Traveling to the Philippines as an American
Good news for Americans traveling to the Philippines, as of Oct 4th, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (shorted to IATF-EID or IATF) announced that the Philippine Bureau of Immigration could restart issuing Philippine visas for US citizens, regardless of vaccination status.
The Philippines' world-class islands, stunning beaches, and famously friendly Filipino hospitality are back!!
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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.
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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.
Can a US citizen travel to the Philippines right now?
After nearly two years of lockdown, the government restored 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 157 countries, including the United States, regardless of their vaccination status. All unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or fully vaccinated Americans can once again travel to the Philippines.
After 30-days, US citizens can extend their visa for 1, 2, or 6-months for up to 3-years.
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US To Philippines Visa Waiver
US Citizens don't need a visa to enter the Philippines. The United States is one of 157 countries in the Philippines' visa waiver program exempting US citizens from needing a visa to visit the Philippines for tourism or business.
The US To Philippines Visa Waiver (also called a visa exemption) starts with 30 days but allow visa extensions for up to 3 years.
Instead of applying for a visa beforehand, US citizens simply present a valid passport with at least six months of validity to the immigration counter when entering the country.
Note that using a visa waiver still requires US citizens to present proof of an onward departure ticket.
What are the Philippines entry requirements for uS citizens?
- Be a citizen of a visa-free country (*Hint: The United States is a visa-free country);
- As of August 2023, COVID restrictions have been lifted. Fully vaccinated with two approved shots (one shot, if it's the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine) and a valid proof of vaccination; OR
- Show a negative antigen test result taken no more than 24 hours prior to departure; OR
- Take an antigen test immediately on arrival at a Philippine airport; AND
- Buy an airline ticket for proof of onward travel dated no more than 30 days from arrival;
- Hold an original passport with at least 6-months of validity;
- eARRIVAL CARD- The One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website.
- Purchasing travel health insurance is no longer required, but highly recommeded.
I detail the complete Philippines visa-free entry requirements for US citizens here.
Exemptions for Onward Ticket Requirements (#5) and COVID insurance (#8):
- Foreign spouses and unmarried minor children of Philippine citizens;
- Former Filipino citizens entering under Balikbayan privilege (Republic Act No. 9174) and their foreign spouse
and unmarried minor children when traveling together; - Foreign citizens with valid immigrant visa, non-immigrant visa (9A visa holders are not included), or special
visa issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration; or - Minor child under 12 years old is exempt from the vaccination requirement if traveling with a vaccinated American parent
Can I buy health insurance that covers me when I enter the Philippines?
Click either of the links below for a FREE insurance quote that covers you worldwide, including while in the Philippines.
INSIDER TIP : Healthcare Coverage Abroad- Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. To get protection while living abroad, there are two options:
- 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.
What are the Philippines' travel restrictions from the USA?
Foreigners traveling to the Philippines from the USA must fit one of the following:
- Have a passport from one of the countries list under (EO 408); OR
- Hold a valid visa; OR
- Be a former Filipino national entering the Philippines under Balikbayan Privilege; OR
- Be a foreign spouse or child of a Filipino citizen traveling with you.
- As of April 1, 2022 an Entry Exemption Document (EED) from the Department of Foreign Affairs is no longer required.
Philippines Visa Requirements for American Citizens
American citizens do not need a visa to stay in the Philippines for 59 days for business or tourism. The requirements for American citizens for other visa types depend on the purpose of your visit. You can check the specific visa requirements in this article on Philippines Visa Types and Policies.
However, the minimum requirements for a long-term Philippine visa include:
- Completed visa application forms
- Two recent passport-type photographs with white background
- Valid passport and photocopies of the passport data page
- Proof of Sufficient Financial support
- Clean Police background check
- Medical examination by a qualified physician
- Additional documents requested by the Philippine Immigration Officials
INSIDER TIP : Be Courteous To The People Checking Your Travel Documents and Passport- A visa does not grant US citizens the right to enter the Philippines. The visa allows you to request permission to enter the country. The Philippine Immigration Authorities at your port of entry can deny entry into the Philippines.
RELATED POSTs ON Visas IN The Philippines
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Is there a Philippines visa extension for US Citizens?
US citizens can extend a tourist visa at an eligible BI regional, district, or main office. US citizens entering the Philippines Visa on Arrival or visa-free have up to 30-days before needing an extension. Americans with a 9a temporary visa have up to 59-days before needing an extension.
US citizens must extend their visa at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) office before their approved time runs out or pay an overstay fine of 500 PHP per month.
You can also download the Philippines visa extension forms here.
Application Process Philippines Visa for American Citizens
The Philippine visa application process varies depending on if a US citizen will be applying for the visa from the United States before departure or applying when they arrive in the Philippines.
