The visa requirements for the Philippines depend on several factors, including the traveller's nationality, the purpose of their visit, and the intended length of stay.
Generally, foreign citizens who wish to enter the Philippines need to obtain a visa, which is placed in the traveller's passport. However, certain international travellers may be eligible for visa-free entry if they meet specific requirements. These include citizens of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and citizens of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, such as the United States.
For short-term stays not involving paid activities, nationals of many countries can enter the Philippines without a visa. This visa exemption typically ranges from 14 to 59 days and requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Additionally, returning Filipinos and their foreign spouses and children can enter the country without a visa for up to a year, provided they meet certain conditions.
For longer stays or other purposes, travellers may need to apply for a traditional visa through an embassy or consulate. It is important to note that the visa policy of the Philippines is governed by the Philippine Immigration Act and is enforced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Visa-free entry | Citizens of certain countries, including the US, can enter the Philippines without a visa for a short-term stay (up to 59 days for some countries, 30 days for others, and 14 days for others). |
Visa requirements | A visa is required for citizens of countries not on the visa-free list, and for stays longer than the visa-free period. |
Visa application process | Visas can be obtained through an embassy or consulate, or online for citizens of Taiwan. |
Visa cost | The cost of a visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin. |
Visa validity | Visas are typically valid for a specific period, such as 30 days or 6 months. |
Visa extensions | Visa-exempt nationals can extend their stay for up to 2 years, while visa holders can extend their stay for up to 6 months. |
Visa waiver program | The Philippines has a visa waiver program, governed by Executive Order No. 408, which allows eligible nationals to enter the country without a visa. |
Visa-free countries | Visa-free countries include all ASEAN and EU member states, as well as several other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Central African Republic, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. |
Visa-required countries | Visa is required for citizens of countries such as China, India, and Russia. |
Visa types | The Philippines offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and special visas for specific categories of applicants. |
Visa requirements for minors | Minors under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian apply for a visa on their behalf. |
What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines for stays of up to 30 days. They must hold a valid ticket for the return journey to the country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay in the Philippines.
If a US citizen wishes to stay in the Philippines for longer than 30 days, they will need to obtain a visa before travelling to the country. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit. The Philippines offers two main categories of visas: non-immigrant visas (for business, tourism, education or employment) and immigrant visas (for permanent stays in the country).
US citizens can extend a tourist visa at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) office before their approved time runs out or pay an overstay fine of 500 PHP per month. They can also apply for a visa extension of 1, 2, or 6 months for up to 3 years.
The US is one of 157 countries in the Philippines' visa waiver program, which allows US citizens to present a valid passport to the immigration counter when entering the country, rather than applying for a visa beforehand. However, US citizens must still present proof of an onward departure ticket.
The Philippines has recently introduced the One-Stop electronic Travel Declaration system (originally the One Health Pass), which all travellers to the Philippines must complete.
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Visa requirements for UK citizens
UK citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines if they plan to stay in the country for 30 days or less. The UK is one of the countries on the Philippines' visa-free list, so you can enter without a visa. However, a visa is required if you plan to exceed the 30-day visa-free period. To avoid running into trouble with the authorities, it is best to know ahead of time how long you plan to stay in the country and apply for the right Philippines visa.
If you plan to stay in the country longer than a month, you must apply for a visa. Here are the requirements:
- Passport: A valid Philippines passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity. The applicant's actual signed passport must have at least 2 blank pages where the immigration officers on duty will place the visa stamp.
- Photograph: A recent photograph of you is required. The photograph must be in colour, on a white background. The photograph must show your face clearly.
- Proof of funds: A bank statement of account for 3 months showing a minimum balance to cover your expenses.
- Proof of accommodation: A hotel reservation or house address where you will stay during your visit.
- Invitation letter: For business visas, the company or organisation inviting you to the Philippines will need to provide you with a business invitation letter printed on the company's letterhead paper.
- Cover letter: A signed cover letter indicating the purpose of the trip.
In addition to these documents, the applicant must prove beyond reasonable doubt that they intend to leave the country before or on the day their visa expires. They must provide evidence of a return flight ticket back to the United Kingdom as not having one may lead to disqualification. Furthermore, visitors are required to pay a departure tax when leaving the country. This amount is subject to change.
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Visa requirements for EU citizens
EU citizens are eligible for visa-free entry to the Philippines for a maximum of 30 days, provided they hold a valid ticket for the return journey to their country of origin or next country of destination, and a passport valid for a period of at least six months beyond the stay in the Philippines.
If an EU citizen wishes to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, they should apply for a visa before travelling to the Philippines. This can be done through a Philippine embassy or consulate.
