Philippines Visa Archives - Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country https://visa-consulate.com/category/asia/philippines-visa/ Visa Information For Any Country Thu, 28 Sep 2023 22:57:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://visa-consulate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/cropped-VISA-CONSULATE-FAVICON-150x150.jpg Philippines Visa Archives - Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country https://visa-consulate.com/category/asia/philippines-visa/ 32 32 In what way Thailand is better than the Philippines? https://visa-consulate.com/asia/philippines-visa/in-what-way-thailand-is-better-than-the-philippines/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 03:08:15 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=6559 Both Thailand and the Philippines have their unique advantages and challenges, however, here are some key differences between the two countries: Ultimately, the decision to choose one country over the other will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Both Thailand and the Philippines offer unique experiences and opportunities, and it’s up to each person to...

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Both Thailand and the Philippines have their unique advantages and challenges, however, here are some key differences between the two countries:

  1. Cost of living: Thailand generally has a lower cost of living than the Philippines, particularly in terms of housing and transportation. Food and entertainment options are also more affordable in Thailand.
  2. Infrastructure: Thailand has a more developed infrastructure than the Philippines, with better roads, public transportation, and healthcare facilities.
  3. Tourism industry: Thailand has a more established tourism industry than the Philippines, with a wider range of attractions and more developed infrastructure to support tourists.
  4. Language barrier: English is more widely spoken in the Philippines than in Thailand, which may make it easier for foreigners to communicate and navigate daily life.
  5. Cultural differences: The two countries have distinct cultures and customs, which may appeal to different types of people.

Ultimately, the decision to choose one country over the other will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Both Thailand and the Philippines offer unique experiences and opportunities, and it’s up to each person to decide which country is the best fit for them.

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US Visa Application From the Philippines https://visa-consulate.com/asia/philippines-visa/us-visa-application-from-the-philippines/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:27:50 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=6079 All Philippine citizens will need a visa to travel to the United States. A USA visa is required for both immigrant and migrant purposes. Yet, if you are a resident of the Philippines, but not a passport holder, that does not mean that you automatically need a visa. In fact, it all depends on the country...

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All Philippine citizens will need a visa to travel to the United States. A USA visa is required for both immigrant and migrant purposes. Yet, if you are a resident of the Philippines, but not a passport holder, that does not mean that you automatically need a visa. In fact, it all depends on the country the passport of which you hold.

Do I Need a Visa for USA From Philippines?

If you live in the Philippines and you want to travel to the US, you will be exempt from the visa requirement in only two cases. These cases are:

  • You are residing in the Philippines but you are a passport holder of a country exempt from the US visa requirement.
  • You hold dual citizenship: Filipino citizenship and the citizenship of a Visa Waiver country.

Use our ESTA Eligibility Checker to find out if you are eligible for ESTA:What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?*TourismVisit Family MembersMedical TreatmentTransitAttend an Event or ConferenceAttend Business MeetingsNegotiate Business DealsGO BACKCONTINUE

Tourist Visa in USA from Philippines

If you want to visit the US for tourism, then you should apply for the US Tourist visa from the Philippines. The B-2 Visa is for people wishing to enter the US for tourism or visiting friends/relatives.

To apply for a tourist visa from Philippines to USA you should mostly follow the guideline above. When it comes to the requirements, you will need to submit extra documents. A letter of invitation may be one of them.

How to Apply for US Visa from Philippines?

The US visa application in Philippines consists of some steps that you must follow to get a US visa. If you are planning to travel to the US and you need to apply for a US visa in Manila, follow these steps:

  1. Figure out which US visa type you need.
  2. Check where you should submit your visa application documents.
  3. Get the required documents for a US visa.
  4. Pay the visa application fee.
  5. Complete the application form for US visa.
  6. Schedule a US visa appointment.
  7. Attend the visa interview.

Check what type of US visa you need

According to the reason why you wish to travel to the US from Philippines, there are a few visa types. It is very important to know what your visa type is, for many reasons. Your whole US visa application process in Manila depends on the visa type. The type of application form, the required documents, the visa fees, and the interview as well.

Check where you need to apply

It is very important to know where you should file your US visa application. In the Philippines, all applicants should submit their applications at the US Embassy in Manila.

US Embassy in the Philippines

Address: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000

Phone: (632) 301-2000

Fax: (632) 301-2017

Please note that this article is for those applying for a nonimmigrant visa to the US. If you wish to apply for a US immigrant visa in Philippines, you should check our article on “Immigrant Visas to the United States.”

