How to Apply for a Philippine Visa

If you are a United States citizen and are considering traveling to the Philippines for 21 to 59 days, you must apply for a Philippine visa. The Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. and the other consulates across the United States receives and adjudicates visa applications. One of the easiest ways to apply for your visa is by mail. You must ensure that you mail your application to a consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence.

Things You'll Need

• Valid passport
• Money order
• Self-addressed stamped envelope with tracking
• Supporting documents, such as bank statements

Instructions

1. Download a visa application form from the Embassy of the Philippines, Washington D.C. homepage (http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/downloads/NonImmigrantVisa.pdf).

2. Print the downloaded application form and then complete the form by hand. You must answer all questions on the visa application form. If a question does not apply to you, write "N/A" in the space provided.

3. Visit a notary and have the application form notarized.

4. Get a color photo of yourself taken. The photo must be two inches tall and two inches wide, and it must have been taken within six months of your visa application. Write your name and sign on the front of the photo.

5. Make a money order payable to "The Embassy of the Philippines" covering the visa-processing fee. As of 2010, the fee for a single entry three-month nonimmigrant visa is $30.

6. Gather documented proof of sufficient financial resources for your trip. This includes but is not limited to copies of your bank statement and round-trip tickets or a confirmed travel itinerary from a travel agent. If you are applying for a business visa, you must submit a letter from a company in the Philippines showing that you are requested to visit the country for business reasons.

7. Mail your application, passport and supporting documents via certified mail to the Philippines Consular office with jurisdiction over your state of residence. For the address of the consular office with jurisdiction over your state, go to http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/Consulates.htm

Tips & Warnings

• When submitting your application to the Philippines consular office, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope with some form of tracking.

References

• Consulate General of the Philippine, New York: Visa Information

Resources

• U.S. Department of State: Philippines - Country Specific Information