The Philippines offers a structured visa system managed by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Whether you are a tourist, student, employee, or someone planning to settle permanently, understanding the different Philippines visa types is essential before applying. This guide covers every visa category, from short-term visitor visas to long-term immigrant and special residency visas.
Visa-Free Entry to the Philippines
Nationals from 157 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. To qualify, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and possess a return or onward ticket. Visa-free entry applies to tourism and short business visits only.
Some countries have bilateral agreements allowing longer visa-free stays. Always verify your eligibility on the official Bureau of Immigration website before traveling.
Balikbayan Visa-Free Privilege
Former Filipino citizens who have been naturalized in a foreign country may enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year under the Balikbayan privilege (Executive Order 408). Their foreign passport-holding spouse and children can also benefit from this privilege, provided they travel together and present proof of relationship to the immigration officer. Required documents include a Philippine birth certificate or old Philippine passport for former citizens.
Non-Immigrant Visas
Non-immigrant visas are for foreign nationals entering the Philippines temporarily. The Bureau of Immigration issues several categories based on the purpose of the visit.
9(A) Temporary Visitor Visa
The 9(A) visa is the most common Philippines visa type. It covers tourists, business visitors, and those traveling for health, family, training, religious pilgrimage, or cultural purposes. The initial stay is 59 days, extendable up to six months through the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) program at the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila.
Visa-required nationals must obtain a 9(A) visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate before traveling. Visa-exempt nationals receive entry stamps upon arrival.
9(B) Transit Visa
Foreign nationals transiting through the Philippines en route to another country need a 9(B) transit visa. The authorized transit period is limited to 72 hours (3 days). This visa is mandatory for travelers from countries that are not visa-exempt.
9(C) Seafarer and Crew List Visa
The 9(C) visa is for foreign seafarers who have signed on to a vessel arriving at a Philippine port. It applies to anyone employed in any capacity onboard a ship who seeks entry solely in pursuit of their calling as a seaman. The holder must depart with the vessel.
9(D) Treaty Trader and Treaty Investor Visa
The 9(D) visa is available to nationals of countries with existing treaties of commerce and navigation with the Philippines, including the United States, Japan, and Germany. Treaty traders enter to carry on trade between their home country and the Philippines. Treaty investors enter to develop and direct operations of an enterprise in which they have made a substantial capital investment.
9(E) Foreign Government Official Visa
The 9(E) visa covers accredited officers of foreign governments recognized by the Philippines. It also applies to officials of the United Nations and other recognized international organizations. Immediate family and household members accompanying the official must also obtain 9(E) visas.
9(F) Student Visa
Foreign nationals aged 18 or older who wish to pursue higher education in the Philippines need a 9(F) student visa. The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means for education and living expenses. The educational institution must be accredited by the Bureau of Immigration. Student visas are for degree programs only; short-term training or language courses fall under the 9(A) visitor visa.
9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
The 9(G) visa is the primary work visa in the Philippines. Foreign nationals with a bona fide employer-employee relationship and a pre-arranged position in the Philippines must obtain this visa. It covers all lawful occupations with compensation, including religious missionaries. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a 9(G) holder may also receive 9(G) visas if they join within six months of the principal applicant’s admission.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visas are for foreign nationals intending to reside permanently in the Philippines. These are granted only to citizens of countries that provide reciprocal immigration privileges to Filipinos.
13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage
The 13(A) visa is issued to the foreign spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a Philippine citizen. It grants permanent residency in the Philippines. Applicants must provide a valid marriage certificate, proof of the Filipino spouse’s citizenship, and other supporting documents as required by the DFA.
13(G) Returning Former Natural-Born Filipino Citizen
Natural-born Filipino citizens who have been naturalized in a foreign country may apply for a 13(G) visa to return and reside permanently in the Philippines. Eligibility requires proof of natural-born Filipino status (such as an NSO birth certificate), foreign naturalization papers, a clean criminal record, and intent to reside permanently.
13(E) Returning Resident
The 13(E) visa is for Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens who wish to return to the Philippines as permanent residents after residing abroad.
Quota Visa (13)
The Quota Visa (Section 13) allows up to 50 nationals per nationality per year to immigrate to the Philippines. Applicants must meet specific qualifications, including a clean criminal record, financial capacity, and good health. This visa is limited and allocated on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
Special Visas
The Philippines also issues several special visa categories for specific circumstances.
Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV)
The SRRV is managed by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) and grants multiple-entry privileges with the right to stay permanently in the Philippines. Multiple tiers exist with different deposit requirements. Retirees aged 50 and older can apply. The SRRV holder can enter and leave the Philippines freely without additional permits.
Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV)
The SIRV allows foreign nationals to reside in the Philippines indefinitely, provided they maintain a minimum investment of USD 75,000 in an existing or new publicly listed Philippine corporation engaged in manufacturing or service sectors covered by the Investment Priority Plan. The holder may also import used household goods duty-free. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible.
Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)
The SVEG is issued to foreign nationals who actually employ at least 10 Filipinos in a lawful and sustainable enterprise. It offers multiple-entry privileges and can progress from a one-year probationary visa to indefinite stay. The SVEG holder is exempt from exit clearance and special return certificates.
47(A)(2) Special Non-Immigrant Visa
The 47(A)(2) visa covers several categories of workers, including executives and specialists at enterprises registered with PEZA, BOI, AFAB, or special economic processing zones. It also covers exchange professors, scholars, trainees, volunteers registered with PNVSCA, and foreign personnel of international rescue organizations.
Special Visa Upon Arrival (SEVUA)
The SEVUA allows certain foreign nationals to obtain a visa upon arrival at Philippine ports of entry, subject to specific eligibility criteria set by the DFA.
Philippine eVisa System
The Philippines has launched an electronic visa (eVisa) system through evisa.gov.ph. The platform allows visa-required nationals to submit applications, upload supporting documents, and track application status online. The eVisa system streamlines the process and reduces the need for in-person visits to embassies and consulates.
Extension of Stay
Tourists who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial visa-free or visa period can apply for an extension at any Bureau of Immigration office. The Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) program allows extensions of up to six months under a single transaction. Non-visa-required nationals can stay up to 36 months with extensions; visa-required nationals are limited to 24 months.
Visa Fees and Processing
Visa fees vary by category and nationality. Tourist visa extensions at the Bureau of Immigration typically range from PHP 3,030 for the first extension to higher amounts for longer stays. Immigrant and special visa fees are set by the DFA and vary significantly. Processing times range from same-day for simple extensions to several weeks for immigrant and special visa categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a US citizen get a Philippine visa?
US citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. For longer stays, they can extend at the Bureau of Immigration or apply for a 9(A) visa at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. or any Philippine consulate.
How long can I stay in the Philippines without a visa?
Visa-exempt nationals can stay up to 30 days. Extensions are available at Bureau of Immigration offices, allowing a maximum stay of up to 36 months for non-visa-required nationals.
What is the difference between 9(A) and 9(G) visa in the Philippines?
The 9(A) is a temporary visitor visa for tourists and short-term business visitors. The 9(G) is a pre-arranged employment visa for foreign nationals who have secured employment with a Philippine-based employer.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa in the Philippines?
Yes, it is possible to convert a 9(A) visitor visa to a 9(G) employment visa while in the Philippines. The process requires an employer sponsor and approval from the Bureau of Immigration.
What is the Balikbayan privilege?
The Balikbayan privilege allows former Filipino citizens and their immediate family members to enter the Philippines visa-free for up to one year. It was established under Executive Order 408 and applies to naturalized citizens of visa-free countries.
