Naturalized US citizens barred from using old Phl passports

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has reminded naturalized US citizens that Philippine passports can no longer be used once Philippine citizenship is lost through naturalization.

In an advisory issued on 15 January, the embassy noted that natural-born Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship will be regarded as “former Filipinos” and are no longer allowed to use their Philippine passports for travel and other purposes, even if the passport has not yet expired.

“Under Republic Act No. 9225, former natural-born Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship through foreign naturalization may reacquire Philippine citizenship and become dual citizens,” the embassy said.

Under the law, once citizenship is reacquired, individuals may apply for a Philippine passport, stay in the Philippines indefinitely, and enjoy rights accorded to Filipinos, including the right to vote.

The advisory comes amid enhanced immigrant scrutiny in the United States, including the reported suspension of immigrant visas for 75 countries.

Former Filipinos may still travel to the Philippines without reacquiring citizenship through the Balikbayan visa-free privilege, which allows them to enter the country without a visa, provided they have a return ticket, and stay for up to one year.

Reacquisition of Philippine citizenship may be processed through Philippine embassies, consulates, or consular outreach missions. More information is available at philippineembassy-dc.org.