Philippines Visa Online

All About the Philippines Tourist Visa

Are you planning a trip to the Philippines, and you want to find out the entry conditions? Are you eager to see adorable tarsiers, swim among spectacular coral and sink your feet into pristine white sand, and you’re looking for a straightforward webpage to get all your travel documents in order?

On this page, we have put together everything you need to know about which nationalities require an online travel pass, a traditional visa, or are exempt from both. You will also find out about the costs, application procedure and all the paperwork you need to make sure your trip runs smoothly.

For Taiwanese citizens, there is a new visa system available. It’s a pre-travel authorisation document called the “eTA” (Electronic Travel Authorisation) that you can get online in just a few simple steps with Byevisa.

For many other nationalities, the good news is that as of 2013 you can enjoy free entry into the Philippines without needing any permit whatsoever. This includes citizens of the US, UK, most of Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

This new policy was introduced to boost tourism, and it has certainly made it easier to visit the Philippines for eligible nationalities. The visa waivers vary from 14 days to 59 days, but the most common one is for stays of 30 days. So this offers you plenty of time to relax, disconnect and explore.

Meanwhile, the citizens of around 40 countries, including China and India, must obtain a traditional entry permit for this country at an embassy or consulate.

So, let’s dive into all the requirements for each nationality, and get you ready to fly to one of the most idyllic countries in the world!

What Is the Difference Between the Philippines Visit Visa and the eTA?

The eTA is an electronic document that is currently only available for citizens of Taiwan, while the visa is a paper document issued by the embassy for all countries that aren’t part of the waiver program (see list below).

Contrary to a traditional visa, you can apply for the eTA online from anywhere you like. The process with Byevisa is quick and simple, and you can receive your electronic authorisation in just 2 days.

The introduction of this new system has made it so much easier for Taiwanese citizens to visit the Philippines, without the hassle of spending hours queuing at the embassy and getting all the right documents in order.

Philippines eTA Visa Application Process

The eTA or Electronic Travel Authorisation is a new system that was introduced in 2015 and is currently only available for citizens of Taiwan, although it is expected to become available for other nationalities soon.

This electronic document is valid for 1 month from the date of entry into the Philippines and it allows Multiple Entries into the country. So you will have plenty of time to see the Chocolate Hills, the Batad Rice Terraces and swim in the crystal clear waters of El Nido.

Obtaining an eTA is quick and easy; simply follow these steps:

• Fill out the online form.
• Pay the fee.
• Receive the eTA via email.

Once you have completed the form, you pay the fee via credit card, debit card or PayPal, and then submit your application.

Please be aware that you may be asked to show additional information at the border checks, like return flight tickets and accommodation bookings, so make sure you take any relevant documentation with you.

Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements and Eligibility

Just like any other country, there are different requirements for different nationalities, so it’s important you know what the requirements are for your specific passport.

For now, only Taiwanese citizens are eligible for an eTA. We have put together a checklist of everything you need to make a super sleek application:

• You must provide a valid email address to receive your eTA.
• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned travel date.
• Your passport must have at least 1 blank page.
• You must have proof that you have funds to cover your trip (credit card, enough balance in your debit card, or cash).
• You must have return flights or proof of onward travel.
• You must have accommodation reservations.
• You must provide a company ID if you’re travelling for business.

Visa-Free Countries for the Philippines

Alternatively, a whopping 159 countries can enjoy 30 days in the Philippines (see list below) without having to get a permit. If you’re from Macau or Hong Kong you will be granted either 7 or 14 days depending on the type of passport you have, while if you have a Brazilian or Israeli passport you get a very generous 59 days.