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The Philippines is known for its stunning beaches, mountains and wildlife sanctuaries. If you are interested in visiting this country you need a tourist visa. A tourist visa is also called a temporary visitor visa. Indian nationals can get this visa for up to 3 months for single entry, or for 6 months to a year for multiple entry. You can apply for this visa at a Philippine embassy or consulate in India. Read this blog to learn more about visa eligibility, requirements, application process, and fees.
This Blog Includes:
- Is there a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
- Is a Philippines Visa on Arrival for Indians?
- Can Indians Travel to the Philippines with a US visa?
- Eligibility Criteria for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians
- Requirements to Get a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians
- Where to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
- How to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
- How to Check the Philippines Tourist Visa Application Status?
- Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians: Fees & Validity
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
- Philipines Tourist Visa Processing Time
- Can I Covert My Temporary Visitor Visa to a Student Visa?
- Common Reasons for a Philipines Tourist Visa Rejection
- Examples of Visa Rejection by the Philippines Embassy
- Can I Appeal Against a Philippines Tourist Visa Rejection?
- FAQs
Is there a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
Yes. The Philippines offer its temporary visitor visa to Indian nationals. Indian nationals with ordinary passports can apply for this visa. On the other hand, Indian nationals with a visa/permanent residence permit from the following countries can enter visa-free
- The USA
- The UK
- The Schengen area
- Japan
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore
Is a Philippines Visa on Arrival for Indians?
Unfortunately, the Philippines does not provide a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian nationals. Therefore, those who want to apply for a visa need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate in India, and file their visa application. The visa can be a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
Can Indians Travel to the Philippines with a US visa?
Yes. Indian nationals can travel to the Philippines with a US visa. Such nationals do not need to apply for a visa. They are allowed visa-free entry for up to 14 days. Furthermore, this can be extended for an additional 7 days.
Eligibility Criteria for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians
To apply for a Philippine tourist visa ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You intend to visit the country for tourism purposes or want to visit your family/friends in the Philippines.
- You can also get this visa to undertake short-term studies in the country.
- You would leave the Philippines before the expiry of this visa
- You have relevant documents to prove that you meet the visa conditions
- You have funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
- Moreover, you agree to pay the visa processing fee
Requirements to Get a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians
To apply for a tourist visa you need to submit the relevant documents. The general documents you need to apply for this visa are provided below:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your stay
- A completed visa application form, and your photograph of 35mm x 45mm dimensions
- Cover letter explaining the purpose of your stay
- Proof of finances for your stay. That is the last 6 months’ bank statements and last 3 years’ ITR.
- Proof of accommodation arrangement in the Philippines. For example, a hotel booking
- Proof of Indian residency status. For example, Pan Card.
- Air tickets to return to India
- Special Power of Attorney (SPA) (applicable only for authorized representatives)
- Re-stamping requirements, (if applicable)
- Updated tourist visa extension (applicable solely for conversion visas)
- Re-stamping requirements, (if applicable)
- Any other additional documents (as requested by a consular officer)
Additional Documents for Undertaking Short-Term Study
As we have mentioned before, the Philippines temporary visitor visa/tourist visa is also granted for short-term studies in the country. Therefore, if you are a visitor visa holder, and intend to study you need the following documents to enter the Philippines.
- A police clearance certificate issued by Indian authorities
- Medical certificate provided by an authorised physician. This includes a chest X-ray and a Hepatitis B clearance.
- Scholastic records that are duly translated
- Affidavit supports duly translated
Learn about the top colleges for MBBS in the Philippines
Documents Required for Visa-Free Entry
You do not have to apply for a Philippines tourist visa for Indians if you hold a visa/permanent permit from an eligible country. For example, the UK. However, you need to showcase the following documents at any port of entry at a major international airport in the Philippines.
- A valid visa or permanent residence permit from an eligible country like the US, or Japan
- National passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay
- Return air ticket to your next destination.
- Moreover, you must not have a derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration.
Where to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
The application for a Philippine tourist visa can be sent to a Philippine embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also send the visa application through an authorised visa representative (if any, in your country).
How to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
Follow the instructions below to apply for a tourist visa. We recommend that you send this visa application offline- to an embassy or consulate of the Philippines in India.
- Visit the embassy or consulate nearest to you
- At the help desk, as queries regarding the visa application process. For example, how to schedule your visa appointment.
- You can then get the visa application form, and complete it
- Gather the relevant documents, and take it with you on the visa appointment day
- A visa interview may be conducted. If a visa interview takes place you need to clear the same
- You are also required to submit the visa application fee to the embassy or consulate
- After this, your visa application process will start.
