What is a Philippine Visa?

A Philippine Visa is an endorsement made on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad denoting that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entries to enter the country. The visa thus issued is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted into the country, because the admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Guidelines on the Entry of Temporary Visitors to the Philippines

Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay.

Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of twenty-one (21) days or less:

1. Andorra 2. Angola 3. Antigua and Barbuda 4. Argentina 5. Australia 6. Austria 7. Bahamas 8. Bahrain 9. Barbados 10. Belgium 11. Benin 12. Bhutan 13. Bolivia 14. Botswana 15. Brazil* 16. Brunei Darussalam 17. Bulgaria 18. Burkina Faso 19. Burundi 20. Cambodia 21. Cameroon 22. Canada 23. Cape Verde 24. Central African Republic 25. Chad 26. Chile 27. Colombia 28. Comoros 29. Congo 30. Costa Rica 31. Cote d’Ivoire 32. Cyprus 33. Czech Republic 34. Democratic Republic of the Congo 35. Denmark 36. Djibouti 37. Dominica 38. Dominican Republic 39. Ecuador 40. El Salvador 41. Equatorial Guinea 42. Eritrea 43. Ethiopia 44. Fiji 45. Finland 46. France 47. Gabon 48. Gambia 49. Germany 50. Ghana 51. Gibraltar 52. Greece 53. Grenada 54. Guatemala 55. Guinea 56. Guinea Bissau 57. Guyana 58. Haiti 59. Honduras 60. Hungary 61. Iceland 62. Indonesia 63. Ireland 64. Israel* 65. Italy 66. Jamaica 67. Japan 68. Kenya 69. Kiribati 70. Kuwait 71. Lao People’s Democratic Republic 72. Lesotho 73. Liberia 74. Liechtenstein 75. Luxembourg 76. Madagascar 77. Malawi 78. Malaysia 79. Maldives 80. Mali 81. Malta 82. Marshall Islands 83. Mauritania 84. Mauritius 85. Mexico 86. Micronesia 87. Monaco 88. Mongolia 89. Morocco 90. Mozambique 91. Myanmar 92. Namibia 93. Nepal 94. Netherlands 95. New Zealand 96. Nicaragua 97. Niger 98. Norway 99. Oman 100. Palau 101. Panama 102. Papua New Guinea 103. Paraguay 104. Peru 105. Poland 106. Portugal 107. Qatar 108. Republic of Korea 109. Romania 110. Rwanda 111. Saint Kitts and Nevis 112. Saint Lucia 113. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 114. Samoa 115. San Marino 116. Sao Tome and Principe 117. Saudi Arabia 118. Senegal 119. Seychelles 120. Singapore 121. Slovakia 122. Solomon Islands 123. Somalia 124. South Africa 125. Spain 126. Suriname 127. Swaziland 128. Sweden 129. Switzerland 130. Thailand 131. Togo 132. Trinidad and Tobago 133. Tunisia 134. Turkey 135. Tuvalu 136. Uganda 137. United Arab Emirates 138. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 139. United Republic of Tanzania 140. United States of America 141. Uruguay 142. Venezuela 143. Vietnam 144. Zambia 145. Zimbabwe

*The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

1. Holders of Brazil passports; and
2. Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:

1. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports
2. Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
3. Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao
4. Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Important Note:

Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (Telephone numbers: 834-4854, 834-3707, and 834-4810), Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines, or to the Philippine Embassy (Tel.No. 84-4 943 7873 ext. 116).

Definition of a Foreign Tourist (Temporary Visitor)

A “foreign tourist” is defined as a person without distinction as to race, gender, language or religion, who is proceeding to the Philippines for a legitimate, nonimmigrant purpose such as sightseeing, sports, health, family reasons, training or study (excluding enrolment in schools for the purpose of obtaining a title or degree), religious pilgrimage, business, cultural and scientific purposes.

Standard Procedure/Minimum Requirements for Applying a Temporary Visitor’s Visa

Application for a temporary visitor’s visa must be made in person. In the case of a minor under eighteen (18) years of age, the application may be made for him by a person who, in the opinion of the consular officer, is responsible for his/her welfare. The minor, not an infant in arms, shall be required to appear at the Consulate for interview, together with the person making the application for him/her.

Applicants for temporary visitor’s visa should normally apply at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over their place of residence. While some visa applicants may apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad, others are only allowed to apply his/her visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in his country of origin or legal residence.

