Philippines
Phone Code
+63
Capital
Manila
Population
115 Million
Native Name
Pilipinas
Region
Asia
South-Eastern Asia
Timezone
Philippine Time
UTC+08:00
On This Page
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,641 islands spread across the western Pacific — one of the world's great island-hopping destinations. Palawan's El Nido and Coron deliver limestone karsts rising from turquoise lagoons and WWII shipwreck diving. Boracay's White Beach is 4 km of powdery coral sand. Cebu offers whale shark encounters at Oslob and the sardine run at Moalboal. Siargao is Southeast Asia's surfing capital. And the Coral Triangle location means the Philippines has the highest marine biodiversity on earth — over 500 coral species and 2,000 reef fish species. Beyond the beaches, Manila's Intramuros preserves the Spanish colonial walled city, Banaue's rice terraces (UNESCO) cascade down 2,000-year-old mountainsides, and Bohol's Chocolate Hills are a geological curiosity found nowhere else. The Philippines is unique in Southeast Asia as the only predominantly Catholic country (333 years of Spanish rule) and the largest English-speaking nation in Asia — making it exceptionally accessible. Visa-free entry for citizens of 157 countries for 30 days. Return ticket strictly enforced — airlines will deny boarding without it. Extensions available through the Bureau of Immigration up to 59 days initially, with further extensions possible. Passport valid 6 months required.
Philippines Visa & Entry System
The Philippines offers visa-free entry to citizens of 157 countries for stays up to 30 days, including US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, Japanese, Korean and ASEAN nationals. No advance application needed — entry stamp issued on arrival at Manila (NAIA), Cebu-Mactan, or other international airports. Critical requirement: return or onward ticket is strictly enforced. Immigration will deny entry and airlines will deny boarding without proof of departure — book a confirmed return flight before travelling. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond intended stay. Extensions of 29 days (total 59 days) are available through Bureau of Immigration offices for approximately USD 60-70. Further extensions are possible up to a maximum of 3 years cumulative with regular reporting and fees. Citizens of approximately 50 countries not on the visa-free list must obtain visas in advance at Philippine embassies (USD 30-60, 3-7 business days). The mandatory eTravel system must be completed online before arrival. Government travel advisories recommend increased caution due to terrorism risks in parts of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago — however, tourist areas in Luzon and the Visayas are safe with normal precautions.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (30 days)
For tourism, available to citizens of 157 countries including US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN. No advance application. Entry stamp on arrival. Return ticket REQUIRED (strictly enforced — denied boarding without it). Passport valid 6 months, accommodation details may be requested.
Pre-Arranged Visa (Tourist/Business)
For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, or for stays exceeding the visa-free period. Apply at Philippine embassy/consulate. Requires application form, passport, photos, bank statements, return ticket and visa fee (USD 30-60). Processing 3-7 business days.
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)
Permanent residence for retirees aged 35+. Administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority. Refundable deposit (USD 10,000-50,000 depending on age and category). Includes indefinite stay, multiple entry, and spouse/dependent inclusion. Popular with retirees from the US, Korea, Japan and Australia due to low cost of living, English environment and tropical lifestyle.
Essential Information for Philippines Travellers
Travel Guide
The Philippines is where island-hopping becomes an art form. Palawan — consistently rated among the world's most beautiful islands — has two unmissable areas. El Nido on northern Palawan features dramatic limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters, hidden lagoons (Big Lagoon with kayaking through towering cliffs, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon), and white sand beaches (Seven Commandos, Nacpan, Helicopter Island). Island-hopping tours are the essential experience — Tours A, B, C and D (USD 20-35 each) visit different combinations of lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots across 45 islands in Bacuit Bay. Coron on Busuanga Island offers similar limestone scenery plus world-class wreck diving: 12+ sunken Japanese WWII ships at 10-40 m depth, now coral-encrusted artificial reefs (Okikawa Maru, Akitsushima, Irako), alongside pristine freshwater lakes (Kayangan Lake with emerald water, Barracuda Lake with thermoclines). Boracay's White Beach is 4 km of powdery sand divided into three stations — Station 1 (upscale, quietest), Station 2 (bars, restaurants, liveliest), Station 3 (budget, local vibe). Sunset sailing on traditional paraw outriggers and beach-party nightlife are the signatures. Cebu delivers whale shark encounters at Oslob, the mesmerising sardine run at Moalboal (millions of sardines in a ball formation), and Kawasan Falls canyoneering. Bohol has the Chocolate Hills (1,268 perfectly conical hills that turn brown in dry season) and the tiny Philippine tarsier. Siargao's Cloud 9 is one of Asia's best surf breaks. And everywhere, the Filipino hospitality — warm, genuine and often overwhelming in its generosity — makes the archipelago unforgettable.
