Philippines

🇵🇭

Indicatif Téléphonique

+63

Capitale

Manila

Population

115 millions

Nom Natif

Pilipinas

Région

Asie

Asie du Sud-Est

Fuseau Horaire

Philippine Time

UTC+08:00

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Argent et DeviseAperçu des VisasTypes de VisasNotes ImportantesVillesAmbassades à l'étrangerAmbassades dans le pays

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago consisting of 7,641 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Manila serves as the capital with Metro Manila as the sprawling metropolitan region (13+ million people). The country has a population of approximately 115 million, making it the world's 13th most populous nation. The Philippines is unique in Southeast Asia as the only predominantly Christian country (80%+ Catholic) due to 333 years of Spanish colonial rule (1565-1898), followed by American administration (1898-1946). This history created a distinctive cultural blend - Spanish surnames, Catholic traditions, baroque churches, and widespread English proficiency (Philippines is the world's third-largest English-speaking country and the largest in Asia). Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are official languages. The archipelago's geography spans three main island groups: Luzon (north, including Manila, rice terraces, volcanoes), Visayas (central, including Cebu, Boracay, Bohol), and Mindanao (south, more Muslim population, some areas with security concerns). The economy is based on services (call centers, business process outsourcing), agriculture (rice, coconuts, tropical fruits), manufacturing, and remittances from overseas Filipino workers (10+ million abroad). Tourism is a major industry with 8+ million annual visitors attracted by world-class beaches, diving and snorkeling (Coral Triangle marine biodiversity), island hopping, Spanish colonial heritage (Intramuros Manila, Vigan), UNESCO sites (rice terraces, baroque churches), natural wonders (Chocolate Hills, Taal Volcano, underground rivers), and Filipino hospitality. Popular destinations include Palawan (El Nido, Coron - lagoons, limestone cliffs, shipwreck diving), Boracay (white sand beaches, nightlife), Cebu (diving, Whale sharks), Bohol (Chocolate Hills, tarsiers), and Siargao (surfing capital). The Philippines offers visa-free entry to citizens of 157 countries for 30 days. Travel involves island-hopping via domestic flights and ferries. The country experiences tropical climate with typhoon season June-November.

Visa Requirements for Philippines

The Philippines offers visa-free entry to citizens of 157 countries for tourism purposes for stays of up to 30 days. This includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, ASEAN members, and most of Latin America. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Return or onward ticket required (strictly enforced - immigration will not permit entry without proof of departure). Accommodation booking (hotel reservation) may be requested. Entry stamp issued on arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or other international entry points. Extensions of 29 days are available through Bureau of Immigration offices for a fee (approximately $60-70), allowing total stay up to 59 days. Further extensions possible up to maximum 3 years cumulative (requires reporting every 1-2 months with fees). Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain visas in advance at Philippine embassies/consulates. Visa processing requires application form, passport valid 6+ months, photos, bank statements, return ticket, visa fee $30-60, with processing taking 3-7 business days. The Philippines has generous visa policies to encourage tourism. However, government travel advisories from the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Germany recommend exercising increased caution due to terrorism risks in Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago (kidnapping, armed conflict), and crime in urban areas. Most tourist areas in Luzon and Visayas are safe with normal precautions. Travelers should avoid areas subject to 'Do Not Travel' advisories including parts of Mindanao.

Types de Visa Courants

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist)

30 days; passport valid 6+ months required; return or onward ticket REQUIRED (strictly enforced - will be denied entry without proof); accommodation details may be requested; entry stamp at arrival (Manila, Cebu, or other international airports); no advance application needed; extensions available through Bureau of Immigration for 29 additional days (fee ~$60-70) allowing up to 59 days total; further extensions possible up to 3 years cumulative with monthly/bi-monthly reporting and fees; visa-free access very generous; ensure proof of departure before flight (airline may deny boarding without return ticket); most common entry method for tourists; straightforward process for eligible nationalities.

For tourism for citizens of 157 countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and ASEAN members.

Visa Upon Arrival (Special Categories)

14-30 days depending on category; available at major airports (Manila, Cebu); passport valid 6+ months; return ticket; visa fee varies ($25-50); granted at immigration counter; limited to specific eligible groups; most travelers use visa-free entry instead; APEC Business Travel Card holders receive facilitated processing and special lanes; Hong Kong/Macau SAR passport holders receive 14 days visa upon arrival.

For specific categories including holders of APEC Business Travel Cards, Hong Kong SAR/Macau SAR passport holders, and some other special cases.

Pre-Arranged Visa (Tourist/Business)

59 days typically (single or multiple entry); apply at Philippine embassy/consulate before travel; requires application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos (2), bank statements (3-6 months), invitation letter or hotel booking, return ticket, visa fee USD $30-60; processing 3-7 business days; approval grants 59-day stay (or as specified); extensions available in Philippines through Bureau of Immigration; business visas require invitation from Philippine company or conference organizers; straightforward process for standard tourist/business purposes; approximately 50 countries require advance visas.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, or for stays exceeding visa-free period, applied through Philippine embassy/consulate.

Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)

Permanent; administered by Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA); applicants age 35+ can qualify with refundable deposit ($10,000-50,000 depending on age and category); SRRV Smile (non-convertible deposit, age 35+, $20,000 deposit), SRRV Classic (convertible deposit for property/business investment, age 50+, $20,000 deposit or $10,000 with pension $800+/month); application in Philippines or at embassies; includes background check, health examination, deposit to PRA, processing fees (~$1,400); processing 2-6 weeks; benefits include indefinite stay, multiple entry privileges, exemption from import duties, special residence ID; allows work if desired (employment permit still required); spouse and dependents can be included; very popular among retirees from US, Korea, Japan, China, Australia due to low cost, English environment, affordable living ($1,000-2,000/month comfortable lifestyle); large expat communities in Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete, Bohol.

Permanent residence visa for retirees and former Filipino citizens, popular program offering indefinite stay.

Important Travel Information

Island Hopping and 7,000+ Islands Geography: The Philippines comprises 7,641 islands spread across 300,000 square kilometers of ocean, creating one of the world's great island-hopping destinations. Only approximately 2,000 islands are inhabited and about 5,000 have names. The three main island groups are Luzon (largest, northern, contains Manila and Banaue rice terraces), Visayas (central islands including Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Panay), and Mindanao (southern, second-largest island with Davao). Travel between islands requires domestic flights or ferries. Domestic airlines (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines) connect major destinations (Manila-Cebu 1 hour $30-80, Manila-Palawan 1 hour $40-100). Ferries operate between islands but journeys are slow (Manila-Cebu overnight ferry 20+ hours). Within island groups, bangka (outrigger boats) provide transportation - island-hopping tours are the quintessential Philippine experience where boats visit multiple beaches, snorkeling spots, and lagoons in a day (El Nido island hopping tours $20-35/day, includes lunch). Popular island-hopping destinations include El Nido's lagoons (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon), Coron's lakes (Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake) and WWII shipwrecks, Hundred Islands (Pangasinan), and island chains off Cebu and Bohol. Each island offers distinct character - some have white sand beaches, others limestone cliffs, coral gardens, or jungle waterfalls. The diversity means travelers can find secluded tropical paradise beaches even with high tourist numbers. Budget 2-4 days per major destination. Geography creates extraordinary biodiversity - Philippines is part of the Coral Triangle (highest marine biodiversity globally) with 500+ coral species and 2,000+ fish species.

Palawan - El Nido and Coron Limestone Wonders: Palawan is consistently rated one of the world's most beautiful islands. El Nido on northern Palawan features dramatic limestone karst cliffs rising from turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The area comprises 45 islands and islets in Bacuit Bay. Island-hopping tours (Tours A, B, C, D - $20-35 per tour) visit different combinations of lagoons (Big Lagoon with kayaking through towering cliffs, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon), beaches (Seven Commandos Beach, Nacpan Beach, Helicopter Island), and snorkeling spots (Shimizu Island, Entalula). El Nido town is backpacker-oriented with budget hostels ($10-20/night), mid-range hotels ($40-80), and upscale resorts on private islands ($200-600+). Coron Island and Coron town on Busuanga Island offer similar limestone scenery plus world-class wreck diving - 12+ sunken Japanese WWII ships lie 10-40 meters deep, now coral-encrusted artificial reefs (Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Irako are accessible wrecks). Coron also features pristine freshwater lakes (Kayangan Lake with emerald green water, Barracuda Lake with thermoclines). Island hopping tours $25-40. Coron is more relaxed and less crowded than El Nido. Getting to Palawan: flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa (capital, 1.5 hours, $50-120) then bus/van to El Nido (5-6 hours, $15-25); or direct flights Manila-El Nido (1 hour, $80-150) though limited schedule. Coron has direct Manila flights (1 hour, $60-120). Best months: November-May (dry season); June-October brings typhoons and rough seas. Budget 4-7 days for Palawan (El Nido or Coron). Underground River (Puerto Princesa) is UNESCO site worth visiting.

Boracay White Beach and Island Life: Boracay is a small island (7km long) in the Visayas famous for White Beach - a 4km stretch of powdery white coral sand beach with calm turquoise waters, palm trees, and vibrant nightlife. Boracay attracts 2+ million visitors annually making it the Philippines' most popular beach destination. White Beach is divided into three stations - Station 1 (north, upscale resorts, quietest), Station 2 (center, most restaurants/bars, liveliest), Station 3 (south, budget accommodation, local vibe). Activities include swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, island hopping, sunset sailing on paraws (traditional outrigger sailboats), diving/snorkeling, and beach clubs. Bulabog Beach on the eastern side offers kiteboarding and windsurfing (November-May trade winds). Boracay nightlife is legendary with beach bars, fire dancers, and clubs particularly along Station 2. The island was closed for 6 months in 2018 for environmental rehabilitation due to overtourism and sewage issues - it has since reopened with stricter regulations (no smoking on beach, no plastic bags, limited capacity). Accommodation ranges from budget ($20-40) to luxury (Shangri-La, Discovery Shores $200-600+). Getting to Boracay requires flight to either Caticlan (nearest, 10 minutes from Boracay, $60-120 from Manila) or Kalibo (international airport, 2 hours from Boracay, $40-80), then van to Caticlan jetty port, then 15-minute bangka boat to Boracay ($2). Environmental fees and registration required on arrival ($15-20 combined). Best months: November-May (dry season, amihan winds); June-October wet season (habagat) brings rain and rough seas. Budget 3-5 days. Boracay offers the classic tropical beach paradise experience with excellent tourism infrastructure.

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