A. Types of Philippine Visas And their Requirements
B. Foreign Nationals Exempt from Philippine Visa Requirements
Nationals of countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines are generally allowed entry into the country without securing a temporary visitor’s visa from the Consulate if their stay does not exceed thirty (30) days. Visitors availing of this no-visa privilege must enter the Philippine for tourism purpose and must hold a round-trip or onward travel airline ticket, which must be presented before Philippine immigration authorities upon arrival at the port of entry in the Philippines.
U.S. passport holders are covered under this rule. If the intended stay in the Philippines is beyond 30 days, an application for a temporary visa must be filed at the Consulate.
There are nationals of other countries who are classified as Restricted Nationals by the Philippine Government. These Restricted Nationals are not entitled to the 30-day no-visa privilege and must apply for a temporary visa. Contact the Visa Section at (213) 639-0980 ext. 221 to inquire whether your country of nationality falls under this category.
Check here if your passport will require a visa for entry to the Philippines.
C. BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM
Returning balikbayan may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period one (1) year for tourism purposes. Under the Balikbayan Program (Republic Act 6768) of the Philippine government, the term balikbayan includes:
A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the country for a period of at least one (1) year from date of last departure;
A Filipino overseas worker;
A former Filipino citizen and his family members as this term is defined hereunder, who has been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines provided that the former Filipino citizen can show proof that his or her former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old/cancelled Philippine passport, Birth Certificate, or naturalization papers) upon arrival in the Philippines.
Foreigner spouses and children travelling with the former Filipino citizens may avail of this privilege by presenting before immigration officials legal documents establishing relationship with the former Filipino citizen upon arrival in the Philippines. These documents could either be a Marriage Certificate (for spouses) or Birth Certificate (for children). This privilege can only be availed of by family members/relatives if they are traveling to the Philippines together with the balikbayan (former Filipino).
(The term “family” shall mean the spouse and the children of the balikbayan who are not balikbayans in their own right travelling with the latter to the Philippines).
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM HERE
FAQs
What are the requirements for foreign nationals entering Philippines? ›
- Passport valid for at least six (6) months at the time of entry.
- Valid visa, if applicable (for those who are not entitled to a visa-free entry in the Philippines, as well as those with immigrant or non-immigrant status)
- For temporary visitors: valid onward/return ticket.
- A valid passport.
- Passport size photos.
- Old passports and visa.
- A copy of your completed and signed visa application form.
- Details about your itinerary.
- Proof of hotel bookings, flight bookings.
- Copy of return ticket.
US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. US citizens can enter the Philippines Visa on Arrival and stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59-days. After 59-days, US Citizens can extend their visa by 1, 2, or 6-months at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration office.
Can I get Philippine visa at airport? ›More than 150 nationals around the world are eligible to apply for a Philippines visa on arrival.
Can a US citizen travel to the Philippines without a visa? ›TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: No (for tourist travel under 30 days).
How long can a US citizen stay in the Philippines without a visa? ›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.
Requirements for Philippines Visa
Bank statements for the last six months duly stamped and signed by a bank officer. The original passport that has a validity of at least six months. Photocopy of the data and amendment pages in the passport.
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, visa processing will take five (5) to seven (7) business days, excluding the time it will take for the applicant's passport with visa sticker to be mailed. The application may require clearance from other government agencies in the Philippines.
How much bank balance is required for Philippines tourist visa? ›The letter should be duly signed by the applicant with his contact details and addressed to 'Philippines Consulate, Mumbai'. 8)Bank statement reflecting transactions of last 6 months, with bank seal and sign on each page, having minimum balance of 1 lakh rupees per applicant.
How much is Philippine visa from USA? ›How Much Is the Philippines Visa Fee? The visa for the Philippines costs around $37 USD. Depending on how you obtain the visa as a foreign citizen, you may incur processing fees that can range from $20 USD to $60 USD.
