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Philippines Tourist Visa- Requirements For Visa on Arrival, eVisa, and 9a Visa

Foreigners from the USA and 157 other countries can get a Philippines tourist visa on arrival. All other foreigners must apply for a 9a visa from the Philippines Consulate in their home country. Tourist visas can be extended in the Philippines. The maximum stay on a tourist visa is 24-36 months depending on citizenship. minutes

03/14/24

  Mins Reading Time

About the author

Hi, I'm Marco Sison. I worked in finance for Fortune 50 companies before retiring early at 41 years old. I have been an expat for over 10 years, living in over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries outside the USA. I am a trusted resource on personal finance and overseas retirement for US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller- Abroad: Expats That Thrive.

Overview- Philippine Tourist Visas

QUICK SUMMARY- Requirements For Visa on Arrival and 9a Tourist Visa

  • Foreign Nationals from 157 countries can get a Philippines tourist visa on arrival
  • Visa-restricted foreigners must apply for a 9a Tourist Visa from the Philippines Consulate-General in their country of residence
  • Philippines tourist visas can be extended by 1, 2, or 6 months increments
  • The maximum stay for a Philippines tourist visa is 24-36 months depending on citizenship
  • The Philippines eVisa is only available for citizens of Taiwan

From Bali, Vietnam, to Cambodia, Southeast Asia is filled with beautiful beaches and gorgeous islands. However, when people ask me the best place to stay as a foreigner, my answer never wavers- The Philippines. My reasons center around the Philippines visa policy, one of the world's most liberal, inexpensive, and straightforward long-stay tourist visas.

The monthly visa runs, stressful interactions, and potential bribes with Vietnamese or Thai border guards are gone. A Philippines tourist visa allows you to stay in the country hassle-free for up to 36-months legally. Want to stay longer than 3-years? The Philippines also has one of the easiest to qualify for retirement visas with their SRR visa.

However, the process of acquiring a tourist visa depends on your citizenship. Foreign tourists from countries that offer Filipino citizens reciprocal permanent residency and immigration privileges (see list below) have easier requirements, cheaper visa fees, and longer visa durations. Citizens from countries not on EO 408 list are ineligible for visa on arrival, follow a different application process, pay more in visa fees, and have shorter visa validity.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may get a commission if you purchase something using my link. Please note, there is NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. For more information, please see my disclosure.

QUICK TIPS- PHILIPPINES

Show a mandatory departure ticket. You cannot enter the Philippines on a one-way ticket if you only have a tourist visa or visa on arrival. You will need a flight ticket with a date leaving the country before your visa expires. Save money by showing immigration you have  a cheap onward travel ticket for just $14

Get help with your visa. The Philippines visa process can get complicated. The rules and regulations change frequently. Avoid the hassle of dealing with the immigration bureaucracy by speaking with a Philippines Visa Specialist. 

Learn some basic Tagalog phrases. While nearly everyone speaks some English, learning some basic Tagalog is always appreciated by Filipinos. Get a FREE Language Lesson using the same learning technique used by the US State Department, FBI, and overseas military.

Save On Moving Costs. Save up to 40% on your international moving costs. Nomadic FIRE has partnered with 10,000+ pre-screened global moving companies to save you time and money. Fill out our 60-second form and get 5 free quotes from accredited moving companies competing for your business.

Get Free Expat Health Insurance Quotes. Your home insurance will not cover you while abroad. However, you can find affordable international health insurance for less than what you would pay in the United States. 

How To Find The Cheapest Flights To The Philippines

Expat Guide To Living In The Philippines- Costs, Visas, Safety, Pros & Cons (2022)
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A Comprehensive Guide To Philippines Health Insurance For Expats
24 Facts About Healthcare In The Philippines Every Expat Must Know
How Do I Send Money to the Philippines? My Remittance Rundown
Best Places To Live In Manila- An Expat Guide To Metro Neighborhoods

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Philippines Tourist Visa Category

There are three ways foreign residents can secure a Philippines Tourist Visa. The best method depends on your citizenship.

  1. 1
    Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival
    Best for citizens of 157 Visa-Free countries on the Philippines Executive Order 408 List 157 Visa-Free countries
  2. 2
    Tourist Visa from a Philippine Consulate General or Embassy Abroad
    Best for citizens who cannot get a visa on arrival
  3. 3
    Philippines eVisa Online
    Only available to citizens of Taiwan

 INSIDER TIP : Be Nice To Immigration Officials-  A Philippine visa is an endorsement on a travel document that permits the visa holder to request permission to enter the country. A visa does not give you the right to enter.

