Do I Need a Visa for Philippines - Philippines Visa Policy (2023)

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The Philippines is an archipelago consisting of about 7,641 islands, each one offering its own uniqueness. In fact, the Philippines is a country very rich in natural beauty and culture – not to mention the countless beaches.

So, a traveler stopping in the Philippines will have plenty to do and see. However, do you need a visa for the Philippines? Well, it depends on what country you are from.

This article will detail the Philippines visa policy, the visa-exempt countries, and those who can get a visa on arrival.

(Video) VISA-FREE ENTRY TO THE PHILIPPINES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS PLUS 3-YEAR STAY | ARE YOU QUALIFIED?

Do I need a visa for Philippines?

The Philippines visa policy is quite lenient. Passport holders of several countries can travel to the Philippines visa-free. Additionally, nearly everyone can get a Philippines Visa On Arrival.

However, unless you are from one of the countries who can travel to the Philippines visa-free, you have to apply for a visa before you enter.

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Visa-free countries for Philippines

If you are from one of the countries listed below, you do not need a visa for the Philippines for the duration stated:

Visa-free for up to 59 days

Passport holders of the following countries can enter and stay in the Philippines without a visa for up to 59 days:

  • Brazil
  • Israel

Visa-free for up to 30 days

Passport holders of the following countries can enter the Philippines and stay without a visa for up to 30 days:

  • European Countries
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Brunei
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Cabo Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Costa Rica
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Eswatini
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Mali
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Qatar
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Suriname
  • Switzerland
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkey
  • Turkmenistan
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Visa-free for up to 14 days

Passport-holders of the following countries can stay in the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days:

  • Hong Kong
  • Macau
  • Portugal (but who are permanent residents of Macau)

Here is the list of the countries where Filipino passport holders can travel visa free.

Other visa exemptions for the Philippines

Chinese citizens who have a valid Schengen Visa or a tourist visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, or the United States can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 7 days.

(Video) Philippines Visa Changes Passed - What Has Changed?

Indian citizens who have a valid Schengen Visa or a tourist or business visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, or the United States can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 14 days.

Who is eligible for a Philippines Visa On Arrival?

Everyone, except citizens of the countries listed below, can get a Philippines Visa On Arrival, valid for 59 days:

AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaArmeniaAzerbaijan
BangladeshBelarusBosnia and HerzegovinaChinaCuba
EgyptGeorgiaIndiaIranIraq
JordanKosovoLebanonLibyaMoldova
MontenegroNauruNigeriaNorth KoreaNorth Macedonia
PakistanPalestineSierra LeoneSerbiaSomalia
South SudanSri LankaSudanSyriaTaiwan
Timor-LesteTongaUkraineYemen

Who is eligible for a Philippines eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

Only citizens of Taiwan are eligible to receive an Electronic Travel Authorization for the Philippines.

If you are a Taiwan passport-holder, you can request the eTA through the website of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (here).

Do I need a Transit Visa for the Philippines?

You do not need to have a visa to transit in the Philippines if:

  • Your connecting flight is within 24 hours
  • You will not leave the international transit area of the airport
  • You will not switch terminals
  • You have the necessary documents for the third country
  • You are not a refugee or a stateless person

If you will switch between terminals, then you must have a Philippines visa as well as an airport escort.

Do I need a visa for long stays in the Philippines?

Yes, if you intend to stay in the Philippines beyond the time your visa-exemption allows, then you must have the necessary Philippines Visa.

(Video) PHILIPPINE IMMIGRATION RULES ON OVERSTAYING AND VISA EXTENSIONS!

However, if you are already in the Philippines and decide you want to stay longer, then you can apply to extend your stay.

Extension of stay in the Philippines

If you are in the Philippines with a Tourist Visa or under the visa-exemption rule, and you decide you want to stay longer, you can apply to extend your stay. Applications for Philippines visa extensions (extensions of stay) are submitted at an office of the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines.

If you first received a stay of 30 days, and want to extend your stay for another 29 days, then you can apply for a Visa Waiver from the Philippines IB at least one week before your stay ends.

