Philippines Tourist Visa Guide for Indians 2026

Indian citizens have three pathways to visit the Philippines for tourism, depending on the length and nature of their stay:

1. Visa-Free Entry (14 Days) — Effective June 8, 2025, all Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 14 days. This privilege is non-extendable and non-convertible, meaning you cannot extend your stay or switch to another visa category once inside the country. Entry is permitted at any international port of entry.

2. Visa-Free Entry via AJACSSUK (30 Days) — Indian nationals who hold a valid visa or permanent residence permit from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or any Schengen country can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The visa must be valid at the time of entry, and single-entry visas qualify as long as they remain valid. This stay is also non-extendable and non-convertible.

3. E-Visa (9A Temporary Visitor's Visa, Up to 59 Days) — For stays longer than the visa-free period or for travellers who do not meet visa-free conditions, the Philippines e-visa is the recommended option. Apply entirely online through the official portal at evisa.gov.ph. Single-entry e-visas cost ₹6,240 and allow a maximum stay of 59 days. Processing takes 7-12 working days.

4. Embassy Sticker Visa (9A) — For those who prefer in-person application or require specific visa validity, the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi issues sticker visas. Single-entry (3 months) costs ₹3,840, multiple-entry (6 months) costs ₹7,680, and multiple-entry (1 year) costs ₹11,520. Processing takes 5-10 working days for single-entry and 10-15 working days for multiple-entry visas.

5. Transit Visa (9B) — Required for Indians who need to exit the airport during a layover in the Philippines. Valid for 72 hours and costs ₹3,840. Most airside transits do not require a separate visa.

The Philippines tourist visa is available to Indian citizens who meet the following criteria:

For Visa-Free Entry (14 Days):

·        Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay

·        Confirmed hotel accommodation or booking for the entire stay

·        Proof of financial capacity to cover expenses during the trip

·        Confirmed return or onward ticket departing within 14 days

·        No derogatory record with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration

For Visa-Free Entry via AJACSSUK (30 Days):

·        All of the above conditions

·        A valid visa or permanent residence permit from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or a Schengen country

·        The AJACSSUK visa must be valid at the time of entry into the Philippines

For E-Visa or Embassy Visa (Stays Beyond 14/30 Days):

·        Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay

·        At least two blank pages in the passport

·        Duly completed visa application form

·        One recent passport-size photograph with white background

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, stamped and signed by the bank

·        Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

·        Hotel booking or proof of accommodation

·        Cover letter explaining the purpose of visit

Ineligibility Factors:

·        Previous immigration violations in the Philippines

·        Passport validity less than 6 months from the date of departure from the Philippines

·        Criminal record or pending legal proceedings

·        Incomplete or fraudulent documentation

·        Previous deportation or visa refusal from the Philippines

For Visa-Free Entry (Both 14-Day and 30-Day Options):

·        Valid Indian passport with 6+ months validity beyond your departure date

·        Confirmed return or onward flight ticket (departure within 14 or 30 days)

·        Hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay

·        Proof of financial capacity (bank statement, credit card, or cash)

·        eTravel registration QR code (mandatory — register at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival)

·        Valid AJACSSUK visa or residence permit (only for 30-day visa-free entry)

For E-Visa (9A Temporary Visitor's Visa):

·        Original Indian passport valid for 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages

·        One passport-size photograph (white background, taken within the last 6 months)

·        Duly completed visa application form (available on evisa.gov.ph)

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, stamped and signed by the bank

·        Confirmed return or onward flight ticket

·        Hotel booking confirmation for the entire stay

·        Cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of the visit

·        Proof of employment (employment certificate with salary details) or business registration for self-employed applicants

For Embassy Sticker Visa (9A):

·        All documents listed above for e-visa

·        Additional documents may be requested at the discretion of the visa officer

Financial Documents:

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing consistent balance

·        No official minimum balance, but ₹1,00,000+ (~$1,200) recommended for a 14-day trip

·        Sudden large deposits may raise questions — maintain consistent balances

·        Credit card statements can supplement but not replace bank statements

Official Fees (Effective November 1, 2025, from the Philippine Embassy New Delhi):

Visa-Free Entry: ₹0 (completely free)

Additional Costs:

·        Service fees (if using a travel agent): ₹1,000–₹3,000 per application

·        Photographs: ₹100–₹300

·        Photocopies: ₹50–₹200

·        Courier or postal fees (if applicable): ₹200–₹500

Payment Methods:

·        At the Embassy: Cash (Indian Rupees), Demand Draft payable to "Philippine Embassy," or UPI payment

·        For e-visa: Online payment through the evisa.gov.ph portal

Important: Visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected.