The Philippine immigration authorities checking your actual passport at the port of entry when you arrive has the final say on whether you can enter the country. Always smile and be polite when addressing immigration officials.  

LIST OF COUNTRIES Allowed To Enter The Philippines Visa-Free [Click to Expand]

Countries That Can Enter The Philippines Visa Free:
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil*
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel*
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe
*Brazil and Israel remain eligible for 59-day visa-free entry as elaborated under Section D of FSC-21·10.

*HINT- The United StatesUnited Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are on the approved visa-free list.

Getting A Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival

For stays of 30 days or less- The Visa On Arrival passport stamp acts as a Philippines Tourist Visa for citizens of the US, UK, and other foreign citizens from the 157 countries under EO 408, allowing them to arrive in the Philippines without a visa.

To clarify, the term Visa on Arrival is commonly used to mean the passport entry stamp given to foreigners entering the country visa-free. However, there is also an official Philippines Visa on Arrival (SEVUA). The SEVUA is a special visa available for visitors of the Philippines in an official capacity. Examples are foreign investors invited by the Board of Investments or foreign athletes competing in a sanctioned athletic event.

I use the term Philippines Visa On Arrival to mean the visa-free entry stamp in this article.

Philippines tourist visa on arrival stamps on a passport page


 INSIDER TIP : Philippines Visa Waiver Program The term "visa waiver" is used interchangeably with "visa-exempt" and "visa on arrival." Each phrase refers to the same policy allowing citizens of 157 countries, including the United States and United Kingdom to enter the Philippines without applying for a visa beforehand. 

Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival Requirements

  • Be a citizen from one of the 157 countries visa-free countries
  • Have a passport valid for at least six months over the intended period of stay in the Philippines
  • Purchased an onward travel ticket valid to return to your country of residence or your following country of destination dated to depart the Philippines no more than 30-days after your arrival
  • Foreign tourist can extend their visa on arrival following the process below

For stays no longer than 59 days- Non-visa required tourists in the country on their initial 30-day Visa On Arrival can apply for a visa waiver extending their Philippine tourist visa an additional 29-days. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office in Intramuros Manila or eligible field or district office are authorized to grant the visa waiver.

Visa On Arrival Extension Requirements

  1. Complete all the requirements on the visa waiver checklist TVS-C-VE-2016
  2. Complete the visa on arrival extension application form TVS-CGAF-VE-2016
  3. Optional extension application form BI FORM 2014-00-005 Rev 0 for any dependent children

How to apply for a 29-day Visa On Arrival Extension

  1. Download a copy of the application form or pick up a copy at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI Main Office
  2. Submit your passport, the completed application form, and supporting documents to the frontline BI officer.
  3. Obtain a BI Clearance Certificate proving they are not on any BI derogatory database, list, or records. of the Bureau
  4. The visa application must clear any negative records with the Verification and Certification Unit to proceed with the extension
  5. Get the Order of Payment Slip and proceed to Cashier for payment of fees
  6. Pay the visa fee. Don't forget or lose the official receipt.
  7. Turn in the official receipt, your passport, visa application form, and supporting documents to the BI Assessment Officer.
  8. Claim the passport stamped with a 29-day visa extension

Visa On Arrival 29 day Visa Waiver Fee

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

Visa Waiver

500

Visa Waiver Application Fee

1,000

Certification Fee

500

Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee except Head Tax and Fines

30

Express Fee

1,000

Total Visa Waiver Cost

3,030 PHP or ~$58 US Dollars

Note:

  • Fine for Overstaying – (additional) Php 500.00 per month
  • Motion for Reconsideration for Overstaying – (additional) Php 500.00
  • LFR – Php 10.00

Visa On Arrival Extension Fees After 59 Days

For stays between 59 to 120 days- After 59 days, foreigners can extend their Philippines Tourist visa for an additional 1 or 2 months following the same process as above at a participating BI field, regional, or main office. 

