Visa and passport information for the Philippines

Visa and Entry Information

Visa and Passport requirements for the Philippines
Visa regulations do change occassionally but the Philippines does like to encourage travellers to visit so for most nations getting a 21 day tourist visa on arrival is no problem.

Passport
It may sound obvious but you will need your own passport and it must be valid for at least 6 months it should not be torn, had odd things spilt on it and the pages should be all clean and readable.

Visas
When you turn up at the immigration desk they will scan your passport normally there is a supporting piece of paper to fill in asking names passport number address in Philippines etc (most airlines provide these prior to landing if not they area at the airport), the official will then stamp you in for 21 days - they may request your onward ticket/travel plans a flight ticket out within 22 days is good.

For longer stays, before you travel apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate for a three-month single-entry visa, which usually costs US$30. Multiple-entry visas valid for up to six or twelve months are also available ($60 or $90 respectively), but you'll still be limited to 59-day stays.

Most Philippine embassies and consulates won't issue you a visa without proof of a ticket for onward travel from the Philippines.

Visa extensions
If you want to stay beyond the 21 you get on arrival, you will need to get an extension from an immigration office.

Currently, 21-day visas can be extended to 59 days for P3030. Longer extensions (up to a maximum of six months) are possible, with correspondingly higher fees. You'll need photocopies of the identity page and the Philippine entry stamp from your passport, and you may need to show an onward ticket.

Most main areas have an immigration office Manila is the busiest largest if possible try and use the ones either in Cebu or San Fernando (La Union) remember when visiting government offices be respectful this is very important to society in the Philippines and you do want to get the visa.. this applies to dress as well, casual clothes, such as shorts and singlets, are prohibited - flip-flops (thongs) are also frowned upon, if you have them wear long trousers / skirt and a smart looking top and closed shoes.

Onward tickets
Officially, you must have a ticket for onward travel to enter the Philippines. This applies both to those who apply for visas before arriving in the Philippines and those who hope to receive a 21-day visa on arrival.

Chinese Nationals, including citizens for Hong Kong and Taiwan, will need a special permit. You can get a visa or special permit from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Or contact your local Philippine embassy or consulate.

HEALTH REGULATIONS
The Philippines is fortunate to be free from epidemics. The country remains safe from bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases.
If you’re coming from an area where yellow fever has been reported, you’ll need a certificate of vaccination.

CUSTOMS
Before leaving the plane, you will be asked to fill out the Baggage Declaration Form.
The following items are allowed duty-free:
A reasonable quantity of personal clothes, jewelry, and toiletries
Two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco
Up to two (2) liters of alcohol

The following items are prohibited:
Firearms
Dangerous drugs
Narcotics
Pornographic materials

The following items are regulated:
Transceivers
DVDs and VCDs
Controlled chemicals/substances/precursors

The following items are restricted and require prior import permits and health, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates:
Foreign agricultural products, such as animals, plants, wildlife
Their products and by-products, such as meat, eggs, fruit
Endangered species

“Balikbayans” have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their current residence.

Foreign exchange regulations
It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or take out Philippine Pesos in excess of P10,000.00 without prior authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Any violation of this rule may lead to the money’s seizure and civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution. (BSP Circular 98-1995)

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.
Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and / or penalties.

Latest news: for Indian nationals
Starting May 1, 2012, Indian nationals with a valid U.S., Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, OR United Kingdom visa will be granted a 14-day visa free entry which may be extended for an additional 7 days for a maximum stay of 21 days.
*BI Memorandum Circular No. RADJR-12-008.

The policy only applies to Indian Nationals arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA 1-3) who have the following: (1) National Passport valid at least 6 months, beyond the contemplated stay (2) Return or Onward ticket (3) No derogatory record in BI, NICA, or INTERPOL.

For trips more than 21 days, Indian nationals are required to apply for a tourist visa in New Delhi or any Foreign Service Post where they’re valid residents.