ENTRY REGULATIONS

You must have a valid passport to enter the country.

If you are from a country with diplomatic relations to the Philippines, you may enter and stay for 21 days provided you already have your outbound ticket. However, if you’re planning to stay for more than 21 days, you will need a tourist visa.

Chinese Nationals, including citizens for Hong Kong and Taiwan, will need a special permit.

You can get a visa or special permit from a Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

For more information visit http://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/consular-services/visa.

Or contact your local Philippine embassy or consulate: http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/about-the-dfa/rp-embassies-consulates-a-rcos/phl-embassies-and-consulates-general

HEALTH REGULATIONS

The Philippines is fortunate to be free from epidemics. The country remains safe from bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases.

If you’re coming from an area where yellow fever has been reported, you’ll need a certificate of vaccination.

For more information, visit http://www.doh.gov.ph/

CUSTOMS

Before leaving the plane, you will be asked to fill out the Baggage Declaration Form.

The following items are allowed duty-free:
A reasonable quantity of personal clothes, jewelry, and toiletries
Two cartons of cigarettes or two tins of pipe tobacco
Up to two (2) liters of alcohol

The following items are prohibited:
Firearms
Dangerous drugs
Narcotics
Pornographic materials

The following items are regulated:
Transceivers
DVDs and VCDs
Controlled chemicals/substances/precursors

The following items are restricted and require prior import permits and health, sanitary or phytosanitary certificates:
Foreign agricultural products, such as animals, plants, wildlife
Their products and by-products, such as meat, eggs, fruit
Endangered species

“Balikbayans” have separate rules and should check with the Embassy or Consulate in their current residence.

Foreign exchange regulations

It is illegal for any incoming or outgoing passenger to bring in or take out Philippine Pesos in excess of P10,000.00 without prior authority from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Any violation of this rule may lead to the money’s seizure and civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution. (BSP Circular 98-1995)

The transportation of foreign currency or monetary instruments is legal. However, the carrying of foreign currency in excess of US$10,000.00 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies must be declared to a Customs Officer or the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Violation of this rule may lead to seizure and sanctions, fines and / or penalties.

For more information about Bureau of Customs Passengers Guidelines, visit http://www.customs.gov.ph/bustravel.php

Latest news: for Indian nationals

Starting May 1, 2012, Indian nationals with a valid U.S., Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, OR United Kingdom visa will be granted a 14-day visa free entry which may be extended for an additional 7 days for a maximum stay of 21 days.

*BI Memorandum Circular No. RADJR-12-008.

The policy only applies to Indian Nationals arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA 1-3) who have the following: (1) National Passport valid at least 6 months, beyond the contemplated stay (2) Return or Onward ticket (3) No derogatory record in BI, NICA, or INTERPOL.

For trips more than 21 days, Indian nationals are required to apply for a tourist visa in New Delhi or any Foreign Service Post where they’re valid residents.