Collect the required documents for a US visa from Philippines

After all these steps, now you should collect the required documents.

The standard required documents for a US visa application in the Philippines are as listed below:

  • DS-160 form confirmation page.
  • Your PassportCheck your passport’s validity and pages before you apply. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of planned stay in the US. It must have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
  • A recently taken US visa photograph. If you have already uploaded a photo to your DS-160 application form, then there is no need to submit another photo. If not, submit a photo of 5 x 5 cm size, in color and taken within the last 6 months.
  • Interview appointment confirmation page (if applicable).
  • Visa fee payment confirmation.
  • Previous US visas (if you have any).
  • ACRO. This is a police certificate you get from the authorities in your country. It is a criminal record that shows if you have ever been arrested, cautioned or convicted.
  • Medical letter. The letter is required only if you have a medical condition that could have a bearing on your eligibility for a visa.
  • Invitation Letter for a B2 visa. If you are applying for a B-2 visa then this letter may also be required.
  • If you have ever been rejected from entering or deported from the US, you must also submit documents in this regard, which tell the reasons behind the deportation / rejection.

In addition to these documents, you will also need to submit other documents according to the purpose of your trip to USA.

You don’t have to wait until after you schedule your appointment to start collecting the required documents. You can start collecting them earlier, in particular, if some of them take time.

Remember:  Although it is not strictly required, getting US visa travel health insurance is highly recommended because the cost of healthcare in the US is very high. If you get sick or in an accident, the medical bills could reach thousands of dollars.

Pay visa application fee

The application fee for a US Tourist Visa application in Philippines is $160. When applying for a US visa in the Philippines, you have to pay the US visa fee upfront. To pay the visa fee in the Philippines, you have to download the deposit slip from the official website of the US Embassy’s Visa Information Service for the Philippines (here).

Then, you have the following payment options:

  • Paying by cash at the bank. Print out the deposit slip, make the payment in a Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI), and then save the payment slip/receipt for later.
  • Paying online. If you pay your Philippines visa online, you can do so if you are a client of Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet.

Whatever way you make the payment, save the fee receipt since you will need it later.

Complete the online application form

Your application form is the basement of your application for a US visa from Philippines. That is why you should pay special attention to this step of your application. For a US nonimmigrant visa, you should complete form DS-160.

You can fill the DS-160 form online through:

  • the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
  • by using the services of a third party company such as VisaExpress.

Keep the following information or documents nearby when you complete the DS-160 form:

  • Your passport.
  • Your travel itinerary (if you have already booked your trip).
  • The dates of your last five trips in the US. You may also need to submit your entire international travel history in the past 5 years.
  • For students and exchange visitors: Your SEVIS ID.
  • For petition-based temporary workers: Copy of your I-129.
  • For other temporary workers: Information about your employer, such as the address.

Schedule a US visa appointment with the US Embassy in Philippines

Once you complete the application form, you have to schedule your appointment with the US Embassy in Manila so you can submit your application. To schedule an appointment, you have to register here. Once you have logged in, you will see a dashboard. Click on “Schedule Appointment”, and proceed to complete the fields. When scheduling the appointment, you will need the following:

  • Your passport number.
  • The receipt number from your Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet receipt.
  • The barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

You have to enter your personal information, choose a date for the appointment, confirm the payment of the visa fee, as well as choose a location where you want your documents to be delivered.

Note: Make sure to wait for at least one workday from the time you pay the visa fee to schedule your appointment so that the payment processes.

Attend the US visa interview in Philippines

On the day of your scheduled appointment, go to the US Embassy in Manila for your visa interview.

US Embassy in the Philippines

1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 1000

Phone: (632) 301-2000

Fax: (632) 301-2017

You must have your passport with you (and any other previous passports which have US visas in them), your DS-160 confirmation page, your visa fee payment receipt, and a passport-size photo of yourself taken within the last six months. You must also have the documents listed above and any documents mentioned on the the “Schedule My Appointment” website, so make sure to check.

After You Have Applied for the US Visa in the Philippines

When your visa application is processed, the US Embassy will deliver your documents on the designated location that you selected when you scheduled your appointment.

US Visa Application Processing Time in the Philippines

The estimated US visa processing time in Philippines is three working days. Yet, there is not an exact answer to how many days it takes to get US visa after the interview in Philippines. This happens because in specific cases this period may be extended due to your personal circumstances or other.

