MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Filipinos wanting to visit the United States face an enormous challenge in securing an entry visa, especially for the purpose of tourism. Many go through the doors of the U.S. Embassy in Manila in the hopes of getting their passports stamped for travel to America, but very few leave with the tourist visa they try so hard to secure.

(The Philippines is not among the countries exempted from obtaining a tourist or business visa under the US Visa Waiver Program.)

In response to the illusive U.S. visa for Filipinos, the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has found a way to return the favor.

Foreigners visiting the Philippines, especially Americans, must obtain permission to leave. The little-known immigration policy requires foreigners to apply for, and secure an ‘exit visa’ before they can head to the airport to board a plane back to their home country.

“You are free to come, but you can’t leave without our permission,” a spokesman for the BOI said of foreigners intending to visit the island nation.

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” so the saying goes.

Here’s a reminder from BOI about the unique policy.