GOVPH

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISA:

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

• Required Documentation: To avoid delays, please ensure that all required documents are included in your application. Incomplete submission of visa application will be denied outright. 

The Consulate may request additional documents to support the visa application.

• Submission of Application: By mail only. Please include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope with USD 10.10 worth of stamps, preferably from US Postal Service (express or priority mail with tracking numbers), or from a private courier of choice.

The Consulate assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant should note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted. 

• Flight Ticket: Please do not purchase an airline ticket until after your Philippine visa has been issued. A flight itinerary created by booking a reservation may be submitted in lieu of a plane ticket. The Consulate will not expedite the visa processing to accommodate the visa applicant’s flight schedule.

• Visa Fees: Visa fees are non-refundable and payable by postal money order or bank check made payable to "Philippine Consulate General". Personal checks and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

The Consulate will not refund the visa application fee if the visa is issued later than the applicant’s flight departure date or if the application is denied or cancelled.

• Processing Time: The current processing time for visa applications is 3-5 business days but may take up to 10-15 business days for certain types of visas.

In some cases, visa processing may take longer depending on whether clearance and authorization is required from pertinent Philippine authorities or whether the Philippines has a visa agreement with the applicant’s country.

• Entry into the Philippines: Visa issuance does not guarantee automatic admission to the Philippines. The admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. Philippine immigration authorities will not allow entry into Philippine airports and seaports of the following foreign nationals:

1. Those holding non-machine-readable passports (e.g., hand scripted passports);
2. Those previously deported from the Philippines or included in the “blacklist order” of the Department of Foreign Affairs or Bureau of Immigration;
3. Those with incomplete documentation; or
4. Those with circumstances that would render them inadmissible for entry, even with a valid passport and visa issued by a Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate.

PHILIPPINE VISAS ISSUED:

•  9 (A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa
  • 9 (a-1) visa for Business Visitors
  • 9 (a-2) visa for Tourism or Leisure Visitors
  • 9 (a-3) visa for Medical Treatment Visitors
  • 9 (a-4) visa for Private Yachtsmen/Sailors
  • 9 (a-5) visa for Filmmaking Visitors
  • 9 (a-6) visa for Journalism Visitors
  • 9 (a-7) visa for Athletic and Performing Arts Visitors
  • 9 (a-8) visa for Visitors with other Purposes

• 9 (C) Seaman Visa
• 9 (E) Foreign Government Officials Visa
• 13 (A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (spouse or unmarried child under twenty-one years of age of a Philippine citizen)

Others:

• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa
• Guidelines on Visa-Free Travel to the Philippines
• Balikbayan Visa-Free Privilege  
• E-Travel
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Citizen’s Charter

REQUIREMENTS: 

9 (A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa (General Requirements)

1. Non-Immigrant Visa application form: Signed and notarized
2. Passport: Actual passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date) and one (1) photocopy of the data page.
3. Travel Itinerary:  Roundtrip flight itinerary to the country of origin or the next country of destination, with a departure date from the Philippines within 59 days of arrival.
4. Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months), showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low-quality photos will not be accepted. 
5. Proof of Financial Capacity: Recent bank statement, employment certificate, or income tax return.

For tourism purposes: Proof of Financial Capacity (photocopy of latest bank statement, an employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary, or affidavit of support).

For business purposes: Letter from employer or sponsor (which may be the inviting party in the Philippines) indicating the specific purpose of travel, length of stay (inclusive dates), and company guarantee for all moral and financial obligations to be incurred by the applicant while in the Philippines.

For journalism purposes: Certificate of employment or contract, and letter from a media outfit or news company.

6. Proof of Lodging: Hotel booking or affidavit of support and accommodation. 

7. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail).

8. Visa fee: Non-refundable, payable in postal money order or bank check made payable to "Philippine Consulate General". Cash or personal checks are not accepted. 

• For nationals of countries with visa agreement with the Philippines: Single entry valid for three (3) months: US$ 30.00
• For nationals of countries without visa agreement with the Philippines: Single entry valid for three (3) months US$ 40.00

9. Additional requirements: 

For non-US citizens: Proof of legal status/residency in the US, e.g. photocopy of valid US permanent residence permit (green card), employment authorization card.

