Everything You Need To About Philippines
Visa
Apart
from citizens who are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and member state whose nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines
visa-free, all other foreign nationals require a visa to enter Philippines.
For
citizens of the United Kingdom, a visa is not required if the traveler is not
staying inside Philippines for more than 30 days.
Depending
on the nature and intention of the foreign national’s visit, authorities in
Philippines used to issue different types of visas, and some of the most noted
ones are mentioned below.
Philippines
tourist visa
As
the name denotes, tourist visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to
visit Philippines for tourism-related activities that include sightseeing.
If a
United Kingdom citizen is planning to stay in Philippines for less than 30
days, there is no need to obtain a visa. Even though visa exempt for a stay up
to 30 days, the foreign national should make sure that his or her passport has
a minimum validity of six months and adequate blank pages.
The applicant should
also hold proof of sufficient funds, and should also have necessary documents
that detail the purpose of the trip.
However,
if the British national is planning to stay inside Philippines for more than 30
days, it is mandatory to obtain a tourist visa. In order to get a tourist visa,
all UK nationals should submit the documents mentioned below.
- All British nationals who want
to obtain a Philippines tourist visa should submit the original, signed UK
passport. The validity of this passport should be six months, and it
should also have one blank page. If the validity of your passport is less
than six months, travelers should renew it before submitting the
application.
- One passport-sized photograph
of the applicant taken within the last six months in a white background
should be submitted to get a Philippines tourist visa. The applicant should
sign in the front of the photograph.
- The applicant should submit
proof of UK residency status.
- It is necessary to submit livelihood
proof. As a proof of livelihood, foreign nationals should submit recent
bank statements that show sufficient funds in credit. Foreign nationals
can also submit an employment certificate disclosing the traveler’s
salary. It is also necessary to submit last three months’ salary slip or a
copy of applicant’s pension statement.
- If the foreign national has
faced arrest for criminal offense in the past, it is necessary to submit an
original Police Certificate issued in the last six months.
- A copy of recent utility bill
or driving license should be submitted as the applicant’s UK address.
- Apart from submitting the
original passport, the applicant should also submit the photocopy of the
passport’s information page.
- The visa application form to
get a Philippines tourist visa should be completed without any errors. In
case of any queries, travelers can contact Visa Genie, and we will assist
you in all steps of visa application.
Note:
Multiple entry visas will be granted to foreign nationals who have received single-entry
visas in the past.
The
application form to obtain a Philippines tourist visa should be signed and
notarized by notary public or solicitor.
Philippines
business visa
As
mentioned earlier, British nationals do not need to obtain a business visa if
he or she is staying inside Philippines for less than 30 days.
If planning to
stay inside the country for more than 30 days for business related activities,
obtaining a Philippines business visa is a must. In order to obtain a business
visa, all applicants should submit the below-mentioned documents.
- The passport of the applicant
should be submitted. While submitting the passport for obtaining a
Philippines business visa, please make sure that it has a minimum validity
of six months and one blank page for markings.
- A recent photograph of the applicant
should be submitted. Please make sure that the photograph is taken in a
white background. It should provide the full-frontal view of the applicant’s
head, and the face should be centered in the middle.
- It is mandatory to submit the applicant’s
proof of residence status in the United Kingdom.
- The applicant should submit recent
bank statements to show his or her financial health. Applicant’s should
also submit last three months’ pay slips. If retired, foreign nationals
can submit proof of retirement funds.
- It is necessary to submit a
business introduction letter issued by the traveler’s employer in the
United Kingdom. This employment letter signed by a senior manager should
be addressed to the Consulate of Philippines. The letter should detail the
nature and purpose of the foreign national’s visit, and should also state
the nature of business that will be conducted inside Philippines. The company
in the United Kingdom should also guarantee sufficient funds for the
foreign national’s trip.
- In order to get a Philippines
business visa, applicants should submit a business invitation letter from
the host company in Philippines. This letter written in the company’s
letterhead should be submitted to the Consulate of Philippines, Visa
Section. This signed business letter should introduce the applicant, and
should detail the nature of business which will be conducted inside Philippines.
The letter should also specify the type and desired validity of the
Philippines business visa. The company in Philippines should also guarantee
sufficient funds for the foreign national’s trip.
- The visa application form should
be completed without any errors.
Note:
The application form to obtain a Philippines business visa should be signed and
notarized by notary public or solicitor.
Philippines
transit visa
UK
citizens can stay visa exempt for 24 hours if the traveler is traveling to a
different destination through Philippines.
However, in order to stay visa-free while
transiting, applicants should meet the conditions mentioned below.
- The passport should be valid
for six months, and it should also have sufficient blank pages.
- The applicant should make sure
that he or she is not leaving the International transit area of the airport.
- It is necessary to hold proof
of sufficient funds.
- The traveler should hold proof
of onward and return flight tickets.
- It is mandatory to hold all
documents required for the next destination.
- It is necessary to hold a visa
for the next destination.
- Travelers should check with
the airline company that boarding is permitted without a visa as these
rules may change at any time.
If
the traveler is not meeting the above-mentioned criteria, it may be required to
take a visa to enter Philippines.
Philippines
Seaman visa
In
order to get a Philippines Seaman visa, all foreign nationals should submit the
below-mentioned documents.
- Applicant’s actual signed
passport which has six months validity and one blank page should be
submitted.
- A photograph of the applicant taken
in a white background should be submitted.
- As a proof of financial means,
foreign nationals should submit his or her recent bank statement.
- Applicant’s last three months’
salary slips should be submitted. If retired, applicants can submit proof
of retirement funds.
- A business introduction letter
issued by the traveler’s employer in the United Kingdom should be
submitted. This letter should detail the purpose of the trip, and it
should also explain ports of entry and exit.
- A standard criminal record
certificate of the applicant should be submitted.
- A photocopy of the applicant’s
passport should be submitted.
- The visa application form
should be completed without errors.
Note:
These visas are issued to foreign nationals intending to stay in Philippines
for longer than 21 days.