A Philippine Visa is an endorsement made on a travel document by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad denoting that the visa application has been properly examined and that the bearer is permitted to proceed to the Philippines and request permission from the Philippine Immigration authorities at the ports of entries to enter the country.

Multiple-entry visas may be granted only to business travelers with endorsement from their employer/Philippine counterpart, foreign nationals with proof of filiation with a Filipino citizen or has family in the Philippines.  Requests for multiple entry visas are also subject to evaluation and approval from the DFA and will take a much longer processing time.  Those not qualified for multiple entry visas are requested to lodge only a SINGLE ENTRY visa on the online visa application system (OVAS) to prevent delays in their visa application.

• Visa applications can be filed via mail. Please scroll down to check the requirements of the visa specific to your need. You can also apply for your visa in person. No appointment Needed.
• Application for Civil Registry Services may be submitted through the following means:

• • By Mail
    Philippine Consulate General
    Attn: Visa Section
    9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N
    Houston, Texas 77042, USA
  • Personal Submission
    No Appointment Needed.

A. HOW TO APPLY

1. Prepare your documents. Complete your required documents before submitting your application.
2. Submit your application. Submit completed application package.
3. Proceed to the Consulate. The Consulate assesses the completeness of the documents.Any incorrect information in the application form and/or documents submitted may result in the delay or rejection of your application. Misrepresentation is a ground for the refusal or cancellation of your application.Depending on the visa category applied, visa processing time takes 7 to 14 business days (for single entry) and 1-2 months (for multiple entries). Some visa category may require a longer period of evaluation and require prior authorization or approval from the DFA.
4. Await Delivery. Once received, your application will be promptly processed. If documents are complete and in order, the Visa will be processed and mailed out within 10 to 15 business days after receipt of the application.

A visa does not guarantee that the holder will be automatically admitted to the country.   The admission of foreign nationals to the Philippines is a function of the immigration officials at the port of entry. Philippine immigration authorities will not allow entry into Philippine airports and seaports for the following foreign nationals:

• Those holding non-machine-readable passports (e.g. hand scripted passports); or
• Those previously deported from the Philippines or included in the “blacklist order” of the Department of Foreign Affairs or Bureau of Immigration; or 
• Those with incomplete documentation; or
• Those with circumstances that would render them inadmissible for entry, even with a valid passport and visa issued by a Philippine Consulate.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR AIRLINE TICKET UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PHILIPPINE VISA HAS BEEN APPROVED. 

The Consulate cannot guarantee the approval, and issuance, of the visa before the applicant’s flight schedule. Applicants, however, may submit a temporary flight booking/reservation to comply with the requirements. 

  THE CONSULATE WILL NOT:

• Expedite the visa processing to accommodate the visa applicant’s flight schedule;
• Refund the visa application fee if the visa is issued later than your flight departure date or if the visa application is denied or cancelled.

The following categories of person can avail of Balikbayan privilege:  (a) a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year from the date of last departure; (b) a Filipino overseas worker (OFW); (c) a former Filipino citizen who was naturalized in a foreign country and holds  a foreign passport.

Nationals of countries who fall under Executive Order 408 and are family members (spouse and children holding foreign passports) of a Balikbayan (returning Filipino citizen or former Filipino citizen) are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a maximum stay of one (1) year from the date of their arrival in the country.  They shall be admitted as Balikbayans on condition that they (i) travel with a Balikbayan and (ii) observe and comply with immigration rules and regulations.

Returning Balikbayans or former Filipinos should present the following to immigration officials at the port of entry:

1. Passport valid for six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines;
2. Proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old Philippine passport or PSA-issued birth certificate). Please note that a foreign passport indicating “Philippines” as your place of birth is not sufficient proof of your previous Filipino citizenship.

Family members of Balikbayans are advised to bring with them proof of relationship or affiliation with the Balikbayan such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.

However, a former Filipino citizen who acquired the citizenship of a country that falls under the visa-required nationals category per Philippine visa regulations, or his/her family member whose nationality also falls under the cited category, is not entitled to a Balikbayan privilege and is required to obtain an entry visa to the Philippines.

For more information on the Balikbayan Privilege, click here:
https://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/
scroll down to Visa Inquiry – Balikbayan Privilege

a. Duly Accomplished Non-Immigrant Visa Application FA Form No. 2-A

• Typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, and signed and notarized

b. Electronic or machine-readable passport

• Valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized period of stay in the Philippines

c. Colored Photo

• One (1) 1.77” x 1.37” (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
• Taken within the last six (6) months and with a plain white background
• Without eyeglasses or colored contact lens
• Clearly showing the full front view of the face
• Blurred and low-quality photos are not accepted

d. Proof of financial capability

• Such as but not limited to previous three (3) months’ bank statement, income tax return, previous pay stub, employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary

e. Previously issued Philippine visa, if any

f. Notarized letter of invitation from the sponsor/reference in the Philippines

• Indicating the length of stay (inclusive dates), proof of lodging or residence address where the applicant will be staying
• Copy of the sponsor’s valid ID

g. Round trip flight itinerary to country of origin or next country of destination.

• Please do not purchase an airline ticket unless and until the Philippine visa has been approved. Applicants may submit a temporary flight itinerary by booking a reservation with an airline

h. Hotel accommodation / proof of lodging indicating the length of stay (inclusive dates)

i. For non-US Citizens

• Proof of legal status/residency in the US, e.g. valid US Alien Registration Card or valid US visa;

j. For Chinese Passport Holders who are below 55 years of age and are not enrolled in primary/secondary/college education

• Chinese Social Insurance Records Certificate (valid for at least six (6) months at the time of submission of the visa application) OR
• Proof of U.S. social insurance record/contribution

k. For Chinese passport holders who are enrolled in primary/secondary/college education

• Proof of School Enrollment

l. Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (optional)

Applicants have the option to receive their passports/consular documents by mail, using a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 

The Consulate strongly recommends courier services through companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS to lessen the possibility of loss or delay in the receipt of the passports/consular documents.

