How long does it take to get a 9A Tourist Visa for a UK Citizen?

Does a foreign national also need an Entry Exemption Document + 9A visa to enter The Philippines? If so how to get both?

Hi Bernard,

Thanks for reaching out. It's a little confusing. I'll summarize here, but also leave a link to a step-by-step post at the end that has more detail.

To clarify, you need both. The EED (Entry Exemption Document) is the first step. However to get an EED, you need a valid reason such as a work contract with a local employer, family reunification with a Philippine spouse, or what most foreigners are currently using, a Retirement Visa. You then submit the EED to your local Philippine Embassy or Consulate for a 9(a) temporary visa to enter the Philippines.

Check this "How To Get An EED" infographic for a step by step explanation.

Or if you would prefer to have a Visa Specialist take care of the hassles of the application process for you, you can speak with one here.
https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

At the present moment, no. The Philippines is closed to tourists. You can get in with an EED, but you need an eligible justification such as work, reuniting with your Philippine spouse, or if you are over 50 years old, for retirement.

Typically, a few weeks. However, there is no definite timeline for when the EED will be issued with the uncertainty around current lockdown rules. An EED requires approvals from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Depending on how many applications the three agencies are currently processing and the reviewing officers' availability, it can take a few months.

I heard that starting Feb 10th, foreigner tourists are allowed to enter the Philippines. Is that accurate?

Hi Andy,

Potentially. The Bureau of Immigration release a message on their Facebook page, but I haven't seen anything on their official website. However, the news does look promising. I'm waiting for the official announcement to ensure there are no surprises.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that the country will be opening its borders to the entry of foreign tourists starting February 10.
In an advisory, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that, in compliance with the resolution from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) issued on Thursday, fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries under Executive Order No. 408 s. 1960 as amended, shall be allowed to enter the Philippines.
A total of 157 countries are considered visa-free, including the United States of America, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, UK, Malaysia, and Singapore.

What are the requirements for a SRRV permanent visa holder returning to the Philippines after six months of stay in the US
I am fully vaccinated in the Philippines and booster shot in the US
Do I need a Covid insurance policy
Do I need to show a return ticket to the US
Please let me know what are the requirements for entering the Philippines in April 2022
thank you

Hi Jimmy,

Welcome back! US citizens entering the Philippines on the SRRV do not need COVID insurance nor a return ticket to the US. As a permanent visa holder, you are subject to less stringent requirements. You can read the full details here.

https://nomadicfire.com/travel-to-the-philippines-right-now#existing-visas

Any questions or concerns, let me know.

Cheers,

Marco

Can I apply For SRRV using visa free entry instead of 9a or BB ?

Hi Phil,

Visa-free vs. 9a vs. BB would depend on your citizenship.

If you are from the US or one of the 157 countries with Visa-Free entry, you can enter visa-free instead of using the 9a.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-policy#countries
The Balikbayan Privilege is reserved for former Filipino citizens (and their spouses) who were naturalized as citizens of another country.

If the Balikbayan Privilege applies to you, then that is the best visa to enter the Philippines and begin your SRRV process, as you get the longest initial visa duration.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need assistance with the application process. Drop me a line, and we can set you up with one of the Visa Specialists who can file on your behalf and reduce the administrative hassles.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation
Cheers,

Marco

Quick question regarding the SIRV, does it expire ever?

Can it be made go never expire, even while you end the investment

Hi Mikael,

For the Philippines Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) (not to be mistaken for the SRRV), you can perpetually renew the special visa allowing you to stay permanently in the Philippines as long as your company is still in business and meets the minimum investment requirements. However, if you end your investment, your visa will be reverted to a temporary visa. You will then need to find a different way to stay long-term in the Philippines (13a Marriage, Retirement Visa, etc.).

If you need any help with your SIRV application, let us know.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

Cheers,

Marco

Hello, I'm living in Japan and I am considering applying for a SRRV. Could you please tell me if I can apply from abroad or if I need to be in the Phillipines for the whole process? I am unable to find a clear answer to this question on internet. Thank you

Hi Francoise,

You apply when you arrive in the Philippines. If you are from the US or one of the 157 visa-free countries, you can arrive by visa on arrival and start the SRRV application here. You will likely need to extend, as the SRRV process is currently taking around 45-60 days to process.

As a friendly reminder, to enter the Philippines you will need to show health insurance with specific COVID coverage and an onward ticket departing 30 days from your arrival, even if you plan on staying in the Philippines long-term (silly rule, but it is the rule).

https://nomadicfire.com/travel-insurance-for-the-philippines

You should start the document gathering process in your home country because while you apply for the SRRV visa in the Philippines, many legal documents (like a police background check, marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) are easier to get in your country of residence.

Any questions, let me know. If you would like a consultation with one of our Visa Specialists, you can arrange that here.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

Cheers,

Marco