Palawan Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents require additional documentation: (1) If traveling with one parent - notarized consent letter from the absent parent, (2) If traveling alone or with non-parents - notarized consent from both parents plus birth certificate, (3) If one parent is deceased - death certificate, (4) If single parent - sole custody documents. These documents must be notarized and may need authentication from Philippine embassy. Immigration officers strictly enforce these requirements to prevent child trafficking. Carry original documents plus copies. Unaccompanied minors may require special airline arrangements.

Importing pets to the Philippines requires advance planning: (1) Import Permit from Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) - apply at least 30 days before travel, (2) Valid rabies vaccination certificate - at least 30 days old but not more than 1 year, (3) Health certificate from licensed veterinarian - issued within 14 days of travel, (4) International health certificate endorsed by government veterinary authority, (5) Microchip identification recommended. Upon arrival, pets undergo quarantine inspection. Quarantine period varies (7-30 days) depending on country of origin and documentation. Some airlines have specific pet travel requirements. Bringing pets to Palawan requires domestic flight arrangements which may have additional restrictions. Certain breeds may be prohibited or restricted.

Tourist visa extensions are available through Bureau of Immigration offices. The nearest office to most Palawan tourists is in Puerto Princesa City. First extension (up to 59 days total stay) costs approximately PHP 3,030. Subsequent extensions available in 1-2 month increments with increasing fees. Maximum tourist stay is typically 36 months but most tourists extend for 6-12 months maximum. Requirements: valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, extension fee, and proof of financial capacity. Processing takes 1-3 business days. Apply before your current authorized stay expires to avoid overstay penalties. Overstaying incurs fines (PHP 500 per month) and may result in deportation or future entry bans. For long-term stays, consider other visa categories (student, work, retirement visas) which have different requirements and benefits.

Tourist visas do NOT permit work or business activities in the Philippines. If planning to work, volunteer (even unpaid), or conduct business, you must obtain appropriate visa and work permits before engaging in such activities: (1) Work visa (9(g)) requires job offer from Philippine company and processing through Philippine embassy, (2) Special Work Permit (SWP) for short-term work up to 3 months, (3) Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from Department of Labor, (4) Tax Identification Number (TIN) from BIR. Volunteering, even for charitable organizations, may require special permits. Working on a tourist visa can result in deportation, fines, and blacklisting. Digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies exist in a gray area - technically not permitted on tourist visas but enforcement varies. Consider proper visa if planning extended remote work.

Philippine dual citizens should enter using their Philippine passport to avoid visa requirements and enjoy full citizen rights. Former Philippine citizens and their foreign spouse and children qualify for Balikbayan (returning citizen) privilege - 1 year visa-free stay without extension fees. To claim Balikbayan privilege: present proof of Philippine citizenship or relationship to Filipino (birth certificate, old Philippine passport, marriage certificate), valid foreign passport, and completed Balikbayan declaration form. This privilege is not automatic - you must inform immigration upon arrival. Balikbayan privilege does not permit work without proper permits.

Private vessels arriving in Philippine waters must clear at designated ports of entry. For Palawan, Puerto Princesa is the main port of entry. Requirements: (1) Advance notice to Bureau of Customs and Coast Guard, (2) Valid vessel registration and documentation, (3) Crew and passenger manifests, (4) Quarantine clearance, (5) Immigration processing for all aboard, (6) Customs declaration for vessel and goods. All persons aboard must meet standard entry requirements (visas, passports). Cruising permits required for inter-island travel. Certain areas in Palawan have restricted access requiring special permits (particularly near sensitive marine areas or military installations). Consult Philippine Coast Guard and local port authorities well in advance.