Under Philippine law and prevailing immigration guidelines, the departure of Filipino passengers—specifically the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) traveling for tourism or leisure—is governed by the 2023 Revised Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International-Bound Filipinos.
While OFWs enjoy specific statutory exemptions and privileges, their family members are categorized as "Tourists." However, their status as dependents of an OFW provides a streamlined process regarding the "Financial Capacity" and "Proof of Purpose" requirements during immigration secondary inspection.
1. Basic Travel Documents (Mandatory for All)
Regardless of the sponsor's status, every departing Filipino must present the following primary documents to the Bureau of Immigration (BI):
- Passport: Valid for at least six (6) months from the date of departure.
- Valid Visa: If required by the destination country (e.g., USA, Japan, Schengen Area).
- Confirmed Round-trip Ticket: Proof of intent to return to the Philippines.
- Boarding Pass: Issued by the airline.
2. Proof of Relationship
To benefit from the OFW’s sponsorship and to bypass the more stringent financial scrutiny applied to solo travelers, the family member must prove they are within the First Degree of Consanguinity or Affinity. This includes the OFW's spouse, children, or parents.
- For Spouses: PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (Original or Certified True Copy).
- For Children: PSA-issued Birth Certificate (Original or Certified True Copy).
- For Parents: PSA-issued Birth Certificate of the OFW (to prove the parent-child link).
3. Proof of the Sponsor’s OFW Status
Family members must establish that the person sponsoring the trip is a legitimate OFW currently deployed or residing abroad.
- Copy of the OFW’s Passport: Showing the bio-page and the page with a valid work visa/permit.
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) or E-Receipt: To prove the OFW is registered with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
- Valid OFW ID or Residence Card: Such as an Iqama (Middle East) or similar foreign residence permit.
4. Financial Capacity and Sponsorship
When an OFW sponsors a family member’s vacation, the traveler is generally exempt from presenting their own proof of income (such as ITRs or bank certificates). Instead, the following is required:
Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (ASG):
If the OFW is at the airport with the family member: A simple written declaration or personal appearance usually suffices.
If the OFW is already abroad: The ASG must be authenticated or apostilled by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in the country where the OFW is located.
Contents of the ASG: The OFW must state that they will shoulder all travel expenses, that the passenger will not become a public charge, and that the passenger will return to the Philippines upon completion of the vacation.
5. Requirements for Minors (Under 18)
If a child of an OFW is traveling without either parent, additional legal safeguards apply to prevent human trafficking:
- Travel Clearance from the DSWD: Required if the minor is traveling alone or with a person other than their parents.
- Exception: A DSWD clearance is not required if the minor is traveling with at least one parent (the non-OFW spouse).
6. The "Secondary Inspection" Trigger
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) may subject a family member to secondary inspection if there are inconsistencies in their declaration. To avoid delays, passengers should ensure that:
- The purpose of the stay matches the visa type.
- The duration of the stay is consistent with the OFW’s leave or contract.
- The passenger has a copy of the OFW’s Work Contract (optional but highly recommended for smooth clearance).
Summary Table for Quick Reference
| Passenger Relationship | Key Supporting Document |
|---|---|
| Spouse | PSA Marriage Certificate + Copy of Spouse's Work Visa |
| Child | PSA Birth Certificate + DSWD Clearance (if traveling alone) |
| Parents | OFW's PSA Birth Certificate + Affidavit of Support |
| In-Laws | PSA Marriage Certificate (of OFW & Spouse) + Proof of Relation |
Legal Note: While these documents facilitate travel, the final decision to allow departure rests with the Bureau of Immigration officer based on their assessment of the passenger's intent and the authenticity of the documents presented. Compliance with these requirements significantly reduces the risk of being "offloaded."