How to Apply for e-Visa for Tourists in the Philippines

On August 30, 2023, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) soft launched the Philippine e-Visa system for beta testing. Through the e-Visa system, foreign nationals can register their visa applications remotely and conveniently since they will no longer have their visa stamped affixed to their passports. 

What is an e-Visa?

An electronic Visa or e-Visa is a user-friendly interface system for foreign nationals who wish to apply and secure a Philippine visa, without requiring it to be affixed to their passports. This can be applied remotely making it convenient and accessible for them. 

Eligible to Apply for an e-Visa Philippines

Any foreign nationals can apply for an e-Visa if they are traveling to the Philippines for business, leisure, medical treatment, and other purposes. 

Countries that are Eligible for an e-Visa in the Philippines

If you are a resident of the following countries, you can request for an e-visa when traveling to the Philippines:

• China

• India

• Japan

• Kenya

• Nigeria

• Singapore

• Taiwan

• Indonesia

• United Arab Emirates 

Can Someone Apply for e-Visa on Your Behalf?

Yes, e-Visa applications can be applied by someone on your behalf given that you cannot lodge the application on your own. Your authorized representative must be a family member since they will be required to upload a proof of affiliation to support your visa application. 

Application Process of an e-Visa Philippines

To be guided with your e-Visa application, you may follow this procedure:

• Register on Website. Create an account at https://evisa.gov.ph/ to get started on your e-Visa application. 

• Fill Out the Application. Provide the required information and documents to process your application. Make sure all your information is accurate and uploaded documents are clear.

• Pay the Fees. Settle the necessary fees through the available payment options. Ensure that your transfer slip includes the name in Pinyin romanization and passport number. Failure to include might cause unnecessary delays in processing your application.

• Monitor Your Application. Once paid, wait for your e-Visa application to be processed and monitor its status to know the progress of your e-Visa application. 

• Submit the Original Documents. You may be requested by the visa officer to submit your original documents either via courier or personal submission at the Embassy or Consulate. 

• Physical Interview. If required, you will be given a schedule for a physical interview at the Embassy or Consulate for further evaluation of your e-Visa application.

• Receive Your e-Visa. Your e-Visa will be sent to your email and account once approved. You may also download it. 

• Register e-Visa Account. You can now register using your e-Visa account in the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System (eTravel) within seventy-two (72) hours before your arrival in the Philippines. 

What is an eTravel?

eTravel is a digital single data collection system for foreign nationals arriving in and departing from the Philippines. This should be utilized for border control, health surveillance, and economic data analysis. 

Additionally, the following are not required to register or update in the eTravel System:

• Foreign diplomats and their dependents

• Foreign dignitaries and members of their delegation

• 9e visa holders

• Holders of diplomatic and official/service passport

Duration Process of e-Visa Philippines

The processing time of e-Visa may take seven (7) to twelve (12) working days for a single entry and fifteen (15) to twenty-one (21) days for multiple entries. 

Payment of e-Visa Philippines

Payment of e-Visa fees can be settled through an online payment, such as bank transfer and e-wallets. Please note that these fees are non-refundable and if you forget to settle your amount within forty-eight (48) hours, you will need to lodge a new e-Visa application. 

What Will Happen If You Have Lost Your Passport Registered to the e-Visa Philippines?

If you have lost your registered passport, you will need to apply for a new e-Visa application to be registered for your new passport. 

Can the Philippine e-Visa Be Converted to Other Types of Philippine Visas?

No, e-Visas are not valid for conversion to other types of Philippine visas. If you intend to convert your e-Visa upon arrival in the Philippines, you may obtain a regular Machine Readable Visa (MRV) sticker with the appropriate annotation from a Philippine Foreign Service Post in their country of origin or legal residence. 

Can the Authorized Period of Stay of the Philippine e-Visa Be Extended?

No, the authorized period of stay cannot be extended. You will be required to apply for a new e-Visa.

Philippine Visas Available for Foreigners

The Philippines is one of the popular destinations for foreign nationals. It offers various categories of visas for tourism, employment, investment, and among others. These are categorized as short-term and long-term visas. 

Short-Term Visas in the Philippines

If you are planning to stay in short-term in the Philippines, here are the visa options available:

• Temporary Visitor Visa (9A) is offered to foreign nationals who are visiting for tourism purposes or medical treatment. It allows them to legally stay in the country for seven (7) to fifty-nine (59) days, depending on the visa agreement with their home country. 

• Pre-arranged Employment Visa (9G) is issued to foreign nationals employed in the Philippines. It allows them to work and reside in the country for one (1) to three (3) years, depending on their employment contract. It can also be renewed if they are still employed in the country.

• Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA 47) is granted to foreign executives and workers of PEZA-registered companies. With this visa, they are allowed to stay in the country for one (1) year.

Long-Term Visas in the Philippines

If you are planning to stay in long-term in the Philippines, here are the visa options available:

• Spouse Visa (13A) is available to foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens and their child/children who are unmarried and below twenty-one (21) years old. It allows them to reside permanently in the country. 

• Chinese National Spouse Visa (MCL-07-210) is given to Chinese nationals married to Filipino citizens and their unmarried child/children aged below twenty-one (21).  

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is offered to Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses whose home country doesn’t have a reciprocity agreement with the Philippines. This is also offered to their unmarried child/children under twenty-one (21) years old. This visa allows them to stay in the country for five (5) years and can be renewed for another 5 years.  

• Non-Quota Immigrant (13G) is granted to natural-born Filipinos who have acquired foreign citizenship and wish to stay in the country permanently. 

• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is issued to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens who wish to retire in the Philippines. Please note that the age requirement to acquire this visa is fifty (50) years old and above. 

• Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV) is given to foreign investors. This allows them to live in the country, provided their investment requirements are maintained.  

• Special Visa Employment Generation (SVEG) is issued to qualified foreign nationals who employ at least (10) Filipino citizens in  lawful and sustainable enterprise, trade,  or industry. 

• APECO Special Permanent Residency Visa (ASRV) is granted to foreign nationals who own a residential unit within the Aurora Ecozone. This visa allows them to stay in the country for a minimum of five (5) years.