How to Prevent Your Girlfriend from Getting Offloaded Philippines

Now let’s talk about how to keep your GF from getting offloaded, assuming she’s traveling with you.

Offloading is a very real concern and not to be taken lightly. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported offloading 36,316 passengers in 2023, which is up from 32,404 in 2022.

What’s worse is that even though ‘human trafficking’ is the cited reason why the BI has this power, less than 2% of offloads occurred for that reason. The truth is the Bureau of Immigration officer has broad discretion to determine who flies and who doesn’t. They don’t need a legal basis to offload someone.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration operates under Memorandum 36. This details offloading procedures.

Philippine Immigration Offloading

1. Prepare Essential Travel Documents

At the primary inspection, immigration officers will require:

• Valid Passport: Must have at least six months’ validity.
• Valid Visa: If required by the destination country.
• Round-Trip Ticket: Proof of return to the Philippines.

Ensure all documents are authentic and readily accessible.​

2. Understand Secondary Inspection Triggers

If deemed necessary, travelers may undergo a secondary inspection. Common triggers include:​

• Traveling Alone: Especially for women aged 18–35 or with a partner who is much older
• First-Time Travelers: Lack of travel history can prompt further questioning.
• Inconsistent Travel Purpose: Stated purpose doesn’t align with documents.
• Financial Inability: Insufficient funds for the trip.

During this process, officers may request additional documentation to verify the traveler’s intent and capacity to travel.

If she’s very young (below 25) you can count on her being sent to secondary. If/when that happens it’s a good idea for her to have

• Proof of Relationship
• Financial Records (including yours) to prove you can support her
• An affidavit of support
• Travel Itinerary

The affidavit of support must have your name, her name, and her details in order to be considered valid:

SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT AND GUARANTEE

I, [Your Full Name], of legal age, single, a citizen of the United States of America, currently residing at [Your Full Address], and holder of U.S. Passport No. [Your Passport Number], do hereby depose and state:

1. That I am the boyfriend of [Her Full Name], a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines, of legal age, residing at [Her Full Address in the Philippines], and holder of Philippine Passport No. [Her Passport Number].
2. That my annual income is $36,000 USD, and I am financially capable of supporting [Her Full Name] during her travel outside the Philippines.
3. That she will be visiting [Destination Country] for tourism and to spend time with me from [Date of Travel] to [Date of Return].
4. That I guarantee to shoulder all travel-related expenses, including roundtrip airfare, accommodation, daily living expenses, and emergency costs that may arise during her travel.
5. That I further guarantee her safe return to the Philippines before or on the expiration of her permitted stay.
6. That this affidavit is executed for the purpose of presenting to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and/or other relevant authorities to support the travel of [Her Full Name] and to confirm that she is financially and personally supported during her trip.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ___ day of [Month], 20__, at [City, Country].

[Signature over printed name]
[Your Full Name]
U.S. Passport No. [Your Passport Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Contact: [Your Phone Number]

3. If She is Pulled into Secondary Inspection

Make sure she is calm (crying won’t help) and able to answer questions about the relationship. Some questions that are likely to be asked are:

• How long have you known each other?
• Has he met your family?
• What does he do for a living?
• How did you two meet?

I strongly suggest you prepare the packet for her. Most Filipinas who date expats don’t have much international travel experience so you’ll need to hold her hand during this process.

4. If She Has a Decent Job

If she has a decent job, it may be better for her to go by herself and not claim that she’s traveling with you. She’ll need proof of employment and an official leave form from her employer

If She’s Not Offloaded

She’ll be given a certificate to take back to the primary inspection counter where they will return her boarding pass to her.

What Happens if She Gets Offloaded

You can politely but firmly request to speak with a supervisor. While the immigration officer may tell you that travelers have no right to appeal or request further review, this isn’t true.

Under Philippine Bureau of Immigration Memorandum Order No. MCL-13-036, travelers have the right to request clarification or elevate concerns to a duty supervisor. While this isn’t a formal appeal process in the legal sense, the memo does provide travelers the opportunity to seek a second review if there is a dispute or confusion regarding documentation.

The key is to remain respectful while asserting this right. Hostility or confrontation will only make things worse. If allowed, the supervisor can review the case and, in some instances, override the decision of the front-line officer.

It’s not a guarantee, but many travelers have been allowed to proceed after a supervisor intervened.