Bureau of Immigration is very busy

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) had been very busy during the last weeks. There are two new regulations, one belonging to foreign expatriates and longtime tourists the other one aiming Filipino tourists.

Foreign expatriates and longtime tourists

When you have to get your visa extension at a field office of the bureau of immigration, you now have to:

• You have now to bring each time a 2 x 2 passport photo and glue it yourself on the BI form *
• You have to provide the BI with 2 (two) reference persons in the Philippines. Up to now, one person had been enough.

We have updated accordingly our visa information page.

[GARD]

New requirements for Filipino tourists

From now on, no (Filipino) tourist will be allowed to leave the country unless he can show proof of financial capability to travel, proof of work and financial support from benefactors.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on today issued strict guidelines designed to deter the exodus of undocumented Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) by making the said blanket requirement for all who travel as tourists.
The bureau adopted the policy to fight the nefarious activities of human trafficking syndicates. Undocumented OFWs are prone to abuses by their employers.

We have updated accordingly our Manila Departure Guide.

[GARD]

*) Yesterday here had been an error and a typo. Thanks to André and Ralph for their feedback.