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The Philippines 9A is the standard tourist visa, though many travelers get 30 days visa-free without one. Here is how single and multiple-entry 9A visas work, what they cost, the 59-day stay limit, and what you can legally do while you are in the country.
A tourist visa, also known as a Philippines 9A visa or temporary tourist visa, allows you to visit the Philippines for leisure, business trips, religious pilgrimages, sightseeing, or health reasons. A single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 59 days. You can apply for it through a Philippine consulate or embassy in your home country.
Foreign nationals who are subject to deportation or blacklist orders from the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Bureau of Immigration are not eligible to apply for a tourist visa and will not be admitted to the Philippines.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What You Can Do With a Tourist Visa
- Visa-Free Entry or a 9A Visa: Which Do You Need?
- Types of Temporary Visas
- Tourist Visa Fees
- Philippine Immigration Requirements for Tourist Visa
- Applying For Tourist Visa
- Overstaying
- Extension of Stay
- Extending Your Stay: Day 30, Day 59 and Beyond
- ACR I-Card, Exit Clearance and Overstay Fines
- Cancellation
- Changing From One Visa Type to Another
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Now, on to You
- Sources Cited
Key Takeaways
- The 9A is the Philippines tourist visa, covering leisure, business trips, medical tourism, and sightseeing.
- Many nationalities don’t need it at all: visa-free entry gives up to 30 days (59 for Brazil and Israel).
- A single-entry visa costs about US$30 at a US consulate, and multiple-entry visas valid 6 or 12 months cost around US$60 and US$90.
- Each stay is capped at 59 days, after which you extend at the Bureau of Immigration or exit and re-enter.
- You can rent a car, rent property, and open a foreign-currency account, but you cannot buy land.
- Overstaying carries a fine of ₱500 per month at the Bureau of Immigration, plus an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) if you have stayed six months or more.
What You Can Do With a Tourist Visa
If you are a tourist visa holder, you can rent a car in the Philippines for up to 90 days so you can explore the country at your own pace. Rental companies may require you to present your passport, a major credit card, and a valid driver’s license from your home country (or an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English).
Also, it’s possible to open a foreign currency deposit account in the Philippines with a tourist visa.
You can also rent a condominium or a house but cannot buy land or a house and lot. You can also legally buy condo units as long as at least 60% of the building is owned by Filipinos.
Visa-Free Entry or a 9A Visa: Which Do You Need?
Check your passport first. If your country is on the Philippines’ visa-free list, you can arrive without a 9A and stay for 30 days. Everyone else applies for a 9A at a Philippine embassy or consulate before flying. (Verified October 2026.)
| Passport | Visa-free stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 157 countries on the E.O. 408 list, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan and Ireland | 30 days | Passport valid for 6 months beyond your stay, plus a return or onward ticket |
| Brazil and Israel | 59 days | Same conditions |
| India | 14 days, extendable by 7 days to 21 | A valid or unexpired visa or permanent residence permit for Japan, Australia, Canada, the Schengen area, Singapore, the UK or the US, plus a return or onward ticket |
| Mainland China | 7 days, extendable by 14 days to 21 | For tourism, with a valid or unexpired Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa and a return or onward ticket |
| Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR | 14 days | A return or onward ticket |
The airline or the border officer can ask for your onward ticket, so have it ready. The visa-free 30 days can be extended, and the sections below show how.
Register on eTravel before you fly. The Bureau of Immigration tells arriving foreigners to register or update their eTravel details at least 72 hours before travel, on the eTravel website or in the eGovPH app. It’s free, and foreigners who give false information can be denied entry.
Types of Temporary Visas
You can apply for a tourist visa if you want to visit the Philippines to spend your holidays in the tropics. You can also visit the Philippines if you want to avail of medical tourism provided that you are getting treatment for a non-contagious or non-communicable disease.
Single-Entry Tourist Visa
A single-entry tourist visa is valid for three months and allows you to stay in the Philippines for a maximum of 59 days (or as indicated on your visa). Once you exit the Philippines, you need to apply for another visa if you wish to re-enter the country even if the previous tourist visa is still valid.
