Philippines
Entry requirements
This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in the Philippines set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of the Philippines in the UK.
To enter the Philippines as a visitor, you must have a ticket for your departure. Most airlines will not carry you if you cannot produce your departure ticket.
You must also register with the ‘e-travel’ system 72 hours or less prior to your arrival.
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the Philippines.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Philippines for 30 days.
If you overstay your visa-free 30 days without getting an extension, or if you overstay any visa without authority, it is a serious matter. You could face fees and fines, and detention if you cannot pay them, or you could be deported at your own expense.
If you want a visa to live, work, or study in the Philippines, you’ll need to meet the requirements of the Philippine immigration regulations. This includes having certain UK documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, UK police certificates, school documents) legalised by the Legalisation Office (not by the Philippine Embassy in London).
Children travelling without their parents
If your non-Filipino children aged 14 or under are travelling without either parent, you must apply for a waiver of exclusion ground for entry into the Philippines.
Vaccination requirements
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Philippines guide.
Depending on your circumstances this may include:
- a yellow fever vaccination certificate
- a polio vaccination certificate
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Philippines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into the Philippines
You cannot bring in more than 50,000 Philippine pesos. If you are bringing in foreign currency (cash or cheques) worth more than 10,000 US dollars, you must complete a foreign currency declaration form on arrival.
Exit requirements
If you have stayed in the Philippines for 6 months or more on a tourist visa, you must get an emigration clearance certificate (ECC) during the 72 hours before you leave the country.
If you were in the Philippines on a visa issued by the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Board of Investments (BoI), the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), you will need a travel pass from the department that issued your visa to leave the Philippines. If you have an ECC, you do not need a travel pass.
Airport tax
If you’re leaving the country from Cebu Mactan airport you must pay a departure tax of 850 Philippine pesos in local currency or the equivalent in US dollars. There’s no longer a departure tax at Manila airport. This information can change and you should check with local authorities before you travel.