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.
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.
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)
Countries Requiring a Visa in Advance
Visa Waiver Program (29-Day Extension)
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)
Philippines eVisa
Visa Waiver (29-Day Extension for Visa-Free Travelers)
Long-Stay Extensions (up to 16 months or more)
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):
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
Step 2 – Choose your application method
Step 3 – Prepare and submit required documents
Step 4 – Pay the visa fee
Step 5 – Receive your visa
Step 6 – Travel and present documents at entry
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
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.
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) |
| 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 |
- 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).
The Y-Axis Canada team offers end-to-end support to make your Philippines visit visa process smooth and hassle-free:
A Philippines Visit Visa is required for foreign nationals who are not eligible for visa-free entry under the country’s exemption schemes. Citizens of certain countries must secure a visitor visa in advance from a Philippine embassy or consulate before traveling. This applies if your nationality is classified as “visa-required” or if your purpose of travel goes beyond simple tourism, such as business, training, or medical treatment. In such cases, you will need to apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa, also known as the 9(a) visa, before entering the Philippines.
Yes, Canadian citizens can travel to the Philippines without securing a visa in advance for short stays. They are granted visa-free entry for a limited period, usually up to 30 days, provided they meet the entry conditions. These include having a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and holding confirmed return or onward travel tickets. If Canadians wish to stay longer than the permitted period, they must apply for a visa extension with the Bureau of Immigration while in the Philippines.
The 9(a) Tourist Visa is a traditional visa issued by Philippine embassies and consulates to foreign nationals traveling for tourism, business meetings, training, medical purposes, or similar short-term visits. It provides legal permission to enter and stay in the Philippines for a specific period. The eVisa, on the other hand, is the online system through which eligible travelers can apply for the same 9(a) visa electronically, without needing to appear in person at a consulate. In short, the 9(a) is the visa category, while the eVisa is the digital method of applying for it.
A Philippines visit visa generally allows an initial stay of up to 59 days, depending on the applicant’s nationality and the visa issued. For visa-exempt nationals entering without a visa, the initial stay is usually up to 30 days, which can be extended. Extensions are typically granted in increments, with the first extension often covering 29 additional days. In total, visa-exempt travelers may extend their stay for up to 36 months, while visa-required nationals may be permitted to extend for up to 24 months. The exact duration depends on Bureau of Immigration policies.
Yes, you can extend your Philippines Visit Visa. Foreign nationals admitted under visa-free entry or those holding a 9(a) visa can apply for an extension through the Bureau of Immigration. The first extension usually lengthens the stay to 59 days. After this, extensions can be granted in one- or two-month increments. Long-term extensions are possible, with visa-exempt nationals often able to stay for up to 36 months and visa-required nationals for up to 24 months, provided proper renewals are made. Applications can be filed in person, and in some cases, online through the Bureau of Immigration system.
When applying for a Philippines Visit Visa, you will generally need the following documents:
