Filipinos' Work Travel: Exploring Opportunities Abroad

Filipinos are able to travel for work, but there are a number of requirements and restrictions in place. The basic requirements for travel include a passport, a visa (depending on the destination), and a confirmed return or round-trip ticket. There are also additional requirements for first-time travellers, including proof of accommodation, financial capacity, and employment. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) has also implemented revised guidelines to protect Filipinos from human trafficking and illegal recruitment, which include further documentation requirements. Despite these restrictions, there are a number of visa-free countries for Filipino travellers, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Filipinos can travel to countries that have visa-free entry or visa on arrival, such as Antigua and Barbuda, and the Central African Republic

Filipinos are able to travel to other countries for work, providing they meet the necessary requirements. Basic requirements for international travel include a passport (with at least six months' validity from the departure date), a visa (depending on the destination country), and a confirmed return or round-trip ticket.

In addition to these basic requirements, Filipinos may also need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation, financial capacity, or employment. These requirements vary depending on the purpose of travel, age, and other circumstances. For example, first-time travellers may be required to provide more extensive documentation than seasoned travellers.

For Filipinos wishing to travel for work, there are a number of countries that offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival. As of February 2024, there were 69 countries and territories offering visa-free or visa on arrival access to Filipino citizens, according to the Henley Passport Index. Some of these countries include:

• Antigua and Barbuda: Visa on arrival for Filipinos with a valid visa or resident card from Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
• Central African Republic: Visa on arrival for 45 days.

Filipinos can also take advantage of the APEC Business Travel Card, which allows cardholders to travel to certain countries without applying for a visa.

Filipinos can travel to countries that require a visa, such as Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates

Filipinos are able to travel to countries that require a visa, such as Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, by obtaining the necessary visa and travel documents. Here are the requirements and procedures for each country:

Japan

For Filipinos wishing to travel to Japan, the visa requirements are straightforward, especially for tourism and leisure purposes. Here are the key documents required for a single-entry visa:

• Original Philippine passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months' validity upon arrival in Japan.
• Duly signed and completed application form.
• Recent photograph taken within the last six months with specific size and background requirements.
• PSA-certified birth certificate issued within the last year.
• PSA-certified marriage certificate for married applicants.
• Daily schedule or tour itinerary for the stay in Japan.
• Recent bank certificate (last three months).
• Original and copy of Income Tax Return (ITR).

The application can be submitted directly to the Japanese embassy or through authorized agencies. The processing time is typically around five working days, and the cost ranges from PHP 900 to 1,600, excluding embassy fees.

Canada

As of June 2023, some Filipinos are eligible for visa-free entry to Canada if they have held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. Instead of a visa, they can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which costs CAN$7 (around P293) and is typically approved within minutes. The eTA allows Filipino visitors to stay in Canada for up to six months for business or leisure purposes.

United Arab Emirates

The visa requirements for the UAE depend on the traveller's passport and the duration of their stay. Citizens of certain countries, such as the UK, USA, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, are eligible for a 30-day or 90-day visit visa upon arrival, while Mexican citizens can obtain a 180-day multiple-entry visa. For other nationalities, including Filipinos, a pre-arranged visa is typically required. The application process involves submitting various documents, including a colour photograph, passport copy, and proof of relationship if sponsored. The processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days, and the cost varies depending on the type of visa.

Filipinos can travel to countries that require proof of financial capacity, such as hotel bookings and proof of employment

According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), travellers will only be asked to present additional documents if there is an inconsistency in their stated purpose of travel. BI Commissioner Siegfried Mison clarified that those with complete travel documents, such as a valid passport and tourist or working visas, are allowed to leave the country.

Filipinos travelling abroad may be required to present proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, as well as proof of financial capacity or sources of income, and proof of employment, such as a Certificate of Employment.

The BI has implemented guidelines to protect Filipinos from illegal recruitment and human trafficking, which include subjecting certain travellers to secondary inspection. These include travellers without financial capacity who are escorted or accompanied by a foreigner who is not related to them, minors travelling alone without the required travel clearance, and passengers travelling to countries with existing deployment bans and travel advisories.

It is important for Filipinos travelling abroad to be prepared and have the necessary documentation to avoid any delays or issues during the immigration process.

Filipinos can travel to countries that require specific vaccinations, such as a yellow fever vaccination certificate

Understanding Yellow Fever and the Associated Risks:

Yellow fever is a serious disease caused by a virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes species in Africa and the Haemagogus species in South America. The majority of those infected with yellow fever exhibit mild or no symptoms, but it can lead to severe complications, including jaundice, bleeding, shock, organ failure, and even death in a small percentage of cases.

Destinations that Require Yellow Fever Vaccination:

Many countries in Africa and the Americas, especially Central and South America, highly recommend or mandate the yellow fever vaccine. Some of the most popular countries that require yellow fever vaccination include Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, and Guinea-Bissau.

Vaccination Process and Documentation:

To obtain the yellow fever vaccine, individuals should visit designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. In Canada, for example, the vaccine is available only at these designated centres. It is recommended to plan ahead and receive the vaccine at least 10 days before travel, as proof of vaccination is not valid until this time frame has passed. A single dose of the vaccine typically provides lifelong protection, but a booster dose after 10 years may be recommended in certain cases.

Upon receiving the yellow fever vaccination, individuals will be provided with the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), often referred to as the "yellow card." This certificate serves as official proof of vaccination and must be presented, along with the passport, to immigration officials in countries requiring such documentation.

Additional Travel Requirements for Filipinos:

When travelling abroad, Filipinos must ensure they meet the basic travel document requirements, including a valid passport, any necessary visas, and a confirmed return or round-trip ticket. Depending on their travel purpose, age, and other factors, additional supporting documents may be necessary. For example, if the trip is self-funded, proof of accommodation, financial capacity, and employment may be required. If the trip is sponsored by relatives or other individuals, specific documentation confirming the relationship and the sponsor's information may be needed.

In conclusion, Filipinos intending to travel to countries that require the yellow fever vaccination can do so by obtaining the necessary vaccination and associated documentation. It is important to stay informed about the specific requirements of the destination country and to plan ahead to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Filipinos can travel to countries that require specific documentation for minors, such as an unmarried mother travelling with her child

Filipinos are able to travel to countries that require specific documentation for minors, such as an unmarried mother travelling with her child.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) requires that all Filipino minors (those under 18 years of age) travelling outside of the Philippines without a parent must obtain a travel clearance. This is due to the increasing incidences of child abductions.

The only exemptions to the DSWD travel clearance are minor children who are:

• Travelling with either parent
• Travelling with the legal guardian
• Immigrants to another country and are holding a valid permanent residency card, dependents visa, or other pass issued by another country which proves residency with parents abroad.
• Not a Filipino citizen and are holding a foreign passport

The application for travel clearance and its documentary requirements are filed at any DSWD Field Office. The documentary requirements vary depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with an adult other than a parent or legal guardian

Frequently asked questions