Philippines

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the Philippines’ rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Philippines set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Philippine Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the Philippines, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements 

You can visit the Philippines without a visa for tourism or business for up to 30 days.

You must have a QR code to show that you have registered on the e-travel system within the 72 hours before your arrival in the Philippines. Some airlines will not allow you to board your flight to the Philippines if you cannot show the QR code.

The e-travel registration is free of charge.

Most UK visitors are also expected to have proof of return or onward travel. Immigration officials and airlines may ask for this.

To stay more than 30 days, you can apply for an extension when you are in the Philippines. If you overstay any visa without authority, it is a serious matter. You could face fees and fines, and detention if you cannot pay them, or you could be deported at your own expense.

If you want a visa to live, work, or study in the Philippines, you’ll need to meet the requirements of the Philippine immigration regulations. This includes having certain UK documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, UK police certificates and school documents) legalised by the Legalisation Office (not by the Philippine Embassy in London).  

Children travelling without their parents

If your non-Filipino children aged 14 or under are travelling without either parent, you must apply for a waiver of exclusion ground for entry into the Philippines.     

Vaccine requirements

To enter the Philippines, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:

• a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
• a polio   vaccine if you are coming from certain countries with a transmission risk

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Philippines guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the Philippines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into the Philippines 

You cannot take in more than 50,000 Philippine pesos.

If you are bringing in foreign currency (cash or cheques) worth more than 10,000 US dollars, you must declare it on your foreign currency declaration form on arrival.

Exit requirements

If you have stayed in the Philippines for 6 months or more on a tourist visa, you must get an emigration clearance certificate (ECC) during the 72 hours before you leave the country.    

If you were in the Philippines on a visa issued by the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Board of Investments (BoI), or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), you will need a travel pass from the department that issued your visa to leave the Philippines. If you have an ECC, you do not need a travel pass.

Airport tax

If you’re leaving the country from Cebu Mactan airport, you must pay a departure tax of 850 Philippine pesos in local currency or the equivalent in US dollars. There’s no longer a departure tax at Manila airport. This information can change and you should check with your airline before you travel.  

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Philippines

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in the Philippines
• dealing with a death in the Philippines
• being arrested or imprisoned in the Philippines
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in the Philippines on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.