The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking has issued revised guidelines for travel abroad to protect Filipinos from human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The new rules, taking effect September 3rd, have caused concerns among Filipinos. Most travelers (95%) only need to present basic documents like a valid passport, return ticket, and visa if required. Additional documents may be requested of first-time travelers to verify the purpose of their trip, but experienced travelers with a history of frequent travel can pass with basic documents. The guidelines specify potential supporting documents required for different types of travelers.

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Philippine New Guidelines for Travel
Abroad and Associated Challenges

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The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking has issued
revised guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad to protect
against human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The
updated rules, set to take effect on September 3, have
raised concerns among Filipinos.

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What are the basic travel requirements?
The department pointed out that over 95% of travelers are required to present only the basic documents:
● Passport valid at least six months from the date of departure
● Boarding pass
● Appropriate visa, whenever required
● Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, when necessary
According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, the additional requirements will mostly apply to
first-time travelers, who may pose as tourists but are identified as having intentions to find employment abroad.

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Do I need to show proof of financial
capacity?
“That will only come in if the Filipino traveler is not able to
adequately present and prove his purpose of travel, or in more
regular parlance, when there are indications of red flags,” said
Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty, who is in charge of IACAT.

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Is it still necessary for me
to provide proof of
financial capacity and
employment even if I
already have a visa?
Immigration officers typically
don't require proof of financial
capacity or employment for
Filipino travelers to visa-
requiring countries like Europe.
Those with prior travel
experience are likely to pass
immigration smoothly.

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Should I prepare all supporting
documents?
First-time travelers should prepare financial capacity or employment
certificates, while experienced travelers can leave with basic
documents, as immigration officers can see their record of
frequent trips and jobless status.

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What supporting documents may be requested
from different categories of travelers?
Immigration officers may require passengers to provide supporting documents, such as
proof of accommodation, financial capacity, income, and employment. Travelers sponsored by
relatives within the first civil degree may need an original birth or marriage certificate,
passport, work visa, residence permit, or Overseas Employment Certificate. If the sponsor
falls within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, a notarized affidavit of
support and guarantee may be required. OFWs departing for the first time may need
OEC or OFW clearance.

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How long should inspections take?
Primary inspections should last for 45 seconds and
secondary inspections for 15 minutes, unless extraordinary
circumstances require a longer period of inspection.