Passport validity in Philippines <6mths

[erko_adam]

Hi All,

Hoping to find a PH expert as I have a bit of an issue....

I have been travelling to Manila fairly regularly over the past 6 months and my AU passport is up for renewal in July. To cut a long story short, I haven't renewed it even though I knew this 6 months validity issue would raise its ugly head sooner or later, and now I think it has. Our corp travel agent has told me I will have problems entering the Philippines as their border entry policy is below:

"Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty days (30) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay"

This statement is from the Philippine Consulate General Sydney, and is interesting as it says the rule is six months, but the officers can make their mind up at the port and may let you in if there is 60 days left on the passport. Based on this my gut feeling tells me I will be let in with a bit of a lecture....

Any thoughts or experiences?

Cheers
Ad.

 

[dmitri]

Why not renew it so you don't have to deal with any issues, especially ones you could have prevented quite easily?

 

[Hvr]

Your first issue is going to get checked in. The airlines know how strict the PH is and will ensure you have the requisite validity, i.e. six months.

 

[erko_adam]

The confusing part is the mention of 60 days validity at the discretion of the officer, I have read of people getting through without any issue at all and others being pulled up with a slap on the wrist. I guess it is unpredictable given any discretion is involved, especially in PH.

 

[Archipelago]

The confusing part is the mention of 60 days validity at the discretion of the officer, I have read of people getting through without any issue at all and others being pulled up with a slap on the wrist. I guess it is unpredictable given any discretion is involved, especially in PH.

You have pretty much answered your original query with this post. Given the cost of the airfare and other travel/transfer expenses - would you be willing to risk the consequences if the airline staff are diligent in checking your passport expiry date and refuse travel?

Much better to renew, and if it is time critical - pay the additional fees for a fast turnaround on your new passport. Peace of mind, and it gets the new passport in play which is something you are going to have to do anyway.