Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6768)
The Balikbayan Program is instituted to attract and encourage overseas Filipinos to visit the Philippines, recognizing their contribution to the economy through foreign exchange inflow.
A 'balikbayan' is a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for at least one year, a Filipino overseas worker, or a former Filipino citizen naturalized in a foreign country who returns to the Philippines with his family.
The 'family' refers to the spouse and children of the balikbayan who are not balikbayan in their own right and who travel with him to the Philippines.
The balikbayan is entitled to tax-free purchases up to US$1,000 or its equivalent in other acceptable foreign currencies at Philippine duty-free shops, subject to limitations.
Balikbayans benefit from visa-free entry for one year (except restricted nationals), travel tax exemption, and specially designated reception areas at authorized ports of entry for expedited processing.
Purchases must be in US dollars or acceptable foreign currencies, made within 48 hours of arrival, are nontransferable, can be availed once a year by a balikbayan of majority age, minors have a limit of US$250, and only one item of non-consumables over US$200 per product category can be purchased.
Yes, minors can enjoy tax-free purchase privileges but limited to a maximum of US$250.
Persons who unlawfully enjoy benefits faces a fine between P20,000 and P40,000 or imprisonment of 2 to 4 years, or both. Foreigners may be deported after serving sentences and barred from reentry without presidential permission.
The Department of Tourism administers the Balikbayan Program.
Yes, Congress shall review the Balikbayan Program two years after the Act's approval and every two years thereafter.
Yes, the privileges granted are in addition to existing benefits under other laws, rules, and regulations.
Aliens found guilty will be imprisoned, then summarily deported and permanently barred from reentering without the President's special permission.
The Department of Tourism must submit semiannual reports to the President and Congress detailing quantities and value of goods sold by Philippine duty-free shops.