Admission and stay of foreign nationals in Subic Bay Freeport Zone

The Executive Order declares national policy to attract and promote foreign trade, investment and tourism, especially in special economic zones such as the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.
It expects that visits by foreign nationals for business and tourism purposes will increase due to the development and growing attraction of the Zone.
It recognizes that Subic Bay International Airport interest from international airlines will contribute to the development of the Zone, Central Luzon Region, and ultimately the entire Philippines.
It orders uncomplicated access to the Secured Area of the Zone for eligible foreign nationals to realize the declared national policy.

Section 1 allows foreign nationals not categorized as “restricted” as determined by the DFA to enter the ports of entry of the Zone and stay as temporary visitors for a maximum period of fourteen (14) days.
Admission under Section 1 is limited to visits to the Zone for business and/or tourism purposes.
On arrival, foreign nationals must present passports or Certificates of Identity or travel documents valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Zone.
On arrival, foreign nationals must present confirmed onward flight tickets.
Section 1 places the primary responsibility for determining identity and admissibility of foreign nationals under this Executive Order on the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Foreign nationals applying to enter the Zone under Section 1 must have travel documents valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay.
Foreign nationals must show confirmed onward flight tickets upon arrival.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is responsible for the identity and admissibility determination of the foreign national seeking entry under this Executive Order.

Section 2 subjects foreign nationals admitted under this Executive Order to restrictions on departure, movement, and staying beyond the period.
Foreign nationals admitted under Section 2(a) must leave or depart from the Philippines only through the Subic Bay International Airport, except as later provided.
Foreign nationals are not allowed outside the Secured Area of the Zone, except to visit areas outside the Secured Area but within the Zone.
Visits outside the Secured Area but within the Zone must be escorted by BI officers and/or SBMA officers duly deputized by the BI.
Foreign nationals who intend to visit areas outside the Zone and/or extend their stay beyond fourteen (14) days must secure a visa waiver from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
After securing the visa waiver, the restrictions in Section 2 no longer apply.

Section 3 allows the Administrator of the SBMA to permit, in extreme emergencies or under exceptional circumstances, foreign nationals admitted under this Executive Order to visit areas outside the Zone.
Permission under Section 3 is granted through special permit or escort.
Access under Section 3 remains subject to confirmation of visa waiver by the DFA.

Section 4 provides that the DFA, BI, and SBMA shall jointly implement the Executive Order.
Section 4 requires these agencies to issue guidelines and circulars implementing the Executive Order.
The DFA, BI, and SBMA are authorized to collect reasonable fees for:
- processing of no-visa entry, and
- applications for visa waivers.

Section 5 mandates that any foreign national who violates the Executive Order or its implementing guidelines and circulars shall be subject to deportation under existing Philippine immigration laws.

Section 6 states that the privileges granted under this Executive Order do not impair other more favorable no-visa privileges for foreign nationals under any existing:
- executive order,
- letter of instruction,
- administrative order, or
- other issuance.

Section 8 provides that Special Subic Investors/Working Visas issued by the SBMA in coordination with the BI are deemed regular visas.
Such deemed regular visas are valid for entry and exit in the Philippine ports of entry.

Section 7 repeals, amends, or modifies all previous executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, and/or similar issuances that are inconsistent with Executive Order No. 271.