If you have already stayed in the Philippines for 59 days, and want to extend your stay beyond 59 days, you have to apply for an Extension of Stay from the IB in the Philippines.

You can apply for an extension of: 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months.

Those who enter under visa-waiver can extend their stay for up to 36 months.

Those who enter with a Philippines visa can extend their stay for up to 24 months.

How to apply for a visa to the Philippines if I need one?

If you are not exempt from visa requirements, you can apply for a Philippines visa in one of the following ways:

(Video) How to Get a Philippines visa step by step guide

  • On Arrival. This option is available to everyone except passport holders of those listed above.
  • At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines abroad.
  • Online, if you are a citizen of Taiwan.

You also have to collect documents, such as:

  • A valid passport, which does not expire for at least another six months
  • Passport-size pictures
  • A confirmed return-flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, etc)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay

See a more detailed explanation of the Philippines Visa application and requirements..

What do I need when I’m traveling to the Philippines visa-free?

If you are from one of the countries exempt from holding a visa when entering the Philippines, then you can travel with simply your (valid) passport and a booked return or onward flight ticket.

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FAQs

Do I Need a Visa for Philippines - Philippines Visa Policy? ›

US Citizens don't need a visa to enter the Philippines. The United States is one of 157 countries in the Philippines' visa waiver program exempting US citizens from needing a visa to visit the Philippines for tourism or business.

Can I travel from the US to Philippines without visa? ›

US Citizens don't need a visa to enter the Philippines. The United States is one of 157 countries in the Philippines' visa waiver program exempting US citizens from needing a visa to visit the Philippines for tourism or business.

Can I go home to Philippines without visa? ›

You can enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of 30 days or less, provided that you meet all of the requirements and certain conditions. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines for the latest details.

How long can a US citizen stay in the Philippines without visa? ›

How Long Can I Stay In Philippines? As a US citizen, you can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without needing a visa. However, if you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate in the USA before going to the Philippines.

Can I get a visa at the airport in the Philippines? ›

The Philippines visa on arrival (VOA) is a travel document that allows eligible citizens to stay in the country for a short period of time, which may be obtained upon arrival at select ports of entry in the Philippines.

What are the requirements for a US citizen to travel to the Philippines? ›

Quick Facts
  • PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for 6 months at time of entry.
  • BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: Sufficient space for an entry visa stamp.
  • TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).

What visa is required for US citizens to visit Philippines? ›

PHILIPPINE VISA POLICY

No visa required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. Traveler must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines.

How much is visa on arrival in Philippines? ›

$30.00 – Single Entry Visa valid for 90 days. $60.00 – Multiple Entry Visa valid for 6 months.

How long does it take to get a visa for the Philippines? ›

It takes anywhere between two to ten working days to process a Philippines visa application. The time it takes for a visa to be processed depends on the specific Embassy or Consulate in which you apply. Whether you have all your documents in order or not also affects the processing time of your application.

Can US citizens travel to the Philippines without a passport? ›

A tourist visa is not required for the Philippines for U.S. citizens if the stay is under three months. But, you do need to present a valid passport and a proof of return ticket. Tourist and business visas last anywhere between three-twelve months.

Can I collect my social security in the Philippines? ›

Overview. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila provides services for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other federal benefit agencies to customers in the Philippines and over 40 other countries in the Asia-Pacific Region.

What happens if a US citizen overstayed in the Philippines? ›

If a US citizen overstays their tourist visa in the Philippines, they will be charged approximately 4,000 PHP per month. In addition, they may also be subject to additional fines of 500 PHP per month, as well as a motion for reconsideration of 500 PHP.

How long can a US permanent resident can stay in Philippines? ›

As we explained above, the 6-month rule is one of the elements to show you have not abandoned your LPR status. If you are outside of the U.S. for more than 180 days (6 months) in a year, you could be regarded as having abandoned your LPR status.

Is it hard to get a tourist visa for Philippines? ›

After arranging the document and Philippines tourist visa fees for Indian citizens, you can easily apply for it yourself or employ a broker or travel agent. If you are applying for it yourself, you must visit the Philippines embassy in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, or Chennai. Download and fill-in the application form.

