Philippines Visa on Arrival: Are There Visa on Arrival Facilities in the Philippines?

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Updated February 2024

The Philippines, a country located in Southeast Asia, has recently opened its borders to tourists, inviting them to experience the breathtaking beauty of its natural landscapes and explore its rich historical sites. This decision reflects the country’s desire to promote tourism and share its diverse cultural heritage with the world.

If you are uncertain about whether the Philippines provides visa-on-arrival services depending on your nationality or where you come from,  continue reading our article to know the answer.

Do the Philippines offer visa-on-arrival facilities?

Rather than providing visa-on-arrival facilities, the Philippines is providing a visa-upon-arrival (SEVUA), as per the Bureau of Immigration. Nevertheless, there are certain limitations and prerequisites for acquiring a VUA. Furthermore, you must apply for it at the BI Main Office. However, please note that most countries do not require an entry visa to enter the Philippines.

Philippines visa upon arrival eligibility requirements

Unlike other countries’ Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) programs, the VUA in the Philippines is not dependent on nationality. Below are the eligible applicants for a VUA:

• foreign investors and businessmen: duly endorsed by the Board of Investments (BOI), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), local business councils, or local and foreign chambers of commerce and industry
• athletes and delegates: those endorsed by organizers and sponsors for sports competitions, conventions, or exhibitions
• delegates and participants: individuals endorsed by organizers and/or sponsors for international conventions, symposia, conferences, and similar gatherings
• foreign investors and executives: those endorsed by the government, resulting from bilateral agreements, or responding to Presidential Invitations for Investments during presidential trips or State Visits abroad
• officials of international organizations: officials of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other international development partners, along with their dependent spouses and unmarried minor children
• others: individuals deemed entitled to the benefits of this program at the discretion of the Commissioner

Philippines visa upon arrival required documents

To facilitate your Philippines visa on arrival application, ensure you have the checklist with complete documentary requirements, those requirements being:

• letter of request addressed to the Commissioner, including nominee details:
  • name as it appears in the passport
  • place and date of birth, nationality, passport number, place, and date of issuance and validity
  • residential address abroad and local address in the Philippines
  • flight details
  • nature and purpose of the visit
• endorsement letter from the appropriate government agency, if applicable
• photocopy of the applicant’s passport bio-page
• applicant’s flight information or details with booking reference
• BI Clearance Certificate

Philippines visa upon arrival application process

Below are the procedures for obtaining a visa upon arrival in the Philippines.

• secure a copy of the checklist of requirements
• secure the Order of Payment Slip
• pay the required immigration fees
• get the Official Receipt
• submit the requirements with Original Receipts
• claim the visa and approved Order

Philippines visa upon arrival cost

The expense for a Philippines Visa Upon Arrival (VUA) is determined by the duration of your stay and whether it is a single-entry or multiple-entry arrangement.

A non-visa required 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa holders or Tourist who will stay for more than 30 days but less than 59 days

• VUA / Visa Fee (for additional 29 days admission): USD 50 (PHP 2,815.38)
• express fee: USD 8.88 (PHP 500)
• Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee: USD 0.18 (PHP 10)

30-day stay to business individuals endorsed by DTI, PCCI, Top 1000 Corporations, and Foreign Chambers of Commerce

• VUA / Visa Fee (for additional 29 days admission): USD 25 (PHP 1,407.69)
• Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee: USD 0.18 (PHP 10)

Eligible applicants – Single Entry, 30-day authorized stay as visitors

• VUA / Visa Fee (for additional 29 days admission): USD 25 (PHP 1,407.69)
• Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee: USD 0.18 (PHP 10)

Multiple entry for senior officials of multinational corporations endorsed by DTI-BOI (provides an initial three-month stay, extendable in six-month increments)

• VUA / Visa Fee (for additional 29 days admission): USD 88.80 (PHP 5,000)
• Legal Research Fee (LRF) for each immigration fee: USD 0.18 (PHP 10)

VA to Foreign Tour for Indian or People’s Republic of China (PROC) Group

• VUA for 3-19 pax: USD 25 (PHP 1,407.69)
• VUA for 20 pax: USD 15 (PHP 844.61)

What countries need a Philippine visa?

If you come from any of the countries listed below, it is necessary to acquire a visa prior to entering the Philippines.

• Afghanistan
• Albania
• Algeria
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• China
• People’s Republic of China
• Cuba
• Egypt
• Georgia
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Republic of Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Macedonia
• Moldova
• Nauru
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Serbia
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Syria
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Ukraine
• Yemen

Are there additional entry requirements?

It is crucial to understand that having a legitimate visa does not ensure entry into the Philippines. Kindly consult the official visa information website of the Republic of the Philippines for further details.