I got a note today from Denny, and he has a few questions regarding his wife’s recently acquisition of US citizenship.
Here is Denny’s note:
My wife has a current Philippine passport. She just got USA naturized last month and recieved her USA passport. I have read several advises on the internet stating that she does not need to go to the Philippine embassy to take the oath as the Philippines recognizes duel citizenship and will honor her philippine passport on entry. But, when she leaves which passport does she use? We are going to visit next month for 2 weeks and return to the USA. I have read that you only need your USA passport to enter the USA. What I am thinking is when it is time to leave the Philippines, they will need some sort of usa visa stamped in her Philippine Passport to leave. Hope you can Help Bob….
Denny
Hi Denny,
Denny and his wife have a question
Thank you for writing, my friend. Technically, the information you have is incorrect. During her acquisition of US Citizenship, your wife relinquished her Philippine Citizenship. In order to re-acquire her Philippine Citizenship, she must apply under the Philippine Dual Citizenship law. She may file an application at any Philippine Consulate or Embassy.
Now, since you are going to be in the Philippines for only two weeks, there is really no reason to complicate matters, just tell your wife to use her US Passport at all times. When entering the country with a US Passport, she (and you) will be given a 21 day stay. If you change your mind and stay longer, you can extend the 21 days up to 16 months in increments.
Now, for instance, if you were planning to stay for like 6 months or something, it would be advantageous for your wife to enter the Philippines on her Philippine Passport. When leaving the country, returning to the USA, she should use her US passport, so that there are no Visa issues.
Good luck, Denny, and I hope you and your wife have a wonderful visit to the Philippines.