Visa Services

Details: Written by Houston PCG; Category: Press Releases; Published: 13 January 2020; Hits: 23098

VISA

Nationals of select countries, including the United States, may avail themselves of visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay will not exceed 30 days. A list of countries whose nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines is available by clicking here.

US citizens who wish to stay more than 30 days in the Philippines and nationals of countries who are not extended the 30-day visa free privilege should apply for a visa before traveling to the Philippines.

Returning Balikbayans or former Filipinos may also enter the Philippines without a visa and stay for a period of one (1) year, provided that they have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay in the Philippines, a roundtrip ticket, and proof of former Philippine citizenship (e.g. old Philippine passport or NSO-authenticated birth certificate). Foreign spouses and their minor children may avail themselves of this privilege if traveling with the Balikbayan.

Applicants may check the Department of Foreign Affairs website to confirm if they need to apply for a visa, or contact the Philippine Consulate General through email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

The following are the types of Non-immigrant visas:

9(A) Temporary Visitor’s visa
9(B) Transit
9(C) Seaman
9(D) Treaty Traders
9(E) Foreign Government Official
9(F) Student
9(G) Pre-Arranged Employees

Below are the requirements for the most commonly applied visas. Applicants may inquire directly from the Consulate General for other types of non-immigrant visas. (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa

AFor Non-immigrant, temporary visitor's visa, download and accomplish the visa application form.

Send BY MAIL the requirements listed below to:

The Visa Section

Philippine Consulate General in Houston

9990 Richmond Avenue, Suite 100N,

Houston, TX 77042.

REQUIREMENTS:

Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
Duly-accomplished non-immigrant application form generated from and received by the applicant through e-mail
Travel Itinerary (applicant must be a holder of a roundtrip/onward flight ticket out of Manila)
One (1) colored photo, 2” x 2”, taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with a white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low quality photos are not accepted.
Proof of Financial Capacity (photocopy of latest bank statement and an employment certificate from the employer indicating position and salary, or affidavit of support), for Tourist Visa (for pleasure only).
Letter from employer or sponsor of the trip, indicating its specific purpose or nature and length of stay (inclusive dates) in the Philippines, for Tourist Visa (for business only).
For minor visa applicants (below 18) traveling on their own, affidavit of support and guarantee from either parent, as well as photocopy of parent's bank statement.
Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service, or with pre-paid mailing envelope from private courier of choice, if Passport with Visa is to be mailed back.
Visa fee, according to fee schedule below (non-refundable), payable in cash or money order made payable to Philippine Consulate General in Houston. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

For nationals of countries with visa agreement with the Philippines:

Single entry valid for three (3) months US$ 30.00
Multiple entry valid for six (6) months US$ 60.00
Multiple-entry valid for twelve (12) months US$ 90.00

For nationals of countries without visa agreement with the Philippines:

Single entry valid for three (3) months US$ 40.00
Multiple entry valid for six (6) months US$ 80.00
Multiple-entry valid for twelve (12) months US$ 120.00

Note: The Philippine Consulate General assumes no responsibility for any delay or loss in the mail, or while the documents are in the custody of the courier service. The applicant should note the tracking numbers of all envelopes used and submitted.

Applicants may receive their visas after a processing time of ten (10) working days. Applicants are advised to schedule their flight at least two (2) weeks after submitting their visa application.

The Consulate General reserves the right to require additional documents from an applicant to comply with current visa policies, orders and directives ordered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent branches of the Philippine Government.

The above requirements must be strictly complied with to avoid possible denial of entry by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Important note:

Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (Telephone numbers:+63 2 8 556-0000 and ask the operator to connect you to Visa Division), Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or to any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) for Certain Minors

As a rule, minors, who are under 15 years of age and unaccompanied by or not traveling with a parent to the Philippines, are generally excluded from entering the Philippine ports of entry. To avoid exclusion before arrival at Philippine ports, the minor’s parent/s or guardian are required to execute an Affidavit of Request, Consent and Guarantee for the Issuance of Waiver of Exclusion Ground,duly-authenticated/acknowledged by the Embassy/Consulate General, which will be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration authorities at the port of entry and pay the waiver fee of P3,120.00 for each unaccompanied minor.

To have the Affidavit of Request, Consent and Guarantee duly-authenticated/acknowledged by the Consulate General, please click on the Legal and Notarial Services link.

In addition to the requirements enumerated, please include a copy of the Report of Birth of child, if born abroad, or a copy of the NSO Birth Certificate, if born in the Philippines, or a copy of the Birth Certificate issued by the Department of Health or the Office of Vital Statistics, if born in the U.S. (originals to be presented), as well as a photocopy of the data page of the passport of the child.

