Enable me to begin by saying that we, as residents, have a constitutional proper to journey. It’s enshrined in our structure. Nevertheless, this isn’t absolute.
That’s the reason we nonetheless undergo Immigration checks every time we go away the nation. And generally, vacationers get offloaded. However let’s make clear this primary. For the longest time, in different nations, offloading means you’re already on the aircraft after which requested to get off. However right here within the Philippines, it often means you weren’t allowed to board the aircraft or ship within the first place. Immigration officers right here truly use the time period “deferred boarding”. So on this article, once we say offload, we imply you weren’t allowed to board.
So, what are the doable causes vacationers or enterprise vacationers get offloaded? On this put up, we’ll focus on the 10 purple flags that, in our expertise, have a tendency to boost extra questions when present process immigration inspection within the Philippines. Notice that we’re focusing solely on Philippine outbound immigration. We are going to cowl immigration procedures in different nations in separate articles, since they differ relying on the vacation spot.
DISCLAIMER! We aren’t immigration officers or immigration attorneys. We aren’t from the Bureau of Immigration or Division of International Affairs. All the pieces we’re sharing is predicated on interviews with our buddy who was an immigration officer, in addition to on public paperwork and press releases from DFA and BI, together with the Tips on Departure Formalities and our personal private experiences.
Fortunately, now we have by no means been offloaded ourselves, and we hope it stays that approach. However we do know individuals who sadly have been. And over the previous 15 years that now we have been touring internationally, now we have picked up notes each time we undergo Immigration. Once more, we’re not I.O.s, so please take every thing we share with a grain of salt.
In abstract, a lot of the instances or causes on this listing fall underneath certainly one of these three classes:
- Situation with paperwork
- Suspicion of human trafficking/unlawful recruitment
- Suspicion of overstaying
Let’s undergo them one after the other, beginning with…
10 OFFLOADING RED FLAGS
Purple Flag #1: Invalid Passport or Visa
Let’s begin with the only or most evident one. You want a passport that isn’t simply legitimate, however should additionally has no less than six (6) months validity. It also needs to be readable and never broken or mutilated.
In case your vacation spot requires visa, be sure you have the proper one and that it’s nonetheless legitimate. Each visa has a particular validity interval and allowed size of keep, so be sure that your journey dates should fall inside that interval. For instance, in case your Japan visa is sweet for 15 days solely, your keep shouldn’t exceed these 15 days.
And do not forget that, though Filipinos get pleasure from visa-free entry to a number of nations, it nonetheless comes with limits. For instance, in Taiwan, we’re not required to safe a visa if our keep is barely 14 days or shorter. However whether it is longer than that, it’s worthwhile to get a visa. It’s additionally 14 days for Hong Kong, 21 days for Vietnam, and 30 days for Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
And when you’ve got connecting flight, there are additionally instances the place you want a transit visa on your layover nation. If each legs of your journey are on the identical airline or are code-shared, you often don’t want one. However in case you are flying with totally different airways, you’ll probably want a transit visa as a result of you’ll have to exit Immigration to choose up your baggage and examine in once more. So, it’s necessary to know and concentrate on these doable problems forward of time.
✅ In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the strategy planning stage, you may also go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We’ve got a compilation for locations all over the world.
Purple Flag #2: Uncommon or Questionable Vacation spot
Vacationers heading to a rustic with an current deployment ban, alert stage, or journey advisory in opposition to it are very more likely to endure secondary inspection.
However there are additionally locations with no journey ban, alert, or advisory however are nonetheless intently monitored by the authorities. These are locations that aren’t common or widespread vacationer vacation spot for us Filipinos and have a big OFW inhabitants, comparable to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. These are often nations within the Center East and Africa.
To be clear, we’re not saying that these sure locations are purple flags per se. However there are situations when the acknowledged tourism goal is questionable or doesn’t match the vacation spot. For instance, it’s your first time to journey overseas and you’re touring alone, then you definitely declare your goal of journey is tourism. Nevertheless, your vacation spot is Cyprus. Even when I had been the immigration officer, I might in all probability have doubts and have a number of questions additionally.