How much is Philippine visa for US citizen? ›
Visa Fee: $30.00 – Single Entry Visa valid for 90 days. $60.00 – Multiple Entry Visa valid for 6 months. $90.00 – Multiple Entry Visa valid for 1 year.
Can I apply Philippine visa online? ›The Philippines visa is available online and is known as an Electronic Travel Authorization. Requirements for the visa include filling out an application with your personal information like your passport information, travel and lodging plans, and return flight information.
What are the requirements for going back to Philippines? ›- PASSPORT.
- VISA.
- Civil Registry.
- Citizenship.
- Others. Driver's License renewal. Applying for a Singapore Police Clearance.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, the Balikbayan Privilege can be availed of by the foreign member of a balikbayan's family EVERY TIME they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan (former Filipino/dual citizen) and not only once a year.
How long can a 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.
Can a former Filipino citizen enter Philippines without visa? ›Former Filipino nationals can travel to the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to one year. Their immediate family (spouse and children) also benefit from this visa waiver when travelling together.
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.
How can a foreigner stay longer in the Philippines? ›The LSVVE allows temporary visitors to prolong their stay in the Philippines without the need to frequently visit the Bureau of Immigration to process their documents. No LSVVE shall be issued to non-visa foreign nationals whose stay exceeds 36 months, and visa-required nationals whose stay exceeds 24 months.
Can a US citizen retire in the Philippines? ›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 a US permanent resident stay in the Philippines? ›Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for up to one year. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.
Do we need to show bank statement for visa? ›
You should obtain your bank statements at least three to four days before submitting your application. Some embassies/consulates require you to obtain your bank statements a minimum of a week before applying for your visa.
How much money should we show for visa? ›There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have 10,000 USD and above to get F-1 visa. Suggested: How Much Funds to Show for an F-1 Student Visa?
Why do visas ask for bank statements? ›What is the purpose of the bank verification for my visa application? Immigration officials want to know that you have the financial fortitude to support the immigrant in the United States so that they do not become a public charge and financial burden to the government.
How long is wait for visa interview Philippines? ›Non-immigrant US Visa Type | Appointment Wait Time |
---|---|
Interview Required Visitors (B1/B2) | 144 Days |
Interview Required Students/Exchange Visitors (F, M, J) | 10 Days |
Interview Required Petition-Based Temporary Workers (H, L, O, P, Q) | 21 Days |
For nonimmigrant visa applicants in India, it is advised that they make a booking three months in advance of their intended travel date.
How long does it take to get a tourist visa to United States for the Philippines? ›Though visa processing time is typically one week, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at least three (3) months in advance of the intended date of travel.
How much cash can bring from USA to Philippines? ›The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of US$10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
How much cash can a foreigner bring to Philippines? ›A person may carry up to the amount of USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any other foreign currency), in cash or other monetary instruments, into and out of the Philippines.
How much cash can you fly with Philippines? ›A person may freely bring into or take out of the Philippines foreign currency and other bearer monetary instruments (e.g., travelers' checks, other checks, drafts, notes, money orders, bonds) in amounts up to USD10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies.
Is US tourist visa open now in the Philippines? ›We'll be in touch. U.S. Embassy Manila has resumed all routine visa services.
How can I stay in the Philippines longer than 30 days? ›
You can extend your Philippines visa if you need to stay in the country for longer than what your initial visa allowed you to stay. To extend your permit you must visit an office of the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines and submit an application for an extension at least 7 days before your current visa expires.
What are the requirements for visa application? ›- Application form. Completed truthfully in English or Czech in print and signed by the applicant.
- Passport. ...
- Visa fee. ...
- Passport Picture. ...
- Passport Copy. ...
- previous Schengen visa. ...
- All risk Travel Health Insurance. ...
- Proof of travel arrangements:
Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to 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.
Is booster shot required for travel to Philippines? ›Filipino and foreign nationals aged 18 and above who have received primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and at least one (1) COVID-19 booster shot administered at any time prior to departure. Filipino and foreign nationals aged 12 to 17 who are “fully vaccinated”.
