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A Detailed Plan For Paying The Philippines Visa Fee

May 28, 2024 6:18 PM
Jane Le
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Are you interested in the Philippines? Would you like to travel to this breathtaking nation? If so, understanding the Philippines visa fee is crucial for you to raise the possibility of applying for a Philippines visa. Therefore, this post will offer many useful details about the visa fee and open up new horizons for you. Let’s discover it now!

WHAT IS THE PHILIPPINES VISA FEE?

The Philippines visa application process requires applicants to pay a Philippines visa fee in order to be granted entry into the country. The fee is a must for everyone wishing to visit this beautiful nation. The expense of a visa to the Philippines highlights the significance of financially supporting the integrity of the immigration policies of this nation.

Rather than remaining the same cost, this fee can vary depending on a number of factors, namely the types of visas and the duration of the intended stay. Besides, the cost of obtaining a visa for the Philippines comprises many charges, such as administrative costs, service fees, fees for handling applications, fees for making well-informed decisions regarding granting or refusing visas, etc.

Philippines visa fee - The definition

The Philippines visa fee is a must for everyone wishing to visit this beautiful nation

CAN I ENTER THE PHILIPPINES WITHOUT A VISA?

You can enter the Philippines if you belong to the nations that are eligible for the visa exemption. 

The Philippine Government has endeavored to establish favorable conditions, including visa-exempt policies, for international visitors to visit the country in order to promote the tourism and economy of the nation. Currently, visa-free entry is available to travelers from 157 countries for stays ranging from 14 days to 59 days. 

In fact, all foreign nationals wishing to visit the Philippines need to apply for a visa; however, the following cases will not require one:

  • An individual who is a national of one of the ASEAN member nations, such as:

The ASEAN member nations whose citizens can get a Philippines visa

Brunei

Cambodia

Indonesia

Laos

Malaysia

Myanmar

Singapore

Thailand

Vietnam

Philippines visa fee - The ASEAN member nations

Citizens of one of the ASEAN member nations can enter the Philippines without a visa

  • A person who is a citizen of a non-ASEAN country whose citizens have visa-free travel to the Philippines;

  • A balikbayan who is just temporarily going back to the Philippines. 

Here is a list of countries whose nationals can travel to the nation visa-free based on the length of stay:

  • 59 days: Brazil and Israel are the two countries that the Philippine Government allows to enter this nation without a visa for a stay of 59 days.

  • 30 days: Here is the list of countries whose nationals are permitted to enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of 30 days:

Countries whose nationals are permitted to enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of 30 days

All ASEAN member states

Dominican Republic

Madagascar

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

All European Union member states

Ecuador

Malawi

Samoa

Andorra

El Salvador

Maldives

San Marino

Angola

Equatorial Guinea

Mali

São Tomé and Príncipe

Antigua and Barbuda

Eritrea

Marshall Islands

Saudi Arabia

Argentina

Eswatini

Mauritania

Senegal

Australia

Ethiopia

Mauritius

Seychelles

Bahamas

Fiji

Mexico

Solomon Islands

Bahrain

Gabon

Micronesia

South Africa

Barbados

Gambia

Monaco

South Korea

Belize

Ghana

Mongolia

Suriname

Benin

Grenada

Morocco

Switzerland

Bhutan

Guatemala

Mozambique

Tajikistan

Bolivia

Guinea

Namibia

Tanzania

Botswana

Guinea-Bissau

Nepal

Togo

Burkina Faso

Guyana

New Zealand

Trinidad and Tobago

Burundi

Haiti

Nicaragua

Tunisia

Cameroon

Honduras

Niger

Turkey

Canada

Iceland

Norway

Turkmenistan

Cape Verde

Ivory Coast

Oman

Tuvalu

Central African Republic

Jamaica

Palau

Uganda

Chad

Japan

Panama

The United Arab Emirates

Chile

Kazakhstan

Papua New Guinea

The United Kingdom

Colombia

Kenya

Paraguay

The United States

Comoros

Kiribati

Peru

Uruguay

Congo-Brazzaville

Kuwait

Qatar

Uzbekistan

Congo-Kinshasa

Kyrgyzstan

Russia

Vanuatu

Costa Rica

Lesotho

Rwanda

Vatican City

Djibouti

Liberia

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Venezuela

Dominica

Liechtenstein

Saint Lucia

Zambia

Zimbabwe

   

 

Philippines visa fee - The European Union member states

All European Union member states are given permission to enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of 30 days

  • 14 days: The Philippine Government gives three regions, including Hong Kong, Portugal, and Macao (for passports issued exclusively to Macau's permanent inhabitants), permission to visit the nation without a visa for a 14-day stay.