For Visa-Free Entry (No Application Required):

Simply ensure you have all required documents ready for presentation at immigration upon arrival. Complete your eTravel registration at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure. No visa application is needed.

For E-Visa (Online Application):

·        Step 1: Visit evisa.gov.ph and create an account

·        Step 2: Complete the online application form with personal, passport, and travel details

·        Step 3: Upload required documents (passport bio page, photograph, flight tickets, hotel bookings, bank statements)

·        Step 4: Pay the visa fee online through the portal

·        Step 5: Submit the application and note the application reference number

·        Step 6: Wait for processing (7-12 working days)

·        Step 7: Receive the approved e-visa via email and through your account dashboard

·        Step 8: Print a copy of the e-visa to present at immigration upon arrival

For Embassy Sticker Visa (In-Person Application at Philippine Embassy, New Delhi):

·        Step 1: Download and complete the visa application form from newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph

·        Step 2: Gather all required documents (originals and photocopies)

·        Step 3: Visit the Philippine Embassy at 50-N Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM (walk-in, no appointment needed)

·        Step 4: Submit the complete application and pay the fee

·        Step 5: Receive an acknowledgment receipt with a transaction number and collection date

·        Step 6: Collect the passport with the visa sticker between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM on the specified collection date

Application through Travel Agency:

Authorised travel agencies affiliated with OTOAI, TAFI, or TAAI can submit applications on your behalf. The visa application form must still be filled out by you personally.

Important: Visa applications submitted by mail or courier are not accepted.

Processing Notes:

·        Weekends and Philippine/Indian public holidays are not counted as processing days

·        Express processing (5 working days) is available at the Embassy for an additional fee of ₹960

·        Peak seasons: December–January (Christmas and New Year holidays) and March–May (summer vacation)

·        Lowest volumes: June–August (monsoon season)

·        Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date during peak periods

Common Delays:

·        Incomplete or incorrectly filled application forms

·        Bank statements not stamped or signed by the bank

·        Missing hotel booking confirmations

·        Insufficient financial documentation

There is no officially mandated minimum bank balance for a Philippines tourist visa. However, immigration officers assess your financial capacity based on the length and nature of your stay.

Recommended Bank Balances:

Financial Documentation Requirements:

·        Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, stamped and signed by the bank

·        Consistent balance history without sudden large deposits

·        Salary slips for the last 3 months (for employed applicants)

·        IT returns for the last 2-3 years (for self-employed applicants)

·        Fixed deposit certificates or other proof of assets (supplementary)

What Immigration Officers Look For:

·        Sufficient funds to cover accommodation, food, transport, and activities

·        Evidence of stable income and financial stability

·        Ties to India (employment, business, family) that ensure return

·        Credit card with adequate limit (supplementary proof)

Trip Cost Estimator for a 7-Day Philippines Trip:

Looking for more Southeast Asian adventures? Our Thailand tourist visa guide covers the Land of Smiles, our Vietnam tourist visa guide explores Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, and our Indonesia tourist visa guide takes you to Bali and beyond.

7,641 islands — and each one has its own personality. The Philippines is not just a destination; it is a collection of thousands of experiences waiting to unfold. Palawan delivers the most beautiful island seascapes on the planet — El Nido's limestone karsts rising from emerald lagoons, Coron's shipwreck dive sites, and the subterranean river of Puerto Princesa. Boracay offers powdery white sand and world-class nightlife. Cebu combines city energy with waterfalls and whale shark encounters. Bohol reveals the geological wonder of the Chocolate Hills and the adorable tarsier. Siargao is the surfing capital of Southeast Asia. And Manila is a sprawling, chaotic, endlessly fascinating metropolis.

For Indian travellers, the Philippines holds special appeal. The cuisine shares surprising parallels with Indian flavours — adobo (soy-garlic stew), sinigang (tamarind soup), and lechon (roasted pig) feel familiar yet distinct. The warmth of Filipino hospitality, known locally as "pakikisama," makes visitors feel genuinely welcome. English is widely spoken across the islands, eliminating the language barrier that can complicate travel elsewhere in Asia. And the cost of travel is remarkably affordable.

Indian travellers fall in love with the Philippines for reasons that go beyond postcard-perfect beaches. The Chocolate Hills of Bohol — 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn brown in the dry season — are unlike anything else on earth. Swimming with whale sharks in Donsol (seasonally from November to June) is a bucket-list experience that costs a fraction of similar encounters elsewhere. The Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the mountains of Luzon over 2,000 years ago, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rivals any ancient wonder.

