The requirement is that you enter with your wife, there is no stipulation that she must remain as long as you do. So long as you leave before your year is up you are home free, literally!

Larry

 

Larry, thanks for that. I'm happy that I don't need a visa, and will be home free lol

 

Dealing with immigration in the Phillipines you better be very carefull, even paranoia.
Upon arrival in the Philippines together with your (former) Philippina partner gives you the right to Balickbayan status and one of the privilages is a visum for one year.
Make sure to control the stamp in your passport directly after you pass the immigration desk.
As Balickbayan it should be a red stamp with date of arrival, a written number inside and either the words One year or BB
If you see 21d(ays) in the stamp you better complain.
Always have a copy of your marriage certificate at hand in case they ask for.

 

Good advice!

 

Normally it's not a problem if you arrive at the same time as your Filipina wife, but keep in mind it's not required for the immigration officer to issue a Balikbayan, it is at their discretion. This information came from Peter at the Dumaguete immigration office.

Ron

 

For that matter, the immigration officer does not have to let you enter at all. However, BB privileges are seldom denied anymore, as long as proper documentation and protocol are present.

A year or two ago someone I know reported he had been denied at the airport, but went to BI in Cebu and got it.

Larry

 

Thanks Firefly, I'll make sure it's stamped red BB. have one from last time, so can compare them.

 

Dual citizenship

Hi folks, on this note, what if one's wife was to hold dual citizenship? Which passport would she have to present to Customs for her husband and herself to get the Balikbayan's privilegies?
Many thanks....

 

I think it's the Philippines one, saves time too. Then when leaving the Fills, tell her to present the British passport,
saves money.