How to Renew a US Visa in the Philippines?

Holders of nonimmigrant US visas can apply to renew their US visa if they are frequent travelers to US. If you wish to renew US visa from Philippines, you need to follow some procedures.

The process for a US visa renewal in Philippines goes as following:

  1. Pay the application fee for visa renewal.
  2. Complete a new DS-160 application form. Print the confirmation page after you complete the form.
  3. Register an account.
  4. Check if you qualify for an Interview Waiver. If you qualify then submit your documents for Interview Waiverservice at any 2GO outlet. These documents are
    1. The Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter.
    2. Passport with previous B1/B2 visa.
    3. Two photos.

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Philippines Retirement Visa https://visa-consulate.com/asia/philippines-visa/philippines-retirement-visa/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:14:55 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5467 The Philippines are perfect for retirees who want to get away from the loud city lifestyle and enjoy the crystal clear beaches and beautiful tropical weather. There are currently more than 64,000 foreign retirees living in the Philippines. Foreign nationals who want to make the Philippines their second home can easily obtain a retirement visa...

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The Philippines are perfect for retirees who want to get away from the loud city lifestyle and enjoy the crystal clear beaches and beautiful tropical weather. There are currently more than 64,000 foreign retirees living in the Philippines.

Foreign nationals who want to make the Philippines their second home can easily obtain a retirement visa through the Special Residence Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program.

With a Philippines retirement visa, you are eligible to work, study or invest in the Philippines.

Who Can Apply For a Philippines Retirement Visa?

You can apply for a Philippines retirement visa under the SRRV program if:

  • You are at least 50 years old and have a pension; or
  • You are at least 35 years old and make a deposit of at least $50,000.
  • You have no criminal record.
  • You can financially support yourself and any joining family members.

Deposit for the Philippines Retirement Visa (SRRV)

To receive a Philippines retirement visa, you must make a deposit and meet the monthly income requirements, as follows:

Applicants aged 50 and above who receive a pensionAmount
DepositUSD 10,000 
Pension for a single applicantUSD 800 (monthly)
Pension for a coupleUSD 1,000 (monthly)
If you are bringing more than one child as dependentAdditional deposit of USD 15,000 per child
Applicants who do not receive a pensionAmount
Deposit for applicants 35 to 49 years oldUSD 50,000
Deposit for applicants aged 50 and aboveUSD 20,000
Deposit for former Filipino citizens (at least 35 years old)USD 1,500
If you are bringing more than one child as dependentAdditional deposit of USD 15,000 per child

Collect the Documents Required for a Philippine Retirement Visa

To apply for a Philippines retirement visa, you must collect the following documents:

  • An original and valid passport with an updated Temporary Visitor’s Visa.
  • Completed PRA Application Form.
  • Original and valid medical clearance.
  • Original and valid clean criminal records from your home country and an additional NBI clearance (if you have stayed in the Philippines for over 30 days).
  • Eight photographs in the 2-inch by 2-inch format.
  • An inwardly remitted SRR visa deposit.
  • Proof of paid fee.
  • Marriage certificate for accompanying dependent spouse.
  • Birth certificate for accompanying dependent child.

Additional requirements might be requested depending on the SRR Visa option you choose.

Note: All documents issued outside the Philippines must be translated into English and authenticated by the nearest  Philippine Embassy/Consular Office.

How to Apply For a Retirement Visa in the Philippines?

To retire in the Philippines as an expat, you must register for the SRRV Retirement Program. The procedure for applying for a retirement visa in the Philippines is:

  1. Schedule an appointment at the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA).
  2. Choose the appropriate retirement option.
  3. Collect the documents required for a retirement visa.
  4. Submit the application to the PRA. 

Schedule an Appointment With the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)

The PRA allows only one person per appointment. You are advised to check for available schedules and book an appointment through the PRA official Facebook page.

Choose the Appropriate Retirement Option

Depending on your lifestyle, qualification, and retirement status, the SRRV program (also referred to as the SRRVISA) offers many options that you can choose to apply for:

OptionWho is it for?
SRRV SMILEFor active and healthy retirees who choose to keep their SRR Visa deposit of $20,000  in any of the PRA Accredited Banks.
SRRV CLASSICFor active and healthy retirees who choose to use their SRR Visa deposit into active investment (purchase of condominium unit, long-term house lease, etc.)
SRRV HUMAN TOUCHFor retirees in bad health conditions from the age of 50 and above who need medical or clinical care.
SRRV COURTESYFor former Filipinos and foreign nationals aged 50 and above who are retired officers of International Organizations recognized by the  Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
SRRV EXPANDED COURTESYFor foreign nationals aged 50 and above who are retired Armed Force officers of foreign countries with existing military ties or agreements with the Philippine Government.

