Entry Guidelines for Temporary Visitors to the Philippines

A comprehensive guide for temporary visitors to the Philippines, covering updated entry requirements, visa extensions, and Emigration Clearance Certificates (ECC). This guide includes 2024 visa fee structures, key visa service locations in major Philippine cities, and step-by-step instructions for online and in-person processes. Perfect for tourists, expats, and business travelers seeking hassle-free immigration procedures.

No More COVID-19 Tests or Vaccination Proof

Traveling to the Philippines has never been easier! The country has lifted all COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements. No PCR tests, antigen tests, or proof of vaccination are needed to enter.

Pre-Departure Requirements

Travelers must still register online via the eTravel Card within 72 hours before departure. This platform collects essential travel and health information for immigration purposes.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from specified countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay for tourism or business. To qualify, travelers must have:

• A valid return ticket or onward travel ticket.
• A passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay.

Check the list of eligible countries for visa-free entry.

Extending Your Stay

Online Visa Extension

Tourists can extend their visas through the Bureau of Immigration’s E-SERVICES . The initial 30-day extension requires a visa waiver, with further extensions available for one or two months.

Visa Extension Fees (Updated for 2024)

1. 29-Day Extension: PHP 3,300 ($58) for express processing or PHP 2,300 ($40) for regular processing (five days).
2. 59-Day Extension: Total cost with ACR I-Card: PHP 6,200 ($109) or PHP 7,700 ($136) for express processing.
3. Subsequent 59-Day Extensions: PHP 3,050 (~$53) without needing another ACR I-Card.
4. First Visa Waiver Extension: PHP 2,500 (~$44), plus PHP 1,200 for express processing.

Important Notes

• Visa extensions can be applied for up to three years cumulatively.
• After six months of stay, an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is required to leave the country.

Key Locations for Visa Services in Major Philippine Cities

Manila

1. Main Bureau of Immigration Office
   • Location: Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
   • Contact: (+63 2) 8527-3248 | immigration.helpline.ph@gmail.com
2. SM Aura Immigration Office
   • Location: SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
   • Specialty: Convenient for processing tourist visa extensions.

Cebu

1. GMall Cebu Immigration Office
   • Location: 2nd Floor, GMall, A. Soriano Ave, Cebu City
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
2. Mactan-Cebu Immigration Satellite Office (Gaisano)
   • Location: Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, Lapu-Lapu City
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
   • Highlights: Quick processing (~15 minutes) during off-peak hours.

Davao

1. Bureau of Immigration Davao Office
   • Location: Gaisano Mall of Davao, J.P. Laurel Ave, Bajada, Davao City
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
   • Contact: (+63 82) 227-6557 | bi.davao@gmail.com

Baguio

1. Bureau of Immigration Baguio Office
   • Location: 2nd Floor, Porta Vaga Mall, Session Road, Baguio City
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Clark (Pampanga)

1. Clark Immigration Satellite Office
   • Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
   • Hours: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)

What is an ECC?
An ECC certifies that a foreigner has no outstanding obligations with the Philippine government and is authorized to leave the country.

ECC Requirements Based on Stay Duration

• Stays under 59 days: No ECC needed.
• 59 days to 6 months: Pay an exit clearance fee at a BI office or the airport.
• Over 6 months: Obtain an ECC from a BI office before departure.

ECC Fees for 2024

• ECC-A: PHP 600 (~$11)
• ECC-B: PHP 3,000 (~$53)

ECC Application Process

1. Gather required documents (passport, ACR I-Card, visa receipts, photos, and application form).
2. Submit your application to the nearest Bureau of Immigration office.
3. Pay the processing fee and collect your ECC within 4-5 business days.