First, Cyprus just isn’t a typical tourism vacation spot for Pinoys. Second, there are lots of OFWs in Cyprus, so they may assume or suspect that you just would possibly truly be working there. And third, having Cyprus as your vacation spot on your first worldwide journey is a bit suspicious. If you happen to say you’re visiting a relative, that may make sense. However for tourism, it’s unusual for first-time vacation spot, particularly as a result of it’s fairly far. Normally, Filipino vacationers’ go-to locations for his or her first worldwide journey are in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Japan — not Cyprus instantly.
However why do immigration officers take a look at this?
In keeping with the Bureau of Immigration’s press launch in 2014, “it’s a widespread observe for Filipinos to journey as vacationers and find yourself as undocumented employees overseas.”
They refer to those as “vacationer employee profiles”, which regularly embrace:
- First timers who’re going to locations that aren’t common amongst vacationers
- Vacationers with no regular supply of revenue within the Philippines and no benefactors of their nation of vacation spot
That’s to not say that when you’ve got no journey historical past and you’re flying to uncommon vacation spot, you’ll robotically be offloaded. Nevertheless, it is best to anticipate extra questions.
In fact, there are additionally conditions the place it is smart to have a long-distance vacation spot even for first-time vacationers. Perhaps it’s a household journey and also you simply occur to be the primary timer within the group. To me, that’s straightforward to know.
It can be a honeymoon journey, and you’re touring to Maldives or Europe. Or you’ll attend a marriage within the US or Canada. So long as you’ll be able to help your journey goal with the proper paperwork, these are usually acceptable.
Purple Flag #3: Inconsistent Goal of Journey
Your goal of journey must be per the paperwork you might have. Are you touring for tourism or for enterprise? Make certain your paperwork all line up along with your declared goal.
For instance, when you say you’re attending a convention, be prepared to indicate proof that there actually is a convention overseas. Or if you will a marriage, like I discussed earlier, it is best to be capable to current proof or supporting paperwork if requested. You need to show that there’s actually a marriage.
In keeping with an article printed by the Division of International Affairs, particularly by Philippine Consulate Common in Macau, “PROVE that you’re going to your vacation spot nation for the PURPOSE that you’re making the journey. Chances are you’ll be refused exit when you give CONTRADICTORY statements.”
If you’re touring as a TOURIST, it’s worthwhile to set up that you plan to return to the Philippines and that you’ve got the monetary capability to shoulder your journey. That’s the reason it is very important current proof of lodging, return ticket, proof of revenue, and clear journey itinerary. These usually are not requested or required each single time, however when you occur to get assigned to a strict immigration officer, it’s higher to have them prepared.
And talking of return ticket, it ought to match what you informed the I.O. or the allowed size of keep. For instance, you mentioned you’re coming again on January 10, however your return ticket reveals March 10, that can be an issue. We are going to focus on extra of this latern, however since we’re on the subject of paperwork…
Purple Flag #4: Incomplete Paperwork
We regularly learn on Fb or hear tales like, “So-and-so bought offloaded as a result of the immigration officer is power-tripping.” More often than not, that’s the instant conclusion: The I.O. bullied them. I consider there are some instances like that. There are reputable vacationers who nonetheless get offloaded. BUT I additionally consider that more often than not, there may be truly a legitimate cause behind it, and all of it boils all the way down to preparation.
Relying in your case, there are particular paperwork required. For instance:
- If the traveler is a minor and never accompanied by both dad or mum or authorized guardian, a DSWD Clearance is required.
- If you’re a companion or partner of a foreigner aspiring to depart to marry your fiancé, you need to safe a CFO Steering and Counseling Certificates.
- If you’re a authorities worker, it’s worthwhile to get a journey authority issued by the right workplace.
For native authorities staff, together with barangay officers and SK members, these are the issuing or approving authorities. LCE means native chief govt.
For public college lecturers, some are saying they should current a journey authority signed by the Faculties Division Superintendent (SDS). We aren’t very conversant in the method since we’re not lecturers.
There are additionally paperwork which will technically not be required, however the officer would possibly ask for them if they’ve doubts. And these paperwork will show that what you’re saying is true and might persuade the I.O. to consider you.
As our former Immigration Officer buddy, Kevin, mentioned in an interview on The Poor Traveler Podcast: The immigration course of is document-based.
In the identical approach, when you mentioned you will a live performance they usually ask on your live performance ticket, it is best to current it. They won’t simply take your phrase for it.
