Entry requirements for the Philippines

Australians travelling to the Philippines must register their travel with eTravel, the Philippines Travel Information System, within 72 hours (or 3 days) prior to their arrival into the country. This electronic system replaces the old e-Arrival Card that was previously filled out on the One Health Pass website.

The eTravel registration does not replace visa requirements, so you will still need to obtain the relevant visa for your trip. Although Australians are eligible for visa-free travel to the Philippines of up to 30-days, they must still register their travel details on the eTravel portal to receive a QR code for arrival and departure formalities.

Requirements for the Philippines eTravel registration

To register your travel on the Philippines eTravel portal, you will need to have the following details and documents on hand:

• Email address: You will need to create an account with the eTravel system

• Passport: You will need to share some personal information so make sure your passport is ready

• Itinerary: You will need to provide your flight details including the arrival date and flight number

How to register for eTravel to the Philippines

Registering your travel on the Philippine Travel Information System (eTravel) is a straightforward process and is free of charge. Follow the steps below to register your travel to the Philippines:

1. Visit the eTravel website, or download the eGovPH app on your smart device, and create an account with your email

2. You may need to select Arrival as you are a foreign traveller entering the Philippines

3. Complete the Personal Details section

4. Complete the Travel Details section

5. Complete the Health Declaration Form which may ask about the countries you have entered before travelling to the Philippines, and your health condition

6. Review all details for accuracy

7. Submit your registration

8. You will receive a QR code, make sure to download the QR code, take a screenshot or print a physical copy as you will be asked to show proof of your eTravel registration QR code prior to boarding your flight to the Philippines.

The Philippines' visa exemption scheme

The Philippines offers a visa-free entry scheme to citizens of 157 countries, including Australia. Under this scheme, Australian citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they have:

1. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay

2. A confirmed return or onward ticket

3. Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay

4. No record of exclusion from the Philippines

5. Must comply with entry requirements for arriving foreign nationals as stated by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration

6. Have filled out the Health Declaration Form

Travellers who intend to stay beyond 30 days are required to apply for an Extension with the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines or apply for an appropriate visa prior to travel.

Can I get a visa on arrival in the Philippines?

The Philippines does not offer a standard visa-on-arrival program for Australian travellers or tourists. The Bureau of Immigration provides a Special Visa Upon Arrival (SEVUA) program for specific categories of eligible travellers including:

• foreign investors and businessmen endorsed by various committees or government bodies

• foreigners participating in international events such as athletes

• foreigners that are part of government-endorsed investment projects

Australian citizens generally don't need to use this service since they already qualify for visa-free entry for up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, it's recommended to apply for the appropriate visa before arrival.

What are the visa requirements for the Philippines?

Whether you’re visiting family, attending a business conference in Manila or exploring Boracay, the specific Philippines visa requirements for Australian citizens will depend on the purpose of your visit and length of your stay.

Generally, all Philippine visas will require the following documents to be submitted with the visa application so make sure to prepare them in advance:

• Visa application form: Submit your application well in advance

• Valid passport: Your passport must have at least six months’ validity

• Passport photos: Provide recent photographs that meet Philippine passport photo requirements

• Itinerary: Photocopy of confirmed itinerary, flight booking, or return or onward ticket showing your departure date

Below is a breakdown of common visas for the Philippines and their specific visa requirements for Australians.

What are the passport requirements for the Philippines?

The passport requirements for entry to the Philippines include:

• Your Australian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Philippines

• Your passport should have at least two blank pages for stamps

• If your passport is damaged or expiring soon, it's recommended to renew it before travelling

• Your passport should have no prior record of being denied entry to the Philippines

Philippines temporary visitors visa

The Philippines has multiple temporary visitor visas in the 9(a) Temporary Visitors Visa category. These short-term visas are designed for temporary visits to the Philippines for different travel purposes including tourism and leisure, and short-term business activities, training, attendance in conferences, meetings, workshops and seminars. Based on the purpose of your visit, your temporary visitors visa will have unique requirements.

