The Filipino LGBT Europe wishes to share this good news with our fellow LGBT community that Filipinos and foreign spouses with same-sex marriage shall be temporarily admitted in the country, as per recent travel advisiory issued by the the Inter-Agency Task Forces.
As of 24 Dec 2021, same-sex marriage certificates are temporarily accepted by Bureau of Immigration when travelling back to the Philippines. This is a significant and welcome development towards recognition of inclusion, equality and rights of families, especially during the time of pandemic.
“We welcome this inclusive policy from the Bureau of Immigration. This development is in line with Article 26 of our Family Code where it recognises all marriages solemnised outside the Philippines. We are very thankful for this development as it will now allow ALL Balik-Bayan Filipinos and their spouse and children to enter the Philippines.” Chris Sta Brigida chairperson of the foundation said.
The Filipino LGBT Europe has been continuously active and relentless in its efforts towards inclusion. The Filipino LGBT Europe foundation reached out to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for clarification of this policy. On Jan. 17, 2022, we are happy to receive this confirmation from the Bureau of Immigration.
“As per existing immigration guidelines, a Filipino and foreign spouse with same-sex mariage shall be temporarily admitted under Commonwealth Act No. 613, Section 9(a)/30 days upon payment of visa waiver fees as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Present an embassy-authenticated and/or apostilled marriage contract;
- Present proof of citizenship of the Filipino or former Filipino spouse; and
- Payment of visa waiver fee at the airport
This directive shall only be valid until the travel bans against aliens are lifted. Kindly be advised that the final assessment of the sufficiency of travel/supporting documents, as well as the purpose of travel, shall be conducted during immigration inspection. Hence, final determination of the assessment, whether a passenger is allowed to enter the country or not, based on the existing immigrauon and IATF-MEID guidelines, rests entirely upon the conducting immigration officer at the port of entry. ”
The Philippine Airlines recognizes this inclusion in its travel advisory about Eligible Passengers For Travel To The Philippines.
For more information, you may contact the Bureau of Immigration for clarification via the following details:
- Facebook: immigration.helpline.ph, officialbureauofimmigration
- Website: www.immigration.gov.ph
- E-mail: immigPH@gmail.com , binoc_immigration@hotmail.ph , immigration.helpline.ph@gmail.com
Copy of the Press Release below:
