As international travel begins to resume once again following coronavirus pandemic restrictions, many countries around the world continue to seek to contain the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining safety protocols for arriving foreign nationals. A number of destinations worldwide now require travelers to either have a negative COVID-19 test certificate or undergo a health care
Visa Policy for the Philippines
The visa policy of the Philippines is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines and determines the requirements for all foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for tourism, business, transit, to work or study, or for permanent residency.
The visa requirements to travel to the Philippines vary depending on both the applicant’s nationality and the purpose and duration of the intended stay.
Citizens of around 160 countries, including all member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), can enter the country without applying for a visa.
The period of visa-free stay permitted varies by nationality and can range from 14 to 59 days. Visa-free exempt nationals are able to access the Philippines by simply presenting a passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond their period of stay.
Citizens of a select few countries have the option of obtaining a Philippines visa on arrival, which allows the holder to spend up to 59 days in the country.
An Electronic Travel Authorization for the Philippines is currently available for Taiwan passport holders only, although it is expected to be expanded to other nationalities in the future.
The Philippines ETA may be applied for through a simple online form. Once approved, it permits Taiwanese citizens to spend up to 30 days in the Philippines.
Citizens of around 40 other foreign countries are required to apply for an embassy visa to travel to the Philippines, no matter the intended purpose and duration of the trip, from their nearest government diplomatic office of the Philippines well in advance.
