Los Angeles, CA
VISA REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES
I. Persons
Exempt from Visa Requirements
II. Types
of Philippine Visas
A.
Tourist
Visa (for Pleasure or Business)
B.
Visas
for Minors – Travelling Either Alone or Accompanied by a Guardian
C.
Non-Quota
Immigrant Visas
D.
Quota Visas
E.
Student
Visas
F.
Special
Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
III.
Applying by
Mail
IV.
Downloadable Forms
I. Persons Exempt from Visa
Requirements
Nationals of
countries which have diplomatic relations with the Philippines are
generally allowed entry into the country without securing a temporary
visitor’s visa from the Consulate if their stay does not exceed
twenty-one (21) days. Visitors availing of this no-visa privilege must
enter the Philippine for tourism purpose and must hold a round-trip or
onward travel airline ticket, which must be presented before Philippine
immigration authorities upon arrival at the port of entry in the
Philippines.
U.S. passport
holders are covered under this rule. If the intended stay in the
Philippines is beyond 21 days, an application for a temporary visa must
be filed at the Consulate.
There are
nationals of other countries who are classified as Restricted Nationals
by the Philippine Government. These Restricted Nationals are not
entitled to the 21-day no-visa privilege and must apply for a temporary
visa. Contact the Visa Section at (213) 639-0980 ext. 223 to inquire
whether your country of nationality falls under this category.
Returning
balikbayan may enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a
period one (1) year for tourism purposes. Under the Balikbayan Program
(Republic Act 6788) of the Philippine government, the term balikbayan
includes:
1. A Filipino
citizen who has been continuously out of the country for a period of at
least one (1) year from date of last departure
2. A Filipino overseas worker
3. A former
Filipino citizen and his family members as this term is defined
hereunder, who has been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or
returns to the Philippines provided that the former Filipino citizen can
show proof that his or her former Philippine citizenship (e.g.
old/cancelled Philippine passport, Birth Certificate, or naturalization
papers) upon arrival in the Philippines.
Foreigner spouses
and children travelling with the former Filipino citizens may avail of
this privilege by presenting before immigration officials legal
documents establishing relationship with the former Filipino citizen
upon arrival in the Philippines. These documents could either be a
Marriage Certificate (for spouses) or Birth Certificate (for children).
This privilege can only be availed of by family members/relatives if
they are traveling to the Philippines together with the balikbayan
(former Filipino).
(The term "family"
shall mean the spouse and the children of the balikbayan who are not
balikbayans in their own right travelling with the latter to the
Philippines).
Any questions? Try
FAQ or
contact us.
II. Types of Philippine Visas
A. Tourist Visa (for Pleasure
or Business)
The following
requirements must be submitted when applying for this type of visa:
o
Duly-accomplished visa application (F.A. Form 2). Application forms that
are incompletely filled-out will be returned to the applicant.
o
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.
o
One 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the last six (6) months. The
applicant’s signature must be affixed on the front side of the picture.
o
A photocopy of the applicant’s airline ticket or confirmed travel
itinerary
o
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
applicant’s capacity to financially support himself/herself during
his/her stay in the Philippines)
o
If applicant is not appearing in person before the Consular Officer, the
application form must be notarized by a local notary public.
o
The applicable fees for a tourist visa are as follows:
§
Single entry valid for three (3) months: US$30.00
§
Multiple entry valid for (6) months US$60.00
§
Multiple entry valid for twelve (12) months $90.00
NOTE: The
authorized maximum period of stay granted by the Philippine Consulate to
all temporary visitor’s visa applicants is fifty-nine (59) days. If the
applicant will stay beyond 59 days in the Philippines, an application
for extension of stay must be filed at the Bureau of Immigration in
Manila, or the Immigration office nearest to the place where the
applicant is temporarily residing.
Any questions? Try
FAQ or
contact us
B. Visas for Minors –
Travelling Either Alone or Accompanied by a Guardian
Children under
fifteen (15) years old going to the Philippines TRAVELLING ALONE OR
UNACCOMPANIED by parents (or to be accompanied during travel by an
individual other than a parent) or not coming to join a parent in the
Philippines must comply with the following requirements:
1. A
duly-accomplished visa application form (Form No. 2). This form may be
accomplished by a parent on behalf of the minor-applicant.