For Chinese passport holders: Proof of U.S. social insurance record/contribution, proof of school enrollment.

For medical treatment visitors: Acceptance letter or confirmation of treatment or appointment from a Philippine medical or wellness institution; proof of medical condition; health insurance policy (if any).

For yachtsmen/sailors: Letter from the owner/captain indicating the port or area of entry; date of entry and period of stay; list of crew and passengers; type, name, registration, and call sign of the vessel; boat insurance policy; cargo manifest; character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any). 

For filmmaking visitors: Letter of request addressed to the International Press Center (IPC); background information on the film outfit; curriculum vitae of the filmmaker, including a shortlist of work credits; synopsis/storyline of the film; itinerary of activities; list of crew members and their designations; list of equipment with certification from the film outfit that said equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip to the Philippines.

Upon receipt of the complete application documents, the Consulate will endorse the same to the International Press Center (IPC) through the Department of Foreign Affairs. The List of IPC Accreditation Requirements for Media and Documentary Group may be accessed through https://nib.gov.ph/accreditation/.

For journalism visitors: Letter of request addressed to the International Press Center (IPC); background information on the media organization, or of contracting media organization (for freelance journalists); curriculum vitae of newsman/journalist, including a shortlist of work credits; copy of one published article/work of the journalist; synopsis/storyline/purpose of the news; itinerary of activities; list of crew members and their designations; list of equipment with certification from the film outfit that said equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip to the Philippines.

For athletic and performing arts visitors: Letter of request from the applicant’s team, group, or organization; invitation letter from the organizer of the event; endorsement letter from the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Games and Amusement Board, or a national sporting association duly recognized by the PSC/POC/GAB (for athletes); endorsement letter from the Local Government Unit where the venue of the event is located (for performers); contract of agreement with the organizer, including promotional materials; itinerary of activities;  list of crew members and their designations; list of equipment with certification from the film outfit that said equipment will be re-exported at the end of the trip to the Philippines.

For visitors with other purposes: Documents relative to the purpose of the visit.

9 (C) Seaman Visa

1. Non-Immigrant Visa application form: Signed and notarized.
2. Passport: Actual passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date) and one (1) photocopy of the data page.
3. Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary. A roundtrip ticket is not necessary.
4. Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months), showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low-quality photos will not be accepted. 
5. Letter from Shipping Company: A formalletter from your employer.
6.  
7. Crew List, if applicable: Include the list of crew members.
8. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail).
9. Visa fee: $20.00, non-refundable, payable in postal money order or bank check made payable to "Philippine Consulate General". Cash or personal checks are not accepted. 

9 (E) Foreign Government Official (FGO) Visa

Holders of diplomatic and official US passports and/or UN Laissez Passer accredited in the United States who will be traveling to the Philippines on official business will need to apply for a visa.

9 (E) visas are divided into three types:

• 9(E-1) - For persons enjoying diplomatic immunities and privileges, including their immediate family members.

• 9(E-2) - For other FGOs who will go to the Philippines in connection with official business for his government; official students or participants in programs under the auspices of the Philippine Government or recognized international organizations, including their immediate family members.

• 9(E-3) - For members of the household to whom 9(e-1) and 9(e-2) visas have been granted.

Requirements:

1. Non-Immigrant Visa application form: Signed and notarized.
2. Passport: Actual passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date) and one (1) photocopy of the data page.
3. Photo: One recent 2” x 2” color photo (taken within the last six months), showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low-quality photos will not be accepted. 
4. Official Letter: A letter from the relevant government agency or international organization requesting issuance of visa and detailing your assignment in Manila, your designation, and the length and purpose of your official travel.
5. For Spouse/Child of an FGO: Submit legal proof of relationship to principal, i.e. marriage certificate, birth certificate.
6. For Household member: Submit photocopy of principal’s passport data page and visa stamp.
7. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail).
8. Visa fee: No charge (gratis).

