Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a visa-required foreign national arriving as a temporary visitor
- Tourist-passenger on board a cruise ship/vessel handled by accredited operator
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- Confirmed return or onward ticket
- Not listed in BI Blacklist or excludable under Section 29 of the Philippine Immigration Act
- Payment of prescribed fees according to sponsorship and group size
Prescribed Fees
- Differentiated between DOT-accredited operator sponsorship and Philippine-licensed shipping agent sponsorship
- Tourist individual fees range from USD 15 to 100 depending on sponsorship and group size
- Additional legal research fee (PHP 10) and express lane fee (PHP 500)
Application Procedures
- Application letter must be submitted 2 working days before departure from last foreign port
- Letter must include details of tourists, passports, tickets, and voyage details
- Affidavit of Undertaking by tour operator or shipping agent undertaking liabilities
- Bureau of Immigration processes and issues an Order granting VUA
- Order transmitted to tour operator/shipping agent, immigration officers on vessel, and BI Sub-port Office at least 4 hours before departure
- Advance boarding formalities require presenting the Order
- Fees unpaid during application are paid upon cruise arrival
Prohibitions and Limitations
- Only DOT-accredited tour operators or licensed local shipping agents may sponsor visa-required nationals
- VUAs under this Circular cannot be extended or converted to other immigration status
- Tourist must arrive and depart on the same cruise vessel as per approved voyage details unless changes are requested and approved
- Change requests require new Affidavit and must be within 14-day authorized stay
Sanctions
- BI may deport or exclude any tourist failing to meet entry or stay requirements
- Sanctions may be imposed on sponsoring operators or agents for violations
- Administrative penalties may be applied for failure to comply with Affidavit of Undertaking
Reporting Requirements
- Tour operators or agents must report any tourist who disappears or fails to leave within 24 hours to DFA, DOT, and BI
- BI must inform DFA and DOT within 24 hours of any exclusion or deportation
- BI to submit monthly reports of all Section 9(a) VUA issued
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent circulars, memoranda, orders, and issuances are repealed or modified accordingly
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect immediately upon signing
- Copy furnished to Office of the National Administrative Register, U.P. Law Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City