The following are the minimum requirements for applying a temporary visitor’s visa:

1. Passport/Travel Document Valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
2. Duly Accomplished Visa application forms;
3. Passport Photos (2 pieces);
4. Proof of bona fide status as tourist or businessman;
5. Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination; and
6. Payment of Visa Fees

Other Visa/Entry Requirements for Foreign Nationals:

Minor children below 15 yrs. old Traveling to the Philippines Unaccompanied by or not Joining a Parent in the Philippines

A Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) Under Section 29(a)(12) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, is required for children below 15 yrs. old who are traveling to the Philippines unaccompanied by or not joining his/her parent/s to the Philippines. The WEG Order will be issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the port of entry upon submission by the WEG applicant of the following requirements:

1. Affidavit of consent by either parent or legally appointed guardian of the child, naming therein the person who will be accompanying the child to the Philippines and with whom the child will stay while in the country. The said Affidavit must be duly notarized by a local notary public or the consular officer at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country or residence;
2. Clear photocopy of the data page of the child’s passport;
3. Clear photocopy of the data page of the passport of the accompanying adult or guardian; and
4. Payment of immigration fees.

Foreign Nationals on Board Privately-Owned Yachts or Sailboats

A temporary visitor’s visa is required for foreign nationals who are traveling to the Philippines on board privately-owned yachts and sailboats. When applying the visa, the applicants will be required to provide the following particulars of the yacht/sailboat and its crewmembers:

1. Crewlist;
2. Nationality/Citizenship;
3. Passport details of the crew;
4. Vessel to be used for entry: type, name, registration, call sign, and other particulars;
5. Estimated date of entry into the Philippine territory;
6. Port/Area of entry (Philippine waters);
7. Estimated period of stay in the Philippines;
8. Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any); and
9. Purpose of visit

Upon entry into the Philippines, the crew of the yacht and sailboats are required to register immediately with the nearest Coast Guard Station and submit the yacht/sailboats to Customs, Immigration and Quarantine inspections.

Foreign Newsmen, Journalists and Cinema/Television Groups

Foreign newsmen and journalists visiting the Philippines in pursuit of their profession are required to apply for a temporary visitor’s visa. The following are additional requirements for visa application of foreign newsmen, journalist, cinema/television groups:

1. Curriculum vitae of newsmen/journalists;
2. Shortlist of work credits;
3. Copy of one (1) sample article written by the applicant;
4. Background of media organization, including target market/audience, circulation, format; and
5. Administrative arrangements for the work in the Philippines, as follows:
6. List of members of the reportorial team, nationality and passport details;
7. Planned itinerary and activities, with storyline for any films to be made;
8. List of equipment to be brought by each team member, with certification from the media organization that said equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip to the Philippines;
9. Flight details (arrival and departure); and
10. For each team member, one (1) photograph, sixe 1”x1”, to be submitted to the International Press Center (IPC) for the issuance of accreditation card.

Upon arrival in the Philippines, the newsmen/journalists will have to report to the IPC for accreditation.

Foreign Nationals who wish to take up a short-term non-degree course

Foreign students who wish to take up a short-term non-degree course like language and computer courses must apply for a temporary visitor’s visa. Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the school/institution authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students, he/she should apply for a Special Study Permit at the Bureau’s Student Desk, together with the following documents:

1. Letter request;
2. Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students;
3. Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant’s authorized period of stay;
4. Affidavit of Support and Proof of Financial Capacity; and
5. Birth Certificate.

Extension of Authorized Period of Stay in the Philippines

In case of a temporary visitor’s visa holder whose stay in the Philippines will exceed the authorized period of stay, he/she will have to report to the Bureau of Immigration, secure an extension of stay and pay the corresponding immigration fees. Information on fees for extension of stay and other Immigration fees are available at the Bureau of Immigration website (www.immigration.gov.ph).

Source: www.dfa.gov.ph

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Passport Application Requirements

1.  Renewal of Passport

            The Embassy is now accepting applications for ePassport and will no longer issue Machine Readable Passport or MRP. The Philippine ePassport has an embedded interoperable International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant chip that contains the passport holder’s personal data and biometrics, a unique chip identification number, and a digital signature to verify the authenticity of the data stored in the chip.