Note:

  • All European Union member states comprise:

All European Union member states

Austria

Denmark

Hungary

Malta

Belgium

Estonia

Ireland

Netherlands

Bulgaria

Finland

Italy

Poland

Croatia

France

Latvia

Portugal

Cyprus

Germany

Lithuania

Romania

Czech Republic

Greece

Luxembourg

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

 
  • International citizens who qualify for visa-free entry into the Philippines must have passports that are valid for a minimum of six months after the anticipated length of stay.

  • Foreign nationals entering the Philippines without a visa are allowed to stay an additional two months for each extension. However, the length of stay in the Philippines need not be more than two years, whether you have extended your stay or not.

  • If a foreign citizen needs a visa, they can stay an extra month per extension. Nevertheless, the length of stay in the Philippines is not more than six months, whether you have extended your stay or not. Additionally, a valid onward ticket is required if you want to stay in the Philippines with your visa. 

THE CATEGORIES OF THE PHILIPPINES VISAS

To serve different purposes for international nationals, the Philippine Government has created a variety of types of visas. It is important to know the differences between the various categories before completing your application because each type of visa has its own requirements and restrictions that applicants must adhere to.

For comprehensive details about these types of visas, a list of the common Philippines visa types will be mentioned as follows:

Philippines non-immigrant visas

Foreign nationals who are planning to have short-term visits for distinct purposes, such as business, tourism, or education, can apply for non-immigrant visas. However, if you want to live and work in the Philippines permanently, these types of non-immigrant visas will surely not be a good choice for you to enter this nation because these visas just allow you to stay in the Philippines for a short period of time. Additionally, it is noteworthy that holders of non-immigrant visas are not eligible to petition for permanent residency in the Philippines.

In the event that they really want to live in the Philippines for a long-term period of time, they must leave the Philippines and apply at the appropriate Philippine Embassy or Consulate overseas. This implies that individuals who plan to spend a significant amount of time in the Philippines have to apply for a new visa or a visa extension in advance of the expiration of their present visa.

Moreover, this type of visa encompasses many categories, such as business visas, transit visas, student visas, tourist visas, seaman visas, etc. It is noticeable that each of these types has its own requirements that you must satisfy if you want to apply for one of them. 

Here is a list of some typical types of non-immigrant visas that you should consider:

Type of non-immigrant visa

Description

Philippines temporary visitor’s visa

One of the types of non-immigrant visas known as a temporary visitor's visa is given to foreign citizens who wish to visit the Philippines for a short period of time. It is also known as a 9(a) visa. Normally, they travel to the nation with this visa for various reasons, including tourism, business, medicine, etc. 

Each type of visa has a different validity period. For instance, the validity period of a business visa lasts 90 days. However, for a tourist visa, it is valid for just no more than 59 days, with a visa extension for an additional 30 days (if you request). 

It is crucial to verify the prerequisites and limitations for every category of visa prior to submitting an application in order to guarantee adherence to Philippine immigration regulations.

Philippines transit visa

With a Philippines transit visa, foreign citizens who must obtain a visa can land at an airport in the Philippines and continue the trip with a different flight that is en route to the third nation. 

This type of visa is usually used by international citizens who have connecting flights and need to spend a brief time at the airport.

In fact, this visa permits you to stay in the Philippines for no more than 72 hours. Nevertheless, you are not permitted to leave the airport area; this means that you must stay inside the airport during this period of time. 

Philippines seaman visa

For foreign nationals who work aboard a vessel in any capacity and want to visit the country purely to pursue their career as sailors, they can apply for a Philippines seaman visa. 

The seaman visa enables seafarers to leave their vessel and temporarily land in the Philippines for leisure, relaxation, or medical care before returning to their vessel or boarding another one that is sailing to a foreign port or another place.

If you want to apply for this visa, you must show some required documents, including:

  • Proof of employment on a vessel;

  • Proof that you will leave the Philippines with your vessel or reship on another vessel headed for a foreign port or another place; 

  • Additional paperwork (if required), such as your current passport, seaman's book, a letter of guarantee from the shipping business or employment, medical certificate, etc.

