Guide to visiting the Philippines as a tourist, including visa-free entry for eligible nationalities, visa application at embassies, extension procedures, and the eTravel system.
Check if you qualify for visa-free entry (30 days)
Citizens of 157 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea) can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. No advance application is needed. A valid passport and return ticket are the only requirements.
Check for extended visa-free stays (certain nationalities get 59 days)
Citizens of Brazil and Israel receive 59 days visa-free under bilateral agreements. ASEAN nationals (except Myanmar) get 30 days. Check the Bureau of Immigration website for your specific nationality's allowance.
Apply for a 9(a) tourist visa at an embassy if your country is not visa-exempt
Non-exempt nationalities must apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate. The 9(a) tourist visa costs $40-60 USD depending on the embassy, allows a 59-day stay, and takes 3-7 business days to process.
Know the maximum tourist stay: up to 36 months (with extensions)
Through successive extensions, tourists can stay up to 36 months in the Philippines. After 6 months, you need an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) to depart. After 36 months, you must leave and cannot re-enter on a tourist visa for at least 30 days.
Pre-Departure Requirements
Complete the eTravel form within 72 hours of departure
All travelers must register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arriving in the Philippines. The form collects your flight details, health information, and accommodation address. You receive a QR code by email — save it to your phone.
Go to etravel.gov.ph and create a profile
Complete health declaration and travel details
Save the QR code to your phone
Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
The Philippines strictly enforces the 6-month rule. Airlines deny boarding to passengers whose passports expire within 6 months of the travel date. At least 2 blank pages are needed for stamps.
Confirmed return or onward ticket within 30 days of arrival
Immigration officers always check for a return ticket. If you plan to extend your stay, you still need proof of an outbound ticket within your initial 30-day visa-free period. Without it, airlines may deny boarding or immigration may deny entry.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host's invitation)
A hotel booking confirmation covering at least your first few nights is sufficient. If staying with a local host, have their full name, address, and contact number ready. Immigration occasionally asks for this information.
Visa Application at Embassy (If Required)
Locate the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate
The Philippines has embassies and consulates in over 80 countries. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs website (dfa.gov.ph) for locations, contact details, and office hours. Many consulates require advance appointments.
Prepare required documents for the 9(a) tourist visa
Standard requirements: completed application form, passport, 2 photos (4.5x3.5 cm), round-trip flight booking, hotel reservation, bank statement (last 3 months, minimum $1,000 USD equivalent), and employment letter. Requirements may vary by embassy.
Completed visa application form (from embassy website)
Two passport photos on white background
Bank statements showing sufficient funds
Round-trip flight booking
Submit application and pay the visa fee
The tourist visa fee is $40-60 USD depending on the embassy and visa duration (single-entry for 59 days or multiple-entry for 6 months). Payment is usually cash or money order — few embassies accept credit cards.
Wait for processing (3-7 business days)
Express processing (1-2 days) is available at some embassies for an additional $20-30 USD. Check your application status by calling the embassy after 5 business days. The visa sticker is placed in your passport.
Arriving in the Philippines
Present your eTravel QR code at the health screening checkpoint
The eTravel QR code is checked before you reach immigration. If you did not complete the eTravel form, there are terminals in the arrivals hall, but expect a 30-60 minute delay while you fill it out.
Present passport, visa (if applicable), and return ticket at immigration
At Manila NAIA Terminal 1 or 3, immigration lines can take 30-90 minutes during peak hours. The officer stamps your passport with the allowed stay. Have your hotel address and return ticket ready — officers ask about these frequently.
Filipino immigration may ask about your itinerary and funds
Officers sometimes ask where you are staying, how long, and whether you have sufficient funds. A calm, confident answer with supporting documents (hotel booking, bank statement) satisfies these questions. Avoid appearing nervous or uncertain.
Collect luggage and clear customs
Duty-free allowance is 2 bottles of alcohol (1.5 liters total), 400 cigarettes, and goods worth up to PHP 10,000 (about $180 USD). Declare amounts over $10,000 USD in cash. Agricultural products (fruits, meats) require phytosanitary permits.
Extending Your Stay
Apply for a visa extension at a Bureau of Immigration office
The main office is in Manila (Magallanes Drive, Intramuros), with satellite offices in Cebu, Davao, Clark, and other cities. The first extension (29 days) costs approximately PHP 3,030 (about $55 USD). Apply at least 1 week before your current stamp expires.
Bring passport, completed extension form, and payment
After 6 months total stay, obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
The ECC costs PHP 2,880 (about $52 USD) and is required to depart the Philippines after staying more than 6 months. Apply at a Bureau of Immigration office 3-5 days before departure. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and proof of all visa extensions.
Get an ACR I-Card after staying beyond 59 days
The Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) is mandatory for all foreign nationals staying beyond 59 days. It costs PHP 3,000 (about $55 USD) and is issued at the Bureau of Immigration. Processing takes 2-5 business days.
Use a visa extension agency to avoid long office queues
Licensed agencies in Manila, Cebu, and popular tourist areas handle extensions for PHP 1,000-2,000 (about $18-36 USD) on top of government fees. They save you 3-5 hours of waiting. Ask your hotel or hostel for recommended agents.
Overstay penalties
Overstaying incurs a fine of approximately PHP 500 per month (about $9 USD) plus additional administrative fees that can total PHP 4,000-10,000. Extended overstays beyond 6 months trigger deportation proceedings and a potential re-entry ban. Pay fines at the Bureau of Immigration before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit the Philippines?
US citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, and you need proof of a return or onward ticket. This 30-day allowance can be extended at any Bureau of Immigration office in the Philippines for up to a total of 36 months (3 years) through successive extensions. Citizens of 157 countries can enter visa-free for 30 days.
How do I extend my stay in the Philippines?
Visit any Bureau of Immigration office (main offices in Manila, Cebu, and Davao) before your current authorized stay expires. The first extension covers an additional 29 days and costs approximately PHP 3,500. Subsequent extensions can be filed in 1-month or 2-month increments. After 6 months in the Philippines, you must obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before departing. After staying beyond 6 months, you also need to register as a temporary resident with the Bureau of Immigration.
What is the Philippines travel tax?
The Philippines charges a travel tax of PHP 1,620 (standard) or PHP 810 (reduced rate for certain travelers) on all passengers departing on international flights. This is typically included in your airline ticket price, but verify this with your airline. Filipino citizens and permanent residents pay the full rate. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students, and certain other categories are exempt. If not included in your ticket, you must pay at the airport before checking in.
Is the Philippines safe for tourists?
Popular tourist destinations (Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Siargao, Bohol) are generally safe for tourists with standard urban precautions. The US State Department advises against travel to the Sulu Archipelago, Marawi City, and parts of Mindanao due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Natural disaster preparedness is important as the Philippines experiences typhoons (June-November), earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Purchase travel insurance and register with your embassy before traveling.