Philippines Visa – Requirements, Types, Application and Validity

Is it your dream to travel to the Philippines to visit the Chocolate Hills? Then, you need to obtain a Philippines Visa. You should verify the entry requirements and visa conditions before you finish your travel plans.

The Philippines is a gorgeous country located in Southeast Asia. Tourists worldwide come to the country to enjoy its white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and friendly people. Additionally, the country is famous for its stunning natural beauty and culture.

If you want to see its striking sandy beaches, you must obtain a visa. 

This blog post will put you through a complete guide on the different types of Philippines visas available, the requirements for each class, and how to apply for a visa. We will also touch on visa validity and what to do if your permit expires while you are still in the country.

Philippines Visa Policy

A Philippines Visa is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to enter the Philippines for different purposes. However, some countries, such as European Union countries, have the privilege of a Philippines visa waiver. That means their citizens do not need a visa to enter the country if they stay for up to fifty-nine days. It is in line with the Philippines Immigration Act.

Furthermore, Philippines visa-free countries such as Hong Kong, Macau, and Portugal can stay up to fourteen days in the country without a visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration are responsible for issuing a Philippines visa.

Types of Philippines Visa

Foreign citizens from certain countries must apply for a visa for the Philippines. Here are the three main types of permits that the Philippine government issues to foreigners:

#1: Philippine Non-Immigrant Visas

Foreign nationals can obtain a visa for brief visits for tourism, transit, business, study, and employment purposes. Applicants of this type of visa are visiting for a short period and are not qualified to become permanent residents of the Philippines. Permits under this category include Philippines Tourist Visa, Philippines Business Visa, Philippines Student Visa, and Philippines Work Visa.

#2: Philippine Immigrant Visas

Philippine Immigrant Visas are suitable for foreign citizens who intend to become permanent residents. It is appropriate for Quota Immigrants, Former citizens of the Philippines, and spouses and children under 21 Filipino citizens. Foreigners must be highly skilled and be of benefit to the country. Lastly, they should hail from countries with a reciprocal agreement with the Philippines.

#3: Philippines Special Visas

It is a type of Philippines Visa that foreigners who wish to invest in the country’s economy can obtain. Also, it is divided into Special Investors Resident Visa (SIRV), Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG), and Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV). It is perfect for applicants investing in a manufacturing or service company in the Philippines and an organization listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Furthermore, the investment can be on a project listed on the Philippines Investment Priority Plan. Lastly, it can be issued to foreigners who hire at least ten Filipinos for their company/organization.

Requirements for a Philippines Visa

You need certain documents for your Philippines visa application. Please note that all your documents should be in English or Filipino when you submit them. Here are the standard documents you must gather before applying for a Philippines visa.

#1. Completed Visa Application Form

Applicants can download the Philippines visa application form online from the Consulate General’s website. It must be duly accomplished and signed by the applicant to qualify for the visa. Please note that you can submit as many copies as possible at the embassy.

#2. Passport photograph

Two passport photographs are part of the Philippines visa requirements for Indian citizens. Up-to-date photographs of 3.5 by 4.5 inches should be color neutral and have appropriate brightness. The applicants must take it on a plain white background, visibly shot with a straight face and showing you alone.

#3. Valid international passport

Part of the Philippines visa requirements for South African citizens is an international travel document legal for six months from when you wish to return to your country of origin. Getting a scanned copy of the personal information page and previous visas is advisable. Lastly, there should be a minimum of two blank pages to fix the visa stamp.

#4. Medical Certificate

Additionally, the applicant must provide a medical certificate called One Health Pass to enter the Philippines. The health declaration form will ensure that you have no illness that will threaten the citizens or residents of the Philippines. Part of the country’s visa requirements for US citizens is to get a negative Corona Virus result 72 hours before entering the country through the form.

#5. Flight Itinerary

Similarly, proof of flight reservation is a vital Philippines visa requirement for Afghan citizens. Please note that foreigners must provide this document to show that they will return to their home country after staying there. Furthermore, it can be a ticket for onward travel.

#6. Civil Certificate and Residence Letter

Philippines citizens that want to sponsor family members should submit their marriage or birth certificate. The sponsor’s embassy will verify and authenticate the certificate in their country of origin.

#7. Official invitation letter

An official letter from the company you’re working for in the Philippines is part of the Philippines’ visa requirements for Indian citizens. However, if you’re a student, it should be a letter from your school. Assuming you’re going for business, you should present your Business registration certificate.

#8. Proof of Funds

Lastly, you should provide evidence of sufficient financial means. It will demonstrate that you can cater to yourself and your family throughout your entire duration in the country.

#9. Payment of Philippines Visa Fee

The Philippines visa cost for US citizens is $37. However, it varies from one type of visa to another. Therefore, applicants should present the receipt of this payment at the embassy.

How to Apply for a Philippines Visa

There are three ways to apply for a Philippines Visa. These include:

• At an Embassy or Consulate of the Philippines in your jurisdiction
• On arrival at an international airport in the Philippines
• Online, through the website of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office

To get a Philippines visa on arrival, you must visit the Philippines Immigration Bureau’s website to apply. Countries such as China, Iran, and others not part of the Philippines visa on arrival are exempted from this. Further, only citizens of Taiwan can apply for a Philippines visa online (also known as Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA).

Applicants applying through the embassy should follow the guideline below to apply for all types of Philippines visas.

Step one: Contact the Philippines consulate.

The first step you must pass through is researching the nearest Philippines embassy in your home country. Once you do that, you’ll get the requirements list for your application process.

Step two: Prepare your document.

The next step is to prepare the complete documents accompanying your application, depending on your visa type. Then finally, try to scan copies of the actual documents if you’ll need them while submitting them at the consulate.

Step three: Book an interview with the embassy

After getting an invitation letter from the sponsor living in the Philippines, you should book an appointment with the embassy. Please note that you should submit it in person. The consulate officer will ask straightforward questions about your personal information and your purpose in the country. Lastly, you must submit on behalf of your minors.

Step four: Wait for your visa approval.

The final step is for the applicants to wait for the permit approval. The processing time for the visa is two to ten working days. So be patient while the Immigration Bureau considers your application. Once approved, you can be on your way to the stunning city of the Philippines.

Validity of Pakistan Visa

If you possess a Philippines visa for France citizens, it’s valid for up to two months for a single entry. You can even extend the visa for up to a year. First, however, you have to visit the office of the Immigration Bureau in the Philippines for your Philippines visa extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a permanent resident stay in the Philippines?

If you are a permanent residence holder in the Philippines, you can reside in the country for up to a year or even more.

How long can I reside in the Philippines if I am married to a Filipina?

If you are married to a Philippines citizen, you can obtain a Balikbayan visa-free and stay for up to 1 year. However, you can extend it for up to two to ten years.

What happens if you overstay in the Philippines?

Foreigners overstaying in the Philippines will be deported and not be allowed to enter the country again. Sometimes, it may attract a standard fine of P500 per month.

Can foreigners own property in the Philippines?

No, foreign nationals can’t have outright ownership of real property in the Philippines.

Conclusion

The Philippines offers a variety of visas for travelers with different purposes for their stay. Keep calm, whether you are looking to retire in the Philippines or work on a business project. There is a visa that fits your preference. The requirements, application process, and validity of each visa type vary, so it is essential to do your research before applying.