Applying for a Philippine Visa In The US
9a Temporary Visitor Visa- Requires you to provide documentary proof of your identity and justification to enter the Philippines. The specific documents vary depending on which Section 9 visa you are applying for. The consular office can change the 9a visa application forms and requirements. Check the Philippine Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your state for specifics.
Basic requirements for 9a applications include:
- Visa application form filled in English
- Recent passport-type photograph with a white background and no eyeglass or sleeveless attire
- Original US passport with an expiration date at least six months past your intended period of stay and at least one blank visa page
- Photocopy of the passport data and amendment pages
- Proof of financial capability, such as latest monthly bank statement, pay stub, income tax return.
- An onward travel ticket returning to the US or your next destination outside the Philippines dated no more than 30-days after your arrival.
- Immigration officials may request additional requirements depending on the initial evaluation results.
- Visa Cost- $30 for a single entry 9a visa valid for 3-months
13a Permanent Marriage Visa- US citizens with Philippine spouses can apply for a 13a Permanent spousal visa faster and cheaper in the United States than in the Philippines. However, the consular office that processes your visa application needs to conduct an in-person visa interview with you and your Filipino spouse. Unless both are in the US, you will need to apply for the 13a Probationary visa in the Philippines.
The specific 13a visa application forms and requirements depend on the consular office. Check with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate-General with jurisdiction over your state for specifics.
Minimum documentary requirements for the 13a application include:
- 13 Visa application form (FA Form No. 3 downloadable here)
- Passport style photo (size: 2" x2" inches) with clear white background
- Applicant's valid passport and two copies of the passport data page
- Original NSO or Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- Proof of marriage to Philippine Citizen: PSA authenticated Marriage Contract or Philippine Embassy, or Consulate authenticated Marriage Certificate from the United States
- A PSA authenticated Birth Certificate or a Report of Birth issued by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction for any minor children.
- Proof of Filipino Citizenship- Birth certificate of Filipino spouse authenticated by PSA
- Original passport and copy of Filipino spouse's Philippine passport bio-page.
- Notarized Proof of Sufficient Funds and Affidavit of financial capacity by visa applicant, with supporting documents (monthly bank statement, investment certificate, etc.)
- Joint Letter of Request signed by the Filipino spouse, confirming Philippine citizenship and endorsing the visa application of their foreign spouse.
- Apostilled Clean Police Background Check from your State Police or FBI
- Medical certificate, examination by a qualified physician, laboratory tests, and x-ray results with standard-sized chest x-ray film.
- Additional Documents may be requested as necessary
- Visa payment of $400
Can Americans with a visa buy property in the Philippines?
Yes and No. While, Americans can own condominiums very easily, foreigners who want to buy land in the Philippines is more difficult. The Philippines constitution protects ownership of land for Filipinos.
Americans who want to buy land will need to either purchase property using their Philippine spouse's name or using a corporation.
Visa Application Fee For US Citizens
These are the payment fees for US citizens. Other countries can review their payment of fees at the Philippine Consulate in their country of origin.
Current payment fees as of the date of writing. | US Dollars |
---|---|
9a Single Entry (Regular Processing Fee)- Valid for 3-months | $30 |
9a Single Entry (Expedited Processing Fee)- Valid for 3-months. | $40 |
9a Multiple Entry Visa- Valid for six (6) months | $60 |
9a Multiple Entry Visa- Valid for one (1) year | $90 |
9b Transit Visa | $20 |
9d Treaty Trader/Investor Visa | $400 |
9f Student Visa | $250 |
(13a - 13g) Non-Quota Immigrant Visas | $400 |
Expedite fee for same-day release of travel document | $10 |
Applying For Visas In The Philippines
Philippines Visa On Arrival- The Visa On Arrival passport stamp acts as a tourist visa allowing US citizens to arrive in the Philippines without applying for a visa ahead of time. I detail the requirements for US citizens to obtain a visa on arrival in the Entry Requirements section above.
13a Spousal Visa- An American citizen married to a Filipino citizen can follow a 3-step process to apply for a 13a Marriage Visa in the Philippines.
- 1Arrive In the Philippines-
Enter the country on a tourist visa on arrival. - 2Convert the tourist visa To 13a Probationary Visa-
Apply at a BI office for a Conversion To Probationary Non-Quota Immigrant Visa 13a. - 3Amend to 13a Permanent Visa-
Amend your 13a Probationary to 13a Permanent Residence Visa after one year.
Basic Requirements For 13a visa
- A Filipino national partner.
- A valid marriage certificate recognized by the Philippines.
- Proof you have the financial ability to support yourself and your family.
