Balikbayan Privilege
The Balikbayan Program as instituted by Republic Act 6768 (amended by Republic Act 9174) was launched by the Philippine Government to attract and encourage overseas Filipinos to come and visit their motherland.
The following are considered Balikbayans:
A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year;
A Filipino overseas worker;
A former Filipino citizen who had been naturalized in one of the following countries listed on the attached page and who comes or returns to the Philippines; please note that their accompanying foreigner spouse and children are also considered balikbayans.
One Year Visa-Free Balikbayan Stay
The Philippines’ BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (please refer to the attached list of countries).
The visa-free stay privilege is extended to the balikbayan’s non-Filipino spouse and children, on the two conditions that (1) they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan and (2) they are citizens of a country listed below.
Former Filipino balikbayans travelling to the Philippines are advised to declare before the Immigration Officer at the port of entry that they are availing of the privilege and to bring either their old Philippine passport or copy of Philippine birth certificate as proof of their former Philippine citizenship.
Accompanying family members of the balikbayan can bring appropriate supporting documents to show evidence of relationship:
For the spouse: copy of marriage certificate
For each child: copy of birth certificate (indicating the balikbayan as a parent)
For adopted children: copy of adoption papers
Aside from visa-free entry to the Philippines, Philippine Law (R.A. 9174) provides benefits to Balikbayans:
Tax-exempt maximum purchases in the amount of USD 1,500, or the equivalent in Philippine and other currency, at Philippine Government–operated duty free shops
Exemption from Travel Tax, provided that their stay in the Philippines is one year or less. If their stay in the Philippines exceeds one year, Travel tax will apply to them.
Countries Covered by the Balikbayan Program
Former Filipinos and or their immediate family who are nationals of countries not found on the country list above will need to secure a visa before going to the Philippines.
For more information:
http://www.gov.ph/official-gazette/2002/11/07/republic-act-no-9174
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/balikbayan-previlege