Overview
Many nationalities don't need a visa for short Philippine visits at all, but if yours does — or you simply prefer to arrange it in advance — the Bureau of Immigration runs a self-service e-Visa at evisa.gov.ph, open to residents of around 51 eligible countries. You register, complete the form, upload your documents, and pay entirely online, without visiting an embassy. Separately, every traveler — regardless of visa status — must also complete the free eTravel Card at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours of arrival or departure; it's a digital arrival record, not a visa.
Visa categories
| e-Visa — single entry | Processing 7–12 working days. |
|---|---|
| e-Visa — multiple entry | Processing 15–21 working days. |
| eTravel Card | Free, mandatory arrival/departure registration for everyone, separate from any visa. |
Chinese nationals are generally excluded from the e-Visa route and should check the current alternative process.
Documents checklist
- Passport, plus enough remaining validity to cover your stay and 6 months beyond
- Scan of the passport ID page, and second page if it holds identification info
- One 2×2-inch digital ICAO-compliant face photo
- Flight ticket reservation and accommodation booking
- Proof of financial capacity: recent bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns
- eTravel Card registration, completed separately within 72 hours of your flight
Step-by-step application process
1. Confirm your country of residence is eligible
Eligibility is based on legal residence in one of the ~51 listed countries, not just nationality — check the current list on evisa.gov.ph.
2. Register for an account
Sign up with your email at evisa.gov.ph and complete your profile.
3. Start a visa application
Enter personal, passport, travel and purpose-of-visit details.
4. Upload your documents
Attach your passport scan, photo, travel proof and financial evidence.
5. Pay the fee
Pay online — applications are non-refundable once submitted.
6. Register for eTravel before you fly
Within 72 hours of your flight, complete the separate, free eTravel Card at etravel.gov.ph.
Fees & processing time
| Processing time | 7–12 working days (single entry), 15–21 working days (multiple entry) |
|---|---|
| Apply by | Ideally 1.5–3 months ahead, given processing time and holidays |
| eTravel | Free, complete within 72 hours of travel |
Sources reviewed: evisa.gov.ph (Bureau of Immigration e-Visa portal), etravel.gov.ph (eTravel Registration), Philippine embassy consular guides (Tokyo). Eligible-country lists and processing times change — always confirm on the official portal before applying.