What is the Balikbayan Program (Visa-Free Entry)?

Returning  “balikbayans” or former Filipinos may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period of one(1) year provided they have a passport valid for 6 months beyond intended stay in the Philippines, a roundtrip ticket and can present proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old passport, birth certificate).

Foreign spouses and children who are traveling with the Balikbayan are included in the privilege. Nationals of countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines are generally allowed entry into the country without a visa for a stay of 30 days or less, provided the nature of the trip is for tourism, they are holders of round trip or outbound airline ticket and their passports are valid for six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines.

U.S. and Canadian passport holders are covered by this rule. (For other nationalities, please check with the Philippine Consulate General.)