The SRRV Classic and SRRV Courtesy are the most popular choices due to their flexibility and affordable terms. 

Submit the Retirement Visa Application to the PRA

You must submit your Philippine Retirement visa to one of the PRA Satellite offices in the main cities of the Philippines. The Philippine Retire Authority (PRA) requires you to travel to the Philippines to submit the application in person.

Philippines Retirement Visa Fee

When applying for a Philippines Retirement Visa, you will be required to pay the following processing fees:

ApplicantFee
Principal applicant$1,400
Dependent applicant$300
Principal & two dependents$360 (Annual Fee)

Can My Family Members Join Me?

Yes, if you obtain an SRRV visa, your family members can accompany you to the Philippines. Eligible family members include:

  • Your spouse (legally married to you).
  • Your child (biological or adopted), unmarried, and under the age of 21. In case your spouse is not joining you, you can take two children with you, without an additional deposit.

Benefits of Philippines Retirement Visa

Retirement in the Philippines comes with many benefits:

  • Indefinite stay with multiple-entry and exit privileges.
  • Exemption from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration ACR-I Card (Annual Report).
  • Exemption from customs duties and taxes for importing household goods and personal effects worth up to $7,000.
  • Exemption from Student Visa/Study Permit. Your children can study in the Philippines without a visa.
  • Access to the Greet & Assist Program at selected Philippine airports.
  • Free subscription to the PRA Newsletter.
  • Discount privileges from PRA accredited Merchant Partners.
  • Free assistance in transacting with other government agencies.
  • Entitlement to PHILHEALTH benefits & privileges.

Duration of a Philippines Retirement Visa

Holders of the Philippines retirement visa (SRRV) are entitled to multiple-entry visa and the right to reside in the Philippines indefinitely. This type of visa grants you permanent residence in the Philippines.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a generally low cost of living. However, the amount of money you need for a nice retirement in the Philippines depends on where you decide to settle and your lifestyle. One person can spend around $516 per month, not including rent.

The living costs in big cities like Makati, Quezon, or Pasig are higher, so you will need to spend a higher amount of money if you decide to spend your retirement in one of them.

Healthcare For Retirees in The Philippines

Philippines provides free healthcare to all residents under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The PhilHealth program covers the entire population, granting free lifetime coverage to foreign retirees and pensioners who have legal residency status in the Philippines.

PhilHealth is a government-owned insurance corporation and offers coverage and medical benefits that include:

  • Inpatient and Outpatient services
  • Ancillary services
  • Catastrophic coverage
  • Maternity benefits
  • Surgeries

You can always choose between private or public health insurance companies. Private health insurance companies offer more features and benefits.

Best Places to Retire in the Philippines

The cost of living is one of the key factors when looking for a place to retire. The Philippines is not an expensive destination, which makes it a top choice for retirees all around the world.
To help you decide where to locate, we have selected some of the best places for retirement in the Philippines.

Makati City

Makati City is ideal for retirees who want to enjoy a luxurious retirement. The city is known for shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels, and it is considered the financial, commercial, and economic hub of the Philippines.

If you choose Makati City as your retirement home, prepare to spend a higher amount of money than what you would spend in smaller cities.

Baguio City

Baguio, also known as ‘The Summer Capital of the Philippines’, offers a warm and friendly vibe. The locals are kind and polite and welcome everyone to their hometown. You will enjoy the cool climate, tropical pine forests, and the city’s romantic atmosphere.

Tagaytay City

Tagaytay is one of the most frequented places in the south. The city is located in the rural region and has outstanding scenery. It is characterized by a cool climate, stunning views, and delicious cuisine.

Lipa City

Lipa is a combination of urbanized and rural cities. Retirees consider moving to Lupa due to the cooler climate and the ideal location. The city is close to nature and not far from Manila.

Iloilo City

Iloilo City is a great place to save money and live a quiet lifestyle. This makes it popular among retirees worldwide. The tropical wet and dry climate is dominant throughout the year. Salaries in Iloilo city are some of the highest in the Philippines.

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Who Needs Philippines Visa? https://visa-consulate.com/asia/philippines-visa/who-needs-philippines-visa/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:12:25 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5464 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...

