U.S. EMBASSY –
MANILA INFORMATION PAGE

American Citizen Services

June 2006

Message from Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney

To the American Citizen Community in the Philippines

The United States and the Philippines share very special bonds through our shared history and the common vision we share as democratic nations of bringing peace and prosperity to our citizens. The personal and family ties between our two countries, as you all know so well, are extraordinary. Filipinos visit, live and work in the United States and Americans live, visit and do business here. Our countries share a uniquely close relationship that is of great importance to all of us. I feel very optimistic about the future of the Philippines and about the future of the U.S. – Philippines relationship.

I’ve divided my time these first weeks in country between getting to know key government, public and business leaders in Manila and getting out to the rest of the country. I traveled to Mt Samat to honor those whose surrender there marked the beginning of the famous Bataan death march. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, it was a special honor to meet so many distinguished veterans from both our countries. I visited Zamboanga, Basilan, and Jolo to see U.S. projects to bring peace and prosperity to the southern Philippines. I’ve visited Cebu to see U.S. businesses there, consult with our consular agent, meet local leaders, and swear in new Peace Corps volunteers. It is inspiring to see the terrific work that both public and private U.S. citizens are doing throughout the Philippines, and equally heartening to see the tremendous affection Filipinos have for our presence in this beautiful country.

In April, I was delighted to host separate visits from the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the Peace Corps. We also hosted the U.S. Naval Ship Mercy, a hospital ship that provided free medical services and donate medical equipment to some of the poorest areas of the Philippines.

Reflecting the depth and breadth of our involvement in this country, the U.S. Embassy is one of the largest in the world. Much of our effort is dedicated to providing services to Americans and Filipinos. We have dedicated staff working on veterans’ issues, social security, and consular affairs. We take great pride in our customer service and hope you will let us know how we are doing to meet your needs.

I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you in the course of meetings and travels and I look forward to seeing you in person in the coming months. I will also use this newsletter to keep you posted on my work here and I hope you will keep us posted on your activities. It is my great honor to represent you as your Ambassador to the Philippines.

Mabuhay! Kristie Kenney

New Hours for ACS Notary Services

Monday through Friday

7:30am to 10:00am

Upcoming US Embassy Holiday Closings

Independence Day (PHL)  Mon, June 12

Independence Day (USA)  Tues, July 4

Labor Day (USA)   Mon, Sept 4

Columbus Day (USA)  Mon, Oct 9

      Tentative Outreach Schedule

Angeles Thurs, Jul 27

      Olongapo  Fri, Jul 28  

      Legaspi Thurs, Aug 17

      Davao  Fri, Sep 22 

      Palawan Thurs, Sep 7

      Olongapo Thurs, Oct 19

      Angeles  Fri, Oct 20 

New Appointment Policy for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad and First Time Derivative U.S. Citizenship

Effective May 1, 2006 the ACS section will interview applicants for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA)s and first time adult derivative U.S. citizenship by appointment only.

Contents

Message from the Ambassador

International Child Abduction

Some FAQS about Child Abduction

Important Notice about the 2006 U.S. Elections

General Information about Notarial Services

New Requirements for Form I-864 Affidavits of Support

2006 Federal Poverty Guidelines

How Do I…Apply for U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Citizen Registration Form

Warden Message

Travel Warning - Philippines

Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution

Consular Information Sheet - Philippines

American Citizen Services

U.S. Embassy

1201 Roxas Blvd.

Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Consul General: Richard D. Haynes

ACS Chief: Christopher Rowan

Office:  63-2-528-6300 x2246/2555

Fax:    632-522-3242

Passports

Mon through Fri 7:30am - 11:00am

For applications call FedEx at

02-879- 4747

Citizenship and Birth Registration

By appointment only

For forms and appointments call FedEx at 02-879-4747

Notary Services

Mon through Fri 7:30am – 10:00am

Legal Capacity to Marry

Mon through Fri 7:30am - 10:00am

EMERGENCIES: For emergencies after hours please call 63-2-528-6300 and ask for the Duty Officer.

