Philippines Entry Policy and Arrival Card

Processing Steps

Online Application

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Receive Document

Receive the approved document via e-mail.

Arrive in Philippines

Present the document upon arrival.

Philippines Entry Policy

Passport Requirements to Enter the Philippines 

For international travelers seeking to enter the Philippines, stringent passport requirements apply, regardless of their home country or visa status. Crucially, all visitors must hold a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.  

This rule applies to both visa-requiring and visa-exempt travelers. Additionally, the passport must have sufficient blank pages to accommodate the necessary entry stamps. This is a standard international travel requirement designed to ensure smooth immigration procedures and secure travel. Adherence to these requirements is vital for a trouble-free journey to the Philippines. 

Philippines Arrival card  

Before departing, individuals traveling to the Philippines, regardless of their nationality, must complete the Philippines Arrival Card within a 72-hour timeframe.  

This document, which is valid for 30 days after arrival, is single-entry and must be reapplied if the individual exits and later re-enters the country.  

The application is done online and is fast. Applicants need a valid foreign passport number and health information. Once completed, the document is sent via email. 

e-Travel Registration for Philippine 

The Philippine Government replaced the Health Card Registration with a new and improved e-Travel Registration system on December 1, 2021. This is accessible through a new official portal of the Philippine government.  

Before entering the Philippines, travelers must complete the e-Travel Registration (also known as Arrival card). This requirement is mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). 

To bypass extensive queues at the airport, it is strongly advised to complete the e-Travel Registration within 72 hours (about 3 days) before leaving the home country. 

Travelers can also get the card from the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) at Philippine airports.  

Proof of Onward Travel 

Traveling to the Philippines often necessitates proof of onward travel, a policy enforced to mitigate illegal immigration and overstay issues. The Philippine government needs proof that travelers have plans to leave the country before their visa expires.  

The proof usually takes the form of a confirmed flight, bus, or train ticket departing the Philippines. This reservation is sometimes called an "onward ticket." 

Essential Information

This must bear the traveler’s name and a departure date falling within the allowed duration of their stay.  

However, obtaining such proof could be a bit challenging, especially with land and sea travel operators lacking a strong online presence. Nevertheless, presenting this onward travel proof is crucial and can spell the difference between smooth immigration processing or the risk of being denied entry.  

Therefore, travelers to the Philippines must remember to secure this necessary documentation. 

Cover Letter for Entering the Philippines  

Securing a visa for the Philippines often necessitates a detailed cover letter. This is an integral part of the application for some Philippines visas. Applicants must d adhere to the following stipulations for optimal acceptance: 

• Compliance with Consular-specific requests - Including any additional information requested by the Consular. 
• Accommodation specifics - Clearly define where the applicant will be residing during the visit. 
• Expense responsibility - Identification of the individual responsible for the trip expenses. 
• Relationships clarification - Explanation of the relationship between the applicant and fellow travelers, if applicable. 
• Purpose of visit - A clear statement indicating the intent of the trip. 
• Travel timeframe - Reference to travel dates that align with the invitation letter or confirmed flight tickets. 
• Passport details - Inclusion of pertinent passport information. 

Each of these requirements serves to give the Embassy a clearer understanding of the applicant’s travel plans and intentions. 

Restricted Items in the Philippines 

The Philippines has strict regulations regarding the import and export of certain goods. Items like food, plants, animals, drugs, used vehicles, electronics, tobacco, and minerals are heavily controlled and regulated. 

Additionally, specific items require legal permission for import or export.

These include explosives, weapons of war, gambling equipment, lottery tickets, certain narcotics, and opium pipes.  

Moving these items without permission can have serious legal consequences due to strict restrictions on their import, export, and transit. Therefore, travelers should familiarize themselves with these rules before embarking on their journey to the Philippines.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements to Enter the Philippines  

Travelers to the Philippines aged one or above need a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate in two situations. Firstly, if they are arriving from countries identified as having a risk of yellow fever transmission.  

Secondly, if they have transited for over 12 hours through an airport located in a country associated with yellow fever risk. This measure protects both the traveler and the local population from potential outbreaks and the spread of this serious disease. 

Proof of Sufficient Funds 

Travelers to the Philippines must show they have enough money to support themselves while they are there.  

This precaution helps prevent tourists from seeking unlawful employment to fund their visit. Financial documents such as bank statements or pay slips can serve as this proof. 

This illustrates the traveler’s financial capacity to afford lodging, meals, travel expenses, and other potential costs throughout their stay. 

Photocopies of Important Documents 

Although not compulsory, carrying photocopies of crucial documents is highly recommended when traveling to the Philippines. This might include copies of the passport, visa, flight tickets, or other relevant documents.  

Keeping these duplicates can act as a safeguard in case of unexpected loss or theft of the originals, ensuring that travelers still have access to vital information. They can also expedite the process of replacing any lost documents, minimizing potential disruption to the travel plans. 

Entering the Philippines: Modes of Travel 

Foreigners can enter the Philippines by air, road, or water. There are many airports, seaports, and land crossings for travelers. 

Traveling Via Air

The main airport in Manila, called NAIA, is the main way to enter the Philippines by air. It handles a lot of the country’s international flights. Other key airports include Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and Davao International Airport in Davao. 

Entering Via Sea  

For maritime entry, the Philippines boasts numerous seaports due to its archipelagic nature. The Port of Manila is the largest, servicing both commercial and passenger vessels, including cruise ships. Cruise ships also frequent Subic Bay and the ports of Cebu and Davao. 

Land Entry 

Land entry is a bit limited due to the Philippines’ geographic location, with the majority of its borders surrounded by water. However, the southern backdoor route, particularly the Zamboanga-Borneo route, is an option for those arriving from Malaysia by road. 

No matter how a foreigner enter, he/she must follow visa, immigration, health, and safety rules, especially due to current global health issues. Understanding these various options for entering the Philippines can help travelers plan their journey effectively and efficiently. 

Entering the Philippines as a Tourist  

Citizens of certain countries, including most Southeastern Asian countries, can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes. Visa-free stay duration ranges from 14 to 59 days, based on agreements between the Philippines and the traveler’s home country. 

Visa On Arrival 

Visa on Arrival service is available for citizens of a few specific countries who are traveling for business or tourism purposes. They can obtain a visa upon their arrival in the Philippines, typically valid for 30 days. 

Electronic Travel Authorization for Taiwan Citizens 

Taiwanese tourists must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the Philippines. The ETA can be easily obtained online, making it a convenient option for Taiwanese travelers planning a visit to the Philippines. 

Embassy Visa 

Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or ETA must obtain a visa. They can get it from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate before their travel. 

To apply, foreigners must submit an application with the required documents. These documents include a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. One should start this process well ahead of their intended travel date to ensure ample time for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions