Question & AnswerQ&A (DOT)
A 'balikbayan' means: (a) a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for at least one year from the date of last departure; (b) a Filipino overseas worker; or (c) a former Filipino citizen who has been naturalized in a foreign country and his or her family traveling with him or her.
The balikbayan is entitled to a maximum purchase of US$1,500 or its equivalent in Philippine Peso and other acceptable foreign currencies duty and tax-free, subject to conditions and limitations.
An additional US$2,000 or its equivalent in Philippine Peso and other acceptable foreign currencies is allowed exclusively for the purchase of livelihood tools at government operated Duty-Free Shops.
Family means the spouse and the children of the balikbayan who are not balikbayans in their own right traveling with the balikbayan to the Philippines.
They must present a Philippine passport showing the date of last departure.
An OFW certified by the POEA, OWWA, or Philippine embassy/consulate may endorse in writing the kabuhayan shopping privilege to immediate family members within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity residing in the Philippines once within two years from the effective date of the contract and only during the contract duration.
Purchases must be made within 15 calendar days from arrival; during the Christmas season (November 15 to January 15), the period is extended to 30 calendar days. Senior citizens and handicapped balikbayans have up to one year from arrival to enjoy the privilege.
No, it is non-transferable except in cases where a balikbayan has left the country and family members can claim livelihood tools, or where an OFW endorses the kabuhayan shopping privilege in writing to immediate family members under specified conditions.
Benefits include special promotional programs by domestic carriers, visa-free entry for foreign passport holders (max one year), travel tax exemption, use of special reception areas at ports of entry, safe and convenient transportation facilities, and kabuhayan shopping privileges.
A Balikbayan Shopping Card is issued after confirming balikbayan status; passports are stamped by Duty Free Philippines representatives; purchases are recorded on the shopping card, and the Bureau of Customs performs random checks to verify compliance.