Website:

http://www.philippines.usembassy.gov

Email:

acsinfomanila@state.gov

Virtual Consulate Davao:

http://www.usvirtualconsulatedavao.org.ph

American Citizen Services

International Child Abduction

International Child Abduction

Parental child abduction is a tragedy. When a child is abducted across international borders, the difficulties are compounded for everyone involved. The Department of State considers international parental child abduction, as well as the welfare and protection of U.S. citizen children taken overseas, to be of the utmost importance. We place the highest priority on the welfare of children who have been victimized by international abductions. 
 
The Department of State's Office of Children's Issues (CA/OCS/CI) is designated to provide assistance to the left-behind parents of international parental child abduction. Since the late 1970's, the Office of Children’s Issues has been contacted in the cases of approximately 16,000 children who were either abducted from the United States or prevented from returning to the U.S. by one of their parents. The Office of Children's Issues is prepared to assist in the recovery of abducted children. Because it can be a bewildering experience, a questionnaire for the left-behind parents of children taken to countries not party to The Hague Abduction Convention and an application for left-behind parents of children taken to Hague Convention member countries can be filled out. To report an abduction case to CA/OCS/CI, call the office and follow-up with a copy of either the completed questionnaire or the completed application. In order to provide the best service, keep the office informed of any developments in the case.

What the State Department Can Do:

What the State Department Cannot Do:

The State Department has compiled a helpful website at travel.state.gov under International Parental Abduction. If you have questions, call the State Department at 202-736-9090 or fax the State Department at 202-736-9133.

You may also find helpful information at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) website.

General Information

The Department of State in Washington and U.S. Embassies receive many requests for advice and assistance from parents whose children have been taken from the United States or prevented from returning to the United States by the other parent. The Department and its Foreign Service posts will do whatever they can to assist parents who are involved in child custody disputes; however, in most cases, the amount and type of assistance, which can be provided, is quite restricted. 

Jurisdictional Limitations and Legal Assistance

If the parents cannot work out an amicable settlement of a child custody dispute, the only recourse may be a court action in the country where the child is located. The law of the country in which the child is physically present, even temporarily, is controlling. 

Traditionally, the legal doctrine to which most countries have adhered is that the presence of a child within a particular country renders its courts competent to determine who should have custody of the child, regardless of any prior custody judgment issued by a court in another country. As a result, it is not unusual to find conflicting custody decisions in different jurisdictions. Courts in some countries have honored American custody decrees, but on the whole the outcome is unpredictable. The United States Government cannot force a foreign country to honor any American court order regulating custody or visitation rights.  Several States in the United States have entered into arrangements (such as The Hague Convention on Child Abduction) with some foreign countries to provide reciprocal automatic recognition of court child custody and support orders. The numbers of States and countries involved in such arrangements is slowly increasing. Although U.S. consular officers can provide lists of attorneys in their consular districts, they cannot recommend any particular

attorney, offer legal advice, represent U.S. citizens in custody or other hearings before foreign courts, or attempt to influence the outcome of those hearings. 

 
Consular officers have no legal authority to obtain physical custody of children and return them to the United States. They cannot assist a parent in acquiring physical custody of a child illegally or by force or deception. Officers cannot help a parent to leave a foreign country with child whose custody is disputed if the departure would violate a court order or the laws of the foreign country. They can, however, provide a passport for a U.S. citizen child whose custody is disputed if the child appears in person and the consular officers have not received a court order issued by the foreign government barring the child's departure from the country or awarding custody to someone other than the parent accompanying the child.

Consular Assistance in Non-Hague Convention Cases 

The Philippines has not signed the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. If you need assistance from the US Embassy, please provide as much of the following information as you can: 

Information concerning the provisions, which have been made for custody of the child or a copy of any pertinent court decree, is helpful. Parents should also include telephone numbers, fax and e-mail where they can be reached.

In child custody controversies in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy can attempt to locate taken children, monitor their welfare upon the request of a parent, and furnish a list of local attorneys. Generally, the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development has primary responsibility for the welfare of children in custody disputes, including allegations of abuse or neglect. Please note that Philippines privacy laws severely restrict disclosure of the social worker's findings, except with the consent of the person from whom the information was obtained or in connection with legal proceedings or for other lawful purposes. 