For US citizens and citizens of countries with 30-day visa free privileges who intend to stay longer than 30 days, please see requirements for 9(A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa. Except for #6, all visa requirements apply. Proof of financial capacity will be the burden of the parent/s or guardian and not the child.

9(C) Seamen

Applicants for a seaman’s visa must be employed in any capacity on board a vessel, and seeking to enter the Philippines solely as a seaman, with the intention of departing with the vessel or re-shipping in another vessel that is bound for a foreign port; or to join a vessel that is docked in the Philippines.

Requirements for Applicant

Passport of applicant (valid at least 6 months from return date)
Duly-accomplished and notarized Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form ,typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink,
Travel Itinerary (roundtrip ticket not necessary)
One (1) colored photo, 2” x 2”, taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with a white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low-quality photos will not be accepted.
Letter from Shipping Company which should state duration of expected stay in the Philippines of the seafarer and onward travel particulars (e.g. same vessel, different vessel, next country of destination, etc.)
Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service, or with pre-paid mailing envelope from private courier of choice, if Passport with Visa is to be mailed back.
Visa fee of $20.00 (non-refundable) in money order made payable to "The Philippine Consulate General in Houston." Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Applicants may apply for visa by mailing the above-mentioned requirements to:

The Philippine Consulate General in Houston

9990 Richmond Avenue Suite 100N

Houston TX 77042

Licensed Manning Agencies (LMA), Ship’s Agents or Authorized Representatives applying for 9(C) visas on behalf of foreign crew members

Licensed Manning Agencies (LMA), Ship’s Agents or Authorized Representatives may apply for 9(C) visas on behalf of foreign crew members by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., together with the following attachments, and then await a reply for further instructions:

Scanned copies in .pdf format of duly-accomplished Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form, typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, with colored photo, 2” x 2”, taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with a white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low quality photos will not be accepted.
Duly Accomplished Crew List Form (FA Form No. 61) in Excel format
Scanned copies in .pdf format of the passport data pages of the foreign seafarers.
Scanned copy in .pdf format of the letter from the shipping company
Scanned copy of the visa fee of $20.00 (non-refundable), per foreign seafarer to be issued a 9(C) visa, in money order made payable to "The Philippine Consulate General in Houston." Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

9(G) AND 47 (A)(2) VISAS

Applications for 9(g) and 47 (a)(2) visas shall be lodged with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Department of Justice (DOJ), respectively. BI and DOJ shall convey the authority to issue said visas for approved applicants to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), for onward transmittal to the Embassy or Consulate who shall issue the visa. Houston PCG may only issue such types of visas only after receiving authority to issue from the DFA.
9(g) visas for foreign workers shall be filed through a Philippine-based employer. Long-term workers (i.e. more than six (6) months employment) must apply through their Philippine-based employers for an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) with the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a prerequisite for 9(g) issuance; and
47(a)(2) visas shall be issued to foreign workers who are required to be in the country for foreign-funded government projects such as those for transportation and other infrastructure.

However, the issuance of 47(a)(2) visas for all other categories of foreign nationals qualified prior to the suspension of visa issuance, such as exchange professors, scholars, trainees, social workers under sponsorship, or volunteers registered with the Philippine National Volunteer Service (PNVSCA) remains suspended until further notice.

Foreign nationals who currently hold valid and existing 9(g) and 47(a)(2) visas shall no longer be required to secure any EED to enter the Philippines. However, their entry shall still be subject to COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols, as appropriate.

IMMIGRANT VISA

A non-quota immigrant visa may be granted to the spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of Philippine citizens (13A) and to former Filipinos who have already acquired foreign citizenships including their spouse and unmarried minor children (13G).

13A and 13 G visa holders are eligible to apply for duty-free shipment to the Philippines.

Processing time for 13A and G visas is ONE (1) MONTH after complete submission of requirements.

13(A) Visa

REQUIREMENTS:

Passport of applicant (valid at least 1 year from date of application).
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of the duly-accomplishedImmigrant Visa applicatinform,typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink
Four (4) identical colored photos, 2” x 2”, taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with a white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low quality photos are not accepted.
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of documentary evidence to prove spouse's Philippine citizenship and to show applicant's relationship to the Philippine citizen, i.e., Philippine passport and marriage contract (original will be returned). NSO Marriage Certificate must be presented if Report of Marriage is not available.
Medical Examination Report,duly-accomplished by a licensed physician, which should include his contact details, and which should not be more than six (6) months from date of application, together with laboratory reports (original and one photocopy).
Chest X-ray, negative, standard size, or in CD (preferable), to be presented to the Embassy and hand carried to the Philippines.
Certificate of No Police Record from place of residence of applicant (original and one photocopy)
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of evidence of sound financial status (e.g. proof of real property, investment/s, bank certification, pension, or notarized Affidavit of Support from a relative in the Philippines, with attached documents to substantiate declaration or claim)
Personal appearance for interview
Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service, or with pre-paid mailing envelope from private courier of choice, if Passport with Visa is to be mailed back.
Visa fee of $150.00 (non-refundable), payable in cash or money order made payable to "The Philippine Consulate General in Houston." Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
Personal appearance for interview (to be scheduled after review of the application)

The Consulate General reserves the right to require additional documents from the applicant to comply with current visa polcieis, orders, and directives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and other pertinent branches of the Philippine Government.

