Travel Requirements For The Philippines: Everything You Need To Know

The Philippines has specific requirements for travellers, including a passport with at least six months' validity and a return or onward ticket. Travellers must also register with the eTravel system 72 hours or less before their arrival. While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially given the high number of motorbike accidents in the country. COVID-19 vaccination certificates are no longer required for entry, but travellers should monitor local media for updates and follow instructions from local authorities. It is important to note that the Philippines has a high threat of terrorism and violent crime, with terrorist attacks possibly occurring anywhere in the country.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for the Philippines depend on several factors, including the traveller's nationality, the intended length of stay, and the purpose of the visit. Here is a detailed overview of the visa requirements:

Visa-Exempt Entry

Nationals of certain countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for short-term stays, typically up to 30 days. This includes citizens of the United States, European Union countries, the United Arab Emirates, and others. However, it is important to check the specific requirements for your country, as some nationalities may have different visa-free entry privileges.

Visa Application

For those who require a visa, the process involves the following steps:

• Complete the eTravel One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System (originally the One Health Pass).
• Check the relevant policies and requirements for the specific visa type being applied for.
• Apply for the appropriate visa type, such as a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa, through an embassy or consulate. Some countries, like Taiwan, have online application processes.
• Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, photos, proof of financial means, and proof of travel itinerary.
• Pay the visa fees, which vary depending on the visa type and nationality of the applicant.

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that an approved visa does not guarantee entry into the Philippines. The admission of foreign nationals is at the discretion of the immigration officials at the port of entry. Additionally, there are specific requirements and restrictions for certain groups, such as former Filipino citizens, foreign media personnel, and seafarers joining a vessel in the Philippines.

Health and safety protocols

The Philippines has lifted all COVID-19 measures for international travellers, meaning that tourists no longer need to present proof of vaccination to enter the country. However, there are still several health and safety protocols to be aware of when travelling to the Philippines.

Firstly, it is highly recommended that travellers to the Philippines take out travel insurance, especially given the rising number of motorbike accidents in the country. Travel insurance will protect you financially and medically in the event of an accident and will cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and even repatriation if needed.

Secondly, travellers must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after their departure from the Philippines and a return or onward ticket. They must also register their travel to and from the Philippines on the eTravel Card online portal within 72 hours of their arrival or departure. This will generate a QR code that must be used for arrival and departure formalities.

Thirdly, travellers should be aware of the risk of insect-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and filariasis, which are common in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season between May and December. It is recommended that travellers get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before their trip and take anti-malarial medication. Other common diseases include cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, cholera, and typhoid. Travellers should drink boiled or bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked food, and not swim in lakes or rivers to reduce the risk of infection.

In addition, HIV/AIDS is a risk in the Philippines, and travellers should take precautions if engaging in high-risk activities. Condoms may be difficult to find outside of Manila.

Finally, medical facilities in the Philippines are generally adequate in major cities but limited outside of urban areas. Public medical clinics lack resources and supplies, and hospitals often require upfront payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting patients. It is recommended that travellers purchase medical evacuation insurance in case of a medical emergency.

Passport validity

Your passport is a critical document when it comes to international travel, and it's essential to ensure that it meets the requirements of your destination country. Here are some detailed instructions and information regarding passport validity when travelling to the Philippines:

Expiry Date:

When travelling to the Philippines, it is mandatory for your passport to have an 'expiry date' that is at least six months after your arrival date. This requirement is standard for many countries, and it is meant to ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your stay. It is advisable to renew your passport if it is approaching this six-month threshold.

Blank Pages:

While not directly related to passport validity, it is important to ensure that your passport has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps. The exact number of required blank pages may vary, but it is generally recommended to have at least two to four blank pages when travelling internationally.

Processing Time for New or Renewed Passports:

If you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport, it is crucial to plan ahead. The processing time for passport applications can vary but generally falls between four to eight weeks. Therefore, it is recommended to initiate the process at least nine months before your intended travel date to account for any unforeseen delays.

