At a glance
E-visa available
No
Visa-free countries
21 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
The Philippines maintains its 30-day visa-free entry policy for nationals of 150+ countries through 2026. The e-Travel registration (free, online at etravel.gov.ph) became mandatory for all international arrivals in 2023 and remains required. The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) reduced its required deposit to USD 10,000 for retirees 50+ in 2024.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 30 days, extendable | Free | Valid passport (6+ months), return ticket, proof of accommodation | On arrival |
| Tourist Visa Extension (BI) | Extensions in 29-day or 6-month increments | PHP 3,030-6,500 per extension | Passport, application, fees at BI office | Same-day to 3 days |
| 9(a) Tourist Visa | 59 days | USD 30 | Application at embassy, passport, photo | 5-10 business days |
| SRRV (Retirement) | Indefinite | USD 1,400-1,500 application + USD 10,000-50,000 deposit | Age 35+ (50+ for the cheaper version), medical, police clearance | 30-60 days |
Visa-free countries (21)
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, All EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, All ASEAN nations, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, 150+ other countries.
Philippines: The Most Flexible Asian Tourist Visa
The Philippines maintains one of the most flexible tourist-visa policies in Asia. Visa-free entry for 30 days on arrival for nationals of 150+ countries, extendable in-country at any Bureau of Immigration office for up to 36 months total. No other major Asian destination offers comparable in-country extension flexibility for casual tourists.
The 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 150+ countries (US, UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, all ASEAN nations, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, and most other Western and Asian nations) can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. Free. Requirements: valid passport with 6+ months validity, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation.
E-Travel Pre-Arrival Registration
Mandatory for all international arrivals since 2023. Free, online at etravel.gov.ph, must be completed within 72 hours of arrival. The system generates a QR code you present at immigration. Most travelers complete it during their flight using onboard WiFi or via mobile data before disembarking. The airport immigration line moves significantly slower for travelers who haven't registered.
In-Country Extensions
The standout feature of the Philippines visa policy. Extensions at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office in Intramuros, Manila, or at any of the 40+ BI district offices across the country. The progression:
- First extension (29 days): PHP 3,030 (around USD 55). Brings you to 59 days total.
- Subsequent 1-month extensions: PHP 3,030 each, up to a maximum of 6 months total stay.
- 2-month and 6-month extensions also available after the initial period.
- Total stay limit: 36 months continuous before requiring an exit.
Most BI offices process the extension same-day if you arrive before 11:00. Some require 2-3 days. Apply through a licensed BI extension agent if you want minimum hassle (around PHP 4,500-6,000 total including agent fees).
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
The Philippines' retirement visa option, available to anyone 35+ years old. USD 1,400-1,500 application fee plus a refundable deposit:
- USD 10,000 for retirees 50+ with a verifiable pension of USD 800+ monthly (the SRRV-Smile)
- USD 20,000 for retirees 35-49 (the SRRV-Courtesy)
- USD 50,000 for retirees 35-49 without a pension (the standard SRRV)
The SRRV grants indefinite residency, multiple-entry rights, exemption from BI travel tax, exemption from import duty on personal effects up to USD 7,000. The reduced USD 10,000 deposit option for retirees 50+ with a pension launched in 2024.
Working in the Philippines
Tourist visas (whether visa-free or 9(a) Tourist Visa) explicitly prohibit work. For employment, you need a 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Visa with an Alien Employment Permit. Digital nomads working remotely for foreign employers occupy a gray zone; the practice is widespread among the Manila, Cebu, and El Nido remote-work communities. The Philippines does not have a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026 (under discussion since 2023 but no formal launch).
Practical Notes
The Bureau of Immigration website is immigration.gov.ph. The e-Travel portal is etravel.gov.ph. The Department of Foreign Affairs site is dfa.gov.ph. Avoid the unofficial commercial visa-extension sites; the BI offices process extensions directly at the official rates. The Manila main office at Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, is the busiest; smaller cities (Cebu, Davao, Subic, Angeles) have shorter queues.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG Philippines country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.