The Philippines – Visa Requirements For The Holiday Traveller

Are you day-dreaming of a beach holiday for your next escape? Why not travel beyond the usual destinations and expand your horizons. The Philippines is just a short flight across the ocean but a world away from your daily grind. Why not experience cocktails on the beach as the sun goes down over the pristine white sand. If you want something more faster paced, why not explore the night life of Manila, dive the world class reefs or trek past an ancient volcano.

Situated due South of Taiwan and a quick flight from Singapore, the Philippines is is an exciting holiday destination. If you are thinking of coming over for a visit, then in this article I am going to talk about what visas you need for your stay.

Coming For Up To 21 Days?

The first thing you are need before going anywhere overseas of course is a passport. Back in the 1990's you had to send your passport down to your local consulates for the countries you wanted to visit and they would send back a visa after a couple of weeks. Travelling is easier these days and a lot of countries issue a temporary visa on arrival or allow entry without a visa for a short stay. The Philippines falls into this category and short-term visitors can travel without arranging a visa beforehand if they have the following -

1. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay;
2. There are blank pages in the passport for the entry and exit stamps; and
3. You have proof that you intend to leave the country within the required time frame (a return ticket).

Who qualifies for this type of no-hassle entry? The Philippines accepts visitors from 150 countries for a stay of up to 21 days. That covers just about everyone on the planet. This entry can be for business or personal reasons - there are no restrictions for this 3 week stay.

The Longer Holiday Stay

What do you do if you want extend your trip beyond 3 weeks? The next step up is to obtain a visa from your local Philippines consulate. The visa you are applying for is the Temporary Visitor's Visa 9(A) for Pleasure and Business and will allow a stay of up to 59 days (or just under 10 weeks). As you are applying for a physicaly stamped visa that will appear in your passport, there a few more requirements -

1. There is least at 6 months left on your passport after you intend to leave the Philippines;
2. At least 2 blank pages in your passport for the visa and any border stamps;
3. A completed visa application form (with required payment);
4. A certified passport sized photo of yourself;
5. Copy of your plane ticket and/or your confirmed itinerary;
6. Other documents to support your visa application (such as an invitation from friends or family you are staying with etc.).

These are the requirements for a personal traveller and are typical of spending an extended stay in any country.

What About The Business Traveller?

Business travellers must additionally provide a company letter of sponsorship detailing the purpose of the visit and a letter of invitation from a business contact in the Philippines.

Are you a single traveller looking for an exciting getaway? Why not holiday in the Philippines with our Philippines Travel and Visa Service. Relax by the pool while beautiful Filipino girls serve you cocktails as the sun goes down.