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Philippines Entry Requirements

City in rural province on coast.

U.S. citizens do not need a Philippines visa for tourism purposes. A visa-free stay is allowed for 30 days. Travelers whose purpose is not tourism-related must secure a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate prior to travel. Passports need to have at least 6 months of validity remaining upon entry to the Philippines. Immigration authorities will stamp your passport with an "admit until" date. You must not overstay or else be subject to fines and detention by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Persons who overstay their visas are subject to fines and detention by Philippine immigration authorities. American citizens are urged to remain aware of their visa status while in the Philippines and to strictly follow immigration laws and regulations. Travelers departing the country from international airports must pay a Passenger Service Charge in Philippine Pesos. Visit the Embassy of the Philippines web site for the most current visa information.

Special requirements exist for the entry of unaccompanied minors. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Philippine Government requires that a waiver of exclusion be obtained from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate or from the Bureau of Immigration and Detention in Manila for a child under 15 years of age who plans to enter the Philippines unaccompanied by either a parent or legal guardian prior to the child's entry into the Philippines.

U.S. citizens are advised against traveling with potentially prohibited items, such as firearms, on their person or in their checked baggage. While at the airport or traveling in country, possession of prohibited items such as live or spent ammunition or firearms, or anything resembling such items -- whether it be a souvenir, gift, or artefact may subject the traveler to prosecution and stringent penalties by local authorities.

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PhilippineTraveler.com Guide to the Philippines

 
About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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