Question & AnswerQ&A (BI IMMIGRATION MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. SBM-2014-016)
The main purpose is to grant Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) to visa-required nationals who are tourists-passengers on board cruise ships/vessels calling on Philippine ports and to prescribe the rules and procedures related thereto.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is principally responsible for the administration and enforcement of immigration laws pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended.
A Section 9(a) Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) is granted to eligible visa-required nationals arriving as tourists on cruise ships/vessels.
Eligibility includes: being a tourist-passenger on board a cruise ship/vessel handled by a DOT-accredited Philippine tour operator or Philippine-licensed local shipping agent; holding a passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay; having a confirmed return or onward ticket; not being in the BI Blacklist or excludable under Section 29 of Commonwealth Act No. 613; and payment of prescribed fees.
Fees include a VUA fee (amount varies according to sponsorship and group size), a Legal Research Fee of Php 10.00, and an Express Lane Fee of Php 500.00.
Two working days before the cruise ship's last foreign port departure, the accredited tour operator or licensed shipping agent must submit an application letter to the BI with passenger details, voyage details, and an Affidavit of Undertaking. The BI processes the application and issues an Order listing passengers granted VUA, which must be transmitted to relevant parties at least four hours before departure.
It is a sworn statement executed by the President or General Manager of the sponsoring tour operator or shipping agent assuming liability for administrative fines, sanctions, and costs for repatriation in case of violations or failure of passengers to leave within authorized stay.
They may change if a written request with a new Affidavit of Undertaking stating the new departure date or port and reasons is filed and approved by BI before the original departure date, and the new departure is within the 14-day authorized stay.
The BI may exclude or deport violators, recommend sanctions against sponsoring operators or agents, and impose administrative penalties for failure to comply with the Affidavit of Undertaking or immigration laws.
Only DOT-accredited Philippine tour operators or Philippine-licensed local shipping agents are allowed to sponsor visa-required nationals for Section 9(a) VUA issuance.
Tourists are authorized to stay for fourteen (14) days.
This Circular took effect immediately upon signing on October 13, 2014.