GENERAL INFORMATION
A Philippine Visa is an endorsement made on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad denoting that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entry to enter the country. The visa thus issued is not a guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted into the country, because the admission of foreign nationals into the Philippines is a function of the immigration authorities at the port of entry.
The admission of foreign citizens into the Philippines is governed by Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. The Bureau of Immigration is responsible for the administration of Philippine immigration laws and regulations.
VALIDITY OF A VISA
The period of validity of a visa indicates the time within which entry into the Philippines may be effected. It does not refer to the length of stay in the Philippines.
For example, a three month-valid single entry visa means a person may enter the Philippines within three (3) months from the date of issuance of that visa. The visa-holder must not interpret the three-month validity period of visa as permission to stay in the Philippines for three months.
If a traveler is in possession of a one-year or six-month multiple entry visa, this means that the traveler may enter the Philippines any number of times provided it is within one year or six months from the date of issuance of that visa. The visa-holder must not interpret the one-year or six-month multiple entry visa as permission to stay in the Philippines for one year or six months.
REMINDERS
Applicants are advised to make the application one month (FOR SINGLE ENTRY VISA) before the intended date of travel to the Philippines.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, visa processing will take seven (7) to ten (10) business days, excluding the time it will take for the applicant’s passport with visa sticker to be mailed. The application may require clearance from other government agencies in the Philippines. Adjust your travel schedule accordingly.
No refund of the visa fee will be given when the application has been denied or visa has been issued but was not used or could not be used during its validity period.
It is suggested that a ticketed reservation (paid ticket) be made only when the visa application has been approved.
Applicants must comply with all requirements and must extend courtesy to Embassy personnel.
Unruly or rude behavior may result in visa denial.
Visa is a privilege, not a right. Visa issuance does not guarantee entry to the Philippines.
The consular officer may also require additional documents from the applicant, depending on the purpose of the visit.
The Embassy receives visa applications only from residents of the Ottawa-Gatineau National Capital Region; Eastern Ontario; the Provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Territory of Nunavut; and Bermuda. For residents of other provinces, kindly visit the official website of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, in Calgary and in Toronto .
VISA-FREE ENTRY UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 408 (EO 408)
As governed by Executive Order No. 408 and the subsequent executive issuances amending it, the Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a list of eligible countries whose nationals may avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines provided that:
they are holders of passports valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay.
possess return tickets to their country of origin or outward-bound tickets to their next country of destination.
are not subject of blacklist/deportation order of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Bureau of Immigration
Visitors who intend to stay longer shall apply directly with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration when already in the Philippines for extension of their stay.
To check if your passport will require a visa to enter the Philippines, please visit: https://consular.dfa.gov.ph/visa-general-info/
Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay of thirty (30) days:
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil*
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel*
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Countries that are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of fifty-nine (59) days based on existing agreements.
Brazil
Israel
WHO MAY APPLY
Canadian passport holders, including former Filipinos
Nationals of countries covered by EO 408
All other foreign citizens with permanent residence or valid work permits
All foreign citizens who wish to apply for 9(a) temporary visitor’s visas will need to download the visa application form, accomplish it, have it notarized and mail it to the Embassy, together with the following requirements:
One passport-sized photograph taken during the last six (6) months (coloured with white background)
Original passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized period of stay in the Philippines
Original and photocopy of proof of permanent residency in Canada (i.e. permanent resident card, work permit card, etc), for non-Canadian passport holders
Copy of roundtrip ticket/s or flight reservation
Proof of financial capacity (i.e. bank statement, employment certificate, payroll slip, proof of pension, international credit card)
For business travelers, a letter from the sponsoring firm in the Philippines or in Canada stating the purpose of visit
Payment of visa fees in cash or debit if in person; or bank draft or postal money order (not personal cheque) in the exact amount payable to the EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, if by mail. Click here for the Schedule of Consular Fees. The Embassy will not be able to return any excess amount in the bank draft or postal money order.
WHERE/HOW TO SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS
Please book your appointment at https://appointment.ottawape.org/. The Embassy is located at 30 Murray St., Ottawa ON K1N 5M4.
