I would like to visit the Philippines, am I required to apply for an entry visa?

If you are classified as a non-restricted national and your country has diplomatic ties/bilateral agreement with the Philippines, you are not required to secure an entry visa.

However, if you are classified as a restricted national, you are required to secure proper visa from a Philippine Embassy/Consulate prior to your entry to the Philippines.

Guidelines on Entry Visas of Temporary Visitors to the Philippines

Visa Required Nationals based on Foreign Service Circular No. 22-10 dated 22 February 2010:

NOTE: 

DPRK= Democratic People’s Republic of Korea || FYROM= Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

¹May apply for a visa only from the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad 

²May apply for a visa only from the Philippine Embassy in Dili

³May apply for a visa only from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing

*May apply for a visa only from a Philippine Foreign Service Post in their country of origin or place of legal residence

**Chinese nationals from the mainland coming for tourism purposes and with a valid Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa do not need a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days provided they possess a return or onward airline ticket.

ºIndian nationals may also apply for a visa in any country that requires entry visas to Indian nationals

ªStateless persons may apply for a visa only from a Philippine Foreign service Post in their country of legal residence, except for those who may apply at any Foreign Service Post because they possess all of the following:

1. Permanent residency in a country with which the Philippines has diplomatic relations;

2. A travel document which entitles re-entry to the country of residence, with such re-entry permit valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay in the Philippines.

3. Their country of origin has diplomatic relations with the Philippines; and

4. Gainful employment and guarantee by employer that they would not become public charges, or financial independence which would preclude them from becoming public charges.

Note: For purposes of travel abroad, international civil aviation regulations require passports to have at least 6 months validity beyond the intended period of stay in the country of destination. [From website of Philippine Embassy in Thailand http://www.philembassy-bangkok.net/faq ]

*The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days:

1.      Holders of Brazil passports; and
2.      Holders of Israel passports

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:

1.      Holders of British National Overseas (BNO) passports
2.      Holders of Portuguese Passports issued in Macao

The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days:

1.      Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports
2.      Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports

Admission of Lao People's Democratic Republic

Under Foreign Service Circular No. 21-10 dated 22 February 2010, Lao PDR is a country with which the Philippines has an agreement on the abolition of entry visas for holders of regular or ordinary passports who are coming for business and pleasure. The duration of stay is indicated as 30 days for both nationals.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (Telephone numbers: 834-4854, 834-3707, and 834-4810), Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or to any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.

How would I extend my visa?

You may get an application form from the Visa Extension Section located at the ground floor Annex building, Bureau of Immigration.
Fill up the form, provide a photocopy of your passport, visa, latest arrival card, valid extension of stay, if any and other pertinent documents which will support your application.

What is the maximum extension of stay that can be granted to me?

For non-restricted nationals, the Chief of Visa Extension Section may grant you two (2) months for every extension but not to exceed the maximum period of one year.
For restricted nationals, the Chief of Visa Extension Section may grant one (1) month for every extension but not to exceed a maximum period of six (6) months.
For restricted nationals, the Commissioner and the Associate Commissioners have the right to approve the length of stay based on the merits of your application.
After a year of stay in the country, the Commissioner and the Associate Commissioners will again be the ones to approve your stay based on the merits on your application.

Will it be necessary for me to appear personally for the extension of my visa?

You may or may not appear provided, you will ask assistance from any of the accredited travel agencies or law firms of the Bureau.
But if it is necessary, you will appear before the Chief of Visa Extension section or any of the Commissioners for the clarification of your application.

How many days should I allot for the filing of my extension to avoid overstaying?

You should file your application seven (7) days before the expiration of your approved stay