Governing the admission and stay of foreign Nationals in the subic bay freeport zone as temporary visitors

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 271 August 14, 1995

GOVERNING THE ADMISSION AND STAY OF FOREIGN NATIONALS IN THE SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE AS TEMPORARY VISITORS

WHEREAS, it is a declared national policy to attract and promote foreign trade, investment and tourism in the country, especially in special economic zones such as the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone ("Zone") to promote economic growth and national development.

WHEREAS, it is expected that visits to the Zone by foreign nationals for business and tourism purposes will increase significantly due mainly to the development and the growing attraction of the Zone as an investment and tourism destination;

WHEREAS, the Subic Bay International Airport has likewise attracted interest from international airlines as a destination point for chartered and commercial flights which will no doubt contribute immensely to the development of the Zone the Central Luzon Region, and ultimately, the entire Philippines;

WHEREAS, it is crucial to allow uncomplicated access to the Secured Area of the Zone as defined in relevant issuances for foreign nationals in order to realize...

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Summary of Executive Order No. 271

Governing the Admission and Stay of Foreign Nationals in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as Temporary Visitors

- Allows foreign nationals to enter the Subic Bay Freeport Zone ("Zone") without a visa for up to 14 days for business or tourism purposes. (Section 1)
• They must present valid passports or travel documents with at least 6 months validity and confirmed onward flight tickets.
• The Bureau of Immigration (BI) determines their identity and admissibility.

- Restrictions on foreign nationals entering under this order: (Section 2)
• Must depart from the Philippines only through the Subic Bay International Airport.
• Cannot leave the Secured Area of the Zone, except to visit areas within the Zone if escorted by BI or SBMA officers.
• To visit areas outside the Zone or extend stay beyond 14 days, they must secure a visa waiver from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

- The SBMA Administrator can allow foreign nationals to visit areas outside the Zone in emergencies or exceptional circumstances, subject to DFA visa waiver confirmation. (Section 3)

- The DFA, BI, and SBMA will jointly implement the order, issue guidelines, and collect reasonable processing fees. (Section 4)

- Violators are subject to deportation under Philippine immigration laws. (Section 5)

- The order does not impair more favorable no-visa privileges granted elsewhere. (Section 6)

- Inconsistent previous orders are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. (Section 7)

- Special Subic Investors/Working Visas issued by SBMA and BI are deemed regular visas for entry and exit. (Section 8)

- The order takes effect immediately after publication in a newspaper of general circulation. (Section 9)