The visa requirements for entering the Republic of the Philippines vary depending on your nationality. Philippine visa policies can change, it's essential to verify the latest requirements with the Philippine embassy, consulate, or the official Philippine government website before planning your trip. Please find the general guideline for some nationalities based on the information available via this website: https://dfa.gov.ph/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa.
Visa Required for Most Other Nationalities - Citizens of many other countries, not falling into the visa-free or eVisa categories, are required to obtain a visa in advance before traveling to the Philippines. This usually involves applying for a tourist visa or a specific type of visa.
Visas when needed should be obtained from the original country.
Focal Points identified at the end of the letter may assist in arranging invitation letters for visa purposes if needed. If required please e-mail them with the following information:
- Scanned clear copy of valid passport
- Name
- Employer/Organisation
- Job Title
- Nationality
- Purpose of Visit
- City of Departure (in order to submit the letter of support to the appropriate Philippine Embassy/Consulate)
Drugs and medication
The Philippine Government has a zero-tolerance drugs policy. Possession of even tiny amounts of illegal drugs has resulted in imprisonment for travelers entering or transiting the Philippines.
A doctor's prescription should be carried along with any medication that is brought into the country. Some drugs and medications that may be purchased over-the-counter in other countries are classified as controlled substances in the Philippines and are illegal to possess. A person may be arrested and prosecuted if in possession of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines containing, for example, codeine or similar ingredients.
Please contact your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate for advice if you need to bring medications or other drugs into the country.
Controlled substances such as cannabis, opium etc. are banned and the penalties for handling these drugs are severe.