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November 17, 2017
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA ON THE WAIVER OF VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTS
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”;
Desirous of entering into an agreement for the enhancement of their bilateral relations;
Seeking to facilitate the travel of the Parties’ nationals who are on official mission for their respective Governments;
Have agreed as follows:
Article I
Coverage
This Agreement covers the following types of passports validly issued by the Parties:
Article II
Short-Term Visits
Nationals of either Party who are holders of valid diplomatic and official passports are exempted from the obligation to obtain visas for entry and stay in the territory of the other Party, if such stay does not exceed thirty (30) days from the first date of entry or when transiting through that territory on their way to a third state.
The passport used must be valid for not less than six (6) months from the time of entry into the territory of the other Party.
Article III
Extension of Stay for Short-Term Visits
National of both Parties who are holders of passport types mentioned in Article 1 of this Agreement may extend the duration of their stay in the territory of the other Party after the expiration of the period mentioned in Article II, upon written approval of the competent authorities of the other Party in accordance with its laws.
The passport presented must have a validity period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of allowed extension of stay in the territory of the other Party.
Article IV
Officials on Assignment
Holders of valid diplomatic and official passports of either Party who are assigned in diplomatic missions and consular offices in the territory of the other Party, as well as their spouse and dependent children traveling to live with the principal while the principal continues to be posted on diplomatic and/or consular assignment, shall be required to obtain the appropriate visa before their entry and stay in the territory of the other Party.
For the purposes of this Agreement, ‘dependent children’ shall refer to biological or legally adopted children of the principal, duly recognized as such by the Sending State who are either:
Article V
Compliance with Immigration Regulations
Notwithstanding the exemption from obtaining entry visas for holders of the passport types mentioned in Article I of this Agreement, it is the duty of persons benefiting therefrom to comply with the laws and regulations on entry, stay in and exit from the other Party’s territory.
The Parties shall immediately inform each other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of any changes in their respective laws and regulations governing the entry, travel and stay of foreigners.
Article VI
Unauthorized Activities
In all cases holders of diplomatic and official passports, including their qualified dependents and/or family members and private staff shall not engage in any work or remunerated activities inconsistent with their immigration status without securing the appropriate written permission from the competent authorities of the Receiving State.
Article VII
Denial of Admission
Each Party shall have the right to refuse the entry or terminate the stay of any person entitled to visa exemption under this Agreement on the ground of national security, public order, or public health.
Article VIII
Suspension of Agreement
Either Party may suspend application of this Agreement in whole or in part. Such party shall inform the other Party by written notification of the suspension through diplomatic channels at least sixty (60) days ahead of the suspending Party’s intended date of suspension.
Article IX
Passport Specimens
Both Parties shall exchange, through diplomatic channels their respective valid passport specimens at least thirty (30) days prior to the entry into force of this Agreement. The Parties shall inform each other about the introduction of new types and classifications of passports as well as any change or modification to those currently in use and shall furnish relevant specimens thirty (30) days prior to their introduction.
Article X
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising between the Parties concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by consultations and negotiations through diplomatic channels.
Article XI
Amendments and Revisions
Should a need for any amendment and/or revision to the provisions of this Agreement arise, the concerned Party shall inform the other Party of the pertinent changes, in writing and through diplomatic channels. Any revision or amendment agreed to by the Parties shall be done in writing and shall form part of this Agreement.
Article XII
Entry into Force and Termination
This Agreement shall enter into force on the sixtieth (60) day from the date of the last written notification by the Parties of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for its entry into force. Thereafter, it shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically renewed for a similar period unless either Party notifies the other Party of its intention to terminate it in writing, through diplomatic channels. Such termination shall be effective sixty (60) days after the date of such notification.
In witness whereof the undersigned, duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
DONE at Manila on 07 October 2016, in two originals in the English and Sinhala languages, both texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence, the English text shall prevail.
Desirous of entering into an agreement for the enhancement of their bilateral relations;
Seeking to facilitate the travel of the Parties’ nationals who are on official mission for their respective Governments;
Have agreed as follows:
Coverage
This Agreement covers the following types of passports validly issued by the Parties:
(a) For the Republic of the Philippines; Diplomatic and Official passports.