Filipino food is an unexpected delight for Indian palates. Adobo's tangy soy-vinegar marinade, sisig's sizzling chopped pork, and the sweet-sour sinigang all find enthusiastic fans among Indian travellers. The Philippines also has a thriving Indian community, particularly in Manila's Banawe district (Little India), where you will find authentic Indian restaurants and shops. The nightlife in Boracay's Station 2, the world-class diving in Tubbataha Reef, and the laid-back island vibe of Siargao make every day feel like an adventure.

To ensure a smooth Philippines trip, avoid these common errors:

Mistake 1: Assuming Visa-Free Means No Preparation — Even with visa-free entry, you must carry a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Immigration officers can and do request these documents.

Mistake 2: Not Completing eTravel Registration — The eTravel QR code at etravel.gov.ph is mandatory for ALL travellers, including visa-free entrants. Register within 72 hours before departure.

Mistake 3: Overstaying the Visa-Free Period — The 14-day (and 30-day AJACSSUK) visa-free entry is strictly non-extendable and non-convertible. Overstaying even by one day results in fines (PHP 500 per month of overstay) and potential blacklisting.

Mistake 4: Trying to Work or Study on a Tourist Visa — The tourist visa (and visa-free entry) is strictly for tourism purposes. Working, volunteering, or studying is illegal and can lead to deportation.

Mistake 5: Presenting Unstamped Bank Statements — Bank statements must be stamped and signed by a bank officer. Unstamped statements are a leading cause of visa rejection.

Several airlines operate flights from major Indian cities to the Philippines:

Direct Flights:

·        Air India: Delhi to Manila (6-7 hours)

·        Philippine Airlines: Delhi to Manila (6-7 hours)

Connecting Flights (1 Stop):

·        Singapore Airlines: Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore to Manila via Singapore

·        Thai Airways: Delhi/Mumbai to Manila via Bangkok

·        Malaysia Airlines: Delhi/Mumbai to Manila via Kuala Lumpur

·        Cathay Pacific: Delhi/Mumbai to Manila via Hong Kong

·        Emirates: Delhi/Mumbai to Manila via Dubai

·        IndiGo: Delhi/Mumbai to Manila via Bangkok (codeshare)

Approximate Round-Trip Fares (Economy):

·        Delhi to Manila: ₹15,000–₹35,000 (advance booking)

·        Mumbai to Manila: ₹18,000–₹40,000 (advance booking)

·        Peak season (December-January, May): add ₹5,000–₹15,000

Major Philippine Airports:

·        Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila — Terminal 1, 2, 3

·        Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Cebu

·        Clark International Airport, Pampanga

Pro Tip: Fly into Manila and take a domestic flight to your final destination. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines offer affordable domestic connections to Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, and Donsol.

7-Day Philippines Express (Visa-Free — Delhi to Palawan and Cebu):

·        Day 1-2: Delhi to Manila, connect to Puerto Princesa, Palawan — Underground River tour

·        Day 3-4: El Nido, Palawan — Island hopping tour (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon)

·        Day 5: Travel to Cebu — Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro

·        Day 6: Cebu — Whale shark encounter in Oslob, Tumalog Falls

·        Day 7: Cebu to Manila to Delhi

14-Day Philippines Island Hopper (E-Visa — Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol):

·        Day 1-2: Arrive in Manila — Intramuros, Binondo (Chinatown), Banawe (Little India)

·        Day 3-5: Fly to Puerto Princesa — Underground River; travel to El Nido

·        Day 6-8: El Nido — Island hopping, Nacpan Beach, Las Cabañas sunset

·        Day 9-10: Fly to Cebu — Moalboal sardine run, Kawasan Falls canyoneering

·        Day 11-12: Ferry to Bohol — Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, Loboc River cruise

·        Day 13: Back to Manila — Shopping and last-minute souvenir hunting

·        Day 14: Depart from Manila to Delhi

10-Day Adventure Trail (E-Visa — Manila, Siargao, Donsol):

·        Day 1-2: Manila — arrival and city exploration

·        Day 3-6: Fly to Siargao — Surfing (Cloud 9), island hopping (Sugba Lagoon, Naked Island)

·        Day 7-8: Fly to Legazpi — Mayon Volcano ATV ride, Donsol whale shark interaction

·        Day 9-10: Return to Manila — Departure