            The processing fee for an ePassport is USD60.00, and processing time takes 4-6 weeks. Personal appearance is required for the taking of biometrics (photo, fingerprints, and signature). All other requirements remain the same, as follows:

1. Accomplished passport application form
2. Original passport and photocopy of the passport’s data page, visa page, last page
3. Original and photocopy of valid employment-related documents such as work permit and employment contract
4. Original and photocopy of Temporary Resident Card (TRC), if applicant has one
5. Other relevant documents that may be required by the Consular Officer, depending on the circumstances of the passport applicant

2.  Passport for Filipino children born in Vietnam

            Following are the requirements in applying for a passport for Filipino children born in Vietnam:

1. Report of Birth
2. Accomplished passport application form (to be accomplished by Filipino parent)
3. Photocopy of passport data pages of Filipino parent
4. Photocopy of visa / TRC of Filipino parent
5. Photocopy of valid work permit / labor contract of the working parent
6. Processing fee of USD60.00
7. Personal appearance of the applicant and Filipino parent at the Embassy

3.  Extension of Passport Validity

            The validity of green passports (Machine Readable Ready Passport or MRRP) and Machine Readable Passports or MRP may be extended for a maximum of two (2) years in case of urgent travel, provided that said passports still have enough blank pages for visa and immigration stamps. The Embassy will stamp the new validity dates on the “amendment page” of the current passport, thus allowing the holder to use the same passport.  

            The processing fee for extension of passport validity is USD20.00, and processing takes two (2) working days.  The requirements are as follows:
                          

1.  Accomplished application form for passport validity extension
2. Original passport and photocopy of the passport’s data page, visa page, last page
3. Original and photocopy of valid employment-related documents such as work permit and employment contract
4. Original and photocopy of Temporary Resident Card (TRC), if applicant has one
5. One (1) passport size photograph taken recently

Note: Those applying for extension of passport validity shall also be required to
            apply for an ePassport before he/she travels. Upon claiming their
            ePassports on their return, they must submit their green passports or
            MRPs that had been extended for cancellation.

4.  Lost Passport

            The application for renewal of lost passport will be processed fifteen (15) days after submission of all the required documents. The 15-day clearing period is mandated by law. In addition to the requirements mentioned in Item No. 1 (Renewal of Passport) above, the applicant must also submit the following:

1. NSO-issued Birth Certificate authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila
2. Affidavit of Loss (to be executed in person at the Embassy, stating in detail the circumstances under which such loss occurred). Fee: USD25.00
3. Police Report (with English translation notarized by a local notary public)
4. Other supporting documents as may be required by the Consular Officer (ex: valid company ID, marriage certificate, PRC ID, NBI clearance, driver’s license, voter’s ID, school records, or any genuine document that contains the applicant’s personal information)
5. Lost passport fee: USD150.00

            Filipino tourists who lost their passports in Vietnam may be issued a Travel Document (TD) after submission of requirements b, c, and d mentioned above. For TD, the Police Report must be authenticated/acknowledged by the Embassy, since this will be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila as one of the requirements for obtaining a new passport.  A TD is valid for one-way travel back to the Philippines only and is issued in case of emergency. The processing fee for a TD is US$30.00 and US$25.00 for authentication/acknowledgement of the Police Report.      

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
           
In view of the processing time (4-6 weeks) required for issuance of ePassport, the Embassy encourages everyone to undertake the necessary preparations in accordance with their passport requirements at the earliest possible time. Please take note that holders of passports with a validity of less than six (6) weeks may not be allowed to travel to another country. They may however, still use said passport in traveling back to the Philippines.

The Embassy likewise advises all Filipinos to take note of the expiration date of their visas, and make sure to apply for passport renewal, if needed, at least 2 months prior to that date to avoid violating Vietnam’s immigration laws.

New passports must be claimed within 6 months after the date of issue. Passports not claimed after 6 months from the date of issue will be cancelled per DFA Department Order No. 37-03. Please bring/send your old passport to the Embassy for cancellation when claiming your new passport.

For queries/clarifications with regard to passport applications and about all other consular services, please call the Consular Section at telephone no. 04 3943 7873 ext 114, or send an email to consular_philembassyhanoi@yahoo.com

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Procedures for legalizing labor contracts executed in Vietnam for submission to the POEA

Notarization (or legalization) of labor contracts for submission to POEA may be done either through “authentication” or “acknowledgement,” the procedures and requirements of which are as follows:

I.  AUTHENTICATION

A labor contract may be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy after it has gone through local authentication as follows:

1. Notarization by a Vietnamese notary public (you may wish to check if notarization by a notary public needs to be certified by the Department of Justice in your area, prior to submitting it to MOFA)
2. Certification / authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi or HCMC)
3. Authentication by the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi (application may be sent by mail or through any authorized representative) or by the Philippine Honorary Consul General in HCMC

Processing fee is US$25 per document. If the application will be sent by mail to the Embassy, the fee may be deposited to the Embassy’s HSBC account with the following details:

                        Account name:       Philippine Embassy
                        USD Account:                      002 016566 101
                        Beneficiary bank: HSBC Hanoi Branch
                        Bank’s address:       83B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi

The bank deposit receipt must be included in the application documents to be mailed to the Consular Section of the Embassy. The applicants must arrange for the delivery by mail/courier of the documents to the Embassy and for their return to the applicant. The Embassy, however, does not guarantee the reliability of the mailing system and assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service.

Processing time is 3 working days.

II.   ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Another way to notarize the labor contract is through “acknowledgment,” whereby the Embassy’s consular officer OR the Philippine Honorary Consul General in HCMC acknowledges that the labor contract was signed before her. This requires personal appearance of the person/s who will sign the contract, and he/they must sign the labor contract in front of the Embassy’s consular officer or the Philippine Honorary Consul General in HCMC.

The person/ who will sign the labor contract must also bring the following:

1. valid passport and a photocopy thereof, as proof of identity
2. an authenticated copy (meaning, notarized by Vietnamese notary public and certified/authenticated by MOFA) of the company’s business license (with English translation) as proof of the legality of said company’s operation in Vietnam.

The processing fee is also US$25 per document and processing time is 3 working days.
Labor contracts of Household Service Workers (household help, nannies) may be notarized through “acknowledgement.” In addition to the labor contract, the applicant must bring the following:

1. valid passport of the employee and employer, and photocopies thereof
2. Photocopy of the employer’s visa, or Temporary Residence Card
3. Work Permit of the employer, and a photocopy thereof, OR if the employer owns a business in Vietnam, submit a notarized copy of business license and a company certification on his/her designation in the company

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REPORT OF BIRTH

Under the Philippine Constitution, a person born of one or both parents who are Filipino citizens at the time of birth is a Filipino. As such, the Embassy advises Filipino parents to report the birth of their child to the Embassy for submission to the National Statistics Office (NSO) through the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, and for the issuance of a Philippine passport to the child.

Following are the requirements for the report of birth:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Birth Form No. 40 (in 4 copies);
2. Birth Certificate of the child issued by the Ministry of Justice (original or certified true copy with 3 photocopies);
3. Four (4) photocopies of the authenticated Marriage Contract of parents issued by the NSO;
4. Four (4) photocopies of the first page, last page and visa page of the parents’ passport; and
5. Processing fee of US$25.00.

REPORT OF MARRIAGE

Filipino citizens who contracted marriage in Vietnam, either solemnized at the Embassy or by Vietnamese civil authorities, are advised to report such marriage to the Embassy. Upon receipt of the report, the Embassy submits it to the National Statistics Office (NSO) through the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Following are the requirements for the report of marriage:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Marriage Form (in 4 copies);
2. Marriage Certificate (original or certified true copy with 3 photocopies);
3. Four (4) photocopies of the first, page, last page, and visa page of passport of the husband and wife;
4. Four (4) certified true copies of authenticated Birth Record of Filipino spouse;
5. Passport size pictures of the husband and wife, four (4) each; and
6. Processing fee of US$25.00
7. For women who obtained annulment or were divorced by their foreign husband: authenticated copy and photocopy of the judgment granting divorce or annulment.
8. For widows: Death Certificate of the deceased spouse. If the spouse died in the Philippines, the certificate should be issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
9. If applying by mail, it is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange for the delivery (by special courier or postal service) of his/her documents to the Embassy and back.

REPORT OF DEATH

Filipino nationals are requested to immediately report to the Embassy/Consulate the death of a Filipino in Vietnam.

