Planning a trip to the Philippines? Understanding the visa fees involved is essential for budgeting your travel. Whether you are a tourist, student, or worker, the Philippines has a structured fee system managed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Philippine embassies worldwide. This guide covers every visa fee you need to know.
Overview of Philippines Visa Fees
The Philippines offers visa-free entry to nationals of over 150 countries for stays of 30 days or less. If your nationality requires a visa or you plan to stay longer, various fees apply depending on your visa category.
Fees are set by the Bureau of Immigration and may be updated periodically. The fees listed below are based on the latest published schedules from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and Department of Foreign Affairs.
Visa-Free Entry: No Fee Required
Nationals of more than 150 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. This includes citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most European Union countries.
Key points about visa-free entry:
- Initial stay: 30 days (no fee)
- Must hold a valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Must have a return or onward ticket
- eTravel registration is required before arrival (free of charge)
Tourist Visa Extension Fees
If you entered the Philippines visa-free and wish to stay beyond 30 days, you must apply for a visa extension at any Bureau of Immigration office.
First Extension (29 Days Beyond Initial 30 Days)
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Visa Waiver | 500 |
| Visa Waiver Application Fee | 1,000 |
| Certification Fee | 500 |
| Legal Research Fee (LRF) | 30 |
| Express Fee | 1,000 |
| **Total** | **3,030** |
Subsequent Extensions (Up to 59 Days Total)
For foreign nationals staying beyond 59 days, additional fees apply including the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card.
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Extension Fee | 500 per month |
| Application Fee | 300 |
| ACR Fee | 1,000 |
| Certification Fee | 500 |
| Express Fee | 1,000 |
| ECC / Certificate of Exemption | 700 |
| Legal Research Fee | 50 |
| Visa Sticker Fee | 100 |
| ACR I-Card (Tourist) | US $50 |
| Express Fee (I-Card) | 500 |
Overstaying Penalties
If you overstay your authorized period, additional fines apply:
- Fine for overstaying: PHP 500 per month
- Motion for reconsideration: PHP 500 (plus PHP 10 LRF)
Embassy Visa Fees (For Visa-Required Nationals)
Nationals of countries that are not visa-free must apply for a visa at a Philippine embassy or consulate before traveling. Fees vary by visa type and number of entries.
9(A) Temporary Visitor Visa
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months) | 60 |
| Multiple Entry (12 months) | 90 |
9(A) Visa-Required Nationals
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry | 40 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months) | 80 |
| Multiple Entry (12 months) | 120 |
9(A) Chinese Nationals
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Single Entry | 25 |
| Multiple Entry (3 months) | 50 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months) | 100 |
Other Embassy Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 9(C) Seafarer | 20 |
| 9(C) Crew List (below 40) | 100 |
| 9(G) Pre-arranged Employee / Missionary | 400 |
| 13(A) / 13(G) Non-Quota Immigrant | 150 |
| Quota Immigrant | 160 |
Note: Embassy fees are denominated in the local currency equivalent. Amounts shown in EUR are from the Philippine Embassy in Berlin and may vary slightly by country.
Student Visa (9F) Fees
Foreign nationals enrolling in higher education in the Philippines must convert their status to a Student Visa. Here are the Bureau of Immigration fees:
Initial Student Visa Conversion
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 2,000 |
| Implementation Fee | 1,000 |
| Service Fee | 1,000 |
| Certificate Fee | 500 |
| Visa Fee | 1,000 |
| ICR, CRTV, CRTS, CRTT, CRPE | 1,400 |
| Legal Research Fee | 70 |
| ACR Fee | 1,000 |
| Head Tax | 250 |
| Express Fee (Certification) | 500 |
| Express Fee (Filing) | 500 |
| Express Fee (I-Card Processing) | 500 |
| **Total** | **9,720** |
| ACR I-Card (additional) | US $50 |
Student Visa Extension
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Extension Fee | 2,000 |
| Legal Research Fee | 20 |
| Certificate Fee | 500 |
| Express Fee (Certification) | 500 |
| Express Fee (Filing) | 500 |
| Express Fee (I-Card Processing) | 500 |
| **Total** | **4,020** |
| ACR I-Card (additional) | US $50 |
Employment Visa (9G) Fees
The Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) is required for foreign nationals working in the Philippines. Fees vary based on company classification and visa duration.
