To travel to the United States, Filipino citizens need an American visa. This applies to both immigrant and migrant applications. However, US citizens can enter and travel to the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. Nationals of 38 countries can travel to the US without a visa for stays of 90 days or less if they apply for the Visa Waiver Program.
The US Visa Waiver Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Visa applications can be made online (form DS-160) for short-term visits to the US (tourism, business, education, etc.). For immigrant visas, which are issued to foreign nationals intending to live and work permanently in the US, applicants can visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services site for the relevant forms.
The US Embassy in the Philippines provides all routine visa services, but wait times for some visa classes can be substantial. The Embassy prioritises travellers with urgent needs and certain critical visa categories.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Visa requirements for Filipino citizens | Administrative entry restrictions imposed by the authorities of other territories |
Visa requirements for entry into the United States | An American visa is required for all Filipino citizens |
Visa-free entry into the Philippines | Nationals of the United States can enter without a visa for up to 30 days |
Visa-free entry duration | 30 days |
Visa fee for US citizens | $30 for a single-entry visa |
Visa fee for non-US citizens | $40 for a single-entry visa |
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for Filipino citizens
Filipino citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States. This applies to both immigrant and migrant applications. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, US citizens can enter and travel to the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days.
Visa Types
The US offers different types of visas, including:
- Immigrant visas: Issued to foreign nationals who intend to live and work permanently in the US.
- Nonimmigrant visas: These include visitor visas, business visas, and student visas.
- Diplomatic and official visas: Issued to individuals travelling to the US on official business.
- Exchange visitor visas: Designed to promote cultural exchange in the fields of education, arts, and sciences.
- Summer Work Travel visas: Allows foreign students to work in the US during their summer vacation.
Visa Application Process
The US visa application process typically involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of visa required.
- Complete the online application form (DS-160) and submit the necessary documents.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview, if required.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for the visa to be processed and issued.
It's important to note that visa processing times may vary, and applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of their intended travel date. Additionally, certain visa categories may have specific requirements and conditions that applicants need to meet.
Visa Fees
The visa application fee for nonimmigrant visas is typically $160, while work and religious visas cost $190 when a petition is filed. Multiple-entry visas for business travellers may cost between $80 and $120, depending on the duration of validity.
Visa-Free Entry
It's worth mentioning that Filipino citizens who hold a valid multiple-entry US visa or have a valid permit to stay in the US may be eligible for visa-free entry to certain countries, such as Belize and Mexico. However, it's always recommended to check the specific visa requirements for each country before planning your travel.
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Visa-free entry for Filipino citizens
Filipino citizens can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, which is administered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, this is only applicable to certain international travellers.
Requirements for visa-free entry
- A valid passport from the Philippines.
- A valid return ticket to the Philippines or the next country of destination.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US.
- The intended stay in the US must not exceed 30 days.
Other requirements
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g. bank statements).
- Proof of accommodation.
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Visa application process
To travel to the United States, Filipino citizens need an American visa. This applies to both immigrant and migrant applications.
The visa application process is the same whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa. However, if you already have a US visa and wish to renew it, you may not need to attend an interview.
The first step is to determine the type of visa you need. For short-term visits to the US (tourism, business, education, etc.), you can go directly to the online application (form DS-160). Immigrant visas, on the other hand, are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live and work permanently in the US. For these, you can visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services site for the relevant forms. If you are unsure about the type of visa you need, you can use the Visa Wizard on the US Embassy website.
Once you know which visa you need, you can start preparing your application. The requirements vary depending on the type of visa, but some general documents you may need include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g. bank statements)
- Proof of ticket reservation or round-trip flight itinerary
- Employment certificate
- Proof of legal status/residency in the US (for non-US citizens)
- Previously issued Philippine visa (if applicable)
- Invitation letter from a sponsor/reference in the Philippines
- Hotel accommodation/proof of lodging
- Visa fee (amount varies depending on the type of visa)
- Self-addressed prepaid return envelope
After preparing your application and gathering the necessary documents, you can submit your application online. You will then need to wait for your application to be processed, which can take several weeks or more, depending on the type of visa and your personal circumstances. It is recommended that you submit your application at least three months before your intended travel date.
After your application has been processed and approved, you may be required to attend an interview at the US Embassy. This is especially true for certain visa types, such as immigrant visas. During the interview, a consular officer will review your application, ask questions about your travel plans, and collect your biometric information. You may also need to provide additional documents at this stage.
If your visa application is approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport. However, having a visa does not guarantee entry into the US. The final admission decision is made by immigration authorities at the port of entry.
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Visa fees
To travel to the United States, Filipino citizens are required to obtain an American visa. The visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, is non-refundable and non-transferable and must be paid before applying for a nonimmigrant visa. The type of visa determines the fee amount.
Nonimmigrant Visa
The nonimmigrant visa application fee is $160. This includes visitor, business, and student visas. Work and religious visas typically cost $190 when a petition is filed.
Visa Waiver Program
Nationals of 38 countries are able to travel to the U.S. without a visa for stays of 90 days or less if they apply for the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Application Process
The U.S. visa application process is the same whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa. However, if you have previously been issued a U.S. visa, you may not be required to attend an interview.
Priority Interview Program
The Priority Interview Program (PIP) facilitates legitimate business travel between the U.S. and the Philippines. Qualifying businesses can access expedited visa appointments and priority processing and deliveries.
Visa Application Fee Validity
All nonimmigrant visa application fee payments made on or after 1 October 2022 are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued. Applicants must schedule an interview appointment or submit a waiver application during this period.
Other Fees
GenVisa, a visa service, charges $69 per visa for stays of 21 days or more. They also offer expedited services within 21 days ($45 extra) and within 14 days ($75 extra).
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Visa-free entry for US citizens to the Philippines
US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines for a period of 30 days or less. This is valid for their passports and return tickets.
However, if they wish to stay for longer than 30 days, they will need to apply for a visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a visa is required for Philippine citizens to enter the United States. However, there are certain exceptions for immigrant and migrant applications.
There are two main types of visas: immigrant visas and non-immigrant visas. Immigrant visas are for those who intend to live and work permanently in the US, while non-immigrant visas cover short-term visits such as tourism, business, and education.
You can apply for a visa by completing the online application (form DS-160) and submitting the necessary documents. The process is the same for first-time and renewal applications, but renewal applicants may not need to attend an interview.
The cost of a visa varies depending on the type. Nonimmigrant visas typically have a $160 application fee, while work and religious visas cost $190 when a petition is filed.
Visa processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances and requirements. It is recommended to apply at least three months before travelling to allow sufficient time for processing.