- Are a foreigner from this list of 82 countries that grant permanent residency and immigration privileges to Filipinos
Summary of Process To Covert To A 13a
- Complete the visa application form (BI FORM CGAF CO-001-Rev 2 downloadable here)
- Submit the application form and required documents for pre-screening to the BOI Main Office or eligible regional or district office
- Pay the visa fees with cash. Personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards are not accepted.
- Wait for an Official Receipt that contains the schedule and location of the hearing and instructions for image and fingerprint capturing.
- Attend your scheduled hearing
- Proceed to the ARD Image and Fingerprint Counter and submit requirements for the ACR I-Card application
- Check the BI website for your instructions and requirements for the entire 13a process here .
- If your 13a visa application is approved, submit your original passport for visa implementation.
- Pick up your ACR I-Card, when Alien Registration Division (ARD) completes the process.
You can find the complete instructions and requirements for the entire 13a process here.
Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV)- US citizens over 50 can apply for 1 of 4 different types of SRR visa. US military veterans even get special incentives when applying for the SRRV in the Philippines.
Basic requirements for the SRRV are
- Financial Deposit- the amount varies from $1,500 to $20,000 depending on SRR visa type
- Valid US Passport- with valid entry visa
- PRA SRR visa application form (Downloadable here)
- Medical Clearance- A clear medical report no more than six months old.
- Police Background Check- State Police or FBI clearance from the United States and Philippine NBI clearance if you have been in the Philippines longer than 6-months
You can read the details of how to apply for the SRRV in this post.
How much does a visa cost US Citizens in the Philippines?
Entering the Philippines visa on arrival is FREE. However, the Bureau of Immigration charges a visa fee to extend a tourist visa or convert a tourist visa to a more permanent one. The total cost depends on the visa type.
Visa Extension After 30 days (Visa Waiver for 29 days)= PHP 3, 030. 00
Visa Extension After 59 days (1-month)= PHP 4, 400.00
Click here for a complete schedule of 9a visa extension fees and How-to apply.
Convert To A 13a Marriage Visa = PHP 8,620.00
Convert To A 9f Student Visa= PHP 9, 720
Required Annual Reporting To Bureau of Immigration = PHP 810
Can someone help me with my Philippine Visa?
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 Bureau of Immigration, Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Retirement Association to handle your visa application, document submission, local appointments, and much more. They will simply your immigration process and make getting your visa easier.
Philippines Embassy and Consulate General Offices in the US
Country | City | Mission | |
---|---|---|---|
Africa | Egypt | Cairo | Embassy |
Africa | Kenya | Nairobi | Embassy |
Africa | Libya | Tripoli | Embassy |
Africa | Morocco | Rabat | Embassy |
Africa | Nigeria | Abuja | Embassy |
Africa | South Africa | Pretoria | Embassy |
Asia | Bangladesh | Dhaka | Embassy |
Asia | Brunei | Bandar Seri Begawan | Embassy |
Asia | Cambodia | Phnom Penh | Embassy |
Asia | China | Beijing | Embassy |
Asia | China | Chongqing | Consulate-General |
Asia | China | Guangzhou | Consulate-General |
Asia | China | Hong Kong | Consulate-General |
Asia | China | Macau | Consulate-General |
Asia | China | Shanghai | Consulate-General |
Asia | China | Xiamen | Consulate-General |
Asia | EastTimor | Dili | Embassy |
Asia | India | New Delhi | Embassy |
Asia | Indonesia | Jakarta | Embassy |
Asia | Indonesia | Manado | Consulate-General |
Asia | Israel | Tel Aviv | Embassy |
Asia | Japan | Nagoya | Consulate-General |
Asia | Japan | Osaka | Consulate-General |
Asia | Japan | Tokyo | Embassy |
Asia | Laos | Vientiane | Embassy |
Asia | Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | Embassy |
Asia | Myanmar | Yangon | Embassy |
Asia | Republic of China (Taiwan) | Kaohsiung | ExtensionOffice |
Asia | Republic of China (Taiwan) | Taichung | ExtensionOffice |
Asia | Republic of China (Taiwan) | Taipei | EconomicandCulturalOffice |
Asia | Singapore | Singapore | Embassy |
Asia | SouthKorea | Seoul | Embassy |
Asia | Thailand | Bangkok | Embassy |
Asia | Turkey | Ankara | Embassy |
Asia | Turkey | Istanbul | Consulate-General |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi | Embassy |
Asia | United Arab Emirates | Dubai | Consulate-General |
Asia | Vietnam | Hanoi | Embassy |
Europe | HolySee[c] | Rome | Embassy |
Europe | Switzerland | Bern | Embassy |
Europe | Austria | Vienna | Embassy |
Europe | Belgium | Brussels | Embassy |
Europe | Czech Republic | Prague | Embassy |
Europe | Denmark | Copenhagen | Embassy |
Europe | France | Paris | Embassy |
Europe | Germany | Berlin | Embassy |
Europe | Germany | Frankfurt | Consulate-General |
Europe | Greece | Athens | Embassy |
Europe | Hungary | Budapest | Embassy |
Europe | Italy | Milan | Consulate-General |
Europe | Italy | Rome | Embassy |
Europe | Netherlands | The Hague | Embassy |
Europe | Norway | Oslo | Embassy |