Philippines temporary tourist visitors visa

The Philippines tourist visa (9(a-2) under the Temporary Visitor's Visa category) allows foreign nationals to enter the Philippines for tourism, leisure, recreation, religious, or amusement purposes, or to visit family, relatives, or friends. Australian citizens benefit from the visa-free arrangement for up to 30 days but can apply for this visa if planning a longer stay up to 59 days.

What are the visa requirements for the Philippines temporary tourist visitors visa?

To apply for a tourist visa for the Philippines, Australian citizens are required to submit:

• A completed visa application form

• Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay

• A recent passport-sized coloured photograph

• Photocopy of confirmed itinerary, flight booking, or return or onward ticket showing your departure date

• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay including any of the following

  • Bank statement for the last 6 months or tax payments

  • Employment certificate with remuneration

  • Proof of business income

  • Letter of guarantee from the sponsor with proof of financial capacity

• Documents proving ties to home country including any of the following

  • Employment certificate

  • Property documents

  • Hotel reservations or proof of lodging

• For minors not travelling with a parent or guardian they must submit a letter of permission from a parent or guardian

• Visa fee payment

Philippines temporary business visitors visa

The Philippines business visa (9(a-1) under the Temporary Visitor's Visa category) allows Australian citizens to travel to the Philippines for scientific, commercial, industrial, professional and business purposes. This visa does not allow you to work or receive any payment from a company or entity in the Philippines. Like tourists, business travellers from Australia can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Temporary Visitors Visas are required for those who don't qualify for visa-free entry or need a longer stay upon initial entry.

Consider if you need travel insurance for your business trip to the Philippines.

What are the visa requirements for the Philippines temporary business visitors visa?

There are unique visa requirements both business owners and employees must meet when applying for the temporary business visitors visa.

Requirements for employees

Employees must meet the following visa requirements:

• A completed visa application form

• Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned stay

• A recent passport-sized coloured photograph

• A company letter of sponsorship from the employer (or sending company) in Australia (stating purpose/nature of visit, contact in the Philippines, length of stay)

• Invitation letter from the business contact in the Philippines

• Photocopy of confirmed itinerary, flight booking, or return or onward ticket showing your departure date

• Certificate of Employment in a managerial level or higher

• Employment certificate with remuneration or letter of guarantee from the company/sponsor

• Hotel accommodation or proof of lodging

Requirements for business owners

Business owners must meet the following visa requirements:

• Tickets or flight reservation (entry and exit)

• Invitation letter from a Philippine government/private entity or endorsement from a Chamber of Commerce (recognized by the host government) in the country where the business is located

• Proof of business operations/income

• Business permit/license or registration

• Bank statement of the latest six (6) months or tax payments

• Hotel accommodation or proof of lodging

Philippines work visa / pre-arranged employment visa

The Philippines pre-arranged employment visa (9g) allows Australian citizens to engage in gainful employment in the Philippines in both commercial and non-commercial categories. This visa allows you to legally work in the Philippines for the duration specified in your employment contract, typically up to one year with the possibility of extension.

Visa requirements for the Philippines work visa / pre-arranged employment visa

The application process is more complex than tourist or business visas, requiring coordination between you and your Philippine employer, who must sponsor your visa application. The pre-approved employment visa application process typically takes 2-3 months so it’s important to do this in advance of your employment start date.

A key requisite for this visa is the Alien Employment Permit (AEP), issued by the Department of Labor and Employment which takes around 2-3 weeks alone to process. However, if the applicant is required to start working immediately while the visa is being processed, a Provisional Work Permit is an alternative that authorises foreigners to start working while the AEP and visa are being processed.

General visa requirements for the Philippines pre-arranged employment visa include:

• Completed visa application form

• Valid passport with at least six months validity

• Photocopy of employment contract or equivalent document with details of exact compensation, duration of employment and comprehensive description of the nature and scope of the applicant’s position in the company

• Letter of invitation from your Philippine employer

• Employer’s registration certificates

• Photocopy of the petitioner’s latest Income Tax Return with the corresponding proof of payment

• Photocopy of Alien Employment Permit (AEP), issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and an actual publication of the applicant’s approved AEP

• Alien Certification of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) visa application

• Tax Identification Number application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue

• Medical clearance

• Police clearance from Australia

• Visa fee payment

For a detailed checklist of documentary requirements for the pre-approved employment visas visit the Bureau of Immigration website.

