Philippines entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
South Korean passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is valid for tourism and business visits in 2026. No prior application is needed — just show up at immigration with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into the Philippines. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Philippines | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 30 days. Budget airlines at Manila and Cebu are strict about this — they may deny boarding without one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation ready. If staying with friends, carry their address and contact number — officers sometimes ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry at least ₱10,000 (around $200 USD) in cash or a credit card statement. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity, you will not be allowed to fly to the Philippines. Renew your passport well in advance.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Save screenshots of your passport info page, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. If you lose your passport, these copies speed up the replacement process at your embassy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) or other PH airports, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' immigration counters.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and completed arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter.
4
Collect luggage and proceed
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then go through customs (green lane if nothing to declare).
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 1 year
Validity3 months from issue date
CostPHP 3,500 (~$63 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy in Seoul or online. Requires proof of funds and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 7,000 (~$126 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must show strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (13A – spouse of Filipino)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostPHP 10,000 (~$180 USD) plus processing fees
For married to a Filipino citizen. Requires marriage certificate and NBI clearance.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit (refundable) + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with pension. Allows indefinite stay, multiple entries, and work permit. Requires deposit of $10,000 (with pension) or $20,000 (without).
Apply investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD processing fee + $75,000 USD investment
For investors who deposit $75,000 in a Philippine bank or invest in a business. Allows permanent residence and multiple entries.
Apply work visa
9G 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 to obtain Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and visa. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (9F)
1 year, renewable
~$300–$500 USD (plus school fees)
For enrolled students in accredited Philippine schools. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (beyond 30 days)Apply at Bureau of Immigration office before visa-free period expires. Additional fees may apply. | PHP 3,030 (~$55 USD) for first 29-day extension |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 59 days, extendable. Apply at Philippine embassy in Seoul or online. | PHP 3,500 (~$63 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries, each stay up to 59 days. Apply at embassy. | PHP 7,000 (~$126 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. Overstaying may also require a visa extension fee. | PHP 1,000 (~$18 USD) per day, max PHP 30,000 (~$540 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Philippine airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Manila · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), Cebu · Clark International Airport (CRK), Angeles
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. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Typhoid feverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water. Practice good hygiene and consider vaccination.
RabiesModerate risk
Present in dogs and other mammals. Avoid animal contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; moderate risk in rural Palawan, Mindanao, and some parts of Luzon. Prophylaxis recommended for 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
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Cebu
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Cebu South Bus Terminal, N. Bacalso Ave., Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists extending stay in Cebu. Bring completed application form and photos.
Practical information for KR 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 = 61.7 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
Getting to Philippines
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, the 30-day visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines before your 30 days expire. Extensions cost around PHP 3,000–4,000 and can add up to 29 days.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, any onward ticket out of the Philippines within 30 days works. It doesn't have to be back to South Korea.
Each entry resets the 30-day clock. But if you leave and come back the same day, immigration may question your intentions. Best to space out visits.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration form required for South Korean passport holders. You just fill out the standard arrival card given on the plane.
Overstaying results in a fine of PHP 500 per month (or part thereof) plus a processing fee. You'll also need to pay for a visa extension before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to blacklisting.
No, the 30-day visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (e.g., 9(g) work visa or student visa) obtained before arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.