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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.

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.

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:

EU Member StatesAndorraAngolaAntigua and BarbudaArgentina
AustraliaBahamasBahrainBarbadosBelize
BeninBhutanBoliviaBotswanaBrunei
Burkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanada
Cape VerdeCentral African RepublicChadChileColombia
ComorosRepublic of the CongoCosta RicaCote d’IvoireDR Congo
DjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl Salvador
Equatorial GuineaEritreaEswatiniEthiopiaFiji
GabonGambiaGhanaGrenadaGuatemala
GuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHonduras
IcelandIndonesiaJamaicaJapanKazakhstan
KenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLaos
LesothoLiberiaLiechtensteinMadagascarMalawi
MalaysiaMaldivesMaliMarshall IslandsMauritania
MauritiusMexicoMicronesiaMonacoMongolia
MoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepal
New ZealandNicaraguaNigerNorwayOman
PalauPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeru
QatarRussiaRwandaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi Arabia
SenegalSeychellesSingaporeSolomon IslandsSouth Africa
South KoreaSurinameSwitzerlandTajikistanTanzania
ThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkey
TurkmenistanTuvaluUgandaUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States
UruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVatican CityVenezuela
VietnamZambiaZimbabwe  

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)

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.

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.

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:

  • 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

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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Philippines Visa https://visa-consulate.com/asia/philippines-visa/philippines-visa/ Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:10:32 +0000 https://visa-consulate.com/?p=5460 The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, consisting of over a thousand islands. It is a country known for its countless, sandy beaches, stunning natural beauty, and culture. To visit the Philippines, you may have to apply for a Philippines visa, although citizens of several countries are exempt. What are the Types of...

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The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, consisting of over a thousand islands. It is a country known for its countless, sandy beaches, stunning natural beauty, and culture.

To visit the Philippines, you may have to apply for a Philippines visa, although citizens of several countries are exempt.

What are the Types of Philippine Visas?

There are three main types of visas which the Philippine government issues to foreign residents:

  • Philippine Non-Immigrant Visas, which are issued to foreigners who are visiting for a short period of time and who do not qualify to become permanent residents of the Philippines. This includes:
    • Philippines Tourist Visas, to foreigners who are entering the Philippines for recreational purposes.
    • Philippines Business Visas, to foreigners entering the Philippines for business-related purposes, such as to attend a meeting, conference, sign a deal, etc.
    • Philippines Student Visas, for foreigners who will enroll in higher education institutions in the Philippines
    • Philippines Work Visas, to foreigners who have a pre-arranged work offer with a Filipino company.
  • Philippine Immigrant Visas, issued to foreigners who fall under one of the following categories:
    • Quota Immigrants: Highly-skilled foreigners who will be of benefit to the Philippines, and who are from countries that have a reciprocal agreement with the Philippines
    • Former citizens of the Philippines
    • The spouse and/or child(ren) under the age of 21 of Filipino citizens
  • Philippines Special Visas, which includes the following:
    • Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV), issued to foreigners investing in a manufacturing or service company in the Philippines, a company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, or in a project listed on the Philippines Investment Priority Plan.
    • Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG), issued to foreigners who hire at least ten Filipinos on their company/organization.
    • Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV), issued to foreigners who wish to retire in the Philippines.

Philippines Tourist Visa (Temporary Stay)

A Philippines Tourist Visa is a short-term visa, which is issued to visa-required foreigners who will enter the Philippines for:

  • Tourism/sightseeing
  • Medical treatment
  • Conducting business
  • Attending a cultural, academic, or sports event
  • Visiting family members
  • Any other short-term purpose which does not require the holder to work

This is the type of visa you have to apply for if you do not intend to set up permanent residence in the Philippines, but will simply stay there for a short period of time.

Passport holders of several countries are exempt from holding a Philippines Tourist Visa at all, while those who need it can apply for it at an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines abroad.

Do I Need a Visa for the Philippines?

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.

How Can I Apply for a Philippines Visa?

You can apply for a Philippines visa in one of the following ways:

  • At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines in your jurisdiction
  • On Arrival, at an international airport in the Philippines
  • Online, through the website of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office

Apply for Philippines Visa 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

Apply for a Philippines Visa On Arrival

Citizens of all countries can apply for a Philippines Visa On Arrival, except those from the following countries:

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

To apply for a Philippines Visa On Arrival, you have to download the Visa On Arrival application form from the website of the Philippines Immigration Bureau (here).

