Visiting Philippines - Questions

[jhepho 0]

Hello. I am originally from the Philippines and got my US citizenship in 2008. Visa Journey was extremely helpful in the past during my naturalization process so I figured I'd ask a few general questions regarding a future trip to the Philippines.

I have been calling the US consulate in Frisco all day to find out this information and I don't know if they're just busy, they're ignoring my calls or if anyone works there anymore but I have been unsuccessful in getting a hold of them.

I have been in the US for 15 years and will be visiting the Philippines for the first time since immigrating here (my trip is in February). I found in the consulate website that I qualify for the Balikbayan program so I can stay there visa free as long as its under a year (correct me if I am wrong. btw, i am only there 23 days. I know, it's an odd number but oh well). It also says that I am exempt from travel tax. Does this mean I don't have to pay travel tax going to and leaving the Philippines? Will they be putting some kind of stamp on my passport to show that I am exempt, or do I have to fill out some kind of form?

Also, what other fees do I have to be aware of when I arrive/depart the airport?

My wife will be coming with me. She is not a citizen yet but has a green card. Are her fees the same as mine or does she have to pay for something else because of her different status?

[Fight for Love 98]

no tax fees to enter pinas. ONLY on your departure.

if your wife is balikbayan (greencard holder) she's elligiable to get an travel fee waiver. what she needed to do is to go to department of tourism(if i remember it correctly it's located around luneta) so that she won't pay that much fees. goodluck

also got this info....

(TRAVEL TAX AND AIRPORT FEES

Philippine Nationals are expected to pay for the Philippine Travel Tax upon departure from the Philippines. It is usually paid at the airport upon departure or; oftentimes, already included in the cost of the ticket when purchased. US Nationals and Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) are exempt from the Philippine Travel Tax. US Permanent Residents need to secure a Travel Tax Exemption Certificate from the Philippine Tourism Authority at the Department of Tourism Building at TM Kalaw Street, Ermita Manila. The Philippine Travel Tax is PHP1,620.00 (approximately $35.00).

All passengers departing from the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) are expected to pay the Airport Terminal Fee of PHP750.00 (approximately $17.00). No one is exempt from paying the Airport Terminal Fee.)

[Bumbero 130]

The Airport terminal fee is PHP550. Just paid it 3 weeks ago!

[Vic20r 14]

Hello. I am originally from the Philippines and got my US citizenship in 2008. Visa Journey was extremely helpful in the past during my naturalization process so I figured I'd ask a few general questions regarding a future trip to the Philippines.

I have been calling the US consulate in Frisco all day to find out this information and I don't know if they're just busy, they're ignoring my calls or if anyone works there anymore but I have been unsuccessful in getting a hold of them.

I have been in the US for 15 years and will be visiting the Philippines for the first time since immigrating here (my trip is in February). I found in the consulate website that I qualify for the Balikbayan program so I can stay there visa free as long as its under a year (correct me if I am wrong. btw, i am only there 23 days. I know, it's an odd number but oh well). It also says that I am exempt from travel tax. Does this mean I don't have to pay travel tax going to and leaving the Philippines? Will they be putting some kind of stamp on my passport to show that I am exempt, or do I have to fill out some kind of form?

Also, what other fees do I have to be aware of when I arrive/depart the airport?

My wife will be coming with me. She is not a citizen yet but has a green card. Are her fees the same as mine or does she have to pay for something else because of her different status?

Here is the link...you can check on this

http://philembassy.be/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=338&Itemid=227

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hello. I am originally from the Philippines and got my US citizenship in 2008. Visa Journey was extremely helpful in the past during my naturalization process so I figured I'd ask a few general questions regarding a future trip to the Philippines.

I have been calling the US consulate in Frisco all day to find out this information and I don't know if they're just busy, they're ignoring my calls or if anyone works there anymore but I have been unsuccessful in getting a hold of them.

I have been in the US for 15 years and will be visiting the Philippines for the first time since immigrating here (my trip is in February). I found in the consulate website that I qualify for the Balikbayan program so I can stay there visa free as long as its under a year (correct me if I am wrong. btw, i am only there 23 days. I know, it's an odd number but oh well). It also says that I am exempt from travel tax. Does this mean I don't have to pay travel tax going to and leaving the Philippines? Will they be putting some kind of stamp on my passport to show that I am exempt, or do I have to fill out some kind of form?

Also, what other fees do I have to be aware of when I arrive/depart the airport?

My wife will be coming with me. She is not a citizen yet but has a green card. Are her fees the same as mine or does she have to pay for something else because of her different status?

U.S. Citizens do not pay a travel tax when leaving the Philippines, you will be traveling on a U.S. passport (required for U.S. citizens) so the only fee you will pay is the terminal fee that everyone has to pay.

Bringing your old Philippine passport or other proof (like copy of birth certifcate) will get you the Balikbayn.

Your wife will still be traveling on her Philippine passport so she will need the exemption for the travel tax as noted in the earlier post.