Addt’l requirements not required for over 98% of Filipinos traveling overseas – BI

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 31) – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday clarified that more than 98% of the international-bound Filipino travelers won’t need to present additional requirements as stated in revised travel guidelines.

“Added requirements are not necessary for the majority of the departing passengers,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said during an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.

“More than 98% of the travelers don’t need to present additional requirements apart from their passport, ticket, and visa,” she added.

READ: What you need to know about the new requirements for Filipinos traveling overseas

The Department of Justice temporarily suspended the revised travel guidelines after it gained criticisms from lawmakers and the public.

It was a day after the Senate approved an unnumbered resolution calling for the suspension of the controversial guidelines.

Sandoval, meanwhile, argued that the new guidelines will provide stronger protection against human trafficking overseas.

“The 2015 guidelines are vague and give much discretion to immigration officers unlike the 2023 travel guidelines, which limit the discretion of the immigration officers by putting in specific requirements for specific types of departing passengers,” Sandoval added.

Sandoval also assured the public that the agency will immediately act against erring officials involved in unauthorized activities.

According to the spokesperson, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), which crafted the revised travel guidelines, had a meeting today for possible amendment of the regulations.