In the event that they ask about your job — the place you’re employed or what you do for a dwelling, and also you talked about an organization, be prepared with firm ID or Certificates of Employment. They could or could not examine, however it’s higher to be ready, simply in case.
Many people have that “baka lulusot” mentality as a result of we heard {that a} buddy or a vlogger didn’t get requested for sure paperwork. So, you assume you’ll not be requested, too. However what in case you are requested?
Bear in mind: the immigration officer doesn’t know you. That is your first time assembly them. So that they don’t have anything to carry on besides the paperwork you present them after they ask for it, particularly in case you are a first-time traveler. They haven’t any file about you. They aren’t positive if you’ll return. So all the time err on the aspect of warning and put together all of the doable paperwork you could be requested to current.
Purple Flag #5: Can’t Show Monetary Functionality
You can not set up your monetary functionality to journey.
As what the Bureau of Immigration beforehand acknowledged, vacationers who usually tend to be questioned are:
- First-time vacationers flying to a not-so-popular vacation spot.
- Vacationers with no regular supply of revenue within the Philippines and no benefactors.
We already mentioned the primary level earlier (Purple Flag #2). This time, let’s concentrate on the second merchandise: Vacationers with no regular supply of revenue and no sponsor.
When immigration officers ask us about our job, the place we work, and generally, even examine our firm ID or COE (Certificates of Employment). Other than figuring out when you can afford to journey, they’re additionally assessing when you’ve got a robust ties to the Philippines and a transparent cause to return, and never develop into undocumented OFWs.
If you’re unemployed or unable to obviously show your supply of revenue, anticipate to get requested extra questions and a risk to undergo secondary inspection.
However let’s be clear. In a earlier press launch, the Bureau of Immigration emphasised this: Monetary functionality is NOT a requirement. Nevertheless, “an individual could solely be requested to current additional proof for his journey overseas if the particular person seems to have a cause totally different from what he has declared earlier than an immigration official.”
However what can unemployed vacationers do? Normally, immigration officers additionally ask for Affidavit of Help and Assure (AOSG).
However then once more, simply because you might have an Affidavit of Help doesn’t imply you’re robotically cleared to go away the nation. That’s the place Cause #6 is available in.
Purple Flag #6: Unable to Show Relationship with Companion
You can not show your relationship along with your companion or sponsor.
Many assume that having a sponsor or inviter overseas makes it simpler for them to get a departure clearance from immigration officers. Sadly, it doesn’t work that approach. In some instances, I.O.s could even ask most of these vacationers to current paperwork to show their relationship with their sponsor or inviter.
The bureau is document-based. For instance, when you say somebody is your sister, you need to present a doc proving that — like start certificates.
Really, we skilled this ourselves on certainly one of our journeys to Singapore. It was my aunt’s first worldwide flight, and the I.O. was doubting that she and my mom had been associated as a result of they bought totally different final names they usually had totally different facial options. Good factor we had been ready and introduced supporting paperwork with us.
And one other factor: even when you’ve got Affidavit of Help, that isn’t an categorical move. It doesn’t robotically clear you. In keeping with the Division of International Affairs (DFA), “The Affidavit of Help and Assure is NOT a 100% GUARANTEE so that you can be allowed exit from the nation; it’s only a SUPPORTING DOCUMENT that strengthens your CLAIM to LEGITIMATE TRAVEL.”
In the long run, the immigration officer nonetheless has the ultimate say on whether or not you might have sufficiently established your goal of journey.
Different particulars concerning the sponsor additionally matter, comparable to your relationship to them and whether or not they’re Filipino or foreigner. Which brings us to Cause #7…
Purple Flag #7: Touring with a Non-Relative Sponsor
You’re accompanied or sponsored by a non-relative foreigner and also you wouldn’t have the capability to journey.
In keeping with the identical memorandum and press launch from Bureau of Immigration, included within the listing of vacationers who could also be topic to secondary inspection are: “Vacationers with out monetary capability to journey escorted or accompanied by a foreigner who just isn’t associated.”
In keeping with Kevin, this is without doubt one of the instances that the Bureau often takes a more in-depth take a look at and be careful for due to the excessive threat of human trafficking or unlawful recruitment.
