Frequently Asked Questions

Citizenship | Marriage | Balikbayan Program | Philippine Airlines | Currency Regulations

Citizenship

Can a Filipino citizen who has acquired Australian citizenship retain his Philippine citizenship?

Philippine citizenship is deemed lost once Australian citizenship is acquired. However, under the Philippine Citizenship Reacquisition and Retention Act of 2003 (Republic Act No.9225), a former natural-born Filipino may now reacquire/retain Philippine citizenship by taking the oath of allegiance (Dual Citizenship Q & A) [Link] .

Can a Filipino citizen who has been a naturalized citizen in another country return to the Philippines and live permanently?

Yes, including his spouse and minor children upon acquiring a non-quota immigrant visa.

Marriage

What is the procedure for an Australian and a Filipino to get married in the Philippines?

The contracting parties must obtain a marriage license from the local civil registrar of the city or municipality where the Filipino resides.

An Australian citizen applying for a marriage license will be required to submit a Certificate of No Impediment to Marry (CNI) from the Australian Embassy in Manila.

Balikbayan Program

Can a former Filipino enter the Philippines without visa?

Yes, in view of the effectivity of Republic Act No. 6768 known as the "Balikbayan Program." Former Filipino citizens who are now holders of foreign passports are allowed a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a maximum stay of one (1) year. Extensions thereof shall be subject to such fees as may be required by the Bureau of Immigration. The privilege is also extended to the spouse and children of the balikbayan who are not a balikbayan in their own right but who are travelling together with the balikbayan. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos who have been continuously out of the country for one (1) year are also entitled to balikbayan status.

The benefits and privileges may be enjoyed by all balikbayans every time they enter the Philippines to visit regardless of their frequent travel.

To avail of the privilege, a foreign passport holder who is a balikbayan must present the following:
o  Old Philippine passport or Philippine birth certificate;
o  Foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippine citizenship.

Accompanying family members of the balikbayan should present:

o  birth certificate of each child;
o  marriage certificate for the spouse
o  adoption papers for legally adopted children

Philippine Airlines

Where is the Philippine Airlines Office in Sydney located?

Answer: Philippine Airlines Office is located at 49 York St. in Sydney with
telephone no. (612) 9279-2020.

Currency Regulations

When traveling to the Philippines, do I need to declare to Customs how much money I am brining into the country?

Any person bringing foreign currency and other foreign exchange-denominated bearer negotiable monetary instruments (including traveler’s checks) in an out of the Philippine in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent, must accomplish a Declaration Form which may be obtained from, and after accomplishment submitted to, the Customs Desk in the Arrival or Departure Areas.  Failure to do so is subject to sanctions.

Also, the brining in or out of the country of legal tender Philippine notes and coins, checks, money order and other bills of exchange drawn in pesos in an amount exceeding PhP 10,000 without authorization by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is prohibited.