Philippines Visa on Arrival - Application and Requirements

Are you planning to travel to the Philippines soon? Did you know you could travel there without first obtaining a visa in your country? For that, you need a Philippine Visa on Arrival. Visitors from more than 100 countries can obtain a Philippine visa at the point of entry.

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is a stunning country with a lot to offer everyone. The government has made it simple for visitors from specific nations overseas to obtain a Philippine visa simpler and less stressful. You can benefit from this opportunity if you qualify for the conditions.

This post will cover everything you need to know about acquiring a visa on arrival in the Philippines. It includes everything from the application process to the required documents, costs, and details about your visa’s duration and extension possibilities.

About the Philippines

Southeast Asia’s island nation of the Philippines is located in the western Pacific Ocean. There are numerous islands and islets there. The most populous city in the Philippines is Quezon City, despite Manila being its capital.

The Philippines is a stunning nation with lovely islands, making it ideal for a trip or some sightseeing. Tourists are drawn to it primarily because of its distinctive fusion of culture and diversity.

Philippine visa on arrival

The Philippine visa is an authorization that lets you, a foreign national, come into the country to stay for a certain period. There are various Philippine visas, one of which is the Philippine visa on arrival. Others include the Philippine work visa, Philippine study visa, etc.

The Philippine Visa on Arrival allows eligible foreigners to come into the country without first having to apply for a visa in their home country. Foreigners from more than 100 countries can receive this visa on arrival at specific borders and airports.

Depending on their nationality and reason for visiting, the Philippine visa on arrival permits foreign nationals to visit and stay in the nation for anywhere between 14 and 59 days. However, the on-arrival visa is only valid for 50 days if they visit the nation for tourism.

Eligibility for Philippine Visa on Arrival

The Philippines recognizes about 160 nations whose citizens don’t require a visa to enter the country for brief visits. Citizens who possess valid passports may apply for a Philippine visa upon arrival. However, since so many of them exist, we will list the countries whose citizens are not eligible for the Philippine Visa on Arrival.

Visitors from the countries listed below are exempt from applying for the Philippine visa on arrival visa. Therefore, if you find your country’s name below, you must apply for a Philippine visa before attempting to travel.

Afghanistan
Aland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Anguilla
Antarctica
Armenia
Aruba
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belarus
Bermuda
Bonaire
Bosnia and Herzegovina
British Indian Ocean Territory
the British Virgin Islands
the Cayman Islands
China
Christmas Island
Cocos Islands
the Cook Islands
Cuba
Curacao
Egypt
the Falkland Islands
the Faroe Islands
French Guiana
French Polynesia
Georgia
Gibraltar
Greenland
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guernsey
India
Iran
Iraq
the Isle of Man
Jersey
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Macedonia
Martinique
Mayotte
Moldova
Montenegro
Montserrat
Nauru
New Caledonia
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
the Northern Mariana Islands
Pakistan
Palestinian Territory
the Pitcairn Islands
Puerto Rico
Reunion
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Sint Maarten
Somalia
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
the Syrian Arab Republic
Timor-Leste
Tokelau
Tonga
the Turks and Caicos Islands
Ukraine
United States Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna
Yemen

How to apply for the Philippine Visa on Arrival

To apply for a Philippine visa on arrival, visitors must do the following:

Have a passport that is valid for at least six months and issued by any of the eligible countries
Complete the online visa application form. Tourists must immediately proceed to a border crossing to apply for a Philippine visa on arrival. You usually have to wait in line at the immigration checkpoint to receive and process this application. However, if you have completed the form online already, you only need to present your visa.
After completing the application, you should submit it with the relevant documents specified in the next section.
Pay the visa fee: To get a Philippine visa on arrival, applicants must pay a visa on arrival fee for their application to be approved.

Requirements for Applying for a Philippine visa on arrival

There are other documents you need to present at the immigration checkpoint in the Philippines: at the border or airport. Such documents include;

A valid passport is issued by one of the eligible countries.
The visa fees.
Proof of return ticket or onward travel.
Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip.
You might also need a passport-size picture (35 mm x 45 mm).

How to Apply for a Philippine Visa from an Embassy or Consulate Overseas

If your country isn’t eligible for the Philippine visa on arrival, you have to apply for your Philippine visa the old-fashioned way. That is, from one of your country’s diplomatic missions or visa application centers.

You must follow these procedures to apply for a visa at the Philippine Embassy.

Complete the visa application form: Visitors who want to enter the Philippines on an embassy visa must fill out an application and appear in person for an interview at the closest Philippine embassy or consulate.
Submit the supporting documents: For the visa to be accepted, you must supply the necessary documents, including a current passport, and the information on the application must match the information on the corresponding documents.
Ensure you select the correct visa option: When applying for a visa from a Philippine embassy, choose the appropriate visa option based on the purpose of your travel. The length of stay permitted by an embassy visa often varies according to the individual requirements of the applicant.

Processing a Philippine visa usually takes about two to three weeks. Hence, it is good practice to begin applying early. Schedule an appointment with the consulate or embassy in advance to allow processing time and accommodate delays.

How to Extend Your Philippine visa on arrival

The Bureau of Immigration accepts applications from tourists from abroad who want to renew their visas on arrival. However, you must file your application form with the required payments and apply to the Department of Immigration in the Philippines. You have to make this application at least seven days before your visa expires.

If you overstay your visa before requesting an extension, you’ll pay a penalty fee in addition to the amount for the visa extension. The cost may vary depending on how many days your visa was overstayed.

International tourists are encouraged to rigorously adhere to the terms of their visas and apply for extensions through the proper channels and at the proper time to avoid being fined.

Cost of a Philippine Visa on Arrival

Typically, a Philippine on-arrival visa costs $37. There may also be extra processing charges of between $20 and $60.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. For how long can I extend a Philippine visa?

The length you can extend your Philippine visa depends on many factors, but mainly on the Department of Immigration’s discretion. However, the maximum you can extend your visa is six months. However, you can also choose to extend it for a month or two months.

#2. Can I apply for a Philippine visa online?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), also known as the Philippines e-Visa, can be obtained online. However, only citizens of Taiwan can apply for the Philippine e-Visa for now.

#3. How long is a Philippine visa valid?

A Philippine visa may be granted for up to a year. However, a Philippine visa on arrival only permits the holder to remain in the nation for 59 days. To prolong your stay, you must submit a visa extension application.

#4. How much is the bank balance required for a Philippines visa?

The Philippine consular authorities have stipulated that you need at least $1000 as proof of funds before they allow you into the country. This price is the estimated amount the average tourist will spend on a short trip to the Philippines.

#5. Is the Philippine visa on arrival a tourist visa?

The Philippine visa on arrival is a visa you get upon entry into the country rather than before you travel. However, because its duration is similar to short-stay Philippine visas, it is often an easier alternative to the Philippine tourist visa.

Conclusion

Getting a Philippine visa on arrival is relatively easy compared to other countries. You can obtain your Philippine visa with your passport, visa fee, accommodation, and travel details. We hope this article has been helpful.