The Philippines' 9(e) Foreign Government Official Visa is issued to approved officials of foreign governments recognised by the Republic of the Philippines who travel to the country to perform official duties.
Types of Philippine Foreign Government Official Visa
1. 9(e-1) Visa
Issued to individuals granted diplomatic immunities and privileges, including:
- Diplomats.
- Accredited diplomatic officials.
- Immediate family members accompanying the official.
2. 9(e-2) Visa
This visa category applies to:
- Foreign government officials travelling to the Philippines for official duties.
- Official students participating in programmes under the Philippine government.
- Participants in programmes organised by recognised international organisations.
- Immediate family members accompanying the principal foreign government official.
3. 9(e-3) Visa
- Household members of persons granted 9 (e-1) or 9 (e-2) visas.
Philippines Foreign Government Official Visa Application Document Requirements
Basic Requirements:
Completed Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form (FA Form No.
2-A).
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
One recent passport-size coloured photograph with a white
background and no eyeglasses.
Diplomatic Note (Note Verbale) or an equivalent official
endorsement from the sending government.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
For Spouse or Child
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
For Household Members
- Copy of the principal official’s passport bio-page.
- Copy of the principal official’s visa.
For officials of international organisations
- A diplomatic note from the sending organisation and, where required, an acceptance letter from the receiving office in the Philippines.
For posting or assignments in the Philippines
- An official notification of the assignment through a diplomatic note before travel.
Philippines Foreign Government Official Visa Application Processing Procedure
Prepare Documents
Prepare all required documents for the Philippines foreign government official visa application.
Submit Application
Fill out and submit the visa application through the appropriate Philippine embassy or consulate.
DFA Coordination
The embassy coordinates with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila for authorisation if required.
Visa Issued
Once the application is approved, the visa is issued and placed in the applicant’s passport.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The validity and authorised stay of a foreign government official's visa generally depend on the foreign government official's assignment or accreditation period.
eTravel Registration Requirement
All travellers entering the Philippines, including holders of diplomatic or official visas, must complete eTravel registration before arrival.
The registration should normally be submitted within 72 hours before travel, and the QR code generated by the system must be presented during immigration clearance at the airport.
Arrival at the Philippines Immigration Checkpoint
Upon arrival in the Philippines, travellers holding a 9(e) Foreign Government Official Visa must present their passport containing the visa stamp and the eTravel QR code during immigration inspection.
What happens if the official assignment in the Philippines is extended?
The embassy or mission should coordinate with the Philippine authorities to adjust the authorised stay in line with the updated assignment period.
Can a foreign government official travel with colleagues under the same 9(e) visa application?
No. Each traveller must submit a separate visa application and receive an individual 9(e) visa.
Important Notes for the Philippines Foreign Government Official Visa
- The visa is strictly for official government travel purposes.
- Applicants must comply with Philippine immigration regulations during their stay.
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