Who can enter Philippines without visa? ›- European Countries.
- Andorra.
- Angola.
- Antigua and Barbuda.
- Argentina.
- Australia.
- Bahamas.
- Bahrain.
In fact, if your passport is due to expire before the return flight to your country, you won't be allowed to enter the country that you're visiting in the first place. To gain entry to a country, at the very minimum, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
Can I go back to my home country Philippines if my passport will expire two months before my flight? ›Returning to the Philippines with passport less than 6 months validity is not a problem provided you'll take direct flight.
Can a US citizen get dual citizenship in the Philippines? ›Persons who wish to declare their dual citizenship are advised to present their foreign passport as well as their valid Philippine passport and/or Identification Certificate upon entering and departing the Philippines.
How many years can a foreigner become a Filipino citizen? ›Foreign nationals may naturalize as Philippine citizens after meeting a minimum residence requirement (usually 10 years), acquiring real estate, demonstrating proficiency in either English or Spanish as well as a Philippine language, and fulfilling a good character requirement.
Can a U.S. citizen own property in the Philippines? ›Foreigners are prohibited from owning land in the Philippines, but can legally own a residence. The Philippine Condominium Act allows foreigners to own condo units, as long as 60% of the building is owned by Filipinos. If you want to buy a house, consider a long-term lease agreement with a Filipino landowner.
Can you own land in the Philippines if you have dual citizenship? ›
Dual Citizens of the Philippines under Philippine Republic Act 9225 can own land in the Philippines without restrictions similar to foreigners or former natural-born Filipinos.
Can foreign nationals go to the Philippines? ›Yes. Travellers aged 15 and above who are not fully vaccinated are required to present a negative laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test taken 24 hours before departure from country of origin. Those unable to present a laboratory-based ART will be required to undergo testing in the upon arrival in the airport.
Is PCR test required to travel in the Philippines? ›Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to 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 are the unvaccinated requirements to enter the Philippines? ›Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals fifteen years old and above shall present a remotely supervised or a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test result, failure to present the said pre-departure test shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based rapid antigen test taken upon arrival.
Can a former Filipino US citizen travel to Philippines? ›The Philippines' BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM allows a one-year visa-free stay for Filipinos working overseas and for former Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in certain countries (refer to list of countries below).
How long can a foreign national stay in Philippines? ›Foreign nationals from visa-free countries who wish to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days can either (a) request an extended stay at the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival in the Philippines.
How much bank balance is required for Philippines visa? ›The bank balance required for a Philippines visa is the minimum amount you will need in your bank to be able to apply for a visa. The Philippines embassy has set this amount to be at least $1000.
Can I apply for Philippines visa online? ›The Philippines visa is available online and is known as an Electronic Travel Authorization. Requirements for the visa include filling out an application with your personal information like your passport information, travel and lodging plans, and return flight information.
Does Philippines accept rapid antigen test? ›COVID testing for travelers to the Philippines
Several testing options including Same Day Antigen, Same Day RT-PCR, NAAT, Next day RT-PCR options are offered.
As per the latest government advisory, effective 1st January 2023 (1000 hrs IST), all passengers arriving from countries identified as 'High Risk' will have to undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test (to be conducted 72 hrs before undertaking the journey).
Is RT-PCR test approved for international travel? ›
International travel requires an RT-PCR test
Most countries require a negative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test for entry. When booking your appointment, select COVID19 RT-PCR for travel.
Unvaccinated nonimmigrant travelers allowed to enter under an exemption must generally agree to become fully vaccinated within 60 days. (This requirement does not apply, for example, to nonimmigrants present in the United States for a brief duration.)
Is travel insurance mandatory for Philippines? ›On May 30, 2022, the Philippines removed their rules requiring all travelers to buy travel insurance and submit a negative Covid-19 test upon entry into the country. With the rule change, fully vaccinated travelers do not need to meet these requirements.