BI OfficesType of OfficeServices Offered
Cagayan de OroDistrict OfficesReceiving only
Cebu CityDistrict OfficesReceiving and Implementation
Davao CityDistrict OfficesReceiving and Implementation
IloiloDistrict OfficesFull service
San Fernando, La UnionDistrict OfficesFull service
TaclobanDistrict OfficesAmendment Only
Angeles CityField OfficesFull service
Bacolod CityField OfficesReceiving and Implementation
Baguio CityField OfficesReceiving and Implementation
BatangasField OfficesReceiving and Implementation
DagupanField OfficesFull service
Santa RosaField OfficesFull service
ViganField OfficesReceiving for probationary only
ZamboangaField OfficesProbationary only

  • EXTENSION AFTER 2 MONTHS

  • EXTENSION AFTER 4 MONTHS

  • Extension 6 Months

Visa On Arrival Extension Fees After 2 Months

1- MONTH

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

2- MONTH

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

One month of extension

500 PHP

1000 PHP

Application fee

300

300

Alien Certificate of Registration Fee

1000

1000

Head Tax (over 16 years old)

250

250

Certification Fee

500

500

Express Fee

1, 000

1, 000

Emigration Clearance Certificate Fee / Certificate of Exemption Fee

700

700

Legal Research Fee (LRF)

50

50

Visa Sticker Fee

100

100

Visa Extension Fee Total

4,400 PHP / $85 USD

4,900 PHP / $95 USD

ACR I-Card for Tourist

$50

$50

Express Fee (for I-card)

500

500

Note:

  • Fine for Overstaying – 500 PHP per month past visa validity date
  • Additional costs for a motion for reconsideration for overstaying visa validity date– 500 PHP + 10 PHP for the LRF
  • Re-issuance of ACR for (2nd entry of every entry after 59 days) – 250 PHP and 150 for a minor child
  • Application fee is 300 PHP for overstaying
  • Fees are correct at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice. 

A visa is only one step of what you need to enter the Philippines. You need to also ensure you follow the current protocols to travel to the Philippines.

Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)

For stays between up to 36 months (3-years)- To reduce the hassle of multiple trips to the immigration office, after the 2nd extension, the BI offers a 6-month visa extension. A non-visa-required foreigner can stay in the country on a Philippine tourist visa for a total of 3-years before needing to leave the country and start the process again.

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

Extension Fee

3,010

Application Fee

910

ACR

1,010

Head Tax

250

ECC

710

Head Tax

510

Certification Fee

2,100

I-Card

1,500

Express Lane Fee

1500

Express Lane Fee (Cert.)

1000

Express Lane Fee (I-Card)

500

Total Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension Fee

11,500 PHP / $222 US Dollar

  1. ACR I-Card- 510 PHP for a minor child under 14 years old and below.
  2. No Head Tax for a minor child under years of age.
  3. ECC- 210 PHP for a minor child under 14 years old and below.
  4. Rate may change depending on US dollar exchange
  5. Fees are correct at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice.

How long is a Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival valid?

The initial validity of the Philippines Tourist Visa on arrival depends on your citizenship. For example, 152 countries, including the US and UK, get an initial 30-days for visa on arrival, while Brazil and Israel are eligible for 59-days. Citizens of Hong Kong and Macau are allowed 14 days.

Foreign tourist can extend their Philippines Visa On Arrival by 1, 2, and 6-months for a period of up to 36 months.

To completely eliminate the visa extension process, foreigners can apply for one of the Philippines ' permanent residence visas, such as the Special Retiree Resident Visa (SRRV), 13a, or 13g.

If you would like help understanding your visa options, I can set you up to chat with a Visa Specialist

Applying for a 9a Tourist Visa at a Philippine Consulate General or Embassy

picture of a 9a tourist visa Philippines


For stays of 59 days or less- Foreigners from Visa-Required Countries NOT on the EO 408 list are ineligible for Philippines Visa On Arrival. Instead, these citizens must apply for a 9a Temporary Visitors Visa at the Philippines Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction before traveling to the Philippines.

As of April 1 2022, Citizens from visa-required countries no longer need an entry exemption document (EED) to enter the Philippines.

 INSIDER TIP : 9a Temporary Visitor Visa For Tourism- You can find the latest updates on how to obtain an EED and a 9a in this article on "Travel To The Philippines Right Now."

The DFA rarely issues EEDs for tourism and leisure purposes under current Philippines travel restriction guidelines.