- You will be informed about the status of your visa application either by SMS updates, email, etc. You can also check the status of your application online.
- Lastly, if your visa application is approved you can collect your passport from the embassy/consulate.
- If your visa application is rejected then, you will be informed of the reason for the rejection in the refusal letter.
To learn more about the Philippine tourist visa, application process, watch this video:
How to Check the Philippines Tourist Visa Application Status?
Follow the instructions below to check the status of your visa application.
- Visit the official website of the Bureau of Immigration (IB Philippines)
- Go to the visa application status check page
- Next, compare your visa application number (provided in the official receipt) with the application number in the agenda list.
Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians: Fees & Validity
The visa fees depend on the type of temporary visa you are applying for. The approximate visa fees are provided below:
| Visa | Type | Validity | Fees |
| 9A Visa (Temporary Visitors Visa) | Single Entry Visa | Up to 3 months | INR 3,520 |
| 9A Visa (Temporary Visitors Visa) | Multiple Entry Visa | Valid for 12 months | INR 10,560 |
| 9A Visa (Temporary Visitors Visa) | Multiple Entry Visa | Valid for 6 months | INR 7040 |
| 9B Transit Visa | Transit purpose | Valid for 72 hours | INR 3,520 |
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians?
To get the Philippines tourist visa you need to have a minimum amount of funds. The amount is required to ensure that you can take care of your living expenses.
| Visa | Minimum Amount Needed Per Person |
| Temporary visitor visa | INR 1 lakh |
Learn all about the cost of living in the Philippines
Philipines Tourist Visa Processing Time
The Philipines tourist visa processing time is provided below:
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Temporary Visitor Visa | 10-12 working days |
A visa application is only delayed if further verification is required.
Can I Covert My Temporary Visitor Visa to a Student Visa?
Yes. You are permitted to convert your temporary visitor visa/Philippines tourist visa for Indians to a student visa. You can get a student visa and a Special study permit (SSP) if you meet the following immigration requirements:
- Age- You must be at least 18 years of age
- Money-You have funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your stay
- Purpose of stay- Your purpose for staying in the country is to solely engage in studies
- Not excluded– You must not belong to a class of excluded foreigners, or have a reason for deportation
- Provide documents– You and the concerned higher education institution (where you have received the offer letter to study) have met the documentation requirements of the immigration authorities. For example, a written endorsement from the HEI to grant you a visa conversion
- Any other documents as applicable
Common Reasons for a Philipines Tourist Visa Rejection
Some of the common reasons why a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians can be rejected are provided below:
- Lack of proper documentation: If you have submitted inaccurate or incomplete visa details then your application can be rejected. Therefore, relevant and accurate documents have to be provided.
- Lack of sufficient documents- Another reason for a visa application rejection is the lack of sufficient funds. You need to have the necessary funds to cover your expenses.
- Questionable travel record- Those who have a history of overstaying their visas can get their visa application rejected.
- Criminal Record- Another reason for a visa application rejection is having a previous criminal record, Also, those who engage in fraudulent activities are also not given their visas/.
Examples of Visa Rejection by the Philippines Embassy
The following are the actual visa rejections that took place. The reason for the rejection is provided below for your understanding.
| Instances | Reason |
| A Chinese fugitive was arrested (named Luo Xinya) | Attempt to extend visa |
| BI halts entry of undesirable tourists (Vietnamese nationals | They posed as returning tourists (at NAIA) to seek illegal employment. |
| BI intercepts 2 Korean fugitives during visa extension application | They sought a visa extension |
Can I Appeal Against a Philippines Tourist Visa Rejection?
No. The Republic of the Philippines does not provide a visa appeal facility. This means that once a visa application is rejected you can contest the decision in court. However, reapplication is permitted. If you want to reapply, identify the reason for the visa rejection, rectify the mistake, and apply again. Seek legal guidance if you need it.
FAQs
No. The visa-on-arrival facility is not available for the Indian passport holders. However, Indian nationals holding a permanent residency permit or a visa from an eligible country can enter the Philippines for 14 days without a visa!
The Philipinnes visa cost depends on the visa type, The visa fare can start from INR 3,520 to INR 10,560. You may have to pay extra service fee to the visa application centre where you are applying from
The Philippines visa application process is straightforward. The visa approval rate stands at 98%. However, you are asked to apply early. Consider the processing time before submitting your application.
You can go to the Philippines from Indian by applying for a visa, A tourist visa will let you stay up to 3 months in the country. During this period, you can explore the country, and even visit your family and friends,
We hope you now understand all about the Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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