2. The minor’s
passport (the original passport itself must be submitted), which must be
valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the
Philippines.
3. One 2”x2”
photograph of the minor
4. Affidavit of
Request, Consent and Guaranty executed by either or both parents, duly
notarized by a local Notary Public or by a consular officer of the
Philippine Consulate General. This Affidavit must be presented before
immigration officials at the port of entry in the Philippines. The
Philippine Bureau of Immigration will issue a Waiver of Exclusion Ground
(W.E.G.) upon the minor’s arrival in the Philippines
5. Two photocopies
of the DATA page of the passport of the:
a.
accompanying guardian; and
b.
the child
6. Payment of
$30.00 for the visa processing fee
7. Payment of
$25.00 for notary fee if the Affidavit of Request, Consent and Guaranty
will be notarized by a consular officer.
8. Photocopy of
airline ticket or confirmed travel itinerary.
Any questions? Try
FAQ or contact us
C. Non-Quota Immigrant Visas
1. Spouse of a
Filipino citizen (13-a)
If the application
is made by a Spouse of a Filipino Citizen, the following documentary
requirements must be submitted:
a. Report of Marriage contracted outside the Philippines. Please click to view checklist. Click HERE to go to Consular Forms.
b.
Two copies of a duly-accomplished visa application (F.A. Form No. 3).
Application forms that are incompletely filled-out will be returned to
the applicant.
c. 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.
d.
Four (4) 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the last six (6) months.
The applicant’s signature must be affixed on the front side of the
picture.
e. Medical
Certificate (F.A. Form No.11) accomplished by a local physician. All
supporting documents must be submitted in triplicate (three copies). A
Chest x-ray plate (life-size) must accompany the certificate, together
with the results for the following tests: 1) stool (ova/parasite and
occult blood); 2) urinalysis; and 3) complete blood test (blood serology
and chemistry).
f. Local State Police clearance obtained within the last (6) months. The original and one (1) photocopy must be submitted.
g
. Proof of financial capacity (e.g. travellers cheques, latest print out showing statement of credit card account(s), latest print-out of bank account statements, ownership of real estate properties, and other documents showing the applicant’s capacity to financially support himself/herself during his/her stay in the Philippines)h.
Personal appearance of the applicant for an interview by the consular
officer.
i. Payment
of Immigrant Visa Fee of $150.00
j.
A duly notarized letter from the Filipino spouse requesting or
petitioning the issuance of an immigrant visa to his/her spouse. The
original and a photocopy must be submitted.
k.
Proof of Philippine citizenship of Filipino spouse (e.g. Philippine
passport or Philippine birth certificate)Marriage Certificate, both the
original and a photocopy.
2. Unmarried
Children under 21 years old of a Filipino citizen (13-a)
a.
Same as requirements (a) to (h) above (requirements for spouses of
Filipino citizens)
b.Birth
Certificate of the child or a certified true copy thereof.
c.
Proof of Filipino citizenship of a parent such as current Philippine
passport, birth certificate or baptismal certificate, etc.
d.Sworn
Statement of Financial Support executed by parents
e.Visa
Fee is $150.00
3. Natural Born
citizens of the Philippines who have acquired foreign citizenship (9-g)
a.
Same as the requirements (a) to (h) in item No. 1 (spouse of a Filipino
citizen).
b.Proof
of former Philippine citizenship such as expired Philippine passport,
birth certificate or baptismal certificate, etc.
c.
Naturalization papers
d.Visa
Fee of $150.00
Any questions? Try
FAQ or contact us
D. Quota Visas
Only 50 applicants
are approved annually for other categories of aliens whose countries
accept Filipinos as immigrants on a reciprocal basis. The Philippine
Consulate General receives the completed immigrant visa application with
enclosures indicated below and, in turn, is forwarded through the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for appropriate action by the
concerned agencies in the Philippines. When authority from the DFA for
the issuance of the visa allotting quota number is received, a personal
interview with a consular officer will follow prior to the actual
issuance of the immigrant visa.
