Philippines Visa Guide
A comprehensive, step-by-step visa guide for remote workers, digital nomads, and expats looking to live and work in the Philippines.
130-Day Visa-Free Entry (EO 408)
Citizens from 157 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, EU nations, and fellow ASEAN nations) can enter the Philippines visa-free for tourism under Executive Order No. 408.
Key Requirements upon Arrival:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay.
- An onward or return ticket to your country of origin or next destination (airlines verify this before boarding).
- Registration on the official eTravel portal within 72 hours of arrival.
2How to Extend Your Tourist Visa (9a)
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you can extend your temporary visitor visa (9a) at any Bureau of Immigration (BI) district office, field office, or satellite office across the Philippines (e.g., Manila, Cebu, Siargao, Dumaguete).
First Extension (to 59 days)
Allows you to extend your stay for an additional 29 days (making it 59 days total). Cost is approximately PHP 3,130.
Subsequent Extensions
Can be obtained in 1-month, 2-month, or 6-month increments. You can repeat this process up to a maximum cumulative stay of 36 consecutive months before you must leave the country (often referred to as a "visa run").
3Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card)
Under immigration laws, any foreign national staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days is required to apply for an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card).
The ACR I-Card is a microchip-bearing card containing biographical information, photo, and fingerprints. It costs roughly USD 50 (plus local fees) and acts as a valid legal ID within the country. You can use it to open local bank accounts, sign internet agreements, rent vehicles, or secure residential leases.
4Upcoming Digital Nomad Visa
The Philippines is actively developing a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa program. The proposed legislation aims to offer remote workers employed by foreign companies a streamlined, low-tax residence permit for 12 months, with options to extend for an additional year.
Currently, the standard Tourist Visa (9a) with Bureau of Immigration extensions remains the legal, popular, and fully supported method for digital nomads to live and work in the Philippines for up to 3 years.