The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking issued this week revised guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad with the intention of safeguarding citizens from human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
Set to be enforced on September 3, the decision to revise these guidelines was prompted by a series of complaints from travelers who experienced flight delays or being prevented from boarding due to questioning by officers from the Bureau of Immigration.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that might help you on your next out of the country:
1. &nbsp; &nbsp; What are the basic travel requirements?
The department pointed out that over 95% of travelers are required to present only the basic documents:
Passport valid at least six months from the date of departure Boarding pass Appropriate visa, whenever required Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, when necessary
2. &nbsp; &nbsp; Do I need to show proof of financial capacity?
&ldquo;That will only come in if the Filipino traveler is not able to adequately present and prove his purpose of travel, or in more regular parlance, when there are indications of red flags,&rdquo; said Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty.
3. &nbsp; &nbsp; Is it still necessary for me to provide proof of financial capacity and employment even if I already have a visa?
Ty stated that immigration officers do not ask for proof of financial capacity and employment in most cases.
&ldquo;If the Filipino traveler is going to a country that requires a visa, for example Europe, I would think the immigration officer would know that proof of financial capacity has been somewhat established at the level of the embassy,&rdquo; Ty said.
4. &nbsp; &nbsp; Should I prepare all supporting documents?&nbsp;
According to Ty, it would be highly advisable to prepare documents such as proof of financial capacity or certificate of employment for first-time travelers.
&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re already a seasoned traveler, the immigration officer can see it in their record that you often go out of the country and come home, and you&rsquo;re not looking for a job&hellip; the basic documents would be sufficient for you to be able to depart,&rdquo; he said.
5. &nbsp; &nbsp; What supporting documents may be requested from different categories of travelers?
In addition to basic travel documents, immigration officers might require passengers to provide supplementary documents if considered necessary. Independent travelers could be asked to present proof of accommodation, financial capacity or source of income and proof of employment.
Travelers whose trips are sponsored by a relative within the first civil degree may need to present an original birth or marriage certificate or report of marriage, copies of the sponsor&rsquo;s passport and valid work visa or residence permit, Overseas Employment Certificate (for OFW sponsors).
If you have more questions in mind or you just want more information, you may view the revised departure formalities <a href="https://doj.gov.ph/files/2023/IACAT/2023%20Updated%20Guidelines%20(for%20publishing)_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here.</a>
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