Admission and stay of foreign nationals in Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Executive Order No. 271
Fidel V. Ramos establishes a framework allowing foreign nationals to enter the Subic Bay Freeport Zone without a visa for up to 14 days for business and tourism, while outlining restrictions and procedures for their stay and movement within the area.

Questions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 271)

It governs the admission and stay of foreign nationals visiting the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as temporary visitors for business and/or tourism purposes, to facilitate trade, investment, and tourism and allow uncomplicated access to the secured area.

Foreign nationals not categorized as “restricted” as determined by the DFA, visiting the Zone for business and/or tourism purposes may be allowed to enter the ports of entry of the Zone without visa.

A maximum period of fourteen (14) days.

They must present their passports or Certificates of Identity/travel documents valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay, and confirmed onward flight tickets. Identity and admissibility determination is primarily the responsibility of the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Only through the Subic Bay International Airport, except as provided under the Executive Order.

They may not be allowed outside the Secured Area of the Zone, except to visit areas outside the Secured Area but within the Zone if they are escorted by BI officers and/or SBMA officers duly deputized by the BI.

They must secure a visa waiver from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Once the visa waiver is secured, the restrictions under EO 271 concerning movement and stay no longer apply.

Yes. The Administrator of the SBMA may allow visits outside the Zone under special permit or escort in extreme emergencies or exceptional circumstances, subject to confirmation of the visa waiver by the DFA.

Yes. DFA, BI, and SBMA are authorized to collect reasonable fees for processing no-visa entry and applications for visa waivers.

They shall be subject to deportation under existing Philippine immigration laws.

The privileges accorded under EO 271 do not impair other more favorable no-visa privileges under any existing executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, or issuance.

All previous executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, and similar issuances inconsistent with EO 271 are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

It takes effect immediately after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.


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