Philippines student visa

The Philippines Student Visa (9f) allows Australian citizens, at least 18 years of age, to take up a course of study at a University, seminary or college in the Philippines. This visa is required for academic courses lasting longer than 30 days. The Student Visa is typically valid for the duration of your course, with possible extensions.

Australian students wishing to take up a short-term non-degree course should apply for a temporary visitor’s visa. Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the eligible school or educational institution, students must apply for a Special Study Permit at the Bureau of Immigration’s Student Desk. This permit allows you to study a short-term course while on a temporary visitors visa.

Consider if you need travel insurance for your student trip to the Philippines.

What are the visa requirements for the Philippines student visa?

To apply for a Student Visa to the Philippines, Australian students need to prepare:

• Completed visa application form

• Valid passport with at least six months validity

• Acceptance letter from a Philippine educational institution

• Proof of financial capacity to support your studies

• Police clearance from Australia

• Medical clearance

• Birth certificate

• Transcript of records from previous studies

• Visa fee payment

The educational institution in the Philippines will often assist with the application process.

Do I need to apply for a visa for the Philippines?

Australian citizens don't need to apply for a visa before travelling to the Philippines if their stay is 30 days or less for the purpose of tourism or business. For longer stays or other purposes like work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa before departure.

Step-by-step application process for a Philippines visa

The visa application process for the Philippines may vary depending on the visa type but generally follows these steps:

1. Identify the visa type

Determine which visa category you need based on your travel purpose: tourism, business, work, or student.

2. Gather supporting documents

Collect all required documents specific to your visa type, including your valid passport, photos, application forms, and supporting documents needed for your visa.

3. Online e-Visa application (if applicable)

Some visa types can be applied for through the Philippines e-Visa portal. Create an account, fill out the application form, and upload required documents.

4. Pay the visa fee

Visa fees vary by type and processing time. Payment methods include bank transfer, credit card, or in-person payment at the consulate.

5. Wait for processing

Processing times vary from a few working days to several weeks, depending on the visa type and application volume. Work and student visas typically take longer than tourist or business visas.

How much does a Philippines visa cost?

Visa fees for the Philippines vary depending on the type and processing time. Here are the approximate costs for Australian applicants:

• Temporary Visitor Visa: AUD 45 - 144

• Pre-Arranged Employment Visa: AUD 720

• Student Visa: AUD 450

Additional fees may apply for express processing, special endorsements, or other services. Always check the current fee schedule on the Philippines Embassy website or contact the nearest consulate for the most up-to-date information.

How long can I stay in the Philippines with a visa?

The duration you can stay in the Philippines depends on your visa type and purpose of visit. Here's a summary of the standard period of stay in the Philippines for different visa categories:

What happens if I overstay my visa in the Philippines?

Overstaying your authorised period of stay in the Philippines can result in significant penalties, including:

• Fines starting at PHP 500 per day of overstay

• Possible detention until fines are paid

• Being blacklisted from returning to the Philippines

• Deportation proceedings

To avoid these complications, always monitor your visa validity and apply for extensions well before expiration.

Extending your visa for the Philippines

If you enter the Philippines visa-free as an Australian and wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration offices. Extensions are typically granted in increments of one or two months, up to a maximum stay of 36 months.

Extension fees increase progressively with each extension. For current fee schedules and requirements, check the Bureau of Immigration visa waiver page.

Documents required for extending your visa in the Philippines

To extend your stay in the Philippines, prepare:

• Valid passport (original passport with at least six months validity)

• Completed visa extension application form

• One 2x2 inch coloured photo with white background

• Extension fee payment

• Previous visa extension receipts (if applicable)

• ACR I-Card for stays exceeding 59 days

• Proof of financial capacity for your extended stay

Travel insurance for your trip to the Philippines

When planning your trip to the Philippines, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to the Philippines.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with the Philippine’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to the Philippines.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.