Traveling to the Philippines from the US
Entry Visa Requirements for the Philippines from the United States
Visa ApplicationNew entry requirements for Philippines: US travelers need to complete the One-Stop electronic Travel Declaration system (originally the One Health Pass) to enter the Philippines. You can apply here.
The Philippines attracts millions of visitors also thanks to its tourist-friendly visa policies.
Most nationalities (including American citizens) do not require a visa or travel authorization for brief visits to the country.
However, a visa may be required for longer stays depending on factors such as the length of the trip, and the reason(s) for visiting.
Is a Philippines eTA Required for U.S. Citizens?
US citizens do not currently need an eTA for the Philippines, as this electronic travel authorization is only available for nationals of Taiwan at present.
However, an eTA for Americans may be introduced in the future. Therefore, US citizens should check if there are any visa policy changes before their next trip to the country.
US citizens are granted visa-free short stays in the Philippines for up to 30 days. At present, they do not need either a travel authorization or visa for visits of this duration or less.
If after arriving in the country on a visa-free basis a traveler then decides that they would like to stay longer, he/she can apply for an extension of their allowed stay, which usually involves a fee.
However, if an American citizen knows beforehand that they will need to stay in the Philippines for over 30 days, then they need to obtain a visa before they travel to the country.
Philippines eTA Visa Waiver Requirements for U.S. Citizens
If the eTA for the Philippines is launched for US citizens, the American applicant will need to check to make sure they fulfill all the requirements for obtaining entry into the country.
These eTa Philippines requirements from the United States are expected to include:
- Proof of nationality. This is usually an eligible passport (valid for minimum of 6 months after the foreigner leaves the Philippines)
- Proof of intention to leave the Philippines and not engage in paid work while in the country. This may include a return ticket and sufficient funds for the entirety of the trip
- Itinerary information, including hotel reservations
All US visitors to the Philippines will have to go through immigration control where they will be asked to answer certain security questions.
Be prepared to present the necessary travel documents along with a printed copy of your Philippines eTA from the United States (if applicable).
Other Documents for US Citizens to Travel to the Philippines
As far as travel documents go, American citizens need a valid passport to enter the Philippines if their stay will be under 30 days. They must also present the proof of onward/return travel (i.g. flight ticket). For longer stays, they will need to present a valid Filipino visa as well.
If you are traveling alone with a minor, Filipino border officials may also ask to see custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent.
US citizens are also advised to ensure all of their routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to the country, and to check which vaccines are recommended for the Philippines. Depending on the region they are visiting, this may include a malaria vaccine.
If you need to bring any medication with you to the Philippines, you may also need to show documentation to prove a prescription, as some over-the-counter drugs may not be legal in the country.
Although not mandatory for entry to the Philippines, Americans who are traveling to the country are also advised to make sure they have valid travel insurance in case they need to cover any medical costs while there.
Philippines eTA visa waiver application process from the United States
Applying for a Philippines eTAfor US Citizens requires the traveler to access the Philippines visa portal online. The website allows foreigners to fill out the application for the eTA using an online form.
Applicants will be asked to supply personal data and passport details on the form. They also need to indicate a valid email address, and enter debit/credit card details.
Once the application is submitted, the applicant(s)' credit/debit card will be charged a processing fee for their eTA visa waiver.
After submission, the traveler is designated a Unique Identification Number or UID. In group applications, the UID is given to the designated primary traveler.
It is imperative that each individual fills out the eTA form carefully and avoids providing erroneous or inaccurate information. This is because errors or false details can result in the eTA visa waiver becoming invalid.
Foreigners can be denied entry to the Philippines on the basis of traveling on an invalid visa.
An individual may be required to submit a new application if they provide false information or make errors when completing the form. In some cases, the applicant can have the information updated instead by contacting the Philippine eTA website with their UID number.
Does the Philippines Have a Visa on Arrival for US citizens?
No, the Philippines does not currently offer a visa on arrival service for US citizens.
At present, Americans who need to apply for a Philippines visa from the United States need to do so at the nearest Filipino diplomatic mission in the US.
US nationals who need an embassy visa for the Philippines should apply well in advance of travel, as it may take several weeks to process and approve the visa.
The Philippine Government offers two main categories of visas for foreign nationals depending on their reasons for visiting the island nation:
- Non-immigrant visas (for business, tourism, education or employment)
- Immigrant visas (for permanent stays in the country).
Americans should browse the different types of visa available to decide if they will need to apply for a visa to the Philippines and which category best suits the purpose of their visit.