Required
Documentation
o
Accomplished visa application (F.A. Form No. 3)
o
Submit original passport whose validity must extend at least six (6)
months beyond the length of purposed stay in the Philippines)
o
One 2" x 2" size photograph taken within the six (6) months.
o
Proof of financial capacity to travel may be required.
o
If applying by mail, enclosed a self-addressed stamped padded envelope
or a prepaid overnight mail envelope to ensure return of the passport.
o
Visa Fee of $150.00
Any questions? Try
FAQ or contact us
E. Student Visas
Procedures and
Requirements for the Issuance of Student Visa Under Section 9(f) of the
Philippine Immigration Law, as amended, and Executive Order No. 423
A. Policies
1. Any Philippine
Higher Education Institution (HEI) whose programs/courses are recognized
by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is authorized to accept
foreign students.
2. A bonafide foreign student is one who is at least eighteen years (18)
of age at the time of enrolment; has sufficient means for his education
and support; and seeks to enter the Philippines temporarily to take up
higher education course/program.
3. Spouses and unmarried dependent children below 21 years old of aliens
who are permanent foreign residents, holders of valid working permits
under Section 9(d), 9(g) and 47(a) (2) of the Philippine Immigration Act
of 1940, as amended, personnel of foreign diplomat and consular missions
residing in the Philippines, personnel of duly accredited international
organizations residing in the Philippines, holders of Special
Investor;'s Resident Visa (SIRV) and Special Retiree's Resident Visa
(SRRV) and foreign students coming to the Philippines with 47 (a) (2)
visas issued pursuant to existing laws, e.g. P.D. 2021 are exempted from
securing student visa and Bureau of Immigration Special Study permit.
4. The Certificate of Eligibility of Admission issued by CHED-Office of
Student Services (OSS) is required only in courses where restrictions or
quota on enrolment may exist due to shortage of facilities as in
Medicine and Dentistry
B.
Procedures in the Issuance of Student Visa
Step 1 –
Foreign
student who is at least 18 years of age at the time of enrolment
communicates directly with his choice of any Philippine HEI authorized
to admit foreign students and complies with the school's institutional
requirements, including submission of the following documents:
a.
Duly accomplished Visa Application Form (FA Form No. 2)
b.Certified
true copy of Personal History Statement
c.
Certified true copy of Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and CEA where
necessary (to be duly noted by Consular Officer
d.Medical
Health Certificate (FA Form No. 11), duly notarized, together with
laboratory reports of urine (urinalysis), stool (ova/parasites and
occult blood) and blood (routine)
e.Chest
x-ray plates and chest x-ray results
f.
Police clearance certificate bearing the signature of issuing police
officer and seal of law enforcement agency
g.
Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)$250.00 fee in cash, money order
or cashier's check (personal
checks are not accepted)Six 2x2 photos, taken within the last 6 months.
Step 2 –
The HEI,
satisfied with the student's compliance with its requirements, issues a
Notice of Acceptance (NOA) to the student and submits the original and
photocopy to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), together with all
the documents and shall be hand carried to the DFA by the HEI's
designated Liaison Officer
Step 3
– The DFA endorses the documents to the Philippine Consulate General (or
embassy as the case may be) located in the student's country of origin
or residence for the issuance of the student visa. Request for issuance
of the student Visa in places other than the student's country of origin
shall not be entertained.
Step 4
- The Philippine Consulate General notifies the student of the receipt
of the documents and requests him to appear in person before a consular
officer for interview and compliance with consular requirements. In
addition to the documents transmitted to the post by the DFA, students
must submit the following requirements to the Philippine Consulate in
triplicate:
a.
Duly accomplished Visa Application Form (FA Form No. 2)
b.Certified
true copy of Personal History Statement
c.
Certified true copy of Notice of Acceptance (NOA) and CEA where
necessary (to be duly noted by Consular Officer)
d.Medical
Health Certificate (FA Form No. 11), duly notarized, together with
laboratory reports of urine (urinalysis), stool (ova/parasites and
occult blood) and blood (routine)
e.Chest
x-ray plates and chest x-ray results
f.
Police clearance certificate bearing the signature of issuing police
officer and seal of law enforcement agency
g.