Visa documents may also be mailed to:
Embassy of the Philippines
Attention: Consular Section - Visa Services
30 Murray St., Ottawa ON K1N 5M4
A prepaid self-addressed courier envelope (preferably with tracking features) must be enclosed to ensure the safe return of the applicant's passport and other documents (e.g.FedEx/DHL/Canada Post Xpresspost with signature sticker, etc.)
Please note requirements nos. 1 (notarized application form) & 7 (bank draft or postal money order for payment payable to PHILIPPINE EMBASSY) in mailing your documents.
The Embassy is not liable for any delays or loss of documents in the mail, which is a service provided by third parties.
PROCESSING PERIOD
The processing period of 9(a) temporary visitor’s visa is at least 7 to 10 business days from the day the applicant has completed the requirements.
VALIDITY
The maximum initial allowable stay of ALL holders of the Temporary Visitor's Visa, both single-entry and multiple-entry, is 59 days. Those whose stays in the Philippines will exceed 59 days must secure an extension of stay from the Bureau of Immigration and pay the required fees.
WHO MAY APPLY
Canadian passport holders including former Filipinos
Nationals covered by EO 408
All other foreign citizens with permanent residence or valid work permits (may be approved for multiple entry visa valid for six months only)
A multiple entry visa may only be issued in highly meritorious cases where:
The applicant has provided proof of need for multiple travels to the Philippines (see additional requirements below)
The Embassy has received security clearance on the individual from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency; and
The Embassy has received authority from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to issue the visa to the applicant.
HOW TO APPLY
Follow the procedure for 9(a) temporary visitor’s visa.
Additional requirements:
Signed letter requesting for a multiple-entry visa indicating the purpose why you need to travel to the Philippines multiple times, who will be traveling with you, expected date of travel to the Philippines and length of stay. You should also indicate in your letter that your wife/minor child is a Philippine citizen (if applicable) and whether you have visited the Philippines in the past.
Copy of document/s as proof of ties in the Philippines (e.g. Marriage certificate if married to a Filipino citizen or Birth Certificate if with a Filipino child) if applicable.
WHERE/HOW TO SEND YOUR DOCUMENTS
Follow the procedure for 9(a) temporary visitor’s visa
PROCESSING PERIOD
The processing of multiple entry visa requests takes at least 4 to 6 weeks (business days) from the day the applicant has completed the requirements.
VALIDITY
The maximum initial allowable stay of ALL holders of the Temporary Visitor's Visa, both single-entry and multiple-entry, is 59 days. Those whose stays in the Philippines will exceed 59 days must secure an extension of stay from the Bureau of Immigration and pay the required fees.
Applicants for other types of visas (e.g., seafarer/crew visas, and 9(e) diplomatic visas) should coordinate directly with the Embassy's visa section for assistance.
For additional visa inquiries, please call the Embassy at 613-233-1121 or email ottawape.consular@dfa.gov.ph.
VISA POLICY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
The Philippine Government announces the following visa policies applicable to Indian nationals starting 08 June 2025:
Indian nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days for tourism and business purposes, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation / booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible period of 30 days for tourism, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
These updated visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry, and are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in order to be admitted into the country without a visa.
Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals.
VISA POLICY FOR CHINESE NATIONALS
The Government of the Philippines announces that Chinese nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days for tourism and business purposes, effective 16 January 2026, subject to the following conditions:
Presentation of a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay;
Confirmed hotel accommodation or booking; and
A return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
Entry under this visa-free privilege shall be allowed only through the following designated ports of entry:
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Metro Manila
Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu
Chinese nationals transiting through the Philippines en route to a third country are required to obtain a Philippine transit visa prior to entry.
All Chinese nationals availing of the visa-free privilege must have no derogatory records with the Bureau of Immigration.
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The following may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay not exceeding seven (7) days provided that they possess a return or onward ticket:
1) Holders of Hong Kong British passports; and
2) Mainland Chinese for tourism with a valid or unexpired Australian, Japanese, Canadian, Schengen or US visa.
The 7-day visa-free entry may be extended by an additional fourteen (14) days to complete a maximum of twenty-one (21) days.
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Hong Kong SAR passport holders may enter the Philippines visa-free for an initial stay of fourteen (14) days.
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Macau SAR passport holders may enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial stay of fourteen (14) days, provided, that they possess a return or onward ticket.
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Unaccompanied non-Filipino minors traveling to the Philippines must obtain a Temporary Visitor’s Visa prior to travel, regardless of the length of stay in the Philippines.