If you happen to’re touring for leisure or tourism and being sponsored by a foreigner who just isn’t associated to you — say, a boyfriend, girlfriend, and even only a buddy — however the catch is, it’s your first time to fulfill in particular person, you’ll probably be offloaded.
It’s actually laborious to show the connection if it isn’t on paper. Bear in mind, immigration selections largely depend on the paperwork offered. If you’re married, you’ll be able to present your marriage certificates. If you’re associated by blood, a start certificates works. However in case you are solely relationship, it is rather tough as a result of there isn’t a authorities doc to formally show the connection.
On-line communication, chats, or pictures are straightforward to pretend or manipulate digitally, so they don’t seem to be thought of sturdy proof. So the tendency of immigration officer is to guard the Filipino traveler, particularly if additionally they lack monetary capability to journey as a result of they are going to be very susceptible overseas.
Truthfully, we continuously obtain messages from individuals on this similar scenario asking for recommendation. However we discover it laborious to present steerage or recommendation as a result of these instances are tough and sophisticated.
Purple Flag #8: Inconsistent or Unbelievable Solutions
When going through an immigration officer and being requested questions, we should reply confidently, persistently, and honestly.
And as we all the time say, an important of the three is TRUTHFULLY. If you happen to inform the reality, even when the officer fires a number of questions at you or twists them round, it’s simpler to stay assured and constant.
It’s true that there are some vacationers with sincere intentions, that they actually simply need to tour, however they’ll nonetheless get offloaded. However mendacity or making up tales will make it exponentially worse. It’s laborious to maintain observe of lies, and I consider that immigration officers are skilled to identify lies or inconsistencies.
Be sure to know all the small print of your journey: the place you’re going, the place you’ll keep, when you’ll return to the Philippines, and different related data. In our case, once we journey with household and have first-timers or inexperienced vacationers, we often maintain a fast briefing at a café or restaurant on the airport simply to guarantee that we’re on the identical web page and are conversant in the small print of the journey. As a result of even amongst household or teams, individuals can nonetheless get offloaded.
We’ve got witnessed it first hand. One one flight, a bunch was seated behind and beside us, and two of their companions had been offloaded. We’ve got additionally witnessed somebody in a bunch being endorsed to secondary inspection whereas we had been within the queue.
If an officer asks for a doc, simply present it. If they’ve query about it, reply honestly. Getting too nervous could make issues worse. Attempt to calm down.
Purple Flag #9: Earlier Immigration Violations or Prison Information
An immigration officer can cease you from flying if you’re on a watch listing or when you’ve got excellent authorized or prison case right here within the Philippines.
And it isn’t simply prison file. You probably have a historical past of overstaying overseas, anticipate to get a number of questions. You probably have executed it earlier than, you can’t fault them in the event that they assume you would do it once more.
In keeping with a Rappler article based mostly on a press launch from Bureau of Immigration, passengers who are sometimes topic to secondary inspection additionally embrace:
“Passengers who stayed overseas for multiple 12 months throughout a earlier departure from the nation as a vacationer/momentary customer, aspiring to depart for the second and/or subsequent time.”
That’s the reason it is usually necessary to maintain a clear journey file. If it’s your first time and the officer asks if you end up coming again, be sure you return on that date. Apparently, that is generally famous within the system, they usually can see that you just did return on the date you declared.
Purple Flag #10: Beforehand Offloaded With out Compliance
Right here’s a abstract of what our buddy Kevin mentioned about this:
If you happen to had been beforehand offloaded and did not adjust to the required paperwork, attempting to go away the nation once more from a unique airport, won’t assist. For instance, one passenger was offloaded at Clark Worldwide Airport within the morning, then tried to depart from NAIA later that night with out fixing the difficulty. Since her offloading file is already within the system, the passenger was offloaded once more.
In brief, be sure you adjust to the necessities first earlier than making an attempt to go away the nation once more.
Be part of The Poor Traveler Help Group
✅ You probably have any questions or want journey ideas, be at liberty to put up them to the TPT Help Group. The members are very useful. This Fb help group has been round for a very long time, and plenty of members have discovered journey buddies by means of it. You may be part of too! Simply go to The Poor Traveler Help Group. Notice that that is totally different from The Poor Traveler Fb web page.
Shield your funds when touring!
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