Passport (minimum validity of 6 months)
h.$250.00
fee in cash, money order or cashier's check (personal checks are not
accepted)
i.
Six 2x2 photos, taken within the last 6 months.
Step 5
– Upon arrival in the Philippines, the student shall report immediately
to the accepting HEI which shall assist him to obtain the Alien
Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for
Temporary Students (CRTS) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Step 6
– The DFA notifies the HEI, copy furnished CHED, BI, NICA and NBI, of
the issuance of a student visa to the student as soon as it receives a
report to this effect from the issuing post.
Note: A foreigner
wishing to study in the Philippines may also lodge a student visa
application if he/she is already in the Philippines. The application may
be made at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila. A prospective student
must ensure that all the required documents or scholastic records issued
by foreign schools must be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or
Consulate exercising jurisdiction of the place where the school is
located.
Any questions? Try
FAQ or contact us
F. Special Resident Retiree's
Visa (SRRV)
The Special
Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is a special non-immigrant visa separate
and distinct from the existing visa categories defined by the Philippine
Immigration Act of 1940, as amended, and allied laws. (Sec. 1, Rule II
of LOI 1470).
The issuance of
the SRRV to qualified PRA applicants, entitles the holder to reside in
the Philippines for an indefinite period with multiple-entry privileges
as long as the required minimum deposit investment subsists. (Sec. 2,
Rule II of LOI 1470).
Moreover, the SRRV
offers benefits which includes the exemption from the Exit Clearance,
Re-Entry and Annual Registration requirements of the Bureau of
Immigration, Travel Tax (provided the retiree has not stayed in the
Philippines for more than a year from date of last entry) Special Study
Permit, importation of household goods/personal effects worth US$7,000
for family use and other value added services.
Benefits
1.
Option to Reside Permanently
- may live, retire
and invest in the Philippines.
2.
Multiple Entry Privileges
- may travel
outside the Philippines, and re-enter anytime.
3.
Exemptions
a.
Exit clearance and re-entry permits of the Bureau of Immigration.
b.Annual
registration requirement of the Bureau of Immigration.
c.
Customs Duties and Taxes for the importation of personal effects and
household goods up to US$7,000.00.
d.Travel
tax, if stay in the Philippines is less than one year from the last
entry date.
e.Special
Study Permit.
4.
Assistance in securing/obtaining documents from other Government
Agencies such as:
a.
Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE)- Alien Employment Permit.
b.Land
and Transportation Office (LTO) – Driver’s License.
c.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
d.Department
of Foreign Affairs (DOF)- Tax Exemption/ Extension Certificate.
e.Bureau
of Internal Revenue (BIR) - Tax Identification Number.
5.
Tax-Free remittance of Annuities and Pensions
6.
Guaranteed Repatriation of the Requisite Time Deposit
For details on the Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV), please visit
the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) Web Site:
www.pra.gov.ph
Any questions? Try
FAQ or contact us
III. Applying by Mail
Applicants may
apply for visas by mail provided they submit the requirements, passport,
fee, and a self-addressed padded envelope with sufficient US Postage
stamps or any reliable form of mail or courier service to ensure the
return of the passport (e.g. FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) Metered stamps will
not be accepted.
Allow for at least
one week, upon receipt of your accomplished application and completed
requirements, for processing and issuance of your visa. If you wish, you
may call the Visa Section for confirmation of receipt of your documents.
The Consulate is
NOT RESPONSIBLE for any delay or loss in mail or any other
uncontrollable circumstances surrounding your application for a visa.
Any questions? Try
FAQ or
contact us.
IV. Downloadable Forms
Note: Most of
the documents below are in Rich Text Format (RTF). Should a pop-up menu
ask for a network password, click CANCEL to start downloading. Please
use legal-size paper (8.5" x 14") when printing out forms
·
Application for Non-Immigrant Visa (F.A. Form No. 2)
·
Application for Immigrant Visa - Quota/Non-Quota (F.A. Form No. 3)
·
Application for Special Investor's Residents Visa (SIRV)
o
BOI
Form SIRV 001A (Principal)
o
BOI Form
SIRV 001B (Dependent)
o
Personal History Statement Form
o
Deed of Undertaking Form (SIRV Form SH-001)
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