Passport Requirements for Minors:

Special considerations apply when it comes to passport validity for minors under 18 years of age. In the Philippines, passports issued to minors typically have a validity period of five years. Additionally, when travelling to the Philippines, minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The specific requirements may vary depending on the minor's age and the country of origin, so it is essential to consult official sources for detailed information.

Keeping Your Passport Secure:

Your passport is a valuable document, and it is your responsibility to keep it secure at all times. Always store your passport in a safe place, and never leave it unattended. If your passport is lost or stolen, immediately report it to the nearest embassy or consulate, and follow the necessary procedures for obtaining a replacement.

Currency restrictions

The unit of currency in the Philippines is the peso (PHP). The rules on bringing Philippine pesos or foreign currencies into or out of the Philippines are as follows:

• A person may bring into or out of the Philippines, either physically or by electronic transfer, legal tender Philippine currency of an amount not exceeding PHP 50,000 without prior authorization from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The monetary forms include legal tender Philippine notes and coins, cheques, money orders and other bills of exchange drawn in Philippine pesos against banks operating in the Philippines. The term "electronic transfer" refers to a system where the authority to debit or credit an account is provided by wire, with or without a source document being mailed to evidence the authority.
• For amounts in excess of PHP 10,000, prior BSP authorisation is required.
• A person bringing in or taking out of the Philippines in excess of USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies must declare the same in writing using the Foreign Currency and Other FX-Denominated Bearer Monetary Instruments Declaration Form. This form can be obtained from a Customs Officer at the Customs Desk in the arrival or departure areas, or downloaded from the BSP website.
• The above rules are applicable to a child travelling with their parent/guardian upon Customs inspection, provided that the total amount allocated per person, including the allotment for the child/children, does not average more than PHP 10,000, and that the allocation of the pesos or foreign currency is explained to the authorities by the parent/guardian.
• It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or out Philippine pesos in excess of PHP 10,000 without prior authorisation from the BSP. Any violation of this rule may lead to seizure and civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution.
• The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared. Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and/or penalties.

Transport

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,500 islands, so transport is a key consideration when travelling there. The government has been improving transport links through various infrastructure projects, including increased air, sea, road, and rail transportation and transport hubs.

Air

The Philippines has 12 international airports and more than 20 major and minor domestic airports. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the country's chief airport, with direct flights to nearly 40 regional destinations. Clark International Airport is another major gateway to the country. Other important airports include Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and Zamboanga International Airport.

Sea

Ferry services are an important means of transportation between islands. Trips can last a day or two on large overnight ferries, or less than 15 minutes on small, open-air pump boats. There are numerous shipping companies in the Philippines, including 2GO Travel and Trans-Asia Shipping Lines. The busiest port is the Port of Manila.

Road

The road network in the Philippines includes national roads, provincial roads, city and municipal roads, and barangay roads. In total, there are over 217,317km of roads in the country. Roads are generally congested and often in poor condition, and drivers often break the road rules. Jeepneys, motorized tricycles, taxis, and buses are important modes of public transport in urban areas.

Jeepneys are a popular and iconic public utility vehicle, originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II. They are known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating, and have become a symbol of Philippine culture.

Motorized tricycles, or simply tricycles, are another common means of public or private transportation, especially in rural areas. These can be a motorcycle with a sidecar, or a bicycle with a sidecar.

Taxis are mostly used in metropolitan areas. Motorbike taxis are handy for penetrating heavy traffic, but they can also be risky.

Rail

The rail system in the Philippines is limited, with less than 100 miles of operational railway. However, the government has plans to expand the network. There are currently three rapid transit lines and one commuter rail line in Manila and the surrounding areas. The Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT) is a rapid transit system serving the Metro Manila area, with two lines: LRT1 and LRT2. The Manila Metro Rail Transit System (MRT) has one line, MRT3, which passes through Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfares. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) operates a commuter line that serves a region from Metro Manila south towards Laguna.

Frequently asked questions