Visa-Free Countries in the Philippines

Traveling can be expensive as you need to book your flight and accommodation, try cuisines, and buy some souvenirs at the end of your trip to give to your family and friends as a gift or just to keep them as a remembrance. 

But you don’t have to worry about the expense as the Philippines offer a visa-free entry for some countries and your country might be one on the list! 

Read this blog to know if you can travel to the Philippines without a visa. This blog also covers the difference between a passport and a visa, the importance of a visa, and the available visa options in the Philippines. 

List of Countries That Can Travel to the Philippines Without a Visa

Foreign nationals from countries listed below who are traveling for tourism and business purposes can enter the Philippines without a visa. They are granted to stay in the country not exceeding thirty (30) days, provided they have a valid return journey ticket to their origin or next travel destination. Their passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. 

Please note the citizens from Brazil and Israel are granted to stay in the country for fifty-nine (59) days. Please note that if you are planning to enter the Philippines for long-term visits or non-tourism activities, you must apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. 

Difference between a Passport and a Visa?

A passport is an official document issued by the government used for international travel certifying an individual’s identity and nationality. It contains information such as the holder’s name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. On the other hand, a visa is a stamp document placed in a passport that allows a foreign national to enter and leave the country for a specified period of time. This is issued by the immigration authorities of the country where you intended to visit. 

Importance of Visa

A visa is not only a simple stamp on your passport. It serves as a symbol that you are permitted to enter the country.

• Regulation of Entry. A visa allows its holder to enter and stay in the country. It helps the country to manage the flow of people for security, economic, health, and cultural reasons. 

• Security Concern. By requiring a visa, a country can conduct background checks on visitors, reducing the risk of allowing entry to individuals who might pose a threat to national security or public safety.

• Legal and Immigration Control. Visas help countries enforce their immigration laws. They enable authorities to set conditions for entry and stay, such as the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and whether or not the foreign national is allowed to work in the country. 

Can Indian Citizens Travel in the Philippines without a Visa?

Yes, Indian citizens may enter the Philippines without a visa for fourteen (14) days, provided they have a valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of stay, confirmed hotel accommodation or booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward flight ticket to the next country destination. They may also not have a Bureau of Immigration (BI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the International Police (Interpol) derogatory record. 

Additionally, Indian citizens with a valid and current visa and residence permits from America, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) may stay in the Philippines for thirty (30) days 

Additional Information

Under Foreign Service Circular No. 112-11, the following individuals may enter the Philippines for an initial stay not exceeding seven (7) days if they possess a return or onward ticket:

• Holders of Hong Kong British National Overseas (BNO) passports

• Holders of Macau-Portuguese passports

• Mainland Chinese nationals coming for tourism with unexpired visa from Australia, Canada, Japan, Schengen or United States

Furthermore, holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macau-SAR passports may enter the Philippines for an initial fourteen (14) days, provided that they have a return or onward ticket. While MECO ETA holders may enter the country for an initial thirty (30) days, pursuant to Operations Order No. SBM-2015-018. 

Available Philippine Visas for Foreigners

The visa-free entry in the Philippines is only available for foreign nationals whose intention is for tourism purposes. Therefore, if you are planning to work, invest, retire, or reside in the country, here are the following visa options for you:

• Work Visa is for foreign individuals who wish to engage in gainful employment in the country. However, before they acquire a work visa, they need to apply for a work permit first as this is one of the requirements. This is valid for one (1) year or three (3) years, and can be renewed for another year particularly if they remain employed in the country. 

• Investment Visa is available for foreign nationals who intend to invest in the Philippines. It also allows them to live in the country permanently, given that their investment requirements are maintained. 

• Retirement Visa is offered to foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens who are planning to retire in the Philippines. This visa has an age requirement of age fifty (50) years old and above. 

• Spouse Visa is issued to foreign nationals married to Filipino citizens. Their marriage must be recognized in the Philippines. It is also granted to their unmarried child/children who are below the age of twenty-one (21).

Please note that if a foreign spouse is from a country that does not have a reciprocity agreement with the Philippines, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) will be issued to them. This allows them to stay in the country for five (5) years and can be renewed for another 5 years, given that their marriage is maintained. Additionally, a Chinese National Spouse Visa or MCL-07-021 is issued to Chinese spouses of Filipino citizens and their child/children who are unmarried and age below twenty-one (21) years old.