Philippines Visit Visa (Tourist Visa & eVisa) – Guide

Planning a trip to the Philippines? Whether you’re visiting family, exploring its world-famous islands, or traveling for short-term business, understanding the visa process is essential. The Philippines offers flexible entry options, including visa-free entry for many nationalities, traditional tourist visas, and a newly introduced eVisa system, making travel more convenient for international visitors.

What is the Philippines Visit Visa?

The Philippines Visit Visa refers to the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa, which allows foreign nationals to enter the country for short stays, including tourism, leisure, business, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. This visa is issued by Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad, while the final decision on entry is made by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at the port of arrival .

In addition to the traditional 9(a) visa, the Philippines has introduced an eVisa system for eligible travelers. The eVisa enables applicants to submit their application and pay fees online, simplifying the process. However, it is important to note that possession of an eVisa or a 9(a) visa does not guarantee entry—admission is still at the discretion of the BI officer on arrival .

The country also maintains a visa-free entry policy for citizens of more than 150 countries under Executive Order 408. For most of these nationalities, including Canada, visitors can stay up to 30 days without a visa, provided they hold a valid passport (minimum six months validity) and a confirmed return or onward ticket .

Together, the 9(a) visa, eVisa system, and visa-free entry rules form the core entry options for travelers planning a short-term stay in the Philippines.

Who Needs a Philippines Visit Visa?

Whether you need a visit visa depends on your nationality and the length of your intended stay. The Philippines applies three main entry categories:

Visa-Free Entry (Executive Order 408)

• Nationals of over 150 countries may enter the Philippines without a visa for short stays.
• Canada, the United States, the UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan, and others enjoy visa-free entry.
• The standard stay is 30 days, provided travelers have a passport valid for at least 6 months and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Special exemptions: Brazil and Israel (59 days), Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders (14 days).

Countries Requiring a Visa in Advance

• Nationals not covered under the EO 408 visa-free program must apply for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa or the Philippines eVisa before travel.
• Applications are submitted through a Philippine Embassy, Consulate, or the eVisa portal.

Visa Waiver Program (29-Day Extension)

• Travelers who enter visa-free for 30 days can extend their stay by an additional 29 days at the Bureau of Immigration, bringing the total stay to 59 days without applying for a new visa.
• Further extensions are possible in-country for longer stays.

Types of Philippines Visit Visas

Travelers to the Philippines can enter under different visa categories depending on their nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. The main types of visit visas are:

9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

• The most common visa for short-term stays such as tourism, family visits, business meetings, or medical treatment.
• Issued by Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad, valid for single or multiple entry.
• Applicants must provide a valid passport, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and financial means.
• Final admission is subject to approval by the Bureau of Immigration on arrival.

Philippines eVisa

• An online version of the 9(a) visa, introduced to streamline applications for eligible travelers.
• Applicants submit forms and pay fees through the official eVisa system.
• While it simplifies the process, holding an eVisa does not guarantee entry—final decision rests with immigration officers at the border.

Visa Waiver (29-Day Extension for Visa-Free Travelers)

• Nationals entering visa-free (e.g., Canada, US, UK, Australia) can initially stay 30 days.
• They may apply for a 29-day visa waiver at the Bureau of Immigration, extending the stay to 59 days without converting to a full visa.

Long-Stay Extensions (up to 16 months or more)

• Travelers wishing to stay longer can extend their visa in-country at the Bureau of Immigration.
• Short-term extensions are typically granted in increments of 1–2 months, with options for Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extensions (LSVVE) of up to six months at a time.
• Cumulative extensions may allow non-visa-required nationals to stay up to 36 months, and visa-required nationals up to 24 months.

Requirements for Philippines Visit Visa

Applicants for a Philippines Visit Visa must prepare the following documents, as outlined by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI):

• Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
• Completed Visa Application Form – Duly filled and signed, with a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket – Proof of exit from the Philippines within the permitted stay.
• Proof of Accommodation – Hotel booking, travel itinerary, or an invitation letter from a host in the Philippines.
• Proof of Financial Means – Bank statements, payslips, or other evidence showing ability to cover expenses during stay.
• Supporting Documents (if applicable) – Business letters for work-related visits, or medical documents for treatment purposes.
• For Long-Stay Extensions (beyond 59 days) – Additional requirements may include a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance and an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I Card) issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

How to Apply for a Philippines Visit Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for a Philippines Visit Visa, depending on whether you are visa-free or require a 9(a) visa/eVisa:

Step 1 – Check if you need a visa

• Confirm if your nationality is covered under the visa-free entry program (EO 408).
• If visa-free, you can enter for up to 30 days with a valid passport and return/onward ticket.
• If not visa-free, proceed to apply for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa or eVisa.