Furthermore, under Section 29(a)(12) of the Philippine Immigration Act, non-Filipino children below 15 years of age who are unaccompanied by a parent or not joining a parent already in the Philippines can be excluded from entry to the Philippines. However, such unaccompanied children may be granted entry upon securing a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the Bureau of Immigration on arrival in the Philippines.
The WEG is a requirement of Philippine immigration authorities.
The adult accompanying the child(ren) must bring the documentary requirements listed below and upon arrival at the port of entry in the Philippines, obtain application forms for the Waiver of Exclusion (WE) from the Immigration Duty Supervisor (IDS). The accomplished WE application form and documentary requirements will be submitted to the IDS. A waiver fee will apply for each child.
The documentary requirements of the WEG are the following:
Letter addressed to the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines from the parent requesting the granting of Waiver of Exclusion Ground and allowing the entry of the child(ren) to the Philippines. The letter must name the adult accompanying the child and representing the parent(s) during the trip;
Affidavit of Consent of either parent of the child(ren), notarized by the Embassy;
Photocopy of the child(ren)’s passport information page;
Photocopy of the parent(s)’s passport information page;
Copy of the child(ren)’s flight itinerary indicating the departure from the Philippines;
Copy of the invitation (from sponsoring institution or sponsoring parent) for the child(ren) to come to the Philippines;
Waiver Fee of PHP 3,500.00 per minor child to be paid to Philippine immigration authorities upon arrival in the Philippines
Information on the WEG can be accessed at the following links to the website of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/waiverforexclusion-ground
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/services/others/waiver-for-exclusion-ground
The Balikbayan Program, as instituted by Republic Act 6768 as amended by Republic Act 9174, was launched by the Philippine Government in 1989 "to attract and encourage overseas Filipinos to come and visit their motherland.”
The Balikbayan Privilege granted by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration upon entry allows former Filipino citizens (Balikbayan) who have acquired citizenship from visa-free countries to enter the Philippines visa-free for one year. This privilege also extends to their foreign family members, allowing them to stay for one year without a visa if they are traveling with the Balikbayan.
Under the program, the visa-free entry privilege is granted to:
a. A Balikbayan, who may be either one of the following:
i. A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year;
ii. A Filipino overseas worker;
iii. A former Filipino citizen and his family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines.
b. Immediate family members (spouse and children) of the Balikbayan, who are nationals of countries falling under EO 408, travelling together with the Balikbayan.
Those who are admitted as Balikbayan are given an initial stay of one (1) year. They may extend their stay for another one (1), two (2) or six (6) months provided that they present their valid passport and a dully-filled-out visa extension form and submit it to the Visa Extension Section in the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Main Office or any BI Offices in the Philippines. An additional requirement will be asked for Balikbayan who have stayed in the Philippines after thirty six (36) months.
To avail of the Balikbayan Privilege entry, the Balikbayan may be required to present the following as proof of being a former Philippine citizen at the port of entry such as:
Old Philippine passport, or
Philippine birth certificate,
RA 9225 Identification Certificate
Immediate family members (spouse and children only) of the Balikbayan can also avail of the visa-free entry privilege provided they are travelling together with the Balikbayan, pay immigration fees, and observe and comply with immigration rules and regulations. In addition to showing their foreign passport, a family member must present:
Birth Certificate (with English translation), in case of children;
Marriage Certificate (with English translation), in case of spouse; and
Adoption papers (proof of adoption), in case of legally adopted children
According to the Bureau of Immigration, the Balikbayan Privilege can be availed of by the foreign member of a balikbayan's family EVERY TIME they enter the Philippines with the balikbayan (former Filipino/dual citizen) AND NOT ONLY ONCE A YEAR.
Please note that only family members of balikbayans from countries whose citizens enjoy the no-visa entry for 21-day stay may avail themselves of the balikbayan privilege and be able to stay in the Philippines for a period of one year without having to apply for a temporary visitor's visa. All other nationals must secure entry visas prior to their travel to the Philippines.
If a balikbayan has used his/her privilege and stayed in the Philippines for one year, he/she may apply for an extension of stay for multiples of two months up to one additional year by paying the appropriate fees at the nearest Bureau of Immigration office.
For the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about immigration rules, please visit: https://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/