Philippines
* Please see visa section
Passports
Passports valid
for a minimum of six months beyond intended length of stay required by all.Note
(a) Holders of Certificates of Identity, Travel Documents ('Titre de Voyage'), Documents of Identity, Taiwanese Passports and all stateless persons do require visas. (b) All children of Filipino nationality must hold individual passports. (c) Immigration Officers at ports of entry may admit those with passports only valid for at least 60 days after intended length of stay, at their discretion.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. bona fide foreign tourists (including business travelers) for stays of less than 21 days provided holding passports valid for a minimum of six months beyond period of stay and return or onward tickets (except nationals of Afghanistan*, Albania, Algeria*, Bangladesh, Belize, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China (PR), CIS, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt*, Estonia, Georgia, India*, Iran*, Iraq*, Jordan*, Korea (Dem Rep), Latvia, Lebanon*, Libya*, Lithuania, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Moldova, Nauru, Nigeria*, Pakistan*, Sierra Leone, Serbia & Montenegro, Slovenia, Sri Lanka*, Sudan*, Syrian Arab Republic*, Tonga, Vanuatu, Yemen* and holders of Palestinian* passports who do require a visa even if staying less than seven days);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours provided holding onward or return documentation (some nationals are required to leave by the same or first connecting aircraft; enquire at Embassy for details).Note
(a)* Nationals of these countries must apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa in their country of origin or place of legal residence. (b) All tourists wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa.Types of visa and cost
Temporary Visitor: US$38 (three month single-entry); US$74 (six month multiple-entry); US$112 (one year multiple-entry). Restricted nationals (three months): US$52 Minors must pay PHP3,120.00 to the Immigration Officer at ports of entry.Validity
59 days from date of issue; multiple-entry: between six months and one year from date of issue. Visas normally allow stays of up to 59 days. Extensions are possible at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration Office, with additional payment to the Emigration Clearance Certificate and corresponding Legal Research Fee.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
(a) One application form. (b) One passport-size photo signed on the bottom front, taken in the last six months. (c) Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. (d) Proof of means of support during stay, either by bank statement showing a balance of at least £500 or letter of employment. (e) Fee, in cash or postal order only (if applying by post, fee must be paid by postal order only). (f) If applying by post, a registered, stamped, self-addressed envelope is required and the application should be signed by a notary or commissioner of oaths. (g) Onward or return tickets. (h) A utility bill for proof of address. (i) Business travelers also require a letter from the sponsoring Filipino company or from their employer, stating the purpose of the visit. (j) Proof of financial capability, eg latest bank statement, employment certificate etc. (k) Minors (under 15 years) must be accompanied by, or joining, parents to/in the Philippines. They must submit to the Immigration Officer at port of entry, an affidavit of request and consent by either parent/legal guardian (authenticated by relevant Embassy), and a clear photocopy of data page of passport of both minor and their parent(s). Application for a non-immigrant visa should be made in person.Working days required
Two to three. Applications can be made Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1400-1700. Visas can be collected between 1600 and 1700.
No Test Required
PHP550 for international departures. Children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the UK
9A Palace Green, London W8 4QE, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 1600 or (020) 7361 4640/36/42 (consular section).
Website: www.philemb.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1400-1700. Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the USA
1600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Tel: (202) 467 9300.
Website: www.philippineembassy-usa.org
Travelers are advised against all travel to central, southern and Western Mindanao, and the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups.
The President of the Philippines declared a state of emergency on 24 February 2006, following the arrest of three people for an attempted coup. Public protests are likely. Visitors should avoid political gatherings or demonstrations.
There is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines.
There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines.
In February 2005, bombs in Manila and Mindanao killed at least nine people and injured over 130 others. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places, including those frequented by foreigners.
Visitors should also be alert to the risk of street crime. Penalties for illegal drug importation and use are severe and can include the death penalty.
Visitors are advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling and to check any exclusions, and that their policy covers them for the activities they want to undertake.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisaions for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