9a Temporary Visitors Visa Requirements

You will need to provide certain documents that prove your identity and eligibility to enter the Philippines. Items can include your passport, birth certificate, and proof of financial capability. You need to provide additional documentation depending on your specific situation. Application requirements for the 9a vary by citizenship and Embassy. Check the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction for specifics. Basic requirements for the 9a applications include:

  • Visa application form filled in English and submitted in person by the applicant 
  • Recent passport size photograph with a white background and no eyeglass or sleeveless attire
  • Electronic or machine-readable passport valid for at least six months over the intended period of stay in the Philippines and contains at least one blank visa page.
  • Photocopy of the passport data and amendment pages
  • Proof of financial capability, such as latest bank statement, pay stub, income tax return
  • Proof of onward travel to return to your country of legal residence or your following country of destination dated to depart the Philippines no more than 30-days after your arrival.
  • Additional requirements may be requested, depending on the initial evaluation results.

 INSIDER TIP : 9a Temporary Visitors Visa-While commonly referred to as the Philippines Tourist Visa, you can also request a 9a for business travel, conferences, or medical treatment.

9a Temporary Visitor Visa Extension Requirements

For stays between 59 to 120 days- Visa required tourists entering the Philippines on a 9a Temporary Visitor Visa can extend for an additional 1 or 2 months at a participating BI main, field, or regional office. Follow the requirements below to extend the 9a visa.

  1. Complete all the requirements on the CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR
    TOURIST VISA EXTENSION TVS-C-VE-2016
  2. Complete the TOURIST VISA EXTENSION extension application form TVS-CGAF-VE-2016
  3. Optional extension application form BI FORM 2014-00-005 Rev 0 for any dependent children

How to apply for a 9a Visa Extension

  1. Download a copy of the application form or pick up a copy at the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) at BI Main Office
  2. Submit your passport, the completed application form, and supporting documents to the frontline BI officer.
  3. Obtain a BI Clearance Certificate proving they are not on any BI derogatory database, list, or records. of the Bureau
  4. The visa application must clear any negative records with the Verification and Certification Unit to proceed with the extension
  5. Get the Order of Payment Slip and proceed to Cashier for payment of fees
  6. Pay the visa fees. Don't forget or lose the Official Receipt.
  7. Turn in the official receipt, your passport, visa application form, and supporting documents to the BI Assessment Officer.
  8. Claim the passport stamped with the requested extension of stay.

9a Visa Fee Extension after first 59 days

  • EXTENSION AFTER 2 MONTHS

  • EXTENSION AFTER 4 MONTHS

  • Extension 6 Months

9a Visa Extension Fees After 2 Months

1- MONTH

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

2- MONTH

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

One month of extension

500 PHP

1000 PHP

Application fee

300

600

Alien Certificate of Registration Fee

1000

1000

Head Tax (over 16 years old)

250

250

Certification Fee

500

500

Express Fee

1, 000

1, 500

Emigration Clearance Certificate Fee / Certificate of Exemption Fee

700

700

Legal Research Fee (LRF)

50

50

Visa Sticker Fee

100

100

Visa Extension Fee Total

4,400 PHP / $85 USD

5,700 PHP / $110 USD

ACR I-Card for Tourist

$50

$50

Express Fee (for I-card)

500

500

  1. ACR I-Card- 510 PHP for a minor child under 14 years old and below.
  2. No Head Tax for a minor child under years of age.
  3. ECC- 210 PHP for a minor child under 14 years old and below.
  4. Rate may change depending on US dollar exchange
  5. Fees are correct at the time of publishing but may change without prior notice. 

Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) For Visa-Required Foreign Tourists

For stays between up to 24 months (2-years)- To reduce the hassle of multiple trips to the immigration office, visa-required foreigners can use the same LSVVE available to visa-free foreigners to extend their stay 6-months in a single transaction. However, a visa-required national receives a total of 2-years (vs. 3-years for a visa-free tourist) before needing to leave the country and repeat the process.

Visa Fee In Philippine Pesos

Extension Fee

3,010

Application Fee

1,810

ACR

1,010

Head Tax

250

ECC

710

Head Tax

510

Certification Fee

2,100

I-Card

2,100

Express Lane Fee

3,000

Express Lane Fee (Cert.)

1000

Express Lane Fee (I-Card)

500

Total Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension Fee

13,900 PHP / $269 US Dollar

To completely eliminate the visa extension process, foreigners can apply for one of the Philippines ' permanent residence visas, such as the Special Retiree Resident Visa (SRRV) or Temporary Residence Visa by Marriage (TRV).

