The Philippines is a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural wonders. If you are planning to visit the Philippines for sightseeing or exploration, you may need to obtain a Philippines temporary visitor visa for tourism or leisure purposes.

The following sections explain the requirements, application process, documents, fees, and processing time for this eVisa.

What is a Philippines tourism or leisure visa?

The Philippines does not issue a separate visa category specifically named a tourism or leisure visa. Travellers who wish to visit the country for short-term leisure, religious, recreational, or amusement purposes may apply for the Philippine Temporary Visitor Visa.

Can I work on a Philippines tourism or leisure visa?
No, you cannot work on a Philippines Tourism or Leisure Visa (temporary visitor visa). If you wish to work in the Philippines, you must apply to the embassy for the appropriate visa for the specified purpose.

Purpose of Tourism or Leisure eVisa 

The Temporary Visitor Visa allows travellers to enter the Philippines temporarily for the following travel purposes, including:

• Holiday or leisure trips within the Philippines
• Exploring popular tourist attractions in the Philippines
• Visiting family, friends or relatives
• Exploring cultural sites, museums and attending local festivals

Documents Required for the Philippines Temporary Visitor Visa

• Passport Bio Page: Applicant’s passport bio page scan of the valid passport.
• Photograph: You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
• Proof of Travel Purpose: Applicants must give proof of their travel purpose for tourism in the Philippines
• Air Ticket: Confirmed tickets for return or onward travel to the next destination
• Financial Stability Proof: Applicants must provide any one of the following documents to show their financial capacity.
• Bank statement of the latest 6 months or tax payments
• Employment certificate with remuneration
• Proof of business income
• Letter of guarantee from the sponsor with proof of financial capacity
• Documents proving ties to the home country/country of residence (any of the following):
• Employment certificate.
• Property documents.
• Itinerary.
• Hotel accommodation or proof of lodging; and
• For minors not travelling with a parent/guardian (additional requirement):
• Letter of permission from a parent/guardian

Go through the Philippines visa requirements thoroughly to avoid any errors during the application process.

Do travellers need to carry a printed copy of the Philippines visa while travelling?
Travellers should carry a printed copy of the approved eVisa with their passport, as it may be requested on arrival.

Philippines Visa Fee & Processing Time

The Philippines visa fee tool helps travellers determine the exact fee payable for their visa online application. The amount may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and how early they want their visa. 

Applicants can select one of 3 processing timelines for their visas, with processing speeds suited to their travel plans and urgency. 

• Standard Processing: 30-40 Working Days
• Rush Processing: 25-32 Working Days
• Super Rush Processing: 20-25 Working Days

Who can I contact if I face technical issues related to the visa fee during the application?
Applicants experiencing technical problems can contact the Philippines visa support for assistance.

How to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa

1. Check Eligibility: Some countries are visa-exempt to travel to the Philippines. Check the list of eligible countries for a Philippines Tourist Visa. 
2. Fill Online Application Form: Enter all the necessary details, including your personal, travel and passport information.
3. Choose the Processing Type: Select your preferred processing option that aligns with your travel plans. 
4. Attach the Documents: Upload clear, high-quality scans of the required documents for the Philippines visa. 
5. Make eVisa Payment: Pay the applicable fee online using an available payment method.
6. Get Confirmation: After your payment is successful, you’ll receive a payment confirmation. Save it for future reference.
7. Wait for Approval: Once you receive a payment confirmation, wait for the visa approval.
8. Receive an approved visa: After approval, the approved visa will be sent to you digitally. Take a print for immigration purposes.

Can I include multiple travellers in one application?
Yes. You can add multiple applicants to a single application for your Philippine eVisa using the “Add Applicant” option during the application process.

Validity & Length of Stay Allowed on a Philippines Tourism Visa

The length of stay allowed on a Philippines Tourism Visa depends on the type of visa issued.

• A single-entry Temporary Visitor Visa allows a foreign national to use it within 90 days from the approval date and stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days from arrival.
• A multiple-entry Temporary Visitor Visa, valid for 6 months (180 days), allows a foreign national to stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days per entry.
• A multiple-entry Temporary Visitor Visa, valid for 1 year, allows a foreign national to stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days per entry within that period from the date of visa issuance.

Common Reasons for the Philippines Tourism Visa Denial

• Providing inaccurate & incomplete Details 
• Submitting unclear or missing documents
• Lack of financial capability
• Previous visa and immigration violations

Extension of the Philippines Tourism Visa

If you wish to extend your stay in the Philippines beyond the initial period allowed on your temporary visitor visa, you can apply for an extension at the Bureau of Immigration; approval is subject to their discretion, so it is recommended to apply well before your visa expires to avoid overstaying.

Top Tourist Destinations in the Philippines

Visitors travelling to the Philippines for medical treatment may also explore some of the country’s most famous attractions during their stay.

• Boracay Island: Known for its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
• Palawan (El Nido & Coron): Famous for limestone cliffs, lagoons, and crystal-clear islands.
• Chocolate Hills, Bohol: A unique natural landscape featuring hundreds of cone-shaped hills.
• Banaue Rice Terraces: Historic mountain terraces are often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
• Cebu Island: Popular for its beaches, diving spots, and historic landmarks.
• Mayon Volcano, Albay: Known for its perfectly symmetrical cone shape and scenic views.