Philippines treaty trader’s or investor’s visa

This visa is used for foreign nationals of the United States of America (USA), Japan, or Germany and anyone wanting to enter the Philippines only to conduct business under an existing commerce and navigation treaty. 

A non-Philippines citizen who wishes to establish and oversee an enterprise in the Philippines may also be granted this visa.

Typically, the application process for a treaty trader’s or investor’s visa requires the submission of pertinent paperwork, including:

  • Financial statements;

  • A valid passport;

  • Proof of business ownership or investment. 

It is crucial to remember that the treaty trader’s or investor’s visa is only meant for people who are involved in trade or commerce. Other purposes, such as tourism or employment, are not acceptable.

Philippines foreign government official visa

Any accredited official of a foreign government recognized by the Philippine government, together with their family members, attendants, servants, and workers, are eligible to apply for this type of visa.

This visa is just used for official government business. Other purposes, such as tourism or employment, are not allowed.

If you need to apply for this type of visa, you need to provide the following paperwork:

  • Proof of your official status;

  • Accreditation from the government of your native country;

  • Additional paperwork (if required), such as your travel itinerary, valid passport, etc. 

Philippines student visa

Students who are at least eighteen years old and want to temporarily reside in the Philippines to study at an authorized academic institution can register for a student visa. 

The application process for a student visa is quite complicated. Therefore, it is advised that you register for it beforehand because the entire visa application process can take a lot of weeks to complete. 

Additionally, you must also fulfill all visa requirements, which include presenting a letter of acceptance from an authorized Philippine academic institution, a valid passport, and evidence of sufficient financial funds.

Philippines pre-arranged employment visa

For foreign nationals who have received an offer of employment from a Philippine employer or proprietor, they can obtain a Philippines pre-arranged employment visa to get permission for entry into this nation. 

Applicants can apply for this visa just when their employer or proprietor has possessed an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The purpose of the AEP is to make sure that no qualified Filipinos are available to take the position.

The visa has a one-year validity period. Besides, it can be extended every year in the event that applicants continue to work for the same employer or proprietor who still has a valid AEP.

However, applicants cannot obtain permanent residency in the Philippines with this visa. Even so, as long as the foreign citizen is working for the same company or proprietor that sponsored their AEP, they are able to live and work lawfully in the Philippines.

If you want to enter the nation by applying for this visa, you must prepare all relevant documents for the visa. They include:

  • Medical examination results;

  • A police clearance certificate;

  • A valid passport. 

Philippines visa fee - The types of non-immigrant visas

There are many types of Philippines non-immigrant visas that you can apply for

Philippines special non-immigrant visa

International employees or executives of regional or area headquarters as well as regional operational headquarters of multinational corporations may apply for this visa to take a trip to the Philippines. The visa holders may also bring their spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years old as dependents into the Philippines.

With the aim of facilitating operations for multinational corporations in the Philippines, this visa enables foreign workers with particular skills and knowledge that may not be easily accessible to local workers to live and work in the Philippines.

It is noticeable that applicants cannot obtain permanent residency in the Philippines with this visa. Nevertheless, as long as applicants continue to work for the same regional or area headquarters or regional operating headquarters of a multinational corporation, this can be extended annually after its initial one-year expiration. 

Philippines non-quota immigrant visas

Unlike other visa categories, the non-quota immigrant visa is not constrained by quotas or other numerical restrictions. This implies that the total number of non-quota immigrant visas that may be granted in a given year is unlimited.

The non-quota immigrant visa entitles the visa holders to permanent residency and employment in the Philippines after it is granted. After a predetermined amount of time spent living in the Philippines, the visa holders are also eligible to obtain Philippine citizenship.

This visa can be used for:

  • Philippine citizens’ spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21;

  • Philippines former nationals who have already had foreign citizenship, together with their spouses and unmarried minor children.

The Philippine Government offers many types of immigrant visas. The list below includes some of the most typical types of Philippines immigrant visas: 

  • Family reunion with a Philippines citizen visa: This visa aims to give foreign nationals permission for a long-term stay in the Philippines. It is used for family members of Filipino nationals who wish to apply for a long-term resident permit.

  • Returning former natural-born Filipino citizen visa: This long-term visa enables former natural-born Filipino nationals who have obtained foreign citizenship to return and reside in the Philippines. It offers visa holders permanent residency and employment in the Philippines.

