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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. 3232 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) scheme, which allows foreign nationals to obtain visas at 
the port of entry in the Philippines, has been a convenient mechanism for facilitating business 
travel and tourism. However, this scheme also presents significant challenges and risks, including 
potential security threats, illegal immigration, and exploitation by human trafficking syndicates. 
The Visa Upon Arrival scheme poses security risks as it allows individuals to enter the 
country with minimal scrutiny. There have been instances when this scheme has been exploited 
by criminal elements, including human traffickers and individuals involved in illegal activities. By 
terminating this scheme, the government can implement stricter screening processes to prevent 
such individuals from entering the country. 
The ease of obtaining a visa upon arrival has contributed to issues of overstaying and illegal 
immigration. Foreign nationals who enter the country through this scheme may be less likely to 
adhere to visa regulations, leading to a higher incidence of undocumented individuals residing in 
the Philippines. Strengthening pre-arrival visa processes will help mitigate these issues by ensuring 
that applicants are thoroughly vetted before being granted entry. 
Human trafficking is a serious concern that the Visa Upon Arrival scheme inadvertently 
facilitates. Traffickers can exploit this mechanism to bring vulnerable individuals into the country 
under false pretenses. By requiring visas to be obtained prior to arrival, the government can better 
protect potential victims through more rigorous checks and coordination with international 
agencies. 
The termination of the Visa Upon Arrival scheme does not intend to hinder legitimate 
travel and tourism, as the top tourist visitors come from countries that enjoy visa-free entry to the 
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country. Instead, it aims to promote safer and more secure travel by ensuring that all visitors are 
properly screened before arrival. This measure aligns with the global standard practices of pre-
arrival visa applications, which many countries have successfully implemented. 
This bill supports the existing immigration policies and laws in the Philippines, such as the 
Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 (Commonwealth Act No. 613) and the Anti-Trafficking in 
Persons Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9208). It strengthens the country’s commitment to 
upholding national security, protecting human rights, and promoting orderly migration. 
The Termination of Visa Upon Arrival Scheme Act is a necessary step to enhance the 
security and integrity of the Philippines' immigration system. By requiring visas to be obtained 
prior to arrival, the government can better control and monitor the entry of foreign nationals, 
thereby reducing the risks associated with the Visa Upon Arrival scheme. This policy change is 
essential for protecting the country's borders, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring the safety 
and well-being of all residents. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill No. 3232 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT TERMINATING THE VISA UPON ARRIVAL SCHEME IN THE 
PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of file Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Termination of Visa Upon 
Arrival Scheme Act." 
 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to ensure the security and 
sovereignty of the nation while facilitating legitimate travel and tourism. The government 
recognizes the need to balance openness with the need for stringent immigration controls to protect 
the country from illegal activities, security threats, and other risks associated with the Visa Upon 
Arrival scheme. 
SEC. 3. Termination of Visa Upon Arrival Scheme. — The Visa Upon Arrival scheme is 
hereby terminated. Foreign nationals from countries where visas are required to enter the 
Philippines must apply for and obtain the appropriate visa prior to their arrival, in accordance with 
existing immigration laws and regulations. 
SEC. 4. Monitoring and Compliance. – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) shall monitor 
compliance with this Act and ensure that no visas upon arrival are issued at any port of entry in 
the Philippines. The BI shall submit regular reports to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the 
implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in 
coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant agencies, shall 


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promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within 
sixty (60) days from its effectivity.  
 
         SEC. 6. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
         SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         SEC. 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
         Approved,