13 (A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa (spouse or unmarried child under twenty-one years of age of a Philippine citizen)

1. Immigrant Visa application form: One original and one photocopy, completed, typed or printed in black or blue ink, and notarized.
2. Passport: Original passport (valid for at least one year) and one photocopy of the data page.
3. Photo: Four (4) identical colored photos, 2″ x 2 (taken within the last six months), showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low-quality photos will not be accepted. 
4. Proof of Spouse’s Philippine Citizenship and Relationship: Documentary evidence to prove Philippine citizenship of spouse/child and show the applicant’s relationship to the Philippine citizen (One (1) original and one (1) photocopy):
   1. Philippine passport (photocopy) and Birth Certificate of Filipino spouse/child issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority; 
   2. Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippines Statistics Authority or Report of Marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if married outside the Philippines); and
   3. US green card or Certificate of Dual Citizenship, if applicable (for Filipino spouses who are residing in the US).
5. Letter of Intent: Duly notarized letter signed by the Filipino spouse stating the applicant’s intention to permanently reside in the Philippines and other reasons for the visa application.
6. Medical Examination Report: Duly accomplished by a licensed physician, including contact details, and no older than six (6) months from the date of application. Must include laboratory reports (original and one photocopy), for stool (ova/parasite and occult blood); urinalysis; complete blood test (blood serology and chemistry) i.e. HIV, drugs, UTI; and Chest X-ray, negative, standard size, on CD.
7. Police Clearance: Certificate of No Police Record from place of residence of applicant (original and one photocopy).
8. Proof of Financial Stability: (One (1) original and one (1) photocopy) (e.g. proof of real property, investment/s, bank certification, pension, or notarized Affidavit of Support from a relative in the Philippines, with attached documents to substantiate declaration or claim.)
9. Return Envelope: Self-addressed, stamped envelope with a tracking number (use USPS Priority Mail.
10. Visa Fee: $150.00 non-refundable, payable in postal money order or bank check made payable to "Philippine Consulate General". Cash or personal checks are not accepted. 

Processing of a 13A Immigrant visa may take up to 10-15 business days.

Special Resident Retiree's Visa                                                                 

The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is a non-immigrant visa separate and distinct from existing visa categories as this is issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of the Republic of the Philippines under the Retirement Program of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA). It entitles the holder to multiple-entry privileges with the right to stay permanently/indefinitely in the Philippines.

Interested parties can find more details from the website of the Philippine Retirement Authority at https://pra.gov.ph/SRRVisa and directly coordinate with the PRA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on their visa application.

GUIDELINES ON VISA FREE TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES

Depending on their nationality and the existing bilateral agreements between the Philippines and their country, no visa is required for nationals of certain countries, including US Citizens, for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days.

The list of countries whose nationals can enter the Philippines without a visa under Executive Order No. 408, s. 1960 may be found here: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1960/11/09/executive-order-no-408-s-1960/ ; https://dfa.gov.ph/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa

To be allowed entry into the Philippines, these foreign nationals must have:

• Passports that are valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines; and
• Valid airline ticket for their return journey to the port of origin or to the next port of destination

BALIKBAYAN VISA-FREE PRIVILEGE

Former Filipino citizens who are now naturalized citizens of a visa-free country (under Executive Order 408, please see link above), can avail of the Balikbayan Visa-Free Privilege and stay in the Philippines visa-free for a period of one year from the date of arrival in the Philippines.

Family members (foreign spouse and children) of Filipino citizens can also enjoy this privilege if they enter the Philippines together with the Filipino citizen and present proof of filiation to the Filipino citizen when requested by immigration authorities.

Note: Passports must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in the Philippines.

If you are a former Filipino who is a naturalized citizen of a visa-required country, you must secure a visa before traveling to the Philippines.

Who are eligible under the Balikbayan Program?

The following are considered Balikbayan (returning Filipino) travelers to the Philippines:

• A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure;

• A Filipino overseas worker;

• A former Filipino citizen; or

• Foreign spouse and children of Balikbayan who are traveling together with the Balikbayan.

 Who are not entitled to the Balikbayan privilege?

• Former Filipinos and their immediate family members (spouse and children) who are visa-required nationals (nationals of countries NOT listed in the List of Countries Whose Nationals are Allowed 30 Day Visa-Free under EO 408). They must secure entry visas prior to their travel to the Philippines.

• Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines.

What are the privileges of a Balikbayan?

Those who are admitted as Balikbayans are given an initial stay of one (1) year. They may extend their stay for another one (1), two (2), or six (6) months provided they apply for an extension of stay at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office or any BI field office nationwide.

Other privileges that the Balikbayan can avail themselves of under Republic Act 9174 “Balikbayan Law” are:

• Exemption from travel tax.
• Duty-free shopping privilege of up to US$2,000.00, provided that shopping must be done within two (2) days upon arrival and purchases must be made personally by the balikbayan.

What do I need to present to the Philippine Immigration Officer to avail myself of the visa-free privilege for Balikbayan?

The following documents need to be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival:

1. Former Filipino Citizens: Philippine Birth Certificate or old Philippine Passport.
2. Dual Citizens Using a Foreign Passport: Dual Citizenship Identification Certificate
3. Foreign Spouse: Marriage certificate as proof of relationship.
4. Children: Birth certificate as proof of relationship.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. How long can I stay in the Philippines based on my visa?

The period indicated under “Valid From” to “Valid Until” are the inclusive dates during which the visa holder may enter the Philippines.

The “Period of Stay” indicates the continuous period of authorized stay in the Philippines which commences from the date of arrival in the Philippines. This may extend beyond the period of validity of the visa, depending on the date of arrival in the country.

        2. Can I stay longer than the authorized period of stay on my visa?

You may extend your stay in the Philippines through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI). You will find information on how to extend your stay in the Philippines at the BI website: https://immigration.gov.ph

eTRAVEL

All visitors to the Philippines are required to register with the Philippines eTravel online Health Declaration and Contract Tracing platform via this link within 72 hours prior to their flight:  http://etravel.gov.ph

What is the purpose of eTravel?

eTravel serves as an online Health Declaration and Contact Tracing platform that aims to promote a convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from the country of origin to arrival at the Philippine Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination.

It serves as a Philippine Government database of all persons entering the country to be used for contact tracing when a traveler is afflicted with a specific disease.

All foreign and Filipino travelers (including infants and children) should register individually to the eTravel before their flight into and departure from the Philippines.

CITIZEN'S CHARTER

Visa Issuance

A visa allows foreign nationals to travel to the Philippines for a stay no longer than 59 days.  The process below is for 9(a) tourist/business visa applicants categorized as unrestricted nationals per EO 408.  The process for restricted nationals is subject to a clearance and approval by concerned Philippine agencies.

Republic Act 9225 otherwise known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 (more popularly known as the Dual Citizenship Law) enables former natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to reacquire/retain their Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before a Philippine Consular Officer.  Upon reacquiring/retaining their Philippine citizenship, they shall enjoy full civil, economic and political rights as Filipinos.

Under the principle of derivative citizenship, unmarried children below eighteen (18) years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, of former Filipino parents who reacquired their Philippine citizenship under this law, may also be deemed Filipino citizens if they are included in the parent’s application for reacquisition of Philippine citizenship.

However, there is another kind of dual citizenship which is not covered by the law.  This pertains to a dual citizen by birth:  A child born in the United States when either parent was still a Filipino citizen is considered to be a dual citizen from birth (if born on or after January 17, 1973).

HOW TO APPLY:

If the applicant is from another island or out of state, there is no need to make an online appointment.  Kindly scan and email your filled-out application (which should be notarized) and supporting documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for initial evaluation.  If your application is in order, you will be informed of the next steps in the application process. 

If the applicant is from Oahu, please click this link to make an online appointment: https://kiosk.na4.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/19

Applicants who wish to apply for a Philippine passport after the oath-taking need to schedule an appointment for passport through this link: https://www.passport.gov.ph/

REQUIREMENTS FOR REACQUISITION/RETENTION OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP

I.  ORIGINAL of the following:

1.  One (1) Duly accomplished application form

2.  Two (2) 2x2 recent photos (Without eyeglasses and taken against a plain white background)

3.  Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA ) (If there is no record of birth with the PSA, apply for late registration of birth at the local civil registrar at the place of birth. (To obtain a PSA birth, marriage or death certificates, click here or visit  https://www.psaserbilis.com.ph)

