Nationals Enter Philippines Visa-Free

The Philippines offers visa-free entry to nationals of various countries under specific conditions and agreements. This article provides detailed information about who can enter the Philippines without a visa, the duration of their stay, and the requirements they must meet.

Eligible Countries

As per Executive Order No. 408 and subsequent executive issuances, the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a list of eligible countries whose nationals can avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines. To qualify, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
• Possess return tickets to their country of origin or outward-bound tickets to their next destination.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay of thirty (30) days:

• Andorra
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Brazil*
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Chile
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Costa Rica
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Denmark
• Djibouti
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Estonia
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Germany
• Ghana
• Greece
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Indonesia
• Ireland
• Israel*
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mali
• Malta
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Norway
• Oman
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Republic of Korea
• Romania
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Samoa
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• Spain
• Suriname
• Swaziland
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Togo
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• United Republic of Tanzania
• United States of America
• Uruguay
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Vatican
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

*Brazilian and Israeli nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines visa free for a stay of fifty-nine (59) days based on existing agreements.

14-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals can be granted a visa-free entry for an initial stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days under Foreign Service Circular (FSC) No. 36-12, provided they meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid or unexpired Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, UK, or US visa or permanent residence permit.
• Possess a national passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay.
• Hold a return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
• Have no derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the International Police (Interpol).

This 14-day visa-free entry can be extended by an additional seven (7) days for a maximum stay of twenty-one (21) days.

Visa-Free Entry for Hong Kong SAR Passport Holders and Mainland Chinese

Under FSC No. 112-11, the following individuals may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay not exceeding seven (7) days, provided they possess a return or onward ticket:

• Holders of Hong Kong British passports.
• Mainland Chinese tourists with a valid or unexpired Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen, or US visa.

The 7-day visa-free entry for the above categories can be extended by an additional fourteen (14) days to complete a maximum stay of twenty-one (21) days.

Hong Kong SAR passport holders are eligible for a fourteen (14) day visa-free entry.

Visa-Free Entry for Macau SAR Passport Holders

Under FSC No. 122-11, Macau SAR passport holders may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay of fourteen (14) days, provided they possess a return or onward ticket.

Visa-Free Entry for MECO ETA Holders

Under Operations Order No. SBM-2015-018, MECO ETA holders may enter the Philippines visa-free for an initial stay of thirty (30) days.

These provisions are subject to change, so travelers should verify the latest visa requirements with the Philippine authorities or their nearest Philippine embassy or consulate before planning their visit.

FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?

Yes, you'll need a Philippines Visa if you plan to stay in the country beyond the allowed visa-exemption period. However, if you're already in the Philippines and wish to extend your stay, you can apply for an extension.

Do Indian nationals need a visa for the Philippines?

Yes, Indian citizens must apply for a Philippines Visa if they intend to travel to the Philippines, as Indian nationals do not qualify for any visa waiver or free entry options. The Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians is required for them to enter the country.

Who can enter the Philippines visa-free? 

Citizens holding passports from certain jurisdictions can enter the Philippines without needing a visa for specific durations. These durations include:

• 59 days for nationals of Brazil and Israel.
• 30 days for citizens of 152 countries, including all ASEAN nationals, all European Union citizens, Andorra, Angola, and others.
• 14 days for individuals from three regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, and Portugal (for passports issued to permanent residents of Macau only).

Can I get a visa on arrival in the Philippines?

The Philippines' visa policy allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa on arrival if they are visiting the country for tourism purposes, and this visa allows them to stay for up to 59 days.