The Philippines has become a popular place for tourism. Its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and unique culture make it a great country.
If you are considering a trip to the Philippines, you should know that many countries have visa requirements to enter the country unless you come from a country with a visa exemption policy with The Philippines.
A Philippines visa is a standard visa and is not that hard to acquire. You can get one easily as long as you follow all the essential requirements.
Depending on your desired stay in the country, several types of visas can be applied for, from student to working or tourist.
Most people will not be denied a visa if they can prove they have enough money in their bank account, plan to return home after their stay in the Philippines, and pay for their plane tickets and hotel. You probably won’t get a visa if you don’t fit into those categories.
Many people from various countries ask how they can obtain a Philippines tourist visa. The rules and regulations for obtaining the Philippines tourist visa are subject to change without prior notice.
This set of rules is only applicable if you apply for a Philippines tourist visa in your home country. If you are abroad, the requirements might be different.
It is not very difficult in most countries if you plan to go to the Philippines and obtain a tourist visa. The Philippines has one of the friendliest visa policies globally regarding tourism.
Philippine tourist visa requirements
- A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for six months from the date of your arrival in the Philippines, and at least two blank pages should be left in the passport.
- You must have two copies of passport photos (2×2 size).
- You must have a roundtrip plane ticket (Dummy Ticket)
- You must have sufficient funds/proof of funds (Bank Statement).
- You must have pre-arranged accommodation booked.
- A letter from your employer/sponsor indicating your position, salary, length of employment, and purpose of travel to the Philippines.
- And it would help if you had to have vaccinated against coronavirus.
Here is how you can get a Philippines visa in 3 steps
Step-1: Complete the application form in visa.gov.ph
The first step is to complete the application form in visa.gov.ph. This site has been designed to help you through the process of obtaining a Philippine Tourist Visa quickly. I have included the website link in the description.
A recently taken photo would be required with the passport biodata page to complete the application online.
Once you have entered the information requested on the application form, print it out and sign in. Then send the form to the nearest Embassy or consulate of the Philippines. You may watch the video above to understand how to fill in forms, resubmit, etc.
Step-2: Make an appointment with the Philippines embassy nearest to you.
It can be done via telephone, email, or even an online appointment system. Appointment slots fill up quickly, so it’s best to make one as soon as possible.
Step-3: Submit your application to Embassy
Make sure you have all the required documents on the day of submission, as I have mentioned before.
- Signed Application form
- Latest Bank statement
- Round trip air ticket ( Dummy also ok)
- Hotel reservation
- Vaccine certificate
- Prove of employment or business registration
- Photocopy of the passport bio-data page
To qualify, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
- Not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
By submitting all the necessary documents and declarations to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate concerned, the verification for submitting your personal information will only take a couple of days.
The requirements to qualify for a Philippines Tourist Visa are very straightforward. It’s always essential to have evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your trip, so make sure you have more than enough. Always present the required documents when visiting the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Prepare well ahead of time, and ensure every paper has been appropriately filled out and signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the cost for a Philippines visa?
The cost for a Philippines visa depends on your country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for. A standard tourist visa to the Philippines is valid for 30 days and costs $37
How much is the bank balance required for a Philippines visa?
No one can answer this, but anywhere near $1000 is enough. 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. This means that if you are applying for a tourist visa, the total amount of money in your bank account needs to be at least $1000.
If you plan on staying longer than 30 days, there is an additional requirement that the total amount of money in your bank account must be at least $2000.
Who needs a visa for the Philippines?
If you are a citizen of one of the following countries, there is no need to apply for a visa before arrival in the Philippines:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Here is the list of other Countries that not required a visa to enter to the country.
Do i need to have hotel reservations?
Yes, you need to have hotel reservations. You can book your hotel online at any time of the year. Here is a video that shows how to book a hotel free.
Hopefully, this guide has been helpful in explaining how to obtain a tourist visa for the Philippines. If you get your Philippines visa after reading this article, please let me know in the comments.
8 Comments
I’m pakistani national and I have fiance in Philippines, I decided to marry her in her own country. Did they allow me to stay longer there please help
Yes, they will allow you to stay but once your one-month visa expire please go any BI office to renew it and once you get married just get 13A permeant residence visa.
good evening…may i ask how can i invite a syrian friend to come here in our country philippines pls..thnk u
@mytha espanola.
If you wish to invite a foreign guest to the Philippines, you will need to first visit your local barangay office with a cover letter or invitation letter that states the purpose of your invitation. Make sure to bring copies of both you and your guest’s passports. Hope this helps.
I,m Nigeria national and I have fiance in Philippines,I decided to marry her in her own country.did they allow me to stay longer there please help
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa up to 3 years.
Good morning can. I ask what needs my pakistani requirement to get visa to Philippines.we are going get married in the Philippines and how can get residence visa in the Philippines?thank you very much
Hi there. First need to get a visitor visa. The process is almost similar like any other tourist visa. I think i already mentioned the requirements for a tourist visa. Here is what he needs.
1: Original passport with more than 6-month validity
2: Original bank statements (latest 3 month)
3: Online visa application form
4: Other supporting documents such as a letter from you
5: A passport size photo etc. The next step is getting married and the process for 13A permeant visa. Hope this helps.
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