Your Valid Philippine Passport Is Now Illegal To Use If You Are A Naturalized US Citizen

If you are a Filipino with US citizenship and you still have your old passport, consider it void.

It does not matter if the expiry date is years away or if the photo still looks like you; that burgundy booklet is no longer a legal travel document the moment you take your oath of allegiance to another country.

Using it at an airport or for official identification is now a direct violation of Philippine law.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has issued a strict reminder for Filipino Americans to stop using these documents immediately. This warning is particularly urgent because immigration scrutiny across the United States has intensified. Officials are now looking much more closely at whether a traveller's documents accurately reflect their current legal citizenship, and having the wrong passport in your bag could lead to serious trouble at the border.

Also read: US to End Dual Citizenship? Here’s What Filipinos Should Know

Philippine passport laws for former Filipinos

The legal reality is that your Philippine passport loses its power the moment you become a US citizen. Under Philippine law, natural-born Filipinos who naturalise in another country are deemed to have lost their Philippine citizenship automatically.

Because of this change, you are officially regarded as a former Filipino and a foreign national. The Embassy issued a firm warning to those who still possess their old documents, stating that natural-born Filipinos who became naturalised citizens of another country "are deemed to have lost their Philippine citizenship and are regarded as former Filipinos, unless they take formal steps to reacquire Philippine citizenship."

“Former Filipinos CANNOT use their old Philippine passports for travel or for other purposes, even if still valid, because they are considered foreigners and doing so would violate Philippine passport laws,” the Embassy advisory added.

Carrying the wrong documentation can lead to significant delays or legal issues during immigration checks. It is better to leave the old booklet in a safe place at home rather than risking a confrontation at an international terminal.

Reacquiring dual citizenship status

If you want the right to hold a Philippine passport again, you must go through a formal legal process. Republic Act No. 9225, also known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act, allows you to regain your status as a Filipino citizen.

Once you take the Oath of Allegiance, you can enjoy the full benefits of being a dual citizen. By reacquiring your citizenship, you can stay in the Philippines indefinitely, own property without the restrictions placed on foreigners, and exercise your right to vote.

Your minor children can also derive citizenship through your application. However, the Embassy noted that this law does not apply to individuals who previously held dual citizenship but later formally renounced their Philippine citizenship, such as by "executing an affidavit of renunciation."

Also read: Filipino Married Women Are Now Allowed to Revert to Their Maiden Name on Passports

Travel options for Balikbayans

While the rules on passports are strict, the government still provides ways for you to visit family without necessarily becoming a dual citizen. For those who do not wish to reacquire their citizenship, you can still visit the Philippines using your US passport.

Former Filipinos are eligible for the Balikbayan privilege which allows them to stay in the country visa-free for up to one year. You simply need to show proof of your former Philippine citizenship, like an old birth certificate or your cancelled passport, to the immigration officer when you land.

If you prefer the freedom of a dual national, you can file your application through Philippine embassies, consulates, or scheduled consular outreach missions to ensure your travel remains stress-free.

Staying updated on immigration rules is essential for every Filipino living abroad to avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. Whether you choose to travel as a Balikbayan or apply for dual citizenship, ensuring your documents match your current status is the best way to keep your trips back home simple and legal.