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
A multiple-entry tourist visa is valid for six months and allows you to stay in the Philippines for a maximum of 59 days per stay. Before the 59 days are over, you can extend it at the Bureau of Immigration or exit the country and re-enter to reset the 59-day period for staying in the Philippines. You can exit and re-enter the country an unlimited number of times within the six months validity of the visa.
Visa Exemption
Citizens from specific countries can stay in the Philippines without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. Among the visa-exempted countries, citizens of Brazil or Israel can stay in the Philippines for a maximum of 59 days on a visa exemption scheme.
Also, you will need to show a proof of onward or return ticket.
Visa Upon Arrival (SEVUA)
Visa upon arrival (SEVUA) is a special type of visa available to individuals visiting the country in an official capacity, such as athletes or delegates to sports competitions, participants in international conventions, and others identified by the Bureau of Immigration.
Tourist Visa Fees
A single-entry tourist visa costs US$30 at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. Each embassy sets its fee in its own currency, so the embassy in Canberra charges AUD54 for the same visa.
A multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months costs US$60 in Los Angeles (AUD108 in Canberra), and one valid for 12 months costs US$90 (AUD162).
The maximum stay in the Philippines per entry is 59 days so you’ll need to exit the country and re-enter or apply for an Extension of Stay.
Philippine Immigration Requirements for Tourist Visa
If you want to apply for a tourist or temporary visitor’s visa, be sure to bring the following documents:
Passport
Your passport needs to be valid at least 6 months after your expected stay in the Philippines. If your passport is about to expire or will expire during your stay in the Philippines, be sure to renew your passport in your country’s foreign affairs office before applying for a Philippine tourist visa.
You also need to ensure that you have enough blank pages in your passport for your visa stamp. Renew your passport if you have less than two blank pages to avoid problems with the immigration officer at the point of entry.
Visa Application Form
Download and fill up a visa application form. Be sure to avoid any erasures which could place your application into question.
Confirmed Return Tickets
Photocopy of confirmed tickets back to your own country or your next country of destination.
Passport Photos
Two pieces of passport photos measuring 2×2 inches with a white background.
Proof of Financial Capacity
You need to prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the Philippines. You can present the latest print-out of your credit card account, the latest print-out of your bank statement, or documents proving ownership of real estate properties.
Check with the Philippine consulate in your home country because the consulate may require more than one document proving your financial capacity.
While the financial requirement isn’t officially listed, a general rule of thumb is to have around US$200 per day that you intend to stay in the Philippines. For example, if you plan on staying in the Philippines for 7 days, you should be able to show proof that you have at least US$1,400 in your bank account.
Waiver of Exclusion Grounds
This is a required document for children below 15 years old who will travel to the Philippines alone or without a parent or legal guardian.
Although the list above includes the standard requirements for the application, the visa officer may request additional documents at his or her discretion.
Applying For Tourist Visa
If you are applying for a tourist visa, you can do so in person or by mail. You can proceed to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
If the applicant is a minor below 18 years of age, the applicant’s parents or legal guardians may process the application on the applicant’s behalf. The visa officer may require the applicant and the person applying on behalf of the minor to physically appear at the embassy or the consulate for an interview.
Call the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your home country to schedule an application or ask for requirements for a tourist visa application.
The entire application process can take up to 10 working days to complete, depending on the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
To avoid any delays, ensure that your application is in order and that you submit all the required documents. It is also best to apply for a visa ahead of your planned travel date to ensure that you receive your visa on time.
Overstaying
Your tourist visa will remain valid and allow you to stay in the Philippines if you don’t violate its provisions.
Extend your visa at least a week ahead of its expiration. The Bureau of Immigration’s fee schedule lists an overstay fine of ₱500 per month. If you overstayed for less than 6 months, you need to settle your overstay fees and fines at the Bureau of Immigration before you can leave the country. If you overstayed for more than 6 months, you need to settle your fines and fees at the BI and obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC).
