If you are looking forward to visit one of the favorite vacation destinations in South East Asia and explore the beauty of its 7,000 islands and more, the Philippines is indeed your next stop!
With its spectacular shorelines, exotic landscapes, rich culture, and charming people, the Philippines is fast becoming a preferred destination not only for those who want to go on a relaxing holiday, but also for those who want to enjoy a longer stay for business, health, or retirement purposes.
What makes the Philippines even a more ideal holiday location is the country’s tourist-friendly immigration policies, which allows almost everyone from around the world enter the country without a visa, as long as you don’t stay beyond twenty-one (21) days, and you have a valid return ticket. You will also need to hold a valid passport valid for at least six (6) months.
Citizens from Brazil and Israel are entitled to visa-free entry to the Philippines for a valid stay not exceeding fifty-nine (59) days. On the other hand, tourists who are holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports, British National Overseas (BNO) passports, Portuguese Passports issued in Macao, and Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports are allowed to enter the country without a visa for a valid stay not exceeding seven (7) days. However, the guidelines regarding visa-free entry are still subject to the rules and regulations of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, who reserve the right to deny entry to the country.
Can’t get enough of exploring the islands of the Philippines? If you wish to apply for an extension of stay beyond the allowed validity period of twenty-one (21) days, you may want to apply for an extension of stay on or before the last day of your valid stay. Extensions are approved at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration.
You must submit the following when you intend to apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa:
1. Duly-accomplished visa application (F.A. Form 2). Application forms that are incompletely filled-out will be returned to the applicant.
2. Valid passport (the original passport itself must be submitted) whose validity must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines.
3. One 2″ x 2″ size photograph taken within the last six (6) months. Your signature must be affixed on the front side of the picture.
4. A photocopy of your airline ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
5. Proof of financial capacity (e.g. travellers cheques, latest print-out of credit card account(s), latest print-out of bank statements, ownership of real estate properties, and other documents showing the you are capable of supporting yourself financially to financially during your stay in the Philippines)
6. The application form must be notarized by a local notary public if you are not capable of a personal appearance before the Consular Officer.
7. Visa Application Fee: £22 (3 month single-entry); £43 (6 month multiple-entry); £65 (1 year multiple-entry).
It would also be better for you to seek the assistance of a competent Philippine law firm to help you process the necessary paperwork needed for a longer, more enjoyable stay in the country. Manila Visa, located right in the heart of the Philippine capital’s bustling business district, offers the most comprehensive legal and immigration assistance by our team of competent Filipino and foreign lawyers. So if you want to discover more of the Pearl of the Orient, talk to us today!