Can I apply for Philippines visa online? ›

Those eligible to apply for an eVisa for the Philippines are able to complete a simple online application, which only takes a few minutes to fill in with personal, passport, and travel information. The approved eVisa for the Philippines is sent to the applicant's email address.

Do I need a visa for Manila Airport? ›

Additionally, nearly everyone can get a Philippines Visa On Arrival. However, unless you are from one of the countries who can travel to the Philippines visa-free, you have to apply for a visa before you enter.

Do you need a booster shot to enter the Philippines? ›

All arrivals to the Philippines must present a negative test no older than 24 hours and proof of vaccination. Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt.

What is the latest travel advisory to the Philippines? ›

Philippines - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.

What questions do immigration officers ask at airport Philippines? ›

What are the usual questions that the Immigration Officers ask?
  • Where are you going?
  • When will you return to the Philippines?
  • What will you do there?
  • Whom are you traveling with?
  • What is your occupation here in the Philippines?

How much is US tourist visa fee in Philippines? ›

The application fee for visitor visas for temporary business or tourism (B1/B2s) and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, has increased from $160 to $185.

How much is a 59 day visa in the Philippines? ›

You'll be granted a basic tourist visa upon first arriving to the Philippines, so no prior action is required. This visa is good for 59 days and is completely free. All you need to do is present a valid passport and your return flight number and date.

Can a US citizen live permanently in the Philippines? ›

Everyone will need a visa to move to the Philippines. If you wish to stay for long-term purposes, you will have to apply for long-term visas. Moreover, a few countries can enter the Philippines visa-free but for a short period. If you want to extend your stay, you must have the necessary visa.

How long can you stay in the Philippines with visa on arrival? ›

Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival Requirements

For stays no longer than 59 days- Non-visa required tourists in the country on their initial 30-day Visa On Arrival can apply for a visa waiver extending their Philippine tourist visa an additional 29-days.

Can you apply for a visa at the airport? ›

Visas can be obtained in advance of travel to save time. If you're planning to stay less than 90 days, you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.

How long can I get a tourist visa in the Philippines? ›

9(a) or Temporary Visitor's Visa in the Philippines

Most foreign nationals are given a 30-day period to stay in the country upon arrival, but that initial stay can be as few as 7 days and as many as 59 days, depending on the visitor's country of origin. This initial stay can be extended to a maximum stay of 16 months.

What documents are required for Philippines visa? ›

Only the travel document will be returned.
  • Application. 1.1 A completed and signed Schengen visa application form. ...
  • Travel Documents. 2.1 A passport or other travel document. ...
  • Evidence of legal residence. ...
  • Photo. ...
  • Proof of financial means. ...
  • Proof of travel. ...
  • Proof of ties in the Philippines. ...
  • Proof of occupation.

Can you drive in the Philippines with US passport? ›

Can I drive around the country? You can use a valid foreign driver's license in the country for 90 days from the date of your arrival. If you're staying for a longer period of time, we advise converting your license into a Philippine driver's license.

How long can a US citizen married to a Filipino stay in the Philippines? ›

How Long Can I Stay In The Philippines Using The 13a Marriage Visa? The 13a Permanent marriage visa allows you to stay in the Philippines indefinitely as a permanent resident, unless you divorce or your spouse passes away.

How long can dual citizen stay in the Philippines? ›

You can stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided that upon your arrival in the Philippines you present before the Philippine Immigration Officer your valid US/Foreign passport and your Dual Citizenship Documents. EXCEPTION: when you travel with your Foreign Husband/Wife/Child.

What happens to my Social Security if I leave the US? ›

If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to be sure you can receive your payments.

Can you retire in the Philippines from US citizen? ›

You are free to apply for a Philippines retirement visa through the SRRV program if: You are at least 35 years old and make a deposit of at least $50,000 in a bank account in the Philippines; or. You are at least 50 years old and have a pension.

How long can you live outside the US and still collect Social Security? ›

If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.

Can I come back to the US if I overstayed? ›

If you have more than 180 days of unlawful presence, meaning you overstayed your visa by 181 days or more, you will be barred from returning to the United States for a certain amount of time. If you were unlawfully present for between 180 and 365 days, you will be barred from entering the United States for three years.

How can I stay in the Philippines for 6 months? ›

You can apply for a Philippines Long-Stay Visa in one of two ways:
  1. At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines abroad; or.
  2. At the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines, in which case you have to enter with a regular Tourist Visa and then convert it at the BI into the type of visa you need.

How long can a Balikbayan US citizen stay in the Philippines? ›

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.

Can a US citizen be denied entry back into the USA? ›

Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.

Can you lose your American citizenship if you live in another country? ›

You may lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you: Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.

How long does it take for a Filipino to get a tourist visa to the US? ›

You can calculate your estimated appointment wait time on the State Department's official appointment tracker. As of March 2023, the current wait time for a B visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Manila is 144 calendar days.

How much is the penalty for overstaying US citizen in the Philippines? ›

You are considered to have overstayed if you have exceeded the maximum number of days your visa allows. In the worst-case scenario, offenders will be deported and never allowed back into the country again. The standard fine is P500 per month overstayed.

What do US citizens need to enter the Philippines? ›

Quick Facts
  • PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for 6 months at time of entry.
  • BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: Sufficient space for an entry visa stamp.
  • TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).

How long can a U.S. citizen stay in the Philippines without visa? ›

How Long Can I Stay In Philippines? As a US citizen, you can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without needing a visa. However, if you wish to stay for more than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate in the USA before going to the Philippines.

Does US Embassy Manila accept walk ins? ›

We do not provide walk-in services; you must have an appointment to enter the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consular Agency in Cebu.

How can I get tourist visa for Philippines? ›

Tourist Visa (Pleasure or Business) — 9(a) Visa
  1. Completely filled up application form. ...
  2. ORIGINAL and PHOTOCOPY of the passport with a validity that must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines.
  3. One 2″ x 2″ size photograph taken within the last six (6) months.

How many countries are visa free to Philippines? ›

The Filipino passport ranks 123rd in the world as of June 2023 according to VisaGuide Passport Index. This means that Filipino citizens can travel visa-free to 40 countries in the world. However, to enter the remaining countries, Filipino passport holders must apply for a visa beforehand.

Can a former Filipino US citizen travel to Philippines? ›

Former Filipinos and their immediate family members (spouse and children) who are visa-required nationals (nationals of countries NOT listed in the List of Countries Whose Nationals are Allowed 30 Day Visa-Free under EO 408). They must secure entry visas prior to their travel to the Philippines.

How long can a dual citizen of US and Philippines stay in the Philippines? ›

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE PHILIPPINES? You can stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided that upon your arrival in the Philippines you present before the Philippine Immigration Officer your valid US/Foreign passport and your Dual Citizenship Documents.

Is Philippines visa hard to get? ›

With no availability of a Philippines visa on arrival for Indian citizens, it is advisable to apply for a visa as soon as you can. Generally, it takes 8-10 days to process an application. However, this might extend to a longer time period, depending on the embassy.

Can a U.S. citizen live permanently in the Philippines? ›

Everyone will need a visa to move to the Philippines. If you wish to stay for long-term purposes, you will have to apply for long-term visas. Moreover, a few countries can enter the Philippines visa-free but for a short period. If you want to extend your stay, you must have the necessary visa.

How long can a US citizen Balikbayan stay in the Philippines? ›

Visitors who are admitted as balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. Their stay may be extended for an additional one (1), two (2) or six (6) months at the Visa Extension Section of a Bureau of immigration office.

What countries can you go to without a visa? ›

Visa-free destinations
  • Albania.
  • American Samoa **
  • Andorra.
  • Anguilla.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Argentina.
  • Armenia.
  • Aruba.

How many countries can US passport enter without visa? ›

Good news for US passport holders – that dream is closer to reality than you might think! With the power of the US passport, you can travel to 186 countries or territories visa-free or with a visa on arrival.

How hard is it to get a tourist visa to USA from Philippines? ›

As a Filipino, you are neither visa-exempt nor in the Visa Waiver Program, so your only choice is to pay a visit to the nearest US embassy or simply apply for a visa with the help of iVisa (which is a lot easier than doing it by yourself).

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