Philippines Visa Guide 2026 — Requirements for US, UK, Australian and EU Visitors

The Philippines allows nationals of most countries to enter visa-free for 30 days (extendable to 59 days at the Bureau of Immigration). Here is the complete breakdown by nationality for 2026.

Visa-Free Entry — Who Qualifies and for How Long

Citizens of 157 countries and territories can enter the Philippines without a visa. The standard visa-free stay is 30 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 59 days (total) at the Bureau of Immigration for ₱3,120 (approximately USD $55).

Countries with visa-free access include: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, all EU member states, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India (on arrival), and most other nationalities. Check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website (immigration.gov.ph) for the full up-to-date list.

Americans — Philippines Visa for US Citizens

US passport holders enter visa-free for 30 days. A valid US passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay. You must also have:

A return or onward ticket (airlines often check this at check-in)
Proof of sufficient funds (about USD $50 per day is the informal standard)
Accommodation details (hotel booking, AirBnB reservation, or a host’s address)

US citizens can extend their stay at any Bureau of Immigration office to 59 days (one extension, ₱3,120 fee). Further extensions are possible in 29-day increments up to a maximum of 36 months, processed at BI offices in Manila, Cebu, or any regional office.

British Citizens — Philippines Visa for UK Nationals

UK passport holders enter visa-free for 30 days under the same conditions as US citizens. UK nationals who wish to stay longer than 59 days should apply for a tourist visa extension in person at a Bureau of Immigration office. There is no Philippines visa required for UK citizens for stays up to 30 days.

Australians — Philippines Visa for Australian Citizens

Australian passport holders enter visa-free for 30 days. Australians extending beyond 30 days must visit a Bureau of Immigration office with their passport, ₱3,120 extension fee, and onward travel evidence. The Cebu BI office (at Osmena Blvd) and the main Manila BI office (Intramuros) handle most tourist extensions.

Philippines e-Travel Card — Required for All Arrivals

All travellers entering the Philippines must complete the eTravel form before arrival. This replaced the old paper Arrival Card. It is free to complete online at etravel.gov.ph.

Complete it within 72 hours of your flight departure and save the QR code — immigration officers scan it on arrival. Airlines sometimes check for it during online check-in.

Extending Your Stay — Bureau of Immigration

Extensions are processed at Bureau of Immigration offices. The main offices are:

Manila (Main Office): Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila — Monday to Friday 8am–5pm
Cebu City: Osmena Blvd, Cebu City — Monday to Friday 8am–5pm
Davao: Davao City BI office
Regional offices in most major cities and tourist areas (Boracay, Puerto Princesa, General Santos)

Bring your passport, ₱3,120 in cash, and allow 2–3 hours for processing. Same-day processing is usually possible for tourist extensions.

Nationalities Requiring a Visa Before Arrival

Citizens of a small number of countries must obtain a Philippine visa before arriving. These include nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and a handful of others. If your country requires a visa, apply at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. Processing typically takes 5–7 business days.

Long-Term Stay Options

For stays longer than the tourist visa maximum allows, or for those who wish to retire or work in the Philippines, several visa categories exist:

Special Retirement Visa (SRRV): For retirees aged 35+ who deposit USD $10,000–$50,000 in a Philippine bank. Administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). Allows indefinite stay and multiple re-entry.
9(g) Pre-arranged Employee Visa: For foreigners employed by a Philippine company. Requires an Alien Employment Permit from DOLE first.
13(a) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa: For spouses of Philippine citizens.
Special Investor’s Resident Visa (SIRV): For investors bringing USD $75,000+ into the Philippines.

Arrival at NAIA Manila — What to Expect

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has four terminals. Most international flights use Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. On arrival:

Have your eTravel QR code ready on your phone
Proceed to Immigration — scan the QR code, present your passport
Standard immigration processing takes 10–30 minutes (longer during busy arrival windows)
Collect your baggage from the carousel
Exit through Customs (usually waved through for tourists with standard baggage)
Buy a SIM card in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Now that you’ve sorted your visa, it’s time to plan your Philippine adventure. OutdoorLifePH has a free directory of 1,582 outdoor destinations across all Philippine islands — from hidden beaches to world-class dive sites and mountain trails. Start exploring here.

Note: Visa regulations change. Always verify current requirements with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph) or the Philippine Embassy in your country before travel.