Passport Denial in Child Custody Cases 

A parent who wishes to obtain a passport for a minor child abroad must have physical custody of the child. The child must physically appear for the passport and must have the proper documentation (i.e. evidence of U.S. citizenship of the child, parents’ identity and parentage evidence). In the absence of a local court order granting sole custody of the minor child to one parent (or a court order restraining a parent from removing the child from the country, or a written request for denial from the parent having sole custody), both parents must execute the passport application of a child under 14 years old. Both parents must provide evidence of identity (e.g. photo IDs, passport) and parentage (original of child's birth certificate listing the parents’ names, adoption decree, Consular Report of Birth Abroad). The two-parent signature requirement is definitive, except under certain limited exigent or special family circumstances. If only one parent will accompany the child to the Embassy to file an application for passport, the applying parent must submit a statement from the non-applying parent consenting to the passport issuance to the child. The purpose of requiring both parents' consent is to lessen the possibility that a U.S. passport might be used in the course of an international parental abduction. Both parents, as indicated above, must sign passport applications of minors’ under the age of 14. Once an individual reaches 14 years old, a minor may execute his or her own passport application, but must be accompanied by at least one parent to the embassy. At 14, he or she may solely sign the passport application.

Request for Denial of Passport 

When there is controversy concerning the custody of a minor, a passport-issuing office in the United States or a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad may deny issuance of passport to the child(ren) if they receive a court order from a court within the country in which passport services are sought. A parent with a U.S. or foreign court custody order may file at the Department of State in Washington, D.C., or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General, a formal objection to the issuance of a passport to a minor child by submitting a written request together with a certified copy of the custody order or restraining order, contact address and telephone numbers.  The court order must give custody of the child(ren) to the parent who has requested that passport services be denied or must specifically forbid the child(ren)'s departure from the country without the court's permission. The court order must be a complete copy, that is, the copy must contain all of the information on the order, from the venue at the top of the first page or cover to the filing information at the bottom or on the reverse of the last page. Partial copies will not be accepted and no action to deny issuance of a passport can be made on the basis of a partial copy of a court order. 

The parents’ written request should include the following: 

The Department of State will then enter a notice in its computerized name-check system, notify the custodian parent, and deny issuance of passport should an application for the child be received anywhere in the United States or at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.   
 

Please note that once a child's name is entered into the passport name-check system, the name will remain in the system until the child turns eighteen years of age, or, a written request from the custodian parent to remove the child's name from the system, whichever comes first. Even in cases where a passport cannot be denied, parents can be notified if passport applications are submitted in the names of their children. 

Generally, after a passport has been issued, it cannot be revoked merely because the child has become involved in a custody dispute.

In October 1980, the Hague Conference on Private International Law unanimously adopted the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which was signed by the United States on December 23, 1981. The Philippines is not a party to the Convention.  The purpose of this multilateral treaty is to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from or retained in any country, which is a party to the Convention. The countries that are parties to the Convention have agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions and conditions, a child who is removed from or retained in one of the signatory countries shall be promptly returned to the other member country where the child habitually resided before the abduction or wrongful retention. The Convention also provides a means for helping parents to exercise visitation rights abroad. There is a treaty obligation to return an abducted child below the age of 16 if application is made within one year from the date of the wrongful removal or retention.  The requesting parent must have been actually exercising custody at the time of the abduction and must not have consented to the removal or retention of the child. There are certain other conditions that must be met as well. 

Further information can be found at www.travel.state.gov and at www.Philippines.usembassy.gov.

How Vulnerable is Your Child?

 
You and your child are most vulnerable when your relationship with the other parent is troubled or broken, the other parent has close ties to another country, and/or the other country has traditions or laws that may be prejudicial against a parent of your gender or to non-citizens in general. However, anyone can be vulnerable.

Some FAQS about Child Abduction

Why doesn’t the Department refer parents to each other?

Privacy Act considerations sometimes limit the information that can be shared about one individual with another, as do other legal considerations. Where parents ask the Department to refer other parents to them, however, the Department will generally do so. It is worth noting that other organizations do a very effective job in helping parents “network” among themselves, and the Department does not see a need to duplicate these efforts. We routinely recommend that parents contact NCMEC, for example, which can provide such referrals.

Why doesn’t the Department work with Interpol to conduct humanitarian visits?

