Philippines entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter the Philippines. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan nationals. This requirement has been in place since 2024 and applies to all travel purposes including tourism and business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa before arriving in the Philippines. Apply at the Philippine embassy or consulate in Colombo — processing takes 3–5 working days. You cannot get a visa on arrival at Philippine airports.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into the Philippines. Immigration officers at Manila, Cebu, and Clark strictly enforce this — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Philippine immigration requires a confirmed onward or return ticket before they let you through. Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific and AirAsia check this at check-in — if you don't have one, they won't let you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ready — it speeds up the process if you get pulled for secondary questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of at least ₱50,000 PHP (roughly $900 USD) in cash, bank statements, or credit card limits. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, showing a bank statement or cash stack gets you through quickly. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival for Sri Lankans
Unlike some nationalities, Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply and receive approval before you fly. Airlines will check this at check-in — without a valid e-visa, you won't be allowed to board.
Visa-free entry if you hold a valid visa from certain countries
If you have a valid visa from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, or the UK, you can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 7 days. This applies even if the visa is in an old passport — just carry both passports.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa online
Go to evisa.gov.ph and fill out the application. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and your return ticket. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Pay the fee online — it's around PHP 1,500 (about USD 27) for a single-entry tourist visa.
2
Wait for approval
After submitting, you'll get a reference number. Check the portal for status updates. Once approved, download and print the e-visa — you'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, have your printed e-visa, passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and first-night hotel booking ready. Keep them in your hand luggage.
4
Arrive in the Philippines
At immigration counters in Manila (NAIA), Cebu, or Clark, hand over your passport and e-visa. The officer will likely ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly — they're checking you're a genuine tourist. You'll get a 30-day entry stamp.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 3,000 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy in Colombo or online via eVisa if available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostPHP 5,000 (~$92 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must show proof of sufficient funds.
Long-stay visitor visa (9a)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostPHP 3,000 (~$55 USD) initial + extension fees
Requires sponsorship or strong ties; apply at Bureau of Immigration.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with pension. Requires deposit of $10,000 (with pension) or $20,000 (without). Allows multiple entries and work restrictions.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship, Alien Employment Permit, and annual renewal.
student visa
9(f) Student Visa
Valid for duration of course, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (plus school fees)
For enrolled students in accredited Philippine institutions. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and annual renewal.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD application + $75,000 USD investment
For investors with at least $75,000 USD in a Philippine business. Allows multiple entries and family inclusion.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 59 days, issued at Philippine embassy/consulate. | PHP 3,000 (~$55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries, max stay 59 days per entry. | PHP 5,000 (~$92 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices; initial extension up to 29 days, then monthly. | PHP 1,030 (~$19 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of PHP 10,000 (~$183 USD) plus processing fees. | PHP 500 (~$9 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through the Philippines for less than 24 hours and not leaving the airport do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
- Must remain in the transit area (airside).
- If leaving the airport, a visa is 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food/water; risk higher in rural areas.
LeptospirosisModerate risk
Risk after flooding; avoid contact with floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural Palawan, Mindanao, and Sulu Archipelago.
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 re-entry permits; bring passport, visa, and extension form.
Cebu City
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; expect queues, arrive early.
Practical information for LK 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
Getting to Philippines
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Philippines — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Sri Lankan citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel. The only exception is if you hold a valid visa from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, or the UK — then you can enter visa-free for up to 7 days.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is around PHP 1,500 (about USD 27) for a single-entry tourist visa.
Yes, you can extend your tourist visa once you're in the Philippines. Visit the Bureau of Immigration office in Manila or Cebu. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments, up to a maximum of 6 months total stay. The cost is about PHP 1,000–2,000 per extension depending on duration.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Philippine immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry, not your departure date.
Yes, an onward ticket to your next destination is fine — it doesn't have to be a return to Sri Lanka. Immigration just needs proof that you will leave the Philippines within your allowed stay.
No. The e-visa must be obtained before you travel. You cannot apply while inside the Philippines. If you're already in the country and need to extend, visit a Bureau of Immigration office.
Hand over your passport with the printed e-visa, your return or onward ticket, and the address of your first night's accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip — answer honestly and confidently.
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.