Overstaying for more than 12 months means that before you can settle your fines and obtain your Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), you need to secure a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). An NBI Clearance typically costs around ₱130–₱200 (about US$2–US$4) depending on processing fees. It serves as proof that you don’t have any criminal records during your stay in the country.
Extension of Stay
A visa waiver will allow you to extend your stay in the country for an additional 29 days if your initial visa is valid for 30 days. Be sure to submit your application at least one week before the end of your stay.
You can also apply for an Extension of Stay if you have already been in the country for 59 days and want to stay longer. To do this, you need to proceed to the Bureau of Immigration and present your original passport, an application form, and a sworn statement for updating your stay.
You need to pay a fee of ₱500 per month and other fees such as:
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₱300 |
| Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) Fee | ₱1,000 for adults (₱500 under 14), plus US$50 for the ACR I-Card |
| Certification Fee | ₱500 |
| Emigration Clearance Certificate | ₱700 for adults (₱200 under 14) |
| Legal Research Fee | ₱50 |
| Visa Sticker Fee | ₱100 |
Extending Your Stay: Day 30, Day 59 and Beyond
A tourist visa doesn’t cap your trip at 30 or 59 days. You can keep extending at the Bureau of Immigration (BI). (Verified October 2026.)
- Day 1 to 30: visa-free entry for passports on the E.O. 408 list.
- Day 31 to 59: your first extension, called a visa waiver, adds 29 days. BI’s fee page totals it at PHP3,030.
- After day 59: extend by 1, 2 or 6 months at a time. File at least a week before your current stay ends.
- The ceiling: BI’s FAQ says visa-free nationals can extend for up to 36 months in total and visa-required nationals for up to 24 months, counted from your latest arrival.
What a 1-Month and 2-Month Extension Costs
BI publishes a fee schedule by age. These are the adult figures for someone from a visa-free country, past day 59. Its page says fees can change without notice, so confirm the total at the counter.
| Item | 1 month | 2 months |
|---|---|---|
| Extension fee | PHP500 | PHP1,000 |
| Application fee | PHP300 | PHP300 |
| Alien Certificate of Registration fee | PHP1,000 | PHP1,000 |
| Head tax (over 16) | PHP250 | PHP250 |
| Certification fee | PHP500 | PHP500 |
| Express fee | PHP1,000 | PHP1,000 |
| Emigration Clearance Certificate fee | PHP700 | PHP700 |
| Legal research fee | PHP50 | PHP50 |
| Visa sticker fee | PHP100 | PHP100 |
| Total | PHP4,400 | PHP4,900 |
The ACR I-Card for tourists costs US$50 on top. You can file at the BI main office or another immigration office, and BI’s website also links online Tourist Visa Extension and Visa Waiver services. You can send a representative if you give them a Special Power of Attorney.
ACR I-Card, Exit Clearance and Overstay Fines
Long stays bring two pieces of paperwork. Both come from BI. (Verified October 2026.)
- ACR I-Card: BI says every foreigner whose stay passes 59 days needs one, including tourist visa holders. It’s a chip card that works as your ID in the Philippines. For tourists it costs US$50 on BI’s fee page.
- Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC): if you’ve been in the Philippines on a tourist visa for six months or more, you need an ECC before you leave. BI says to apply at least 72 hours before departure.
- Overstay fine: BI’s fee schedule lists PHP500 per month for overstaying, on top of the extension fees.
- Blacklist: BI’s FAQ names overstaying as one of the common reasons for a blacklist order, and a blacklist order bars you from re-entering.
File your extension a week ahead and you’ll avoid the fine. BI’s FAQ gives seven days as the lead time.
Cancellation
Before going to the Philippines, try to learn more about the country, its culture, and its customs so you can make the most out of your stay. On top of making your stay more memorable, violating local customs and regulations can result in the revocation of your visa and possible deportation.
A simple rule of thumb is to not do something that you wouldn’t normally do in your home country (except smoking cannabis if it is legal in your country because using cannabis is illegal in the Philippines).
Successfully securing a tourist visa doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed entry into the country because there are instances of visa cancellation at the port of entry.
The immigration officer can cancel your visa if the officer finds out that you used falsified documents or provided false information during your visa application.