Interpol is an information network among law enforcement agencies. It has proven extremely helpful in locating missing children based on National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) entries. Once a child is located, local law enforcement in a country is responsible for taking follow-up actions on law enforcement-related issues. Interpol Washington can transmit requests to foreign police to locate a child and ascertain his/her welfare, and may include a request that an abducted child be put into protective custody. However, implementation of these requests depends on the local police. Such visits are not a substitute for consular access.

The Department does coordinate with Interpol and local law enforcement in locating missing children. However, the Department will always press for consular access to a child, since such visits are a fundamental aspect of our responsibility for the protection of American citizens abroad. In these visits, moreover, the Department will attempt to facilitate direct, routine communications between the child and the left-behind parent, recognizing that such contact is critical to maintaining a parent/child relationship.

Does the State Department cooperate/consult with International Social Services (ISS) in resolving any of these cases?

The Department works closely with ISS to provide parents and children with required social services—but the role of ISS varies within different countries. The Department is pursuing this issue further in individual countries.

Why doesn’t the Department enforce its right to have a U.S. citizen child extradited to the U.S. from a foreign country?

Extradition involves the return of a criminal to the country in which the crime was committed. Children who are victims of international parental child abduction are not criminals—the taking parents are. While the Department has successfully sought the return of taking parents in a number of cases, either through extradition or other mechanisms, this does not automatically result in the return of the child. In some cases, the taking parent was extradited to, or arrested upon return to, the U.S., but the children remained abroad with relatives. Additionally, some countries will not extradite their own citizens.

For further information refer to www.travel.state.gov.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE 2006 U.S. ELECTIONS

All American citizens are reminded that 2006 is an election year in the United States.  Overseas citizens are eligible to participate in primary, run-off, and special elections that occur throughout the year, as well as the general elections in November.  A calendar of election dates is available on the Internet at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html.  You are encouraged to register to vote and/or request absentee ballots as early in the year as possible to ensure that you will receive all ballots for which you are eligible.  

The following is the basic absentee voting process:

If the ballot receipt deadline is drawing near, and you have not yet received the blank ballot from local officials, you can download an emergency ballot, write in the names of the candidates and the offices for which they are running, and send it back in time to meet your state's ballot receipt deadline.  The emergency ballot (SF-186, Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot, or FWAB) is available on the Internet at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/forms.html.  

Registration and ballot request procedures and deadlines vary by state.  Information about your state's procedures is available on the Internet at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html.  Information about your state's registration and voting deadlines is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/primarycal.html. 

There may be late changes to your state's voting calendar, procedures or deadlines.  When these occur, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) will issue a News Release.  News Releases are available on the Internet at  http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/releases.html.    

The official US Government website for overseas absentee voting assistance is the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov.  It has a wealth of information about absentee voting, including the downloadable absentee ballot application (SF-76, Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA).

General Information about Notarial Services

Documents used for legal purposes in the United States may require notarization by a U.S. notarizing officer. The individual who needs to sign the document must appear in person at the American Citizens Services Branch, present proper identification and pay the appropriate fee. A valid passport is required, or, in some circumstances three valid IDs such as a driver's license or other official photo IDs. There is no charge for notarizing documents required by the U.S. government. If witnesses are required, you must bring your own. Do not sign the document until requested to do so by the consular officer. 

Depending on the nature of the document, the notarizing officer will either take an acknowledgement that your signature was done freely and with an understanding of the document's contents, or administer an oath whereby you swear or affirm the contents of a document are true. (Note: Notarizing officers do not certify that the contents of submitted documents are true. An officer only certifies that you have made an oath or affirmation that the contents are true). Notarizing officers are prohibited from offering legal advice on the form or content of documents to be notarized.

Eligibility for Notarial Services

American citizens or other nationals can get documents notarized at the Embassy if the documents will be used in the United States. American citizens can also have documents notarized if the documents will be used in countries with formal U.S. diplomatic relations where the notarial act will be recognized in the country, and/or the notarial act is legally necessary, and/or the document will be used for a well-defined purpose and there is no apparent irregularity.

Refusal of Notarial services

Notarial services may be refused under the following conditions if:

Definitions and Examples of Notarial/Authentication Acts

Notarial Acts

Affidavit: A written or printed declaration or statement of facts, made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the person making it, taken before an officer having authority to administer such an oath.

