Philippines entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism or business visits in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into the Philippines. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Philippines | Immigration officers at Manila, Cebu, and other airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 30 days. Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia enforce this at check-in — no ticket, no boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, a notarized letter of invitation from your host plus their ID copy helps avoid secondary questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least ₱50,000 (about 800 CHF) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you'll cover your trip — credit card limits count. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Philippine immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. No exceptions. Check your passport now and renew if needed.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at Manila and Cebu routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot of your booking confirmation on your phone is acceptable. Don't rely on having internet access to pull it up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Print or save digital copies of your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for quick access.
2
Arrive at the airport in Switzerland
Check in for your flight. The airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket. If you're flying via a transit point like Dubai or Singapore, you may not need a transit visa.
3
Fill out the arrival card on the plane
You'll receive a paper arrival card (Bureau of Immigration form) during the flight. Fill it out with your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
4
Go through immigration at Manila or Cebu
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or Mactan-Cebu International Airport, join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
5
Get your entry stamp and collect luggage
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. Proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter the Philippines.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay59 days, extendable up to 24 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 3,000 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy/consulate before travel; allows longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 5,000 (~$90 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (Special Resident Retiree's Visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$1,500 USD initial fee plus annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with deposit of $10,000 USD; allows multiple entries.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD initial fee + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with a deposit of $10,000 USD in a Philippine bank. Allows multiple entries and indefinite stay. Spouse and dependents can be included.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship and Alien Employment Permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (9(f))
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (plus school fees)
For those enrolled in a recognized Philippine educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD initial fee + $360 USD annual fee
For investors depositing $75,000 USD in a Philippine business or stock. Allows multiple entries and residence. Must maintain investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days; apply at a Philippine embassy or consulate before travel. | PHP 3,000 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries; apply in advance. | PHP 5,000 (~$90 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available for tourist visa holders; maximum extension up to 24 months total. | PHP 3,000 (~$55 USD) plus processing fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Applies if you exceed your allowed stay; pay at immigration before departure. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max PHP 20,000 (~$360 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Philippines
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through the Philippines do not need a transit visa if they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying longer than 24 hours, a visa-free entry (up to 30 days) or a tourist visa may be required.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles City
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban and rural areas.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water, especially in rural areas.
MalariaLow risk
Low risk in most tourist areas; higher risk in rural Palawan, Mindanao, and some islands.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in major cities and tourist hubs; moderate risk in rural areas of Palawan, Mindanao, and some remote islands. Consider prophylaxis if visiting high-risk areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Manila
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila 1002
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extensions and visa concerns; bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for tourists in Cebu; expect queues.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalManila
LanguageFilipino, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPhilippine Peso (PHP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 61.55 PHP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h (EST) / +12h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+16h (PST) / +15h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,B,CType A, B, C — US plugs (Type A) generally fit.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension before your 30 days expire. You can do this at a Bureau of Immigration office in major cities like Manila or Cebu. The extension costs around PHP 3,000–4,000 (about CHF 50–70) and can give you up to 59 additional days.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for Swiss passport holders.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa for stays under 24 hours. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the standard 30-day visa-free entry. Check with your airline for specific transit rules.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short-term visits only. Working or studying requires a proper work visa or student visa. If you're caught, you risk deportation and a ban.
Overstaying incurs a fine of PHP 500 (about CHF 8) per month, plus a PHP 1,000 (CHF 16) processing fee. For overstays longer than a year, you may need a visa extension and could face a ban. Always extend or leave before your stamp expires.
No, there's no official requirement to show proof of funds for Swiss passport holders. However, if the officer suspects you can't support yourself, they may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good backup.
No, there's no mandatory online arrival declaration for the Philippines. You'll fill out a paper arrival card on the plane. Some airlines may offer an e-arrival card option, but it's not required.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.