How long is a 9a Tourist Visa valid?

9a visas come with a validity of 3, 6, or 12 months. However, validity and a maximum authorized period of stay are different dates. A 6-month 9a still only allows a maximum stay of 59 days unless extended. But, you may exit then reenter the country for another 59 days within the 6-months. 

Depending on the Philippine Consulate filing the visa application, you may have a choice of three different 9a visa types:

  1. Single-entry valid for three months- allows for a maximum of 59 days 
  2. Multiple-entry valid for six months- provides for 59 days per entry
  3. Multiple-entry valid for 12 months- provides for 59 days per entry

A Philippine BI office can then extend a 9a Tourist Visa by 1, 2, and 6-months for a period of 24 to 36 months, depending on your citizenship.

Applying For A Philippines eVisa Online

picture of the Philippines eVisa online system


At the moment, citizens of Taiwan are the only ones eligible to apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa online (Philippines eVisa). The Philippines eVisa process is simple and can be completed in a few minutes on the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) website.

A visa applicant submits the Philippines eVisa application on the MECO Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. The visa holder will receive an email once approved.

While there have been discussions of extending the Philippines eVisa and eTA system to other foreign nationals aside from Taiwan, the Bureau of Immigration has not confirmed any future expansion. 

Entry Guidelines For Temporary Visitors On A Philippines Tourist Visa (As of February 10th, 2020)

Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Philippines Visa On Arrival:

  1. Be a foreign tourist from one of 157 countries with reciprocity immigration agreements with the Philippines 
  2. Fully vaccinated and present IATF approved proof of vaccination; OR
  3. Pass a negative antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours from the departure of their first flight; OR
  4. Take an antigen test upon arrival at a Philippines airport; AND
  5. Purchase a valid onward ticket leaving the Philippines no later than 30 days from your arrival date;
  6. Have a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6-months from your Philippines entry date;
  7. Register for the Philippines eARRIVAL card.
  8. Maintaining travel medical insurance during your time in the Philippines is no longer mandatory but is recommended. 

Entry Requirements for Visa-Required 9a:

  1. Be a foreign tourist NOT on the list of 157 visa-free countries (*Hint India, Pakistan, and China are not on the list);
  2. Apply for a 9a visa from your Philippines embassy or consulate;
  3. Fully vaccinated and present IATF approved proof of vaccination; OR
  4. Pass a negative antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours from the departure of their first flight; OR
  5. Take an antigen test upon arrival at a Philippines airport; AND
  6. Register for the Philippines eARRIVAL card.
  7. Maintaining travel medical insurance during your time in the Philippines is no longer mandatory but is recommended. 
  8. As of April 1, 2022, securing an entry exemption document (EED) is no longer required.

 INSIDER TIP : Minor Child- Accompanied minor children below 15 years old are subject to the same entry requirements as their parents. 

IATF Approved Proof of Vaccination Status

  1.  World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
  2. VaxCertPH; or
  3. Digital vaccination certificate of a foreign country that accepts VaxCertPH under a reciprocal agreement.

Where can I get health insurance that covers the COVID coverage requirement to enter the Philippines?

While you are not required to purchase private health insurance that includes at least $35,000 of COVID-19 treatment coverage, maintaining health insurance coverage while traveling is always recommended. 

Click one of the links below for Philippine health coverage with international insurance companies. 

  • COVID-19 Trip Insurance- A short-term health insurance plan specifically to meet the Philippines mandatory COVID-19 insurance for tourists to enter the country.
  • Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
  • Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with to from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than the US. 
  • Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?

    Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. You will either need to get travel medical insurance or Expat Medical Insurance.

    If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with to from home. Coverage is built for expats outside the US and insurance premiums are much cheaper than in the US. 

    Can someone help me with my EED and 9a visa to travel to the Philippines?

    Yes. I can help you with a marriage visa, retirement visa, or work visa? I've partnered with a Philippines Visa Specialist with experience relocating embassy personnel and corporate expats since 2011. If you don't want to deal with the hassle and complexity of the visa process, they can help. 

    My partners are visa specialists certified by the Philippine Retirement Association (PRA) to handle your visa application, document submission, local appointments, and much more. They will simply your immigration process and make getting your visa easier. 

    FAQs: Guidelines on the Philippines Tourist Visa, 9a Temporary Visa, and Visa on Arrival

    How can I submit a Philippines Tourist Visa extension online?

