Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians – Why not Indians?
Indians traveling to Philippines for tourism is unheard of, let alone securing a Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians! News watchers may be aware of it’s existence on account of the ongoing dispute in South China Sea. “What? Are you going to the Philippines…? Why? Do you want to Starve?” blurted the Immigration officer, when i was on my way to the heaven! First of all, its ignorance and an uncommon travel for an Indian. It was an overwhelming joy to break the myth.
The picturesque country has stunning and pristine islands offering wonderful tourism destinations.The cumbersome process in securing a Philippines tourist visa for Indians is the major setback discouraging the Indian tourists in visiting the Philippines.You might ask, if visiting Philippines is really worth the painstaking Visa process. I would happily nod an YES!
Imagine a trip to the Philippines & Get a Visa:
Imagine a lazy sunbath on a pristine beach side with a cocktail.Imagine meeting scores of foreigners and Filipino on a pub hopping; diving in to the deep seas to see the vibrant corals; swimming with the Whale Sharks; seeing the vast green UNESCO World heritage site of “Banaue rice terrace” and the sight of the chocolate hills. Philippines could make your dreams come alive! This is what a trip to the Philippines looks like! Is it worth the pain? Why not go on an off-beat tourism destination?
Key Facts to understand about Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians (9A):
- Philippines does not offer Visa on Arrival for Indians. (Ah! This is one country, we MUST fight for a VOA!)
- Indians must obtain a valid Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Pleasure (Tourist Visa) – 9A, before entering the port of entry in the Philippines.
- Visa will be verified before boarding an air plane to the Philippines. In the event of not showing a valid tourist visa, the airline can deny boarding (in any country) and so does the Indian Immigration.
- An applicant can apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa for Pleasure (Tourist Visa) either individually or by availing visa services of a travel agent, such as Thomas Cook.
- The applicant has to appear in person, if the Consular officer so demands, when applying through a travel agent.
- The Embassy does not accept Passports for visa processing via Mail or Courier.
- Indian Nationals holding diplomatic or official passport need not apply for Visa if the intended stay is within 30 days.
- Visa Validity: A tourist visa, if and when issued, is valid for 3 months from the date of Issue.
- Length of Stay: The length of stay during each visit cannot exceed 59 days. The number of days issued for a visit lies with the Consular Officer and is also the discretion of the officer examining the Visa at the port of entry.
- You can choose Single entry or Multiple entry Visa depending on your travel needs.
Visa Free Entry for Indians : A Welcome relief for Indian Nationals holding PR:
Effective 20 April 2015, Indian passport holders do not require a visa for tourism travel (Visa Free Entry for Indians), if the leisure travel does not exceed fourteen (14) days provided that they –
- hold a valid visa or permanent residence permit issued by Singapore (including E Pass, S Pass, Work Permit,Student Pass, Dependent Pass), Australia, Japan, Schengen country, U.K. or U.S.A.
- hold a valid return ticket to country of origin or next country of destination.
- have a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines.
Philippines Tourist Visa for Indians in Chennai:
Visa Process:
I applied for Philippines Visa a month before the travel date. The travel forums and the official Philippines Embassy website in India were my reference for Visa application and Guidelines. I applied for the Visa as an individual applicant and did not use travel agents. I would strongly advise you to read the official Embassy website in addition to the information presented here.
Philippines Honorary Consul General Chennai:
The “Philippines Honorary Consul General Chennai” is located in SPIC building, Guindy. The Embassy has a token system for processing Visa applications. It is advisable to arrive early morning (around 8 AM) at the SPIC building. The security guard at the entrance of the building issues token for the Embassy. The Embassy office is located on ground floor on the left side, towards the parking lot. Applicants are allowed to enter the Embassy office waiting area only after 9 AM. A Consular officer starts verifying the Visa documents around 930 AM, based on the token system. The officer verifies all the documents and accepts or rejects the papers on a case to case basis.
My First Experience – Mistake and Learning:
I was the third in line to appear for the Visa scrutiny. I walked up to the officer with the papers mandated by the official website, New Delhi. The officer rejected my visa documents on the following grounds.