Commercial 9G Visa – Non-Top 1,000 Corporations
| Validity | Principal | Dep. Spouse | Dep. Below 16 | Dep. Below 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | PHP 10,130 | PHP 8,120 | PHP 7,870 | PHP 7,370 |
| 2 Years | PHP 17,170 | PHP 13,960 | PHP 13,710 | PHP 13,210 |
| 3 Years | PHP 24,210 | PHP 19,800 | PHP 19,550 | PHP 19,050 |
ACR I-Card additional fees:
– 1 Year: US $50
– 2 Years: US $100
– 3 Years: US $150
Commercial 9G Visa – Top 1,000 Corporations
| Validity | Principal | Dep. Spouse | Dep. Below 16 | Dep. Below 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | PHP 10,630 | PHP 8,620 | PHP 8,370 | PHP 7,870 |
| 2 Years | PHP 18,170 | PHP 14,960 | PHP 14,710 | PHP 14,210 |
| 3 Years | PHP 25,710 | PHP 21,300 | PHP 21,050 | PHP 20,550 |
Missionary / Non-Commercial 9G Visa
| Type | Principal | Dep. Spouse | Dep. Below 16 | Dep. Below 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Endorsement | PHP 10,130 | PHP 8,120 | PHP 7,870 | PHP 7,370 |
| CBCP-PCEC Endorsement | PHP 12,860 | PHP 10,650 | PHP 10,400 | PHP 9,900 |
Immigrant Visa Fees
For those seeking permanent residence in the Philippines, immigrant visa fees are processed through Philippine embassies:
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 13(A) Immigrant Visa by Marriage | 150 |
| 13(G) Former Natural-Born Filipino | 150 |
| Quota Visa (13) | 160 |
| Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) | Varies |
Special Visa Fees
Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV)
The SRRV is managed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and requires a separate deposit and application fee:
- SRRV Classic: US $1,500 deposit (age 50+) or US $50,000 deposit (age 35-49)
- SRRV Smile: US $1,500 deposit (age 50+)
- Application fee: Approximately US $1,400 per applicant
Special Work Permit (SWP)
| Fee Item | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| SWP Fee | 3,000 |
| ACR Fee | 1,000 |
| Express Fee | 1,000 |
eTravel Registration: Free
All travelers to the Philippines must register on the eTravel platform at etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours before arrival. This registration is completely free of charge and is mandatory for all arriving passengers.
How to Pay Visa Fees
Visa fees can be paid through the following methods:
- At Philippine Embassies: Cash or as directed by the specific embassy (some accept bank transfers)
- At Bureau of Immigration offices in the Philippines: Cash at the BI cashier after receiving an Order of Payment Slip
- No refund policy: Fees paid are non-refundable, even if the application is denied or withdrawn
Tips for Managing Visa Costs
- Plan your stay duration carefully. If staying under 30 days, visa-free entry costs nothing.
- Apply for extensions early. Avoid overstaying penalties by visiting the BI office at least one week before your authorized stay expires.
- Keep all official receipts. You will need them for future extensions and when leaving the country.
- Budget for the ACR I-Card. If staying beyond 59 days, factor in the US $50 I-Card fee plus express processing charges.
- Check for fee updates. The Bureau of Immigration may update fees without prior notice. Always verify current rates on the official BI website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Philippines tourist visa cost?
For visa-free nationals, entry is free for 30 days. The first 29-day extension costs approximately PHP 3,030 (about US $55). Each subsequent extension costs around PHP 2,430-4,400 depending on your circumstances.
Do I need to pay for eTravel registration?
No. The eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph is completely free of charge.
What happens if I overstay in the Philippines?
Overstaying incurs a fine of PHP 500 per month. You will also need to pay for visa extension fees, clearance certificates, and potentially face deportation proceedings for extended overstays.
Are Philippines visa fees refundable?
No. Philippine embassies and the Bureau of Immigration follow a strict no-refund policy on all visa fees paid.
How much does a Philippines work visa cost?
A 9G employment visa for one year costs approximately PHP 10,130 for the principal applicant (at the BI), plus an ACR I-Card fee of US $50. The embassy application fee is approximately EUR 400.
Can I pay Philippines visa fees with a credit card?
Most Bureau of Immigration offices in the Philippines accept cash only. Philippine embassies abroad may accept different payment methods – check with your specific embassy.