Kindly contact the Embassy or Consulate at the following numbers:

Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

27 B Tran Hung Dao St.,
Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel.Nos.: (84-43) 943-7873, 943-3849, 943-4493
Fax No. : (84-43) 943-5760
Email Address: hnpe2000@yahoo.com; pe.hanoi@dfa.gov.ph
Consular Section: consular_philembassy@yahoo.com

Philippine Consulate General

Unit A Level 11 Office Service International Center
No.8 Nguyen Hue Blvd., District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel No. (84-83) 829-4738
Fax No. (84-83) 829-4776

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Article 10 of the Family Code of the Philippines provides that a marriage may be solemnized abroad by any Consul-General, Consul, or Vice-Consul when the marriage is between Filipino citizens, male and female. The consular officer shall issue a marriage license and perform the duties of the local civil registrar and of the solemnizing officer with regard to the celebration of the marriage. 

Requirements:

Both parties are required to appear in person at the Embassy to apply for the Marriage License. Please bring the original and 2 sets of photocopies of the following documents to the Consular Section:

1. Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) obtained from the National Statistics Office (NSO). This is a requirement for the Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (LCCM) which the Embassy will issue to each of the contracting parties.  (Processing Fee: US$ 25)

2. Certificate of Live Birth (printed in security paper) obtained from the NSO.

Note: Documents 1 and 2 above should be duly authenticated by the Authentication Division, Office of Consular Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, with address at 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. Tel.No. (632) 834-4000 / 3000. www.dfa.gov.ph

3. Proof of Philippine Citizenship of contracting parties – photocopy of the first and last page of valid Philippine passport, including visa page.

4. Two (2) witnesses above 21 years old, preferably one (1) male and one (1) female to be present during the Solemnization of Marriage.

5. If the bride is below 18 years old and the groom is below 21 years old, an Affidavit of Consent executed by the parents of the contracting parties should be submitted. The affidavit must be authenticated by the DFA in Manila.

6. If either or both of the contracting parties are between 21 and 25 years old, a sworn statement (affidavit) stating that Parental Advice on the intended marriage has been sought, together with the written parental advice if any, should be submitted. If they do not obtain such advice, or it if is unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after 3 months following the publication of the application for marriage. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact should be stated in the sworn statement  

7. Five (5) Passport size pictures of each party

After submission of the required documents by the contracting parties, a ten (10)-day publication of “The Intent to Marry” by both parties shall be posted at the Embassy and circulated via email to the Filipino community in Vietnam. If there are no objections received, the Consul General or the Vice Consul of the Embassy will issue the marriage license (valid for 120 days) and perform the Solemnization of Marriage within the Embassy premises on a scheduled date (a working day), mutually convenient to the contracting parties and the solemnizing officer. The contracting parties and their guests are requested to arrive at the Embassy in semi-formal or formal attire.

FEES:   Marriage Solemnization Fee - US$ 60

Filipinos marrying Vietnamese or other foreign nationals are required to obtain a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (CLCCM) from the Embassy to be presented to relevant Vietnamese authorities. Likewise, Filipinos intending to get married at the Embassy are required to obtain CLCCM.

Requirements for Single applicants:

1. Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
2. Birth Certificate issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
3. Duly-accomplished Application Form
4. Processing Fee of US$ 25.00
5. Personal appearance

Requirements for those previously married:

1. Annulment Decree duly- authenticated by the DFA
2. Marriage Certificate (previous marriage) with marginal note on the annulment, issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
3. Birth Certificate issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
4. Photocopy of valid passport
5. Duly-accomplished Application Form
6. Processing Fee of US$ 25.00
7. Personal appearance

Requirements for Widows / Widowers:

1. Marriage Certificate (previous marriage) issued NSO and authenticated by the DFA
2. Death Certificate of the deceased spouse issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
3. Birth Certificate of the applicant issued by NSO and authenticated by the DFA
4. Duly-accomplished Application Form
5. Processing Fee of US$ 25.00
6. Personal appearance

Filipino citizens who contracted marriage in Vietnam, either solemnized at the Embassy or by Vietnamese civil authorities, are advised to report such marriage to the Embassy. Upon receipt of the report, the Embassy submits it to the National Statistics Office (NSO) through the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Following are the requirements for the report of marriage:

1. Duly accomplished Report of Marriage Form (five original)
2. Five (5) certified true copies of the Marriage Certificate
3. Five (5) photocopies of the first, page, last page, and visa page of passport of the husband and wife;
4. Five (5) certified true copies of Birth Record of Filipino spouse
5. Passport size pictures of the husband and wife, five (5) each
6. Processing fee of US$25.00

7. For those who obtained annulment or were divorced by their foreign spouse: authenticated copy and photocopy of the judgment granting divorce or annulment.