Visa cancellation is also possible if you are non-compliant with the conditions of your visa. An example is if you have a tourist visa but decided to work during your stay in the Philippines. You need a work visa or a provisional work permit if you plan to seek employment during your stay in the Philippines.
You can also voluntarily request the cancellation of your visa if you no longer want to go to the Philippines. There is no cancellation fee but you cannot request a refund of your visa application fees.
Changing From One Visa Type to Another
It is possible to change your tourist visa to a work visa if you want to work in the Philippines, but you need to apply for a provisional work permit at the Bureau of Immigration first. You need to personally appear at the Bureau of Immigration to facilitate your request. Be sure to bring the required documents and an application form.
Take note that changing an immigrant visa to a tourist visa is required for immigrant visa holders who no longer wish to stay in the Philippines. Common reasons include the termination of the marriage to a Filipino spouse or the end of an employment contract.
One of the requirements to cancel an immigrant visa is to cancel the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Cards (ACR I-Card). To do so, you will be required to change your immigrant visa to a tourist visa first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?
It depends on your passport. Nationals of the 157 countries on the Philippines’ E.O. 408 list can enter without a visa for 30 days. Your passport must be valid 6 months beyond your stay, and you need a return or onward ticket. Everyone else applies for a 9A before travelling.
How much does a Philippines tourist visa cost?
It depends on where you apply. The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles charges US$30 for a single-entry visa valid three months, US$60 for a six-month multiple-entry visa and US$90 for a 12-month multiple-entry one. Canberra charges AUD54, AUD108 and AUD162. Applicants from restricted countries pay more (AUD72 and AUD144 for the first two types in Canberra).
How long can I stay in the Philippines as a tourist?
You get 30 days visa-free or 59 days on a 9A visa. Past that, you extend at the Bureau of Immigration. Visa-free nationals can extend for up to 36 months in total and visa-required nationals for up to 24 months. For a long stay, you’ll want travel insurance for the Philippines, or look at the retirement visa if you plan to settle.
Can I extend my tourist visa online?
Partly. The Bureau of Immigration’s website links online Tourist Visa Extension and Visa Waiver services, and you can still file in person at any BI office. A representative can file for you with a Special Power of Attorney. Apply at least seven days before your stay runs out.
What is eTravel and do I need it?
eTravel is the Philippines’ free online arrival registration. The Bureau of Immigration tells arriving foreigners to register or update it at least 72 hours before they travel, through the eTravel website or the eGovPH app.
What happens if I overstay?
You pay a fine, which the BI fee schedule lists at PHP500 per month, plus your extension fees. Tourists who have stayed six months or more need an Emigration Clearance Certificate before they leave. Overstaying can also land you on the blacklist, which bars you from coming back.
Now, on to You
If you want to visit the Philippines to enjoy its amazing beaches and awe-inspiring natural wonders, a tourist visa is a must. Or you can take advantage of the visa-exempt privileges that your home country is accorded with. Although the processing and requirements may seem daunting, with the right information, you can apply for your tourist visa with minimal stress and hassle.
Sources Cited
- Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Tourist Visa 9(a): US$30, US$60 and US$90 fees, 59-day maximum stay, extension at the Bureau of Immigration.
- Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Schedule of Fees: AUD54, AUD108 and AUD162 for the 9(a) visa, restricted-national fees.
- Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, No-visa entry countries under E.O. 408: the 157-country 30-day list, Brazil and Israel at 59 days, India, mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau rules.
- Bureau of Immigration, Temporary Visitor (9A) Visa Waiver and extension beyond 59 days: visa waiver fee total of PHP3,030, adult extension fee tables, overstay fine of PHP500 a month, ACR I-Card for tourists.
- Bureau of Immigration, FAQs: 29-day waiver, 1, 2 or 6-month extensions, 36 and 24-month ceilings, ACR I-Card after 59 days, ECC for stays of six months or more, blacklist for overstaying.
- Bureau of Immigration, Advisory: eTravel Registration: register at least 72 hours before travel.
- Philippine Travel Information System (eTravel): the official, free registration site.
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