Does the Philippines offer visa on arrival?

The Philippines has a limited visa on arrival (VoA) program, but most visitors do not need it. Citizens of 157 countries can enter visa-free for 30 days. The VoA is primarily available for select nationalities who do not qualify for visa-free entry, and for certain special categories like APEC Business Travel Card holders. It is distinct from the eVisa and pre-arranged consular visa.

What is the difference between visa-free, visa on arrival, and eVisa for the Philippines?

Visa-free: citizens of 157 countries enter automatically for 30 days with no visa application needed. Visa on Arrival (VoA): available at select ports of entry for specific nationalities or categories, applied for upon landing. eVisa: applied for online before travel through the Philippine eVisa portal. Consular visa: traditional visa obtained at a Philippine embassy before travel. The type you need depends on your nationality.

Which nationalities can get a Philippines visa on arrival?

The Philippines VoA program is limited. Chinese nationals with valid visas from certain countries (US, Japan, Australia, Canada, UK, Schengen) may qualify for a 30-day VoA. Indian nationals with the same qualifying visas may also be eligible. APEC Business Travel Card holders from member economies get streamlined entry. The program changes periodically, so check with the Bureau of Immigration for current eligibility.

How much does a Philippines visa on arrival cost?

The VoA fee is approximately PHP 3,000-5,000 (USD 55-90) depending on the type and duration. This is paid at the immigration counter upon arrival. Payment is usually in PHP cash. Some ports may accept USD. Keep in mind this is separate from any departure fees.

Can I extend a visa on arrival in the Philippines?

Yes. VoA holders can extend their stay at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila or at regional BI offices. The extension process and fees are the same as for visa-free visitors. First extension (29 days): PHP 3,030. After 59 days total, you will also need an ACR I-Card (PHP 3,600).

What is the Philippines eVisa and how does it differ from VoA?

The eVisa is applied for online before travel through the official Philippine eVisa portal. It is processed and approved electronically. Unlike VoA (which is applied for at the airport), eVisa must be obtained before boarding your flight. The eVisa is typically for nationalities that require a visa but want to avoid visiting an embassy in person. Processing takes 3-7 business days.

Do US, UK, and EU citizens need a visa for the Philippines?

No. US, UK, and EU citizens (along with citizens of 154 other countries) can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. No visa, VoA, or eVisa is needed. Simply arrive with a valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and you will be admitted for 30 days. You can extend for up to 36 months through the Bureau of Immigration.

What documents do I need for Philippines visa on arrival?

For a VoA, you need: valid passport with 6+ months remaining, qualifying visa from an approved country (for Chinese/Indian nationals), return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and the VoA fee in PHP or USD. You may also be asked for proof of sufficient funds (approximately PHP 10,000 per day of stay or equivalent).

Philippine Visa on Arrival 2026 — Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Confused about whether you need a visa on arrival, a visa-free entry, or an eVisa for the Philippines? You are not alone. This guide clearly explains the differences, who qualifies for each, and exactly what you need to enter the Philippines in 2026.

Good news for most visitors: Citizens of 157 countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. No visa application needed at all. This includes the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most countries worldwide.

Philippines Entry Types — Clear Comparison

Entry Type	Applied Where	Who Qualifies	Stay	Cost
Visa-Free Entry	Automatic at immigration	157 nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, JP, KR, etc.)	30 days (extendable)	Free
Visa on Arrival (VoA)	At airport immigration counter	Limited: Chinese & Indian nationals with qualifying visas, APEC ABTC holders	14-30 days	PHP 3,000-5,000
eVisa	Online before travel	Nationalities requiring a visa who prefer online application	30 days	$25-50 online
Consular Visa	Philippine Embassy before travel	Nationalities not eligible for visa-free, VoA, or eVisa	59-180 days	$40-120

Visa-Free Entry (157 Countries)

The vast majority of visitors to the Philippines enter visa-free. If you hold a passport from any of the 157 eligible countries, you simply arrive at any Philippine airport, go through immigration, and receive a 30-day entry stamp. No pre-application, no fee, no VoA.

Key visa-free nationalities include:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand

All EU/EEA countries
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia

Brazil
Argentina
Israel
Turkey
South Africa

See the full list of 157 visa-free countries

Requirements for visa-free entry:

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Return or onward ticket (airlines check this before boarding)
Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested: ~PHP 10,000/day or equivalent)
No derogatory immigration record in the Philippines

Visa on Arrival (VoA) — Limited Program

The Philippines VoA program is much more limited than many travellers expect. It is NOT available to most nationalities. Here is who qualifies:

Eligible for VoA:

Chinese Nationals (PRC Passport)

Chinese passport holders may qualify for a VoA if they hold a valid visa from one of these countries: United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, or a Schengen area country. The qualifying visa must be valid (not expired) at the time of entry.

Stay: up to 30 days
Fee: ~PHP 3,400
Ports: NAIA (Manila), Mactan-Cebu, Clark

Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders with valid visas from qualifying countries (same list as above) may be eligible for VoA under similar conditions.

Stay: up to 14-30 days
Fee: ~PHP 3,000-3,400

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders

Business travellers from APEC member economies holding a valid ABTC card receive streamlined entry for up to 59 days. This is not technically a VoA but functions similarly.

Special Categories

Crew members of international airlines and ships
Transit passengers (72-hour transit without leaving the airport)
Accredited foreign government officials on official business

VoA Process (at the airport):

Arrive at a qualifying Philippine airport (NAIA Manila, Mactan-Cebu, Clark)
Go to the Bureau of Immigration VoA counter (separate from regular immigration)
Present: passport, qualifying visa, return ticket, accommodation proof
Pay the VoA fee in PHP (cash)
Receive VoA stamp in your passport
Proceed through regular immigration

eVisa — Online Application

The Philippine eVisa is a separate system from VoA. It is applied for online before travel through the official portal.

eVisa Key Facts:

Applied where: Online at the official Philippine eVisa portal
Processing time: 3-7 business days
Fee: $25-50 USD (paid online)
Validity: 30 days from date of entry
Who needs it: Nationalities that require a visa but prefer online application over embassy visit

Warning: Many third-party websites pose as the official eVisa portal and charge inflated fees. Use only the official Bureau of Immigration or DFA-linked portal. The official fee is under $50.

Countries That Require a Pre-Arranged Visa

A small number of nationalities must obtain a visa at a Philippine embassy before travel. They are NOT eligible for visa-free entry, VoA, or eVisa. This includes nationals from countries with unresolved diplomatic issues or high overstay/trafficking risk:

Contact the nearest Philippine embassy for visa application if you are not eligible for visa-free entry or VoA.

Extending Your Stay

Regardless of how you entered (visa-free, VoA, eVisa, or consular visa), you can extend your stay at the Bureau of Immigration:

Extension	Duration Added	Fee (PHP)
1st extension	29 days	PHP 3,030
2nd extension	1-2 months	PHP 3,030-4,610
ACR I-Card (after 59 days)	Required	PHP 3,600
Maximum total stay	Up to 36 months	Cumulative extensions

See full visa extension fee schedule

Quick Answer

Do I need a VoA?

US/UK/EU/AU/CA/JP/KR: No — visa-free 30 days
China/India: Maybe — if you have a qualifying visa
Others: Check visa requirements

Visa-Free Countries (157) Visa Requirements Visa Costs Visa Extension Guide eVisa Guide