8. For widows/widowers: Death Certificate of the deceased spouse. If the spouse died in the Philippines, the certificate should be issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.

Note:  The Embassy will submit two (2) original sets of documents to the National Statistics Office. The Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Records Division, the Embassy, and the applicant will each get one set.

THE PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP REACQUISITION AND RETENTION ACT

Republic Act No. 9225 took effect on 17 September 2003 and declares that former natural-born Filipino citizens who acquired foreign citizenship through naturalization are deemed not to have lost their Philippine citizenship under conditions provided in the Act.

RA 9225 addresses two situations, namely:

1. Reacquisition -- For natural-born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their Philippine citizenship by reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country. They are deemed to have re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.
2. Retention -- For natural-born citizens of the Philippines who after the effectivity of RA 9225 (17 September 2003) become citizens of a foreign country. They shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

Requirements and Procedures in Reacquiring/Retaining Filipino Citizenship under RA 9225

1. Submit a copy of at least one of the following documents:
   1. Philippine Birth Certificate
   2. Old Philippine Passport
   3. Voter’s Affidavit or Voter’s Identification Card
   4. Marriage Contract indicating Philippine citizenship of the applicant
   5. Such other documents that would show that the applicant is a former natural-born citizen of the Philippines, as may be accepted by the evaluating officer
2. Accomplish application form
3. Submit required photos (2X2 colored photos of the left side view, front view, and right side view. white background)
4. Pay the fee of US$ 50 (P 2,500)
5. Each minor children of the Petitioner, if any, shall be assessed a separate processing fee of US$ 25 (P1,250)

EMBASSY REGISTRATION OF FILIPINOS IN VIETNAM

Filipinos who are temporarily residing / working in Vietnam are encouraged to register at the Philippine Embassy. Your contact details serve as important information particularly in case of emergencies. The Embassy issues Identification Cards to Filipinos who register.

The Embassy Registration Form may be downloaded here.

Following are the requirements:

• Photocopy of the data pages, visa page, and the page with immigration stamp of valid Philippine passport; and
• Two (2) 3 cm x 4 cm recent colored photo
  
  
  
  
  

Application for NBI Clearance by Filipinos abroad

Following are guidelines issued by the National Bureau of Investigation for the application of NBI Clearance by Filipinos abroad:

1. Applicants must fill in the personal data entries on both sides of the Fingerprint Card (NBI Form No. 5) truthfully and legibly. The Form may be obtained at the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, or at the Philippine Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
2. The Consular Officer will guide the applicant in properly impressing the applicant’s fingerprints (rolled impression) on the appropriate spaces in Form No. 5.
3. In case the applicant is a married woman, the order of the entries is as follows:
   • Maiden surname (family or surname of father)
   • First name or given name
   • Maternal surname (maiden surname of mother)
   • Husband’s surname or family name
4. Attach latest copy of 2”x2” photograph (white background), taken within three (3) months before current application, at the appropriate box in the fingerprint card form.
5. Holders of issued NBI Clearance Certificates (original copy) should include the following:
   • One (1) 2”x2” recent photo
   • Current address
6. Upon completion of this requirement, the applicant must send the duly-accomplished form, enclosing Money Order in the sum of Php 200.00 or any currency/bankdraft of its equivalent which is negotiable in the Philippines, payable to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines.
   
   The Embassy suggests that the applicant also arrange/pay for the return envelope. The NBI will mail back the corresponding clearance certificate after processing of the application papers. Or the applicant may wish to seek the assistance of relatives in Manila in sending the application to NBI and in claiming the new NBI Clearance.
   
   
7. Upon receipt of the NBI clearance certificate, it is suggested that the applicant examine the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, as the clearance is invalid without it. The applicant must affix his/her clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it in the clearance certificate before submitting it to the end-user, otherwise, the clearance might be subjected to further verification/authentication which will cause delay.
8. The applicant has to bring the new NBI Clearance to the Consular Section of the Embassy for authentication (processing fee: US$25.00)

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