Philippines Entry Requirements

Children traveling with both parents need valid passports and follow the same visa rules as adults. Children traveling with one parent should carry a consent letter from the non-traveling parent, ideally notarized, stating permission for the child to travel. Children traveling alone or with someone other than their parents must have a notarized consent letter from both parents/legal guardians, along with copies of parents' IDs. Philippine citizens under 15 years old require a Travel Clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) if traveling without both parents. Foreign children do not need this clearance but should have proper authorization letters. Always carry birth certificates for children.

Pets (dogs and cats) can be imported but require extensive documentation. You must obtain an Import Permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) at least 30 days before travel. Pets need a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of departure, certified by the exporting country's veterinary authority. Rabies vaccination is required (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival). Pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip. Upon arrival, pets are subject to quarantine inspection - the length depends on documentation completeness (can be 0-30 days). Some airlines have specific requirements. Birds and other animals have different requirements. Service animals may have different procedures but still require health documentation.

Visa-free visitors can extend their stay beyond the initial 30 days by visiting a Bureau of Immigration office. First extension (up to 29 days) can be processed at any BI office, bringing you to a maximum of 59 days total. Further extensions are possible in 1-2 month increments up to a maximum of 3 years for tourists, though extensions beyond 6 months require additional documentation including NBI clearance and ACR I-Card. Extension fees increase with each extension period. For stays longer than 6 months, consider other visa types such as Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) for those 50+, student visas for enrolled students, or work visas with employment. Overstaying your visa results in fines (PHP 500-1,000 per month) plus potential blacklisting and deportation. Always extend before your authorized stay expires.

Business visitors can enter on visa-free entry (if eligible) for business meetings, conferences, and negotiations but cannot receive salary from Philippine sources or engage in gainful employment. For longer-term business activities, consider a 9(d) Pre-arranged Employee Visa or other work visas. Bring invitation letters from Philippine companies, conference registration, or business meeting documentation to show immigration if asked. Business visitors may need to present proof of business activities and ties to their home country.

Transit passengers continuing to another country within 24 hours and not leaving the airport international transit area generally do not need a visa regardless of nationality. If you plan to leave the airport during transit, normal visa requirements apply based on your nationality. Ensure you have valid onward tickets and visa (if required) for your destination country. Some airlines offer city tours for long layovers - check visa requirements before booking.

Dual citizens (Philippine citizen plus another nationality) should enter and exit the Philippines using their Philippine passport. If you've lost or never obtained a Philippine passport, contact the Philippine Embassy/Consulate about recognition of Philippine citizenship and passport issuance. Former Philippine citizens who naturalized elsewhere can apply for dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225. Balikbayan privilege allows former Philippine citizens and their foreign spouse/children to enter visa-free for up to 1 year using their foreign passport and proof of previous Philippine citizenship.