Philippines entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy remains in effect as of 2025, with no option to extend. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond entry, and carry a return or onward ticket.
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 at NAIA and other Philippine airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket within 30 days. Without one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket on the spot. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. Immigration may ask where you're staying — a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check at check-in. | Recommended |
No visa extension possible
Unlike many countries, the Philippines does not allow extending the 30-day visa-free stay. Overstaying leads to fines (₱500/day) and potential immigration issues. Plan your exit date carefully—book a refundable onward ticket if uncertain.
eTravel registration recommended
Since 2024, Philippines requires online arrival registration via eTravel. While not always strictly enforced, completing it 72 hours before departure avoids delays. Immigration scans the QR code upon arrival. Keep a screenshot or printout.
Passport validity strictly enforced
The 6-month validity rule is rigid. Even if your passport expires 5 months after entry, you will be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport if it's close to expiring.
What happens at the border
1
Complete eTravel registration (recommended)
Register online at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure. You'll need flight details, passport info, and health declaration. Save the QR code (digital or printed). Some airlines ask for it at check-in.
2
Prepare documents at US departure
At your US airport, have passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The airline will verify your passport validity and onward ticket before issuing a boarding pass to the Philippines.
3
Queue at foreign passport lane on arrival
In Philippine airports (Manila, Cebu, Clark), follow signs for 'Foreign Passports.' Expect a brief interview: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying. Answer honestly but concisely.
4
Receive entry stamp and departure card stub
The officer will stamp your passport, write '30 days' or 'Visa Waiver,' and give you a small departure card stub. Keep it safe — you may need to surrender it when leaving.
Download Philippines Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostPHP 1,500 (~$30 USD)
Apply at Philippine embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay59 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostPHP 3,000 (~$60 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (13A)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostPHP 10,000+ (~$200+ USD)
For retirees or those with Filipino spouse.
retirement visa
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,500 USD deposit + $360 USD annual fee
For retirees aged 50+ with a pension. Requires deposit of $10,000 (with pension) or $20,000 (without). Allows indefinite stay and multiple entries.
Apply work visa
9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners with a job offer in the Philippines. Requires employer sponsorship and Alien Employment Permit (AEP).
student visa
Student Visa (9(f))
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–$400 USD (plus school fees)
For those enrolled in a recognized Philippine educational institution. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD application fee + $75,000 USD investment
For investors who deposit $75,000 in a Philippine bank or invest in a business. Allows permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or if visa is required. | PHP 1,500 (~$30 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries. | PHP 3,000 (~$60 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices for up to 6 months total. | PHP 1,030 (~$20 USD) plus processing fee |
| Overstay fine (per day)Applies after visa-free or visa expiry. | PHP 500 (~$10 USD) per day, max PHP 10,000 (~$200 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
US passport holders transiting through the Philippines do not need a 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 is required.
Transit hubsNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) · Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) · Clark International Airport (CRK)
Health & vaccines for Philippines
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis 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 rural areas of Palawan, Mindanao, and Luzon.
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 payment.
Cebu City
Bureau of Immigration Cebu Field Office
G/F, Gaisano Country Mall, Banilad, Cebu City
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Popular for tourists in Cebu. Expect queues.
Practical information for US 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 visa-free entry does not allow extension. To stay longer, apply for a 9a tourist visa at a Philippine embassy before travel (valid up to 59 days, extendable). Overstaying costs ₱500 per day (max ₱10,000) and may lead to blacklisting.
You pay ₱500 for the first day plus ₱500 for each additional day, up to a cap of ₱10,000. You also need a clearance certificate from the Bureau of Immigration (₱500 fee). Better to leave on time — overstay can affect future visits.
If you stay airside (don't clear immigration) and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours, no visa is needed. If you must clear immigration (e.g., to switch terminals), you get 30 days visa-free as a US citizen but still need an onward ticket. Check with your airline for any transit visa requirements.
No. The 30-day visa-free entry is for tourism, short business meetings (no local salary), or transit. For work, study, or long-term volunteering, you need a pre-arranged visa or permit from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.
The traditional paper arrival card was phased out in 2024. Now you must use the eTravel portal before arrival. Some airlines still provide a paper backup; fill it out just in case but the QR code from eTravel is the primary document. Keep the departure card stub given upon entry.
Same rules: US citizens get 30 days visa-free at any official port (sea, air, land). Have your passport, onward ticket (or proof of funds to buy one), and accommodation details ready. The immigration officer will ask the same questions.
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.