An affidavit such as a Legal Capacity to Marry contains a declaration sworn or affirmed to under penalty of perjury. Affidavits require the personal presence of the individual signing the document in order for the notarizing officer to administer the oath. 

Acknowledgment: To "acknowledge" is to admit, affirm, or declare; to recognize one's acts, assuming obligation or incurring responsibility. For example, if you sign a deed before a notarizing officer, you acknowledge your signature.

An "acknowledgement" is a declaration by an individual before a notarizing officer that an instrument (such as a deed, mortgage, lease, contract for the sale of land, etc.) signed by the individual is the person’s act, and the deed or fact is genuine. The purpose of an acknowledgment is to permit the instrument to be recorded or received in evidence. Acknowledgements require the personal appearance by the individual who signs the document in order to confirm that the document was signed freely and willingly and with full understanding.

Oath: Any form of an attestation by which a person signifies that he or she is bound in conscience to perform an act faithfully and truthfully. A person who intentionally makes false statements under oath before a U.S. consular official is committing perjury

Affirmation: A solemn and formal declaration that an affidavit is true, that the witness will tell the truth, etc.

Attestation: The act of witnessing an instrument in writing, at the request of the party executing the document, and subscribing it as a witness.

Corporate Acknowledgment: Officials of corporations who desire to execute an instrument in their capacity as corporate officials before a consular notarizing officer must present adequate proof of their corporate identity.

Authentications

An authentication is a certification of the genuineness of the signature and seal, or the position of a foreign official, who has previously executed, issued, or certified a document so that a document executed or issued in one jurisdiction may be recognized in another jurisdiction. The Embassy maintains exemplars of the seals and signatures of the host government officials against which documents presented for authentication can be compared.

A consular officer can authenticate the signature of an accredited Philippine notary public on documents for use in the United States only if the notary public is included on the Embassy’s list of accredited notaries public. A consular authentication in no way attests to the authenticity of the contents of a document but merely to the seal and signature of the accredited notary public. For a list of Philippine Notaries Public accredited with the US Embassy, please contact the ACS or go to www.philippines.usembassy.gov.

For more information refer to www.Philippines.usembassy.gov.

Some FAQS About Notarial and Authentication Services

HOW DO YOU GET A DOCUMENT NOTARIZED OVERSEAS?  Notarizing officers at any U.S. embassy or consulate abroad can provide a service similar to the functions of a notary public in the United States. It is also possible to have a document notarized by a local foreign notary and then have the document authenticated by a U.S. consular officer.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CONSULAR PERFORMANCE OF NOTARIAL AND AUTHENTICATIONS SERVICES?  Notarial and authentication services are one of the oldest traditional consular functions. Only persons who meet the definition of "notarizing officer" may notarize documents at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The term "notarizing officer" at a U.S. embassy or consulate includes consular officers, officers of the Foreign Service who are secretaries of embassy or legation and such U.S. citizen employees as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Services may designate for the purpose of performing notarial acts overseas.

HOW DO THE NOTARIAL FUNCTIONS OF U.S. CONSULAR OFFICIALS DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A U.S. NOTARY PUBLIC? Like a notary public in the U.S., consular officials perform the usual functions of notaries related to oaths, affidavits and acknowledgments. They also require the personal appearance of the person requesting the notarial service; establish the identity of the person requesting the service; establish that the person understands the nature, language and consequences of the document to be notarized; and establish that the person is not acting under duress. They can perform the notarial service only if it does not come within the purview of the regulatory bases for refusal to provide the notarial service. However only U.S. consular officers can authenticate documents, a governmental act, which is not performed by notaries public in the United States

DO U.S. EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES PROVIDE NOTARIAL AND AUTHENTICATION SERVICES FOR NON-U.S. CITIZENS? Yes. These services may be performed for any person regardless of nationality so long as the document in connection with which the notarial/authentication service is required is for use within the jurisdiction of the United States.

WHAT FEES ARE CHARGED FOR CONSULAR NOTARIAL AND AUTHENTICATION SERVICES ABROAD? Effective June 1, 2002, there is a $30.00 fee for the first notarial service requested, and a $20 fee for each additional seal provided at the same time in connection with the same transaction. Also effective June 1, 2002, there is a $30.00 fee for each authentication service provided by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Fees may be paid in cash or by credit card.