(b) For the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka: Diplomatic and Official passports
Short-Term Visits
Nationals of either Party who are holders of valid diplomatic and official passports are exempted from the obligation to obtain visas for entry and stay in the territory of the other Party, if such stay does not exceed thirty (30) days from the first date of entry or when transiting through that territory on their way to a third state.
The passport used must be valid for not less than six (6) months from the time of entry into the territory of the other Party.
Extension of Stay for Short-Term Visits
National of both Parties who are holders of passport types mentioned in Article 1 of this Agreement may extend the duration of their stay in the territory of the other Party after the expiration of the period mentioned in Article II, upon written approval of the competent authorities of the other Party in accordance with its laws.
The passport presented must have a validity period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of allowed extension of stay in the territory of the other Party.
Officials on Assignment
Holders of valid diplomatic and official passports of either Party who are assigned in diplomatic missions and consular offices in the territory of the other Party, as well as their spouse and dependent children traveling to live with the principal while the principal continues to be posted on diplomatic and/or consular assignment, shall be required to obtain the appropriate visa before their entry and stay in the territory of the other Party.
For the purposes of this Agreement, ‘dependent children’ shall refer to biological or legally adopted children of the principal, duly recognized as such by the Sending State who are either:
(a) twenty-one (21) years of age or below, unmarried, not gainfully employed and lives with and is totally dependent on the parents for support;
(b) above twenty-one (21) but not more than twenty-six (26) years of age, provided they are unmarried, not gainfully employed, lives with and is totally dependent on parents for support, and are currently enrolled in an academic institution in the country where the principal is assigned;
(c) regardless of age, incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical disability or condition.
Compliance with Immigration Regulations
Notwithstanding the exemption from obtaining entry visas for holders of the passport types mentioned in Article I of this Agreement, it is the duty of persons benefiting therefrom to comply with the laws and regulations on entry, stay in and exit from the other Party’s territory.
The Parties shall immediately inform each other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of any changes in their respective laws and regulations governing the entry, travel and stay of foreigners.
Unauthorized Activities
In all cases holders of diplomatic and official passports, including their qualified dependents and/or family members and private staff shall not engage in any work or remunerated activities inconsistent with their immigration status without securing the appropriate written permission from the competent authorities of the Receiving State.
Denial of Admission
Each Party shall have the right to refuse the entry or terminate the stay of any person entitled to visa exemption under this Agreement on the ground of national security, public order, or public health.
Suspension of Agreement
Either Party may suspend application of this Agreement in whole or in part. Such party shall inform the other Party by written notification of the suspension through diplomatic channels at least sixty (60) days ahead of the suspending Party’s intended date of suspension.
Passport Specimens
Both Parties shall exchange, through diplomatic channels their respective valid passport specimens at least thirty (30) days prior to the entry into force of this Agreement. The Parties shall inform each other about the introduction of new types and classifications of passports as well as any change or modification to those currently in use and shall furnish relevant specimens thirty (30) days prior to their introduction.
Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising between the Parties concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by consultations and negotiations through diplomatic channels.
Amendments and Revisions
Should a need for any amendment and/or revision to the provisions of this Agreement arise, the concerned Party shall inform the other Party of the pertinent changes, in writing and through diplomatic channels. Any revision or amendment agreed to by the Parties shall be done in writing and shall form part of this Agreement.
Entry into Force and Termination
This Agreement shall enter into force on the sixtieth (60) day from the date of the last written notification by the Parties of the completion of their internal procedures necessary for its entry into force. Thereafter, it shall remain in force for a period of five (5) years and shall be automatically renewed for a similar period unless either Party notifies the other Party of its intention to terminate it in writing, through diplomatic channels. Such termination shall be effective sixty (60) days after the date of such notification.
In witness whereof the undersigned, duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
DONE at Manila on 07 October 2016, in two originals in the English and Sinhala languages, both texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence, the English text shall prevail.
Entry into Force: November 17, 2017