Son presently in the Philippines since he was born 5 yrs ago

If he's a minor, you will need some sort of legal paperwork authorizing you to take him out of the country from the mama, or proof that you are his guardian with full powers.

Both will need (as of today, anyway) "clean" swab tests.

Full details are here:    https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/t … -minors-2/

I apologize in advance if I have misread your intentions, but your post seems uninformed and possibly suspicious, especially for a first post. You haven't given much information - I assume you are the biological father? But more to the point - your relationship with the mother, her nationality, whether he is a US citizen by birth, the length of visit, etc. The mother is vested as legal guardian in the Philippines.

Suffice it to say it will be very difficult to take any underage child out of the Philippines (as it should be) without both parents present and clear documentation, approved visas, etc. You could be kidnapping the child from the mother, or even a sex trafficker. This sort of thing is attempted regularly. In addition to the paperwork, you will be interviewed at the airport.

Is he a US citizen? Did you register his birth with the State Dept?  Like I said earlier, it is suspicious that you would ask such an uninformed question in such a casual manner if you have in fact been residing in the Philippines and/or have a valid relationship with the boy and his mother for five years. If I am wrong, I apologize -  it is out of concern for the child. Also, please introduce yourself on the New Member page at the top of the home page.

EXCELLENT points pnwcyclist and I agree wholeheartedly with all of them. Too many bad possibilities to ignore.

Right. Thanks. Best not to take chances with this sort of thing.

Especially if it turns out to be kidnapping charges, knowingly or unknowingly.