CAN A NOTARY PUBLIC FROM THE UNITED STATES PERFORM THAT FUNCTION ABROAD? No. The commission of a notary public is limited to the jurisdiction within the particular state in the U.S. for which the commission was issued. For additional information about notaries in the United States contact the National Notary Association, a Non-Profit Educational Organization, 8236 Remmet Avenue, P.O. Box 7184, Canoga Park, CA 91304-7184, tel: 818-713-4000.

Can Consular officers authenticate documents issued in the United States?  No. Consular officers are not empowered to authenticate public documents issued in the U.S. or abroad. Consular officers do not have access to the records of the issuing office or the seal of the custodian of records. When a certification or authentication of a true copy is requested, please contact the issuing agency, embassy or consulate of the country where the document was issued.

For more information please go to www.travel.state.gov.

New Requirements for Affidavits of Support (I-864)

“How Do I…?” Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Questions at USCIS

United States citizenship carries many responsibilities with it. The decision to become a US citizen is a very important one. Being granted US citizenship is known as naturalization. In most cases, a person who wants to naturalize must first be a permanent resident. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you gain many rights that permanent residents or others do not have, including the right to vote. To be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements set by U.S. law.

What are the Basic Requirements to Apply for Naturalization?

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR NATURALIZATION?

You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the U.S.:

(Certain spouses of U.S. citizens and members of the military may be able to file for naturalization sooner).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR NATURALIZATION?

To apply for naturalization, file the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400. This form is available online at www.uscis.gov.

To learn more about Naturalization procedures for Military Personnel go to the USCIS website.

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

Send your application, two photos, documents, and fee to the appropriate Service Center. USCIS will then contact you to begin the formal naturalization process.

This process requires potential new citizens to submit fingerprints and visit a local USCIS office for an interview with an Adjudications Officer. Later, you will also be asked to take the English and U.S. Civics tests. For help preparing, USCIS has created a series of question and answer civics flash cards.

Upon successful completion of these requirements, you will receive a formal decision and a Naturalization Ceremony date, where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and return your Permanent Residency Card.

The “How Do I…?” Section of USCIS Today contains answers to frequently asked questions from USCIS customers. Additional information and more answers are available on the How DO I…? Section at www.USCIS.gov.

U.S. CITIZEN REGISTRATION FORM

Department of State

Foreign Service of the United States of America

Under the Privacy Act of 1974, I hereby authorize that the above information be given to an emergency warden so that I may be contacted in the event of a disaster or general crisis abroad. I also authorize that in the event of such crisis the Department of State may contact all individuals listed here, in the event of medical emergency or death.

SIGNATURE: _______________________________

IMPORTANT!!! We encourage all U.S. citizens in the Philippines to register with the Embassy. Registration is not mandated by law, but is strongly recommended to assist the Embassy in contacting you and/or your relatives in case of emergency. Please return this form to the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy, or thru fax at (02) 522-3242. You may also register online via https://travelregistration.state.gov. All information will be considered private and will not be disseminated.

WARDEN MESSAGE

April 26, 2006

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. THANK YOU.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Appointment Policy for Applications for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or First-time Adult Derivative Citizenship

To provide more efficient service to all of our customers, and to minimize the amount of time that applicants need to spend at the Embassy while processing their application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) or first-time adult derivative U.S. citizenship, the American Citizen Services (ACS) section is implementing new procedures. Effective May 1, 2006 the ACS section will interview applicants for CRBAs and first-time adult derivative U.S. citizenship by appointment only. 

All applicants for CRBAs and first-time adult derivative U.S. citizenship should submit their completed applications, and supporting documents, to the American Citizen Services section by mail. Appointments will be scheduled only after these applications have been received and reviewed. 

For your convenience the U.S. Embassy has partnered with FEDEX to provide basic information, forms and pick-up/delivery services. Applicants may avail themselves of this service for a nominal fee by calling the Fedex Call Center Exclusive Hotline: (63) (2) 879-4747, 7:30am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri, except American and Philippine holidays. Completed applications may also be mailed directly to the American Citizen Services Section, Attn: Passport /Citizenship, U.S. Embassy Manila, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila, Philippines

For recorded travel information, call 202-647-5225.

