Visas
Application
The visa policy of the Philippines is not very severe. Citizens of several countries, including EU Member States, Canada, Australia, and the US can enter the Philippines visa-free.
However, the visa-free entry permission only applies to short-term stays (up to 59 days, depending on the country). For stays longer than 59 days, you will have to get a visa or at least a visa extension.
See who is exempt from a Philippines visa and who needs one.
You can apply for a Philippines visa in one of the following ways:
At an Embassy/Consulate
- If you are required to have a visa for the Philippines, you can apply for one at the Philippines Embassy or Consulate in your country or the one responsible for your jurisdiction.
- Find the Philippine Embassy/Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction. This includes one in your country of residence, or abroad such as in a neighboring country.
- Contact them to learn about any specific requirements about the Philippines visa application process.
- Collect the required documents.
- Submit the Philippines visa application and the required documents at the Embassy/Consulate in person. Submissions on behalf of minors (under the age of 18) can be submitted by their parents or another legal representative.
- Wait for the visa to be processed.
- Collect the passport which has the Philippines visa affixed to it.
On Arrival
Citizens of all countries can apply for a Philippines Visa On Arrival, except those from the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Montenegro, Nauru, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra, Leone, Serbia, Somalia, South, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Ukraine, Yemen
To apply for a Philippines Visa on Arrival, download the Visa On Arrival application form from the website of the Philippines Immigration Bureau.
It takes between two to ten working days to process a Philippines visa application, depending on the Embassy or Consulate at which you apply. Whether you have all your documents in order or not also affects the processing time of your application. However, you should always apply well in advance of the time you intend to travel.
Documents Required
- Passport/Travel Document Valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines.
- Duly Accomplished Visa application forms.
- Passport Photos (2 pieces).
- Proof of bona fide status as tourist or businessman.
- Confirmed tickets for return or onward journey to the next port of destination.
- Payment of Visa Fees.
- No Objection Certificate from both parents (in case the minor is travelling alone).
- Any additional documents that the Filipino Embassy or Consulate requires you to submit.
Be Mindful
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, qualifications, and other documents issued in your country of residence have to be verified and authenticated at the Philippine Embassy in your country before you submit them.
The documents have to be either in English or Filipino when you submit them. If they are not, you must have them translated by a professional translator before submission. Make sure to learn the exact language requirements before translating anything, however.
Depending on where you apply, you may have to submit both the original as well as a photocopy of a document.