Applicants may opt to use USPS’ services, but are also advised to secure a package tracking number. Moreover, applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that the self-addressed, stamped envelope contains enough stamps for it to reach its intended destination from the Consulate, that handwriting is legible, and delivery address indicated is clear and correct. 

The Consulate is not liable for any delay or loss during mail delivery or while documents are in the custody of the courier service. 

A visa-required foreign national traveling to another country and transiting via the Philippines is required to secure a 9(b) transit visa. The transit period is limited to seventy-two (72) hours or three (3) days in the Philippines.

Visa for seafarers traveling to the Philippines to join a vessel docked at a port in the country.

The Crew List Visa is issued for the entire crew of a registered vessel or aircraft landing in the Philippines. Personnel on the aircraft or vessel whose names are not included in the crew list visa or not possessing a valid individual Philippine entry visa will not be allowed to enter the Philippines.

Guidelines on Filling Out the Crew List Visa Application Form

The Crew List Visa Application form, downloadable from the Consulate’s website, in MS-Excel has 2 tabs: 

(a) the details of the vessel and the journey to the Philippines, and (b) complete list of names and details of crew members and passengers.

1. Accomplish the Crew List Visa Application Form. The local agent may accomplish the form;
2. The entries must be entered directly into the MS-Excel file (not written on the printed copy of the file);
3. The passport of the Vessel Master / Captain must be used for the crew list visa application, even if the Vessel Master / Captain already possesses a valid Philippine visa;
4. Three (3) copies of the completely accomplished file must be printed on A4-size paper;
5. The Vessel Master / Captain must review the printed copies and affix his live signature on Section F (Declaration of Captain / Master) of the 3 printed copies;
6. Email the accomplished digital file of the crew list visa application (the actual MS-EXCEL file, not PDF) to visa@dfa.gov.ph with subject line: “Crew Visa Application”;
7. The local agent must bring the three (3) printed copies of the accomplished form to the Philippine Consulate General and sign Section G (Attestation of Agent) on the printed applications in front of the consular official receiving the application. The local agent pays the required visa fee to the Consulate cashier;
8. The local agent collects the visaed crew list, which is given to the Vessel Master / Captain for presentation to the Philippine immigration authorities upon arrival in the Philippines.

THE CONSULATE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS.

Holders of diplomatic and official US passports and/or UN Laissez Passer accredited in the United States who will be traveling to the Philippines on official business will need to apply for a visa.

9(e) visas are divided into three types:

1. 9(e-1)– for persons enjoying diplomatic immunities and privileges, including their immediate family members
2. 9(e-2)– for other FGOs who will go to the Philippines in connection with official business for his government; official students or participants in programs under the auspices of the Philippine Government or recognized international organizations, including their immediate family members
3. 9(e-3) – for members of the household to whom 9(e-1) and 9(e-2) visas have been granted

THE CONSULATE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

Note:  In some cases, prior authorization from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila is required before the visa is issued.

For visitors proceeding to the Philippines who will engage in any lawful occupation.

1. Duly Accomplished and notarized Visa Application FA Form No. 2-A
   • Typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, and signed and notarized
2. Electronic or machine-readable passport/Travel Document
   • Valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized period of stay in the Philippines
3. Police Clearance
4. Medical Health Certificate including standard-sized chest X-Ray
5. Prior approval from DFA is required before the issuance of visa

THE CONSULATE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

The 13(a) non-quota visa is issued to foreign nationals who have contracted a valid marriage with a Filipino citizen, as recognized by Philippine laws. The Filipino spouse should be the petitioner of the visa.   The applicant can stay in the Philippines under a tourist visa and apply the status as applicable with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. Please lodge your application at least a month and a half prior to the intended travel to the Philippines.

For visitors proceeding to the Philippines under special laws

1. Duly Accomplished and notarized Visa Application Form
   • Typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, and signed and notarized
2. Electronic or machine-readable passport/Travel Document
   • Valid for at least six (6) months beyond authorized period of stay in the Philippines
3. Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (optional)

   Applicants have the option to receive their passports/consular documents by mail, using a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 

   The Consulate strongly recommends courier services through companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS to lessen the possibility of loss or delay in the receipt of the passports/consular documents.

   Applicants may opt to use USPS’ services, but are also advised to secure a package tracking number. Moreover, applicants are solely responsible for ensuring that the self-addressed, stamped envelope contains enough stamps for it to reach its intended destination from the Consulate, that handwriting is legible, and delivery address indicated is clear and correct. 

   The Consulate is not liable for any delay or loss during mail delivery or while documents are in the custody of the courier service. 

    

   THE CONSULATE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

The SIRV entitles the holder to reside indefinitely in the Philippines, permitting multiple entry privileges, so long as his investments remain in the Philippines. The SIRV is issued by the Bureau of Immigration upon endorsement of the Board of Investments (BOI).

Please directly coordinate with the BOI at https://boi.gov.ph

The SRRV is a special non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals who would like to make the Philippines their second home or investment destination. The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) offers different SRRV options depending on the background and needs of the retiree applicant.

Please directly coordinate with the PRA at https://pra.gov.ph