get a one-year stay.  If she travels on her Filipino passport, of course she’ll get an unlimited stay.  Still, if she’s not a dual citizen, it would be a good idea to have a copy of your marriage certificate in case you run into a cranky Filipino immigration officer.

[Hoofie Puppet 3]

19 minutes ago, Tahoma said:

My Filipino wife and I have traveled to the Philippines many times.  We’ve never been asked for any supporting documentation.  We have never even had to ask for the Balikbayan benefit.  They always automatically give us one year.  Since my wife became a dual citizen, she always travels on her U.S. passport.  She never brings her Filipino passport.  When your wife becomes a dual citizen and travels with a U.S. passport, you’ll notice that her U.S. passport includes her “Place of Birth.”  When she travels that way, she will automatically get a one-year stay.  If she travels on her Filipino passport, of course she’ll get an unlimited stay.  Still, if she’s not a dual citizen, it would be a good idea to have a copy of your marriage certificate in case you run into a cranky Filipino immigration officer.

Excellent, thank you!

[Kevo 73]

Traveled with my Filipina wife several times to the Philippines, both with her as a Philippine citizen with a GC and after she was a US citizen holding a US passport.  All times my passport, and our daughter's, was stamped with a 1 year expiration stamp.  

 

I can't remember ever having to show our marriage certificate, but we may have.  I'd bring one just in case.