Philippines visa fee - The types of visas

The Philippines Government provides numerous different types of visas

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PHILIPPINES VISA FOR INTERNATIONAL NATIONALS

The process of obtaining a Philippines visa is not complicated. However, the approval of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila is a must for all visa applications. In fact, the Philippine Government provides many ways for international citizens to apply for a visa. These methods include:

Registration for a visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate

Applicants can apply for a visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate that is closest to them. You should contact the mission to learn about its visa requirements for the application process. It is advised that you prepare all required documents beforehand, including their travel itinerary, bank account statements, hotel reservations, etc. 

After that, you need to submit them with your visa application in person. The process of applying for a visa may take many days or weeks, depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications received. 

If your application is approved, you need to visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate to which you submitted the application for the purpose of receiving your passport, which has your attached Philippines visa.

Registration for a visa on arrival

The application form must be downloaded from the Philippines Immigration Bureau's website for the purpose of applying for a Philippines visa on arrival. In fact, the Philippines visa on arrival is available for many countries all over the world, except for the following ones:

Countries whose nationals cannot apply for a Philippines visa on arrival

Afghanistan

Egypt

Montenegro

South Sudan

Albania

Georgia

Nauru

Sri Lanka

Algeria

India

Nigeria

Sudan

Armenia

Iran

North Korea

Syria

Azerbaijan

Iraq

North Macedonia

Taiwan

Bangladesh

Jordan

Pakistan

Timor-Leste

Belarus

Kosovo

Palestine

Tonga

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lebanon

Sierra Leone

Ukraine

China

Libya

Serbia

Yemen

Cuba

Moldova

Somalia

 

Philippines visa fee - The visa on arrival

You can apply for a Philippines visa on arrival to visit this nation

Registration for an E-Visa 

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) process for a Philippines visa is only available to international nationals via the official website of the Philippine Government. However, only Taiwanese nationals are now able to use the eTA, a simplified process for getting a Philippine tourist visa.

If you meet all the E-Visa requirements, you can apply for the eTA to get permission to enter the Philippines by implementing the following steps:

  • Visit the official website of the Philippine Government;

  • Input all the information in the visa application form;

  • Make a payment for the E-Visa on time;

  • Wait for the decision on the E-Visa application;

  • Receive your E-Visa via your pre-registered email;

  • Print your E-Visa out and present it to the immigration officers on the date you intend to enter the Philippines in the event that your E-Visa application is accepted. 

In fact, this registration method is so simple and easy for applicants to carry out. Here is a list of some advantages to applying for the Philippines E-Visa:

  • Convenient process: You can finish your application at home or even at your workplace by using the online electronic visa application system of the Philippine Government. 

  • Time-saving: The online application process can help you avoid lengthy waiting lines, which you usually experience when applying for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate, and challenging visa application procedures. 

  • Fast processing time: The processing time for an E-Visa may be shorter than other types of visas. Therefore, the expectation of receiving your E-Visa before the date you intend to visit the Philippines is very high. Additionally, you can also focus on carrying out other plans for your trip to the Philippines without any worries. 

Philippines visa fee - The visa process

The Philippine Government provides many ways for international citizens to apply for a visa

A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE PHILIPPINES VISA FEE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF VISAS

The Philippine Government has designed policies on the Philippines visa fee associated with each type of visa. In fact, you will need to pay a distinct fee depending on the type of visa that you intend to apply for, the validity period, and the number of entries. 

However, you need to keep in mind that the fee may vary based on the particular Philippine Embassy or Consulate to which you submit your application.

In this article, we will focus on the breakdown of the visa fee for different visa types. To know more about this fee, you can check out the table below:

Philippines visa fee for the temporary visitors’ visa 

For the temporary visitors’ visa, the Philippines visa fee may differ based on the number of entries and the validity period:

Countries

Type of temporary visitors’ visa

Description

Philippines visa fee

Visa-free countries

Single entry (regular)

It is a single-entry regular visa with a validity period of 3 months. 

After receiving an application, regular processing time lasts 7 to 14 working days.

USD 30 

Single entry (expedite)

It is a single-entry expedited visa with a validity period of 3 months. 

After receiving an application, expedited processing time lasts 3 to 5 working days.

USD 40

Multiple entries (with a six-month validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 6 months.

USD 60

Multiple entries (with a one-year validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of one year.

