Philippines Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

The visa for the Philippines is an endorsement that lets people travel to the country from different parts of the world. A vast majority of nationalities have visa-free entry into the country. However, you will need a Philippines visa for Indians regardless of your purpose of visit. As of now, there is no provisions for a Philippines e visa. 

Note:- Indian nationals may be eligible to obtain a visa on arrival valid for 14 days if they hold a valid visa or residence permit for US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, UK, or Singapore. However, they will have to meet the conditions required for the same. 

Applying for the Philippines visa for Indian citizens is done offline. However, before you start the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the particular type. You can then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Get all the documents required for the particular visa category. 
2. Visit the website of the Embassy of the Philippines and download the Philippines visa application form. 
3. Fill in the form with all the relevant details. 
4. Affix a photograph and submit the application, documents, and fees at the embassy or one of the consulates of the Philippines situated across India. 

Note that due to the ease of application, it is recommended that you apply through a travel agency as they are allowed to make the application on your behalf. Also, ensure that you provide correct details and attach genuine documents. Providing fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

Based on the primary purpose of the visit, the Filipino entry permits can be classified into the following -

• Tourist - This common category is granted for people entering the Philippines to take part in tourist activities. 
• Business - This type of permit is issued for people travelling to the country to engage in business activities. 
• Visit - This is technically a subtype of the tourist permit and is issued for people who are specifically entering the country to visit their family members or friends residing in the country. 
• Student - These are issued fo students entering the country to take up academic courses. 
• Work - This particular category is issued for individuals travelling to the country to take up a job. 

As per the Philippines visa application requirements, the following are the list of general documents you will need for most of the visa categories. Based on the exact type, you will have to submit additional documents. 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date fo entry into the Philippines.
• One photo as per the specifications. 
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Bank statements for the past 6 months. 
• Proof of accommodation.
  
  
  

• 35mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription glasses only
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time for processing depends on the type of the visa, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. You can expect a processing time of around 10 working days. However, you may check the expected processing time on the stub you receive after submission. To be on the safer side, it is recommended that you apply well in advance.

The fees for the permit depends on the type of the visa, the number of entries, as well as includes other service charges levied by the travel agency. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Being a completely offline process, the Filipino permit does not offer much in terms of tracking. However, if you have applied through a travel agency, you can contact them to know the status of your application. 

The application for the Filipino visa can be done directly in-person at a mission of the Philippines, or through a reputed travel agency. The missions include the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi or one of the Consulates of the Philippines located in Mumbai, Kolkata, or Chennai.