What is WEG and Who Needs It?

What is WEG and Who Needs It?

What is WEG?

WEG stands for Waiver of Exclusion Ground, a special travel clearance required by the Philippine government for foreign minors under 15 years old who are entering the country without either parent.

Under Philippine immigration law, children under 15 traveling alone or with non-parental guardians are normally excluded from entering the country unless they have been granted a WEG.

⚠️ WEG must be applied for and approved before departure through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
✅ Once granted, a processing fee of PHP 3,120 must be paid upon arrival in the Philippines.

❓ Who Needs a WEG?

You will need to apply for a WEG if:

• The traveler is under 15 years old, and

• Is not accompanied by either parent, and

• Will enter the Philippines as a tourist (including visa-free entry)

This includes minors:

• Studying ESL abroad without their parents

• Traveling with relatives, guardians, agents, or school staff

• Joining a language school such as 3D ACADEMY without direct parental supervision

Even if a trusted adult accompanies the child, immigration will require a WEG.

✅ Who Does Not Need a WEG?

A WEG is not required if:

• The child is 15 years old or older, or

• At least one parent is traveling with the child, or

• The child is a Philippine national or permanent resident

If you’re unsure whether your child requires a WEG, it’s best to contact the Philippine Embassy for confirmation.

WEG Must Be Secured Before Travel

A common mistake is believing WEG can be arranged at the airport upon arrival in the Philippines.

❌ This is incorrect.
✅ The WEG must be fully approved before travel.

The application must be submitted through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence, and must be completed before the minor boards the plane.

If the child arrives without WEG clearance, immigration officials may:

• Refuse entry

• Place the child in temporary custody

• Require the child to fly back home on the next available flight

• Report the incident to the local embassy

Required Documents for WEG Application

The following documents are typically required for the WEG application:

1. Child’s birth certificate (English or with official translation)

2. Valid passport of the child (at least 6 months validity)

3. Notarized parental consent from both parents

   • Stating child’s travel purpose, destination, duration, and name of accompanying adult

4. Copies of parents’ passports or valid IDs

5. Passport copy of the accompanying adult

6. School acceptance letter (provided by 3D ACADEMY)

7. Flight itinerary and accommodation details

8. Additional forms or affidavits as required by the embassy

Many embassies require documents to be notarized or apostilled. Processing times vary, so please start early.

When Should I Apply?

We recommend starting the WEG process 4–6 weeks before departure. This allows time for:

• Document preparation

• Embassy appointment scheduling

• Notarization and translation

• Mailing or in-person submission

• Approval and return of documents

If you plan to travel during busy seasons (summer or winter holidays), apply as early as possible.

WEG Costs

Here’s what to expect in terms of costs:

The PHP 3,120 must be paid in cash upon arrival at immigration in the Philippines.

Does 3D ACADEMY Support WEG Applications?

3D ACADEMY only provides the necessary acceptance letter required for the WEG application.

We do not offer the following:

• Legal or immigration advice

• Embassy-related document preparation

• Guardianship services or sponsors

• WEG coordination or submission

• Accompanying adult arrangements

It is the parent’s full responsibility to prepare and submit the WEG application properly and on time.

If you’re unsure how to begin, we recommend contacting the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

What Happens Upon Arrival?

If your child has already received WEG approval:

1. The child should carry all original documents, including parental consent and the acceptance letter.

2. At immigration, the accompanying adult and child must present WEG-related documents.

3. The immigration officer will process the clearance and collect PHP 3,120 in cash.

4. Once approved, the child can enter the country normally.

✈️ Note: The accompanying adult must be the person listed on the documents. Substitutions are not accepted.

What If My Child Arrives Without a WEG?

If your child arrives without proper WEG clearance, immigration may:

• Deny entry into the country

• Place the child in temporary immigration custody

• Require the child to return to the country of origin immediately

• Cause serious distress and financial loss to the family

WEG cannot be arranged at the airport. There are no exceptions.

Final Checklist Before Departure

Contact Information

If you are planning to enroll your child at 3D ACADEMY and need help securing the acceptance letter for the WEG application, please contact us:

Email: info@3d-universal.com
Website: https://3d-universal.com

For all legal and embassy-related questions, please contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

‍ Final Advice

WEG is a strict legal requirement.
It is your responsibility as a parent to:

• ✅ Prepare the application in advance

• ✅ Bring all necessary documentation

• ✅ Pay the arrival fee in Philippine pesos

With proper planning, your child can enter the country safely and enjoy a meaningful experience at 3D ACADEMY.
We look forward to welcoming them to Cebu!

About 3D ACADEMY

3D ACADEMY is an established English language school located in Cebu City, Philippines, offering a wide variety of ESL (English as a Second Language) programs for students of all backgrounds—from absolute beginners to advanced learners. Founded in 2002, our mission has always been to make practical, immersive, and affordable English education accessible to international students in a warm and supportive environment.

A Truly International Campus

3D ACADEMY welcomes students from over 20 countries, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and many others. This multicultural atmosphere provides students with the opportunity to learn English not only from teachers but also from peers, fostering global friendships and cross-cultural communication.

‍ Personalized Learning with Native-Level Teachers

Our team of qualified Filipino instructors is known for their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. All classes are conducted in English, and many teachers hold TESOL certifications. We also offer 1:1 private lessons as a core part of our curriculum, allowing students to study at their own pace and focus on their personal goals—whether it’s daily conversation, business English, or exam preparation like TOEIC and IELTS.

Flexible Programs for All Needs

At 3D ACADEMY, we understand that every student has unique goals. That’s why we offer:

• General ESL Courses (1:1 and group)

• Intensive ESL or TOEIC/IELTS preparation

• Business English

• Family and Parent-Child Programs

• Online classes (pre/post-study support)

• Internship and Working Holiday prep courses

We also provide flexible durations, from 1 week to 6 months or longer, with weekly intake dates to suit your schedule.

Safe and Comfortable Accommodations

We provide on-campus dormitories as well as off-campus hotel-style accommodations for students who prefer a more private and comfortable experience. Rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with Wi-Fi, and monitored by 24/7 security staff. All meals are included, and our dining menu is tailored to suit Japanese and other Asian tastes.

Full Support in English, Japanese, and More

Our multilingual staff members are available to assist students with daily life in Cebu—from airport pickup, medical support, visa extension, and more. Whether it’s your first time studying abroad or you’re traveling solo, we’re here to help every step of the way.