NBI Clearance for Travel Abroad Requirements and Application

Are you planning to travel abroad soon? You need NBI clearance as an essential document while applying for your visa application, Right? NBI has straight forward process to help you get your NBI clearance for abroad purposes, from the application to renewal tips. 

It is important to prove your clean record if you are going abroad for multiple purposes like work permits, immigration, international tours, as a tourist, or as a student for study purposes. You can testify to your criminal-free record by securing NBI clearance. For any of these travel purposes, providing an NBI clearance document is unavoidable. Here is a complete guide to help you understand the process of obtaining NBI clearance for your foreign travels.

Why is NBI Clearance Needed for Abroad?

Many countries demand for a certificate to testify good conduct from the applicant’s home country. In the Philippines, NBI Clearance issues a clearance document to testify that the applicant has no criminal history and is not involved in any illegal activity,  after a complete verification of the applicant’s previous records.

List of the Countries that Require NBI Clearance for Travel Abroad

NBI clearance is demanded by various countries from Filipinos traveling abroad for employment, immigration, work permits, permanent residency, long-term stay or study visas. Here is a list of countries that typically require NBI clearance for employment and residency.

1. Countries from the Middle East like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel.
2. Countries from Asia like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Malaysia and Brunei.
3. Countries from Europe like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. 
4. Countries from North America like the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
5. Countries from Australia and Oceania like Australia and New Zealand.
6. Countries from Africa like South Africa and Nigeria.
7. Other countries like Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

These countries may ask for NBI clearance according to the visa type or length of stay. It is important to check for up-to-date requirements from the embassy or consulate of the visiting country. 

Purposes of NBI Clearance While Traveling Abroad

NBI clearance serves various purposes, while a person is planning an international journey. These purposes may be:

1. Employment: International employers require NBI clearance for Filipino workers, to ensure their clean backgrounds. 
2. Education: Some foreign institutes and universities may require this document from international students
3. Adoption: NBI clearance is also demanded by the people who are part of the international adoption process. 
4. Immigration: The embassy can ask for clearance documents during visa application for residence or immigration process. 

Requirements for NBI Clearance for Travel Abroad

The following documents are needed to apply for NBI clearance for travel.

• A valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
• NBI Clearance Application form
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Old NBI clearance for the renewal process.
• Fee payment 

Guidelines To Complete Application To Get NBI Clearance for Travel Abroad

Follow these steps to obtain your NBI clearance.

1. Register Online: Visit the official NBI Clearance website and sign up if you are a new user by filling in the necessary personal details, otherwise, sign in there using your already-used email address.
2. Choose the Purpose: While applying for NBI Clearance, select the option, “Travel Abroad”.
3. Set an Appointment: Apply for the appointment by choosing a suitable time from available slots for your preferred NBI branch.
4. Payment: Pay the processing fee through online payment options like Paymaya, Gcash, 7-Eleven, or recommended payment centers.
5. Biometrics and Photo Capture: Fingerprints and photographs will be taken on the appointment day at the NBI branch.
6. Receive the Clearance: Clearance will be granted the same day or within a few working days. The branch will guide you on the date of receiving depending on the staff availability or workload. 
7. Applicant Residing Abroad Currently: If the applicant is applying for NBI Clearance while residing abroad might have fingerprints and photographs at the consulate office. The consulate is responsible for transferring documents online to the NBI’s designated branch in the Philippines for processing. 

How to Acquire NBI Clearance While Staying Abroad

If the applicant is temporarily or currently residing in any country other than the Philippines, he can apply for clearance by mail or through an authorized representative.

  NBI Clearance Abroad By Mail

1. Apply for the clearance by completing an online application at https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph
2. Send an attachment of the following required documents by mail/post to NBI:

• Copy of old NBI clearance
• Copy of passport page
• Two 2×2 photos
• Processing fee payment slip of amount PHP 200 

3. Send the documents to the address:

Emelyn M. Aoanan
Chief, Information, and Communication
Technology Division
4th Floor, NBI Clearance Building
UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila

  NBI Clearance Abroad By Authorized Person

1. Complete an online application at https://clearance.nbi.gov.ph
2. Select an authorized person. The authorized person can apply, collect, or receive NBI Clearance by providing an Authorization letter/Special Power of Attorney to the representative. 
3. Attach the valid ID of the representative along with the authorization letter. 
4. Provide the following required documents with the application. 

• Copy of old NBI clearance
• Copy of passport page
•  Two 2×2 photos
•  Fee payment slip PHP 200 processing fee. 

5. An authorized person will be authorized to submit documents at:

• Mailed Clearance Section
• 3rd Floor, NBI Clearance Building
• UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila

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Validity and Renewal of Clearance for Abroad

NBI Clearance is valid for one year from the date of issuance. If you are out of the country and have plans for more travel, a renewal is needed before the expiry date. Timely renewal is important as the expired version does not stay valid for visa applications. The validity period may vary as per the requirements of the destination country. 

Clearance Renewal Process for Travel Abroad

Renewal of the Clearance document is easy. Follow these steps to renew your clearance.

1. Login and sign in to your NBI account. Use the same login credentials you have used in your first application.
2. Select the renewal option and follow the steps.
3. Submit your expired clearance or old clearance document. This may be needed to confirm your previous application.
4. Confirm an appointment in your suitable time slot available in your preferred branch. 
5. Pay the renewal fee through online portals or the recommended payment center for this. 
6. Though the renewal process is faster as your data already prevails in the system in some cases upgraded fingerprints and photos may be required.

Remember, if you’re abroad, you can contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate for renewal procedures and can send documents by postal mail to NBI.

Steps to complete the fingerprint card at the Embassy

• Book online appointment
• 1 copy of your valid passport
• Two 2×2 photos
• Fill up a fingerprint card at the Embassy

Tips for Smooth NBI Clearance Process for Travel Abroad

Follow these tips to get a smooth NBI clearance application process for travel abroad.

• Apply for NBI clearance well before the time of applying for a visa as the clearance process time may vary.
• Ensure all the necessary documents that are required by your destination country.
• Track your application and keep up the follow-up if you have not received the clearance within the expected time of delivery.  

Read about nbi clearance process.

Conclusion

An NBI clearance is an important document for Philippine nationals who are planning to apply for foreign trips. This document assures the destination country that the applicant has a clean criminal record with no involvement in any illegal activities. Following the proper application process and submitting the requirements, you can have a smooth and hassle-free experience to obtain your clearance document.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)