Ways to Experience This Destination
El Nido (Tours A-D, USD 20-35 each: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Nacpan Beach), Coron (Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon), Hundred Islands (Pangasinan), and island chains off Cebu and Bohol. Bangka outrigger boats visit multiple beaches, snorkelling spots and lagoons in a day — the quintessential Philippine experience. Each island has its own character: limestone cliffs, coral gardens, jungle waterfalls or white sand.
Part of the Coral Triangle — highest marine biodiversity on earth. Coron wreck diving (12+ WWII Japanese ships at 10-40 m), Tubbataha Reefs (UNESCO, liveaboard-only, April-June), Moalboal sardine run, Malapascua thresher sharks, Anilao macro photography, Apo Island sea turtles, and Donsol whale shark encounters (Feb-May). Affordable: USD 25-50 per dive, Open Water courses USD 300-500. Water temperature 26-30°C year-round.
Boracay White Beach (4 km powdery sand, Stations 1-3, sunset paraws, nightlife), Palawan beaches (Nacpan, Long Beach, Port Barton), Siargao (surfing at Cloud 9 plus pristine beaches), Panglao (Bohol), Bantayan Island and Malapascua (Cebu), and Camiguin (volcanic island with white sandbar). From backpacker hammocks to luxury private-island resorts.
Intramuros walled city in Manila (Spanish colonial, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church UNESCO), Vigan (UNESCO, best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia), Banaue rice terraces (UNESCO, 2,000-year-old Ifugao engineering), baroque churches of Paoay and Miag-ao (UNESCO), and the unique Catholic-animist festivals — Sinulog in Cebu, Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, MassKara in Bacolod.
Bohol's Chocolate Hills (1,268 conical hills) and Philippine tarsiers (one of the world's smallest primates), Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO, 8.2 km navigable cave), Taal Volcano (volcano within a lake within a volcano), Mayon Volcano (perfect cone in Albay), whale watching in Bohol Strait, and the Philippine eagle (critically endangered, Davao).
Siargao's Cloud 9 (one of Asia's best right-hand reef breaks, September-November peak), La Union (Luzon's surf capital, beginner-friendly), Baler (where Apocalypse Now was filmed). Plus Kawasan Falls canyoneering in Cebu, zip-lining in Bohol, kiteboarding on Boracay's Bulabog Beach (November-May), and volcano trekking on Mount Pinatubo and Taal.
Money & Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Currency code: PHP
Practical Money Tips
Cash Is King Outside Metro Manila and Resort Hotels
The Philippines is fundamentally cash-based for travellers. Visa and Mastercard work at international hotels, upscale restaurants, major malls (SM, Ayala, Robinson's) and airline offices. But island destinations — guesthouses, dive shops, island-hopping boat operators, local restaurants, tricycles, jeepneys and markets — are overwhelmingly cash-only. Carry enough Philippine Pesos for your island itinerary. Even on Boracay, many smaller establishments prefer cash. On remote islands (El Nido outer beaches, Siargao, smaller Visayan islands), cash is the only option.
ATMs Available in Cities — Scarce on Islands
ATMs from BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank and Land Bank are widespread in Manila, Cebu City, and major towns. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits are typically PHP 10,000-20,000 per transaction (approximately USD 175-350) — lower than many countries. ATM fees: PHP 200-250 per withdrawal for foreign cards, plus your home bank's fees. On tourist islands, ATMs exist but are unreliable — they run out of cash, go offline, or have long queues. El Nido town has a few ATMs that frequently run dry. Coron has limited ATMs. Siargao has improved but remains hit-or-miss. Withdraw in the city before heading to islands.
GCash Is Everywhere — But Foreign Visitors Can't Use It
GCash and Maya (formerly PayMaya) are the dominant mobile payment platforms in the Philippines — used by millions of Filipinos for everything from convenience stores to street food. QR code payments are ubiquitous. However, both require a Philippine phone number and bank account to set up, making them inaccessible to foreign visitors on short trips. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at modern terminals in Manila malls, international hotels and chain restaurants, but coverage is limited. For travellers, the reality is: card at hotels and malls, cash everywhere else.
Exchange USD in Manila or Cebu — Not on the Islands
Exchange offices in Manila (Ermita, Makati, NAIA terminals) and Cebu City offer competitive rates for USD. Rates are significantly worse on tourist islands. Bring clean USD bills — post-2006 series preferred, damaged or old bills may be refused. EUR and GBP are exchangeable at major banks and forex dealers but USD gets the widest acceptance and best rates. Don't exchange at hotel desks — the markup is substantial.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Philippines
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
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Accredited missions for Philippines
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