USD 90

Non-visa-free countries

Single entry (with a three-month validity period)

It is a single-entry visa with a validity period of 3 months.

USD 40

Multiple entries (with a six-month validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 6 months.

USD 80

Multiple entries (with a one-year validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of one year.

USD 120

Chinese nationals

Single entry (with a three-month validity period)

It is a single-entry visa with a validity period of 3 months.

USD 25

Multiple entries (with a three-month validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 3 months.

USD 50

Multiple entries (with a six-month validity period)

It is a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 6 months.

USD 100

Philippines visa fee for the seaman visa

The seaman visa is classified as a non-immigrant visa. The fee for this type of visa varies based on the number of crew members who submit visa applications:

Number of crew members

Philippines visa fee

Individual

USD 20

No more than 40 crew members

USD 100

From 41 to 100 crew members

USD 150

From 101 to 200 crew members

USD 200

More than 200 crew members

USD 250

Philippines visa fee for other types of visas

Besides the visa fee for the temporary visitors’ visa and the seaman visa, some other types of visas are also listed as follows:

Type of visa

Philippines visa fee

Transit visa

From USD 20 to USD 40

Treaty traders’ or investors’ visa

USD 400

Student visa

USD 250

Pre-arranged employment visa

USD 400

Non-quota immigrant visas

USD 150

Some noteworthy information about the visa fee 

The Philippines visa fee is non-refundable. Thus, careful consideration should be given to the issues of the Philippines visa application. 

Besides, a money order or cashier's check made payable to one of the Philippine Consulates or Embassies is required for payment. Some diplomatic missions may not accept the fee payment in cash or by personal checks or credit cards. Therefore, it is essential for you to contact them and ask them about the visa payment methods. 

The aforementioned visa fee may change based on the policies of the Philippine diplomatic missions. Therefore, in order to discover the fee requirements, you must get in touch with the mission to which you wish to submit your application.

Philippines visa fee - The visa fee

The Philippines visa fee is non-refundable

WHERE SHOULD FOREIGN NATIONALS DO WHEN TRAVELING TO THE PHILIPPINES?

The Philippines is a fantastic location for your vacation if you are looking for tropical islands, breathtaking scenery, and recreational activities.

Everywhere you travel in the Philippines, you can find natural wonders because of its unique geographical features. You can also anticipate stunning scenery, interesting culture, welcoming inhabitants, and life-changing moments with some of the attractions below:

  • Calle Crisologo in Vigan: This is one of the most impressive tourist sites in Vigan, where you can walk along its long and beautiful streets and discover plenty of picturesque and ancient Spanish colonial architecture.

  • El Nido in Palawan: If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of islands and lagoons in the Philippines, El Nido will definitely be a wise choice for you. In addition to being the entry point to the Bacuit archipelago, it is well-known for its limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and coral reefs.

  • Mayon Volcano in Bicol: When you take a trip to Albay Province in Bicol, you will be greeted by Mayon Volcano, which is known as the majestic world's most flawless volcanic cone and the Philippines' most active volcano. In fact, seeing the volcano from a distance is truly a fantastic experience. This may be the reason why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Albay and one of the best natural landmarks in the Philippines.

  • Kawasan Falls in Cebu: The cold, cascading waters of Kawasan Falls in Cebu are perfect for swimming or jumping into. The turquoise waters of this multi-layered waterfall in the village of Badian are its most notable feature. The turquoise-colored water that you can dive into from the top of this multi-layered waterfall is what makes it so famous.

  • Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue: When you ride a colorful jeepney through Banaue's twisting roads, you will surely be in awe of the striking and iconic rice terraces. In fact, the Banaue Rice Terraces in Banaue were chiseled by hand about 2,000 years ago. This is regarded as one of the most stunning and serene tourist spots in the Philippines.

Philippines visa fee - El Nido

El Nido in Palawan is one of the most stunning and serene tourist spots in the Philippines

In conclusion, the Philippines has a lot of incredible things waiting for you to discover and experience. You ought to see the aforementioned sites if you get the chance to travel to this amazing country. We hope that you will have a great time in this nation once you obtain authorization to enter the Philippines. 

However, receiving approval for a Philippines visa is not an easy task. To be able to visit this beautiful country, you must comply with all the visa requirements, including the payment of the Philippines visa fee. In the event that you have any issues related to the visa fee, please send an email to [email protected] to request our help in fixing these problems. 

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