Apply for a Philippines Visa Online

Only citizens of Taiwan can apply for a Philippines visa online (also known as Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA) through this website.  The eTA is a facilitated method of obtaining a Philippine Tourist Visa, currently available only to citizens of Taiwan.

The eTA allows those who are eligible to receive authorization to enter the Philippines entirely online, by:

  • Accessing the website of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office
  • Completing the application form
  • Paying the fee through a credit/debit card

Once the visa has been processed and approved, they will receive an email informing them of the decision. They can print the visa and show it to the Immigration Officers when they enter the Philippines.

How long does it take to process a Philippines Visa application?

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.

However, you should always apply well in advance of the time you intend to travel.

What are the Philippines Visa Requirements?

The standard set of documents everyone who applies for a Philippines visa  must have are:

  • Philippines Visa Application Form, which you can usually find at the Embassy/Consulate in which you are applying or on their website. Completed and signed.
    • Submit as many copies as you are required (usually one or two)
  • Passport, valid for at least another six months and which has at least two blank pages to affix the visa in.
    • You may also have to submit photocopies of the personal information page on your passport and previous visas.
  • Passport-size pictures, with the following requirements:
    • Dimensions: 35 mm x 45 mm
    • Colored (not black and white)
    • White background
    • Recent (no older than three months)
    • You must be staring ahead, with a neutral facial expression
    • Your entire face must be visible, so your hair has to be pushed away from your face
    • Glasses are allowed, as long as they do not obscure your face or eyes (no thick rims, no tinted glass)
    • Headgear is only allowed for religious purposes, and as long as it does not obscure the face
  • Reserved return-flight ticket or a ticket for onward travel.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay in the Philippines (bank statements, pay slips, etc).
  • Proof of employment, based on your status:
    • If you are employed: Letter from your employer
    • If you are a student: Letter from your school
    • If you are self-employed: Business registration certificate
  • Payment of the Philippines visa fee

Keep in mind:

  • 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.

What are the Philippines Visa requirements for minors?

If a minor is traveling alone to the Philippines, then he or she must have the following documents:

  • The birth certificate of the minor.
  • The parent or legal guardian’s valid passport.
  • Fight itinerary for the minor.
  • Authorization for the minor to travel, issued by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and notarized by a Notary Public or by a Philippine Consulate or Embassy.
  • Bank statements of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), issued in the last month.

Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements

If you are entering the country for tourism or other short-term purposes*, then you have to submit the following additional documents:

  • Proof of accommodation in the Philippines, such as a hotel reservation
  • If you are visiting someone in the Philippines: Letter of Invitation
  • If you are traveling as part of a journalistic crew/mission:
    • Your CV
    • Background of your hiring company or organization
    • The planned itinerary of your activities in the Philippines
    • List of all the members on the team
    • List of equipment you and your team will bring
    • Proof of one article written by you
  • If you will take part in a short-term non-degree course:
    • Letter of request addressed to the Embassy/Consulate
    • Letter of acceptance into the educational institution
    • Your Birth Certificate
  • Any additional documents that the Filipino Embassy or Consulate requires you to submit

Philippines Business Visa Requirements

If you are traveling to the Philippines to conduct business, then you have to submit the following additional documents with your visa application:

  • Letter of Invitation from the company hosting you in the Philippines. The letter has to be signed by a person of authority in the company and notarized in the Philippines.
  • Letter from your company where you work, explaining the purpose and duration of your trip, and explaining who will cover the trip’s expenses.

How long is a Philippines Visa valid?

Philippines visas can be issued for a period starting from three months to one year, for single or multiple entries.

However, it should be noted that despite being valid for longer, a Philippines visa only allows the holder to stay in the Philippines for 59 days per entry. This means that even if you have a Philippines visa with a validity of one year, you will have to leave and re-enter the country every 59 days.

Can I extend a Philippines Visa?

Yes, you can.

If you are in the Philippines with a Tourist Visa or under the visa-exemption rule, you can apply to extend your stay if you want/need to stay longer. You have to submit the application for a Philippines visa extension (extension of stay) at an office of the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines.

If the initial number of days you were allowed to stay was 30 days, and you want to extend your stay for another 29 days, then you can apply for a Visa Waiver from the Philippines Immigration Bureau at least one week before your stay ends.

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

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

If you enter under visa-waiver, you can extend your stay for up to 36 months.

If you enter with a Philippines visa, you can extend your stay for up to 24 months.

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