    While you can download the visa extension forms online, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) does not have a website to submit a Philippines tourist visa extension online.

    Please note that some BI offices (like Boracay) require you make an online appointment to apply or extend your visa. Check with your closest BI office to confirm.

    How long does it take to process a Philippines Tourist Visa application?

    Visa processing time depends on your citizenship, which tourist visa you are applying for, and which specific Philippine Embassy or Consulate is processing your application. Passport control at your port of entry in the Philippines will process your visa on arrival. 

    Philippines Consular Services overseas take anywhere between 3 to 21 business days on receipt of application depending on the type of visa, additional documents required, and your citizenship. 

    Is the Philippines currently issuing 9a tourists visas?

    As of February 10th, citizens of 157 countries can enter the Philippines visa-free. For citizens not in the 157 countries listed under EO 408, a Philippines tourist visa is more difficult to get. Visa-required nationals require an Entry Exception Document before applying for a 9a tourist visa.

    157 countries can enter the Philippines visa-free

    How often can you visit the Philippines?

    You can visit the Philippines as often as you would like. Unlike European countries that limit you to 90 days out of every 180, there are no restrictions on the number of times you can apply for a Philippines tourist visa. However, depending on how you entered the Philippines, you might need a new visa.

    The Philippines Visa on Arrival is a single-entry visa. However, the 9a can be a multiple-entry visa allowing you to enter and leave the country for as long as the visa is valid.

    How long can a tourist stay in the Philippines?

    Citizens of 157 countries on the EO 408 list can stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days. After the first 59 days, eligible foreign nationals can extend a Philippines tourist visa every 1, 2, or 6-months for up to 3-years. Foreigners not on the list can apply for extensions up to 2-years.

    How can a United States citizen get a tourist visa for the Philippines?

    US Citizens and other citizens on the list of 157 countries that can enter the Philippines visa-free can get a Philippines tourist visa on arrival. However, citizens not on the EO 408 list must apply for a 9a Tourist Visa at their home country's Philippine Consulate before entering the Philippines.

    Can I extend a Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival?

    Yes. If you want to extend Philippine Visa On Arrival for 29 more days, you can request a visa waiver at a Philippines Bureau Immigration office. After 59 days, you can extend the tourist visa by another 1, 2, and 6-months for up to 3-years.


    About the author

    Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison. I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last five years to over 40 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, Huffington Post, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Best Life, CW Network, Dr. Wealth, and others. [view press...]

  • Goenka aka parmar says:

    I am Indian citizen married with filipina girl and stay Philippines since 5 years and I have TRV Id on my marriage basis upto 2025 but can i leave Philippines for my business for 7 days and after can I enter Philippines

  • Hello, I am a Norwegian. If I enter the Philippines via a Tourist visa, can I directly extend my stay to 2 months at a local Bureau of Immigration office there or not? And if I can, is it highly likely that I will be granted the first 29-day extension there? Thanks.

      • John G Bokay says:

        One question, Marco, do I have to apply for a visa extension immediately or can I apply for it within say two weeks before my thirty-day tourist time expires? I was planning on flying into Cebu and then making my way to Makati to apply for a 60-day extension. Are there other places in the Philippines where I can apply for an extension? Thank you, John G. Bokay

        • Hi John, You can apply for a 29 day extension (technically called a visa waiver) immediately. There is a One-Stop Shop Bureau of Immigration office at NAIA terminal 3. However, you will not be able to apply for a 60 day extension until after 59 days (30 days initial visa exemption + 29 day visa waiver).

  • Geoffrey Blyth says:

    Hello I’m going to the Phillipines on the 01 may
    Would like to apply for a 3 year visa
    I have an expired acri card

  • My name is Luc, I’m a UK citizen, resident in the UK, UK passport. I am of Filipino dissent, my family in the Philippines have offered to house me if I ever wanted to come. I can see that the tourist visa is only 59days. Is there anyway for me to stay there for more than 3 months, preferably around 6 months? Without studying or being an employee? Thank you

    • Hi Luc, To clarify, the 9a tourist visa is for 59 days. However, UK citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines visa free for 30 days. After 30 days, you can extend another 29 days through what is called a visa waiver. After 59 days (30 +29), you can extend again for 1, 2, or 6 months at a time for UP TO 3 YEARS! All extensions can be done at a Bureau of Immigration branch or using their new online system.

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