Internet Address: http://travel.state.gov

Travel Warning

United States Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC 20520

PHILIPPINES

June 16, 2006

This Travel Warning updates information on the security situation and reminds Americans of the risks of travel to the Philippines.  Terrorist groups and radical insurgents continue to plan multiple attacks throughout the Philippines. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for the Philippines dated March 23, 2005.

The Department of State urges American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Philippines and continues to warn against all but essential travel throughout the country in light of heightened threats to Westerners. The Department also continues to urge Americans who choose to travel to the Philippines to observe vigilant personal security precautions, and to remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks, including those against U.S. citizens.  Terrorist groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah and the Abu Sayyaf Group, continue to plan multiple attacks throughout the Philippines, as do some radical insurgents who have broken away from Moro groups. Explosive devices have been placed in shopping malls, on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, in places of worship, and in other public areas resulting in numerous casualties and deaths. No area of the Philippines is immune from the possibility of a terrorist attack, although the southern island of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago are particularly affected. One of three bombs that exploded on February 14, 2005 was planted on a bus near an upscale commercial district of Makati, Metro Manila, killing four people. In December 2005, the U.S. Embassy closed its public services for two days in response to threat information. Travelers should be aware that since security has increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists might seek softer targets.  Such targets could include, but are not limited to, places where Americans and other Westerners might live, congregate, shop or visit, including hotels, beach resorts, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or public recreation events.

The Department strongly encourages Americans in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manila through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, tel. 632-528-6300. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section's fax number is 632-522-3242 and the ACS web page is at http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwhmain.html.

Americans can obtain information on travel and security in the Philippines from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States; or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

U.S. citizens should also consult the recent Public Announcement for the Philippines, the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for the Philippines and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, located at http://travel.state.gov/ to obtain updated information on travel and security within the Philippines. 

Public Announcement

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
Office of the Spokesman

Worldwide Caution

June 06, 2006

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas.  This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated December 12, 2005 and expires on December 6, 2006.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.  The publication in the international press of caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, for example, led to widespread demonstrations and riots in several countries.  

The March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, illustrates the continuing desire of al-Qa’ida to strike official American targets.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. 

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target private interests or “soft targets” with a reduced security posture.     Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, hotels, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays.  Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 is one such example. 

In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems.  In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. 

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.  For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Washington, DC 20520

For recorded travel information, call 202-647-5225

Internet Address: http://travel.state.gov

Consular Information Sheet

Philippines

June 19, 2006

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Philippines is a developing nation with a democratic system of government, located in Southeast Asia. The archipelago consists of more than 7,000 islands, of which 880 are inhabited. The major island groupings are Luzon in the north, the Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. Tourist facilities are available within population centers and the main tourist areas. English is widely spoken in the Philippines, and most signs are in English.

Read the Department of State Background Notes on The Philippines at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens may enter the Philippines without a visa upon presentation of their U.S. passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the Philippines, and a return ticket to the United States or an onward ticket to another country. Upon your arrival, immigration authorities will annotate your passport with an entry visa valid for 21 days. If you plan to stay longer than 21 days, you must apply for an extension at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Deportation's main office at Magallanes Drive; Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, or at any of its provincial offices (http://www.immigration.gov.ph).

Persons who overstay their visas are subject to fines and detention by Philippine immigration authorities. American citizens are urged to remain aware of their visa status while in the Philippines and to follow immigration laws and regulations strictly. Travelers departing the country from international airports must pay a Passenger Service Charge in Philippine Pesos. For further information on entry/exit requirements, please contact the Embassy of the Philippines at: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (telephone: (202) 467-9300), or one of the Philippine consulates in the United States (Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco) or via the Internet at http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org.

Special requirements exist for the entry of unaccompanied minors.  In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Philippine government requires that a waiver of exclusion be obtained from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate or from the Bureau of Immigration and Detention in Manila for a child under 15 years of age who plans to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by either a parent or legal guardian prior to the child's entry into the Philippines.

See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on the Philippines and other countries.

Find more information about Entry and Exit Requirements pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.

SAFETY/SECURITY:  The Department urges Americans who choose to travel to the Philippines to observe vigilant personal security precautions, and remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks, including those against U.S. citizens. Americans are also encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy.   The Department warns against all but essential travel throughout the country in light of heightened threats to Westerners.  Explosive devices have been placed in