4.  Latest Philippine passport (if available)

5.  U.S. Certificate of Naturalization

6.  U.S. passport / ID

7.  Additional requirements:

a.  For married individuals

     PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (if married in the Philippines)  [https://psaserbilis.com.ph], or

     DOH-issued Marriage Certificate/Report of Marriage (if married in the US) 

b.  For widow/widower

     PSA-issued Marriage Certificate (if married in the Philippines)  [https://psaserbilis.com.ph], or

     DOH-issued Marriage Certificate/Report of Marriage (if married in the US),

    AND

    PSA-issued Death Certificate of spouse (if spouse died in the Philippines)  [https://psaserbilis.com.ph], or

    DOH-issued Death Certificate of spouse (if spouse died in the US)

c.  If annulled or divorced

     PSA-issued Marriage Certificate with annotation on annulment, or judicial recognition of divorce    

     (if previous marriage was registered in the Philippines)  [https://psaserbilis.com.ph],

      or

     DOH-issued Marriage Certificate and Divorce Decree (if marriage was registered overseas)

     (Note:  If an applicant changed civil status a number of times, he/she needs to present the required documents to support the change of civil status.)

d. For applicant who obtained US citizenship as derivative of his/her parent

    U.S. Certificate of Citizenship, if available, or Affidavit of Explanation on Derivative Citizenship, if US Certificate of Citizenship is unavailable (Click here to download the Affidavit:  https://honolulupcg.dfa.gov.ph/images/2021/DUAL-CITIZENSHIP/Affidavit_of_Explanation_on_Derivative_US_Citizenship.pdf

    AND

    U.S. Certificate of Naturalization of parent

 e.  For each dependent minor child

• PSA Birth Certificate (if born in the Philippines) [https://psaserbilis.com.ph], or DOH-issued Birth Certificate/Report of Birth (if born overseas)

-  Latest Philippine passport (if available)

-  U.S. passport

-  U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (if available)

-  Two (2) colored photos, size 2"x2" (without eyeglasses and against a plain   

    white background)

II.  One (1) set of photocopies of all documents presented, as follows:

• Photocopy of Birth Certificate
• Photocopy of Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship,
• Photocopy of US passport/ID
• Photocopy of old PH passport (if available)
• Photocopy of all other additional documents (as applicable).

Applications with incomplete requirements such as original documents, photocopies and discrepant data will not be processed.

III.  Application Fee

• For principal applicant                                         -           US$50.00
• For every qualified derivative minor applicant     -           US$25.00

Payment shall be in the form of cash or money order, debit/credit card (3% convenience fee applies), bank draft, certified check or cashier’s check, made payable to the "Philippine Consulate General". Personal checks are not accepted.

The Consular Officer reserves the right to require additional proof or documents from an applicant, to prove his/her citizenship or identity, and ensure accurate and complete personal data entries.

IMPORTANT: Applicants are requested to dress appropriately and decently for the oath-taking ceremony and refrain from wearing shorts, slippers, and sleeveless shirts/blouses. Business or Filipiniana attire is recommended. 

Applicants who wish to apply for a Philippine passport after the oath-taking need to schedule an appointment for passport application through this link: https://www.passport.gov.ph/

NOTE: Oath taking ceremonies are scheduled upon approval of the application.  Oath taking is not done on the same day of the submission of the application. 

Click here to access a sample dual citizenship application form.

CITIZEN'S CHARTER

Petition for Retention/Reacquisition of Philippine Citizenship

Republic Act 9225 otherwise known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 (more popularly known as the Dual Citizenship Law) enables former natural-born Filipinos who have become naturalized citizens of another country to reacquire/retain their Philippine citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before a Philippine Consular Officer.  Upon reacquiring/retaining their Philippine citizenship, they shall enjoy full civil, economic and political rights as Filipinos.

Under the principle of derivative citizenship, unmarried children below eighteen (18) years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted, of former Filipino parents who reacquired their Philippine citizenship under this law, may also be deemed Filipino citizens, if they are included in the parent’s application for reacquisition / retention of Philippine citizenship.