The following additional requirements must be met for a visa application:
- Notarized application form
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g. bank statement)
- Proof of ticket reservation
- Proof of legal status/residency in the US (for non-US citizens)
- Previously issued Philippine visa (if applicable)
- Notarized letter of invitation from the sponsor/reference in the Philippines
- Hotel accommodation/proof of lodging
- Visa fee (paid by money order)
- Self-addressed prepaid return envelope
Please note that the visa issued does not guarantee automatic admission into the Philippines. The final decision lies with the immigration authorities at the port of entry.
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Visa requirements for Chinese citizens
Chinese citizens are required to apply for a visa to enter the Philippines. The type of visa they need depends on the purpose of their visit. Those who want to visit the Philippines for leisure purposes need to apply for a tourist visa. Those visiting for business, medical treatment, sailing, filmmaking, journalism, athletic, and performing arts purposes must file the corresponding visa application.
Visa-free entry for Chinese citizens
Chinese citizens with a valid visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, or a Schengen Area country are not required to apply for a tourist visa to the Philippines, provided that they are only visiting the country for leisure purposes. They are permitted to stay in the Philippines for a maximum period of 7 days. Note that this does not apply to business travellers, who would still need to apply for a business visa.
How to apply for a Philippines tourist visa as a Chinese national
- Contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate you want to file your application with and verify their list of requirements for a tourist visa application.
- Compile all the documentary requirements.
- Visit visa.gov.ph and choose China as your country of citizenship. Make sure that you have access to a printer and a scanner or camera, as you would need to print, sign, and then upload your application form.
- Proceed and click the “Apply For Individual Visa” button.
- Fill out the application form. Double-check all entries to ensure that there are no errors.
- When you are done, print your application form, sign it, and upload the signed form, your ID photo, and a copy of your passport.
- If you are applying in person, check the submission times of the embassy or consulate you are applying with. Note that while some embassies and consulate offices allow walk-in applicants, some may require that you get an appointment.
- If the embassy or consulate you are applying with allows a mail-in option and you plan to apply this way, you need to have your visa application form notarized. Send this, along with a cover letter and the other requirements, in a packet to the embassy or consulate. Note that some embassies and consulate offices have different requirements for mail-in applications, so make sure to follow what applies to you.
- Wait for your visa application to be processed. If your visa application is approved, it may be mailed to you, or you may need to pick it up at the embassy or consulate.
Processing time for a Philippines tourist visa application for Chinese nationals
The processing of your Philippine tourist visa depends on which embassy or consulate you filed your application with. Some offices may take as quick as 2 working days, while some may take 2 weeks or even longer.
Extending a Philippines tourist visa for Chinese nationals
Yes. You may apply for an extension of authorized stay beyond 59 days at the Bureau of Immigration Main Office or any of its other authorized immigration offices in the Philippines. You need to bring your passport, a filled-out application form, and a sworn statement for updating your length of stay. After submitting your requirements to the Bureau of Immigration, and if you have no derogatory records, a clearance certificate shall be issued. After paying the necessary fees, you will be able to claim your passport stamped with the extension of your stay.
Thanks to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) Program, passport holders of visa-required countries, including China, can stay a maximum of 24 months from their first arrival in the Philippines.
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Visa requirements for Indian citizens
Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter the Philippines. However, there are exceptions for Indian nationals with valid residency or long-term visas for the US, UK, Schengen countries, Japan, Australia, Canada, or Singapore. These individuals can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes only, and their stay is limited to 14 days, which can be extended for another 7 days.
The Philippines offers different types of visas for Indian citizens, including:
- Single-entry tourist visa
- Single-entry business visa
- Multiple-entry business visa
The fees for these visas vary, and the processing time is usually around 8-10 days but can be longer depending on the embassy. The required documents include a valid passport, visa application form, photographs, proof of funds, flight and hotel booking details, and employment or business-related documents. The application can be submitted at the Philippines embassy in India or through a travel agent.
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Frequently asked questions
Whether or not you need a visa to travel to the Philippines depends on your nationality, the intended length of your stay, and the reason for your visit. Citizens of certain countries, including the United States, can enter the Philippines without a visa for a short-term stay of up to 30 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days or are travelling for a purpose that is not covered by the visa-free agreement, you will need to obtain a valid visa or travel permit before entering the Philippines.
To find out if you need a visa for the Philippines, check the Philippine visa policy per country. This information is available on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines or your local Philippine Consulate.
All travellers to the Philippines must meet certain entry requirements, including completing the eTravel One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System. Additionally, all travellers must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the expected stay, a round-trip flight itinerary, hotel or accommodation reservations, and proof of financial means in the form of cash, debit or credit card.