BI to foreigners: Secure permits ahead of departure to avoid airport woes

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday reminded foreign residents traveling overseas for the Lunar New Year to pay and attend to their reentry permit requirement at its offices before departure to avoid airport congestion.

“With a notable portion being Chinese residents departing for the Lunar New Year celebrations, the airport experiences a surge in passengers. This could be mitigated if reentry permits are obtained prior to arriving at the airport,” BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said.

The BI said that reentry fees can be secured and paid at its offices for added convenience.

It also offered a 24-hour one-stop shop in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 where passengers can obtain permits.

Tansingco added that foreign nationals registered with the BI are required to secure the permit every time they depart the country.

“Per immigration regulations, foreign nationals registered with the BI, holding valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including permanent residents, foreign students, and workers with valid ACR I-cards, are mandated to obtain exit and reentry permits for each departure from the country,” Tansingco added.