Philippines Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

The visitor visa is a type of the Filipino tourist permit that lets individuals enter the country to visit their relatives or friends living in the country. The permit can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry valid for 6 months, with a maximum stay duration of 60 days. Although a lot of nationalities actually do not require a permit to enter, India is not among them. As a result, a Philippines visit visa for Indian citizens is a mandatory document. 

Applying for the Philippines visit visa for Indians involves a lot of legwork as the process is offline. As a result, it is easier and faster if you approach a travel agency for help. Before you start the application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for the visitor category. You can then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Get all the documents required for the visit visa. 
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. 

Ensure that you provide correct details and attach genuine documents. Providing fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

In order to apply for the Philippines visit visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to visit your friends/family or take part in tourism. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.

As per the Philippines visit visa requirements from India, the following documents are necessary for the application - 

• 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 such as hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of occupation/study such as employment letter, enrolment letter, etc.
• Invitation letter from the family/friend living in the Philippines.

As per the Philippines visit visa photo requirements, the photos submitted must meet the following specifications - 

• 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 the visitor permit depends on the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. Normally, you can expect a processing time of around 10 working days. In most cases, you can actually collect it after 8 working days from the date of submission. 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 visitor permit depends on the number of entries and the foreign exchange rates. It also includes other service charges levied by the travel agency. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. The fees have to be paid at the embassy in the form of a demand draft.

Once you have submitted your visitor visa application, you will receive a stub containing a tracking number and the date of collection. Your application will then be processed by the embassy/consulate. Note that you cannot modify the application once you have submitted. Also, you may be asked to attend an interview in certain cases.  Once a decision has been made, you can collect the passport from the embassy/consulate on the date mentioned on the stub. If you are using a travel agency, you can avoid the leg work and save the time spent standing in long queues at the embassy/consulate. 

As the process for the visitor permit is entirely done offline, the Filipino embassy/consulate does not have a particular tracking system. However, if you have applied through a travel agency, you can contact them to know the status of your application. 

On successfully obtaining your visitor visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

 Before you travel - 

• • Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
  • Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• At the border

• • You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. Your entry stamp will be stamped on the passport.
  • You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as part of your application. 
  • You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. You may even be asked about your family member/relative. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 
• When you enter the Philippines

• • While you are on a visitor permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
  • You may be permitted to extend this visa. 
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
  • You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.