Europe | Poland | Warsaw | Embassy |
Europe | Portugal | Lisbon | Embassy |
Europe | Russia | Moscow | Embassy |
Europe | Spain | Barcelona | Consulate-General |
Europe | Spain | Madrid | Embassy |
Europe | Sweden | Stockholm | Embassy |
Europe | United Kingdom | London | Embassy |
Middle East | Bahrain | Manama | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Iran | Tehran | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Iraq | Baghdad | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Jordan | Amman | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Kuwait | Kuwait City | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Lebanon | Beirut | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Oman | Muscat | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Pakistan | Islamabad | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Qatar | Doha | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Embassy |
MiddleEast | Syria | Damascus | Embassy |
North America | Canada | Calgary | Consulate-General |
North America | Canada | Ottawa | Embassy |
North America | Canada | Toronto | Consulate-General |
North America | Canada | Vancouver | Consulate-General |
North America | Mexico | Mexico City | Embassy |
North America | United States | Agana, Guam | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | Chicago | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | Honolulu | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | Houston | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | Los Angeles | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | New York City | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | San Francisco | Consulate-General |
North America | United States | Washington, D.C. | Embassy |
Oceania | Australia | Canberra | Embassy |
Oceania | Australia | Melbourne | Consulate-General |
Oceania | Australia | Sydney | Consulate-General |
Oceania | NewZealand | Wellington | Embassy |
Oceania | PapuaNewGuinea | Port Moresby | Embassy |
South America | Argentina | Buenos Aires | Embassy |
South America | Brazil | BrasÃlia | Embassy |
South America | Chile | Santiago de Chile | Embassy |
FAQ: Philippine Visa for American Citizens
The maximum stay for a US citizen without a permanent residence visa is for 3-years. However, US citizens have visa options to stay in the Philippines permanently. Americans married to Filipinos can apply for a 13a, while US citizens over 50 can apply for the SRRV retirement visa.
No. US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. US citizens can enter the Philippines Visa on Arrival and stay in the Philippines visa-free for up to 59-days. After 59-days, US Citizens can extend their visa by 1, 2, or 6-months at a Philippine Bureau of Immigration office.
The eTA Philippines eVisa system is not available for US citizens. Only citizens of Taiwan can use the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) website to apply for a Philippines eVisa online. US citizens may be eligible for the eTA system in the future, but no ETA has been confirmed.
Yes, but OVAS only allows US citizens to complete 9a Temporary Visa application forms. After completing the visa application online, you will still need to bring your required documents and officially submit the application at the Philippine Consulate with jurisdiction over your home state.
OVAS is only for the 9a visa. Applications for a Permanent Immigrant Visa (13a, 13g, etc.) or a different Temporary Non-Immigrant Visa (9f, 9g, etc.) cannot be submitted online. You will need to submit your visa application directly to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
I’m flying into the Philippines in a few days. I’m staying for 42 days. Can I apply for a Visa on arrival?
Hi Roger, If you are a US citizen, then you can enter the Philippines visa exempt for 30 days. You then need to apply for a 29-day extension (technically called a visa waiver) either at a local Bureau of Immigration office (there is also one in Terminal 3 of the Manila airport) or using the BOI online tool.
I’m US citizen formerly Filipino citizen. I’m going to the Philippines for vacation more than 30 days what do I have yo prepare?
Hi Wilma, can I assume your US passport shows the Philippines as your Place of Birth? If so, you get a one-year Balikbayan visa on arrival (technically called Balikbayan Privilege, but same thing). No additional documentation is required. I would politely point out your are a Balikbayan to the Immigration Officer. I arrived one time, the Officer wasn’t paying attention and only gave me a 30-day stamp.
If I only stay for 29 days do I still need a visa ?
Hi Tyler, If you are a US citizen, then you can arrive visa-exempt (i.e. you don’t need a visa prior to arriving in the Philippines) for stays up to 30 days.
Do I need a tourist visa if I plan on staying in Philippines for longer than 30 days and if so where do I apply? I am a U.S. citizen.
Hi James, you’re a lucky one. As a US citizen, you can arrive in the Philippines visa exempt for stays up to 30 days. After 30 days, you can apply for a 29 day extension (technically called a visa waiver). After the first 59 days, you can then apply for visa extensions of 1, 2, or 6 months for up to 3 years.