Planning a trip to Philippines? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from Philippines's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to Philippines need 9(a) temporary visitor visa, with an official government fee of Approx. US$40 single / US$60+ multiple (varies by embassy).
Philippines visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa |
| Government fee | Approx. US$40 single / US$60+ multiple (varies by embassy) |
| Processing time | 7-12 working days (single entry); 15-21 working days (multiple entry) |
| Validity | 3 months from issue |
| Permitted stay | 59 days (extendable) |
| Where to apply | https://evisa.gov.ph |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for Philippines?
Visa-free: 150+ countries 30 days: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Israel etc. India & China: 14 days (from 2025–26); Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen/Japan/Australia/Canada/Singapore visa: 30 days. Brazil & Israel 59 days.
9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa: Visa-required nationals and those wanting stays beyond the visa-free period; applied online
Visa-Free Entry (30 days, AJACSSUK visa-holders): Indian (and other) nationals holding a valid American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or UK visa
Philippines visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | Free (S$0) | 14 days | Immediate on arrival | https://etravel.gov.ph |
| 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa | Approx. US$40 single / US$60+ multiple (varies by embassy) | 59 days (extendable) | 7-12 working days (single entry); 15-21 working days (multiple entry) | https://evisa.gov.ph |
| Visa-Free Entry (30 days, AJACSSUK visa-holders) | Free | 30 days | Immediate on arrival | https://etravel.gov.ph |
Documents required
For the 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- One 2x2 inch colour photo taken within last 6 months
- Confirmed return/onward ticket
- Proof of financial capacity
- Hotel accommodation
- No derogatory immigration record
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa: https://evisa.gov.ph — allow 7-12 working days (single entry); 15-21 working days (multiple entry).
- Visa-Free Entry (30 days, AJACSSUK visa-holders): https://etravel.gov.ph — allow Immediate on arrival.
- Arrival formalities: eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) — free, within 72 h before arrival
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
Philippines visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling Philippines visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for Philippines.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) — free, within 72 h before arrival — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your Philippines application.
- Processing: allow 7-12 working days (single entry); 15-21 working days (multiple entry). Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to Philippines
- Arrival card / declaration: eTravel (etravel.gov.ph) — free, within 72 h before arrival
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some PHP (Philippine Peso)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Beware fake eTravel sites; the official one is free.
- e-Visa portal: evisa.gov.ph for eligible nationalities.
Philippines visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Philippines visa?
9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa: Approx. US$40 single / US$60+ multiple (varies by embassy). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa: 7-12 working days (single entry); 15-21 working days (multiple entry).
Things to do once your Philippines visa is sorted
Popular experiences in Philippines you can book on HolidaySG:
- 4-Wheeler (ATV) Adventure in Rizal/Manila — from PHP 4,000
- CT17 - Private Kawasan Waterfalls - New Trail (Half Canyoneering) — from PHP 2,141
- CT19 - Private Quick Island Getaway - Carnaza + Lamanok Island — from PHP 3,436
- Coron Beach Escapade Experience: Via Private Speedboat — from PHP 2,437
- Coron Island Hopping Experience: Via Private Speedboat — from PHP 2,238
- Coron Island Hopping Experience: Via Private Yacht — from PHP 4,208
Official sources
- Bureau of Immigration Philippines — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.