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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI opens online payment for unaccompanied foreign minors traveling to PH

BI opens online payment for unaccompanied foreign minors traveling to PH

Published Jun 14, 2023 03:01 am
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has announced a new online payment system for foreign minors traveling to the Philippines without their parents. The system allows unaccompanied minors to conveniently pay their fees through the BI's online payment portal. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the initiative was  part of the bureau's ongoing efforts to streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and provide faster and more efficient services to the public. By embracing paperless transactions, the BI aims to enhance the overall travel experience for these young travelers. Under Section 29(a)(12) of the Philippine Immigration Law, minors below the age of 15 who are traveling without a parent or guardian may face exclusion from entering the country. However, these minors can still be granted entry if they obtain a waiver of exclusion ground (WEG) from the BI and pay a fee of P3,120 to the government. In a BI operations circular signed by Tansingco,  it was outlined that applicants must submit their WEG application within 72 hours of the minor's scheduled arrival. This can be done by accessing the BI's online portal at [e-services.immigration.gov.ph](http://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/). The applicants need to complete the WEG application e-form and submit clear digital or scanned copies of the necessary documents, including the affidavit of support and guarantee, passport information of both the parent and the minor, travel consent, return ticket, and a valid entry visa if applicable. After submitting the application, the prescribed fees can be paid securely online using a debit or credit card. Electronic receipts will then be issued to the applicant's registered email address. The circular stated that applications with incomplete documentation or those left unpaid within the 72-hour deadline will be automatically removed from the system.
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