Step 2 – Choose your application method

• Apply online through the official eVisa portal (for eligible nationalities).
• Or apply in person/by mail at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

Step 3 – Prepare and submit required documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, completed application form, photo, proof of funds, return ticket, and accommodation details.
• Submit all documents through the chosen application channel.

Step 4 – Pay the visa fee

• Fees vary depending on the type (single or multiple entry) and the consular post where you apply.
• Payments are made online (for eVisa) or at the consulate (cash, money order, or bank draft as instructed).

Step 5 – Receive your visa

• Processing typically takes 5–10 business days at consulates and 7–12 working days for eVisa applications.
• Approved visas will be stamped on your passport (consular) or issued electronically (eVisa).

Step 6 – Travel and present documents at entry

• Upon arrival in the Philippines, present your passport, visa/eVisa, return ticket, and other supporting documents.
• Final admission is at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration officer at the port of entry.

Duration & Validity of the Philippines Visit Visa

The permitted stay in the Philippines varies depending on your nationality and visa type. Travelers should be aware of the following rules:

Visa-Free Entry (EO 408 Nationals)

Citizens of over 150 countries, including Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and EU nations, can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. To qualify, visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months and a confirmed return or onward ticket. Some exceptions apply, such as Brazil and Israel nationals (59 days) and Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders (14 days).

Visa Waiver and Short Extensions

Travelers who arrive visa-free may extend their stay by 29 days at the Bureau of Immigration, giving them a total of 59 days without converting to a full visa.

Longer Extensions

After the initial 59 days, further extensions are available in increments of one to two months. The Bureau of Immigration also offers the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE), which grants up to six months per extension at selected offices.

Maximum Stay

• For visa-free nationals: stays can be extended up to a cumulative 36 months.
• For visa-required nationals (those entering on a 9[a] visa): stays can be extended up to a cumulative 24 months.

Note: Extensions beyond 59 days usually require travelers to secure an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR-I Card), and all approvals remain at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration.

Philippines Visit Visa Fees

Visa fees vary depending on the type of application and where it is filed. Below is a general guide:

Visa Type / Service	Validity	Fee (Approx.)
9(a) Tourist Visa – Single Entry	Valid for 3 months	CAD 46.50 – CAD 62
9(a) Tourist Visa – Multiple Entry	6 months to 1 year	CAD 93.00 – CAD 139.50
Philippines eVisa (online)	Single entry	USD 37 – USD 42 (varies by nationality)
Visa Waiver (29-day extension)	Extends 30 days to 59 days	PHP 3,030
Regular Visa Extensions	1–2 months at a time	PHP 2,830 – PHP 4,400 (depending on duration)
Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)	Up to 6 months per extension	PHP 11,500 – PHP 13,900 (depending on nationality)

Processing Time for Philippines Visit Visa

Application Type	Processing Time
Consular Application (9a Visa)	5–10 business days
Philippines eVisa (online)	7–12 working days
At Port of Entry (visa-free travelers)	Immediate entry decision

Special Notes for Canadian Travelers

• Visa-Free Entry: Canadian citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days.
• Passport Validity: Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• Return/Onward Ticket: A confirmed return or onward flight ticket is required at entry.
• Extensions:

- First extension: 29-day visa waiver (total stay of 59 days).

- Further extensions: 1–2 months at a time, or up to six months under the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE).

• Maximum Stay: Canadian travelers can extend their visit in the Philippines for up to 36 months, subject to Bureau of Immigration approval.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

The Y-Axis Canada team offers end-to-end support to make your Philippines visit visa process smooth and hassle-free:

• Check Eligibility – Assess whether you qualify for visa-free entry or need to apply for a 9(a) Tourist Visa or eVisa.
• Choose the Right Visa Path – Get expert advice on selecting the most suitable visa type and duration for your travel plans.
• Application Support – Assistance in accurately completing forms and compiling required financial, travel, and accommodation documents.
• Embassy & Consulate Guidance – Help with scheduling appointments, submission of applications, and understanding consular requirements.
• Ongoing Updates & Extensions – Stay informed about visa status, approvals, and options for long-stay extensions if you wish to remain longer in the Philippines.