Philippines Tourist Visas Explained
Depending on what country you’re from, your requirements for a visa to enter the Philippines will vary slightly. Visa requirements for the Philippines are generally simple and easy to acquire, making this beautiful place a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.Make sure you read and understand all the visa and passport requirements, before you make your trip to the Philippines. If you get all the required documents and follow all the rules, you will gain entry to the Philippines with ease and be able to enjoy a holiday of a lifetime.
Visa On Arrival/Stay of up to 30 Days
Many countries of the world can enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Check here to see if your country is on the list. Brazil and Israeli nationals are given 59 days on arrival and other countries not on the list, may have to get pre-approved visas before entering the country. Make sure you check your specific requirements at your local immigration centre before you travel.On arriving in the Philippines you’ll need to show your passport with at least 6 months validity on it and your return or onward flight to get your 30 days stamp. Some airlines may not even let you on the flight if you do not have a proof of onward travel from the Philippines.
Tourist Visa Application Process From Your Home Country
If you plan to get your Philippines tourist visa before you enter the country, you must apply in person in your country of legal residence. You cannot apply in another country while you’re travelling. A single entry visa is valid for up to 3 months, but after 59 days in the country you’ll have to visit a bureau of immigration to apply to extend your stay for the next 30 days.A multiple entry visa for the Philippines is valid for up to 6 months, but after each 59 days, you’ll have to visit the bureau of immigration to apply for an extension. For extending the single entry and multiple entry visas in the Philippines you’ll need the relevant forms, your passport and the fee which you can find details on here.
Documentation Required for Pre-Travel Visa Application
It’s a good idea to have all the required documentation with you to make the process smooth. Requirements may vary slightly from different immigration centres, but if you have everything listed below you should get your Philippines visa with no problems. Check with your local embassy for exact fees and documentation needed.- Visa application form, filled out and signed. It can be downloaded from the relevant website here.
- Passport with 6 months validity
- Photocopy of main passport page
- Proof of onward travel e.g.; flight ticket copy
- Hotel/guesthouse bookings printed out
- A recent passport sized photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds for trip e.g.; bank statement
- Visa fee (will vary depending on the country you’re applying from)
Extending Your Visa
If you obtained a visa on arrival into the Philippines, you can extend your first 30 days for another 29 days by visiting the bureau of immigration. Check here for requirements, fees and to find out where the nearest immigration office to you will be.If you’re having a great time and want to stay beyond the 59 days, it’s possible to keep extending your visa for 1-2 months at a time, up to a total of 36 months! Check here for more information.
If you were on the list of countries that required a pre-approved visa, you can request a 59 day stay at your point of entry. Moving forward you can extend you stay for 1-2 months at a time for up to 24 months. Check out more information on the application process and fees required here.