13(G) Visa

REQUIREMENTS:

Passport of applicant (valid at least 1 year from date of application).
Photocopy of Certificate of Naturalization (original to be presented)
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of the duly-accomplished Immigrant Visa applicatinform ,typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink
Four (4) identical colored photos, 2” x 2”, taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of applicant’s face, with a white background. No sleeveless attire. Blurred or low quality photos are not accepted.
One (1) original and one (1) photocopy of documentary evidence to prove applicant’s former

Philippine citizenship, as well as proof of legal relationship for foreign spouse and minor

children, such as, birth certificate, Philippine passport, marriage contract (original will be returned)

Medical Examination Report,duly-accomplished by a licensed physician, which should include his contact details, and which should not be more than six (6) months from date of application, together with laboratory reports (original and one photocopy).
Chest X-ray, negative, standard size, or in CD (preferable), to be presented to the Embassy and hand carried to the Philippines.
Certificate of No Police Record from place of residence of applicant (original and one photocopy)
Personal appearance for interview
Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service, or with pre-paid mailing envelope from private courier of choice, if Passport with Visa is to be mailed back.
Visa fee of $150.00 (non-refundable), payable in cash or money order made payable to "The Philippine Consulate General in Houston." Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

CERTIFICATE OF NOT THE SAME PERSON

A Certificate of Not the Same Person is a document issued to an individual attesting to the fact that s/he is not the person listed and/or included in the Hold Departure Order of the Bureau of Immigration, Watch List Order or Blacklist Order.”

This may be required for visa issuance, visa extension, student desk, ACR I-card.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Application Form duly, accomplished (VCU Form 2, available at www.immigration.gov.p h

2. Photocopy of General Application Form, duly accomplished (BI Form No. RADJR 2012 from PIA)

Affidavit of Denial, duly notarized
Photocopy of the applicant’s passport (data page and travel stamp page)
One 2x2 ID picture
If applied by a representative, photocopy of valid ID

Walk-in Applicant (Airport Problems Excluded / Offloaded Passenger / DFA Derogatory)

Application Form, duly accomplished (VCU Form 2, available at p h
Court Clearance (cases within Metro Manila)
NBI Clearance (cases outside Metro Manila)
If either clearances No. 2 and 3 are not available, submit old certificate of Not the Same Person (if there is no additional names listed in the Derogatory records)
Affidavit of Denial, duly notarized
Photocopy of the applicant’s passport (data page and travel stamp page)
If applied by a representative, photocopy of valid ID

Out of the Country Applicant (former Filipino/Foreign National)

Application Form, duly accomplished
Download a “Not the same person application form” from the Bureau’s website (https://immigration.gov.ph/ ) or email the Bureau at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application form
Special Power of Attorney, duly notarized by the Philippine Embassy
Photocopy of the applicant’s passport (data page and travel stamp page)
Philippine National Bureau of Investigation Clearance, certifying that the applicant is not the person who is in the Derogatory List
Photocopy of representative’s valid ID

BALIKBAYAN PROGRAM

A “BALIKBAYAN” eligible to avail of benefits under the Philippine Government’s “Balikbayan Program” is:

a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one year from the date of last departure;
a Filipino Overseas Worker; and/or
a former Filipino citizen who had been naturalized in a foreign country and holds a foreign passport (original proof of former Philippine citizenship, such as old Philippine passport, birth certificate, or foreign naturalization papers showing Filipino nationality will be required).

A Balikbayan is entitled to the following benefits:

travel tax exemption
visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one year from the date of arrival in the Philippines
duty-free shopping privileges up to US$1,500.00

Family members (spouse and children) of a Balikbayan who are holding foreign passports are also entitled to Balikbayan privileges, on the condition that they:

travel with the Balikbayan;
pay any applicable immigration fees; and
observe and comply with immigration rules and regulations.

Proof of their affiliation may be required.

Note that a Balikbayan who has 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.

Foreign spouses and children who travel accompanied by the Balikbayan are entitled to visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year.

Note: Documents submitted which are in a foreign language must have an official English translation.

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