- The Payable Name on the Demand Draft was not in line with the Chennai office requirements. The Payable name quoted in the official website was different – “Embassy of the Philippines“. (Read the Official Guidelines laid down by Chennai office).
- Printout of the HR letter stating the Leave Dates, Certificate of Current Employment and Salary Certificate. The Embassy does not accept Printouts. The certificates issued by the Employer should be on Original Letter Head.
- Credit card copy, as mandated by the official website was not required.
- PAN card copy was not required.
The officer handed out a document carrying the requirements in detail, requesting me to come back with the right set of documents.
Important:
It is advisable to go to the Philippines Embassy and get the latest handout before applying for the Visa.
Official Guidelines For Tourist Visa – Handout from the Philippines Honorary Consul General Chennai:
- Visa application form fully and legibly completed in English by the applicant.
- One Passport size photograph taken no more than 6 months ago. Scanned photos are not acceptable.
- Original Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the contemplated stay in the Philippines.
- One Passport photocopy (first and last page).
- Letter of Invitation (if applicable) indicating complete address and telephone number should be notarized by the notary public.(Passport copy and the Visa copy) – Scan copy.
- Covering letter from the applicant.
- If employed, applicant’s certificate of current employment from employer to include Leave sanctioned, employer’s full name, address, telephone number, applicant’s length of service and salary details and the registration certificate of the company.
- Business Men (If self-employed), Proof of Business.
- If Student, applicant’s certificate of Bona fide from the School/College.
- If minor, under 15 years of age traveling alone or to be accompanied by a person other than a parent or not joining a parent in the Philippines. Affidavit of support and Consent to travel. The affidavit must be executed by either or both parents indicating traveling companion of minor and address in the Philippines, duly Notarized by a local Notary Public, attested by the MEA and consular officer of the Philippine Embassy. This affidavit must be presented before immigration officials at the port of entry in the Philippines upon the minor’s arrival in the Philippines.
- Spouse of a Philippine Citizen: Name of the Filipino spouse should be indicated in the visa applicant’s Passport copy of Report of Marriage issued by the Philippine Embassy of Philippine National Statistics Office.
- Unmarried Minor Child of a Filipino Parent: Copy of the Birth Certificate and Copy of Parent’s valid passports.
- Spouse is in the Philippines under Business visa or Employment visa, the copy of marriage authentication certificate to be submitted along with the other documents.
- Bank statements for latest 6 months(Healthy Balance).
- IT Returns for 3 years.
- Confirmed return air ticket.
- Confirmed Hotel Accommodation.
- Visa processing – normal – 5 working days,express – 2 working days.
- Visa submission time – 9.30 to 10.30 (Monday to Friday).
- Schedule of Visa fees – Normal Rs.2840/- Express Rs.6390/- each
- Only demand drafts drawn from any bank in India with a branch in Chennai are accepted. Pay to be “PHILIPPINE HONORARY CONSULATE GENERAL CHENNAI” Payable at Chennai.
Are you contemplating if you should visit Philippines, having read the tedious visa requirements? Here are 6 reasons why you should travel to the Philippines.
Ever heard of Boracay? Boracay is featured in the Top 10 romantic beaches in the world. Boracay is a romantic place to go on a honeymoon. El Nido, Palawan Islands is another island you would fall in love with!
Visa Approval – Success on second attempt!
Do you remember walking in to the Principal’s office at school? Well, my second attempt instigated the anxiety hormones. The papers were in order as mandated by the Philippines Honorary Consul General Chennai. I had to cancel the previously issued Demand Draft and request a fresh one with the mandated payable name. The certificates were on the original company letter head. I didn’t want my Visa rejected, having planned and waited for the dream trip!
Travel agents charge approximately INR 6000 for Visa processing. I opted to process my application through “Express”. I was happy to pay the required fees than opting for a travel agent. The consular officer accepted the papers on my second visit, since I had the right answers for the Consular’s questions. Consequently, the consular officer asked me to come two days later, around 4-430 PM, in the evening to collect the Passport. Finally, I was granted a 9A-Tourist Visa for 3 weeks, valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Philippines Visa Application Form Download Link – Application form available in the official website. Please refer the official website – http://newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph/index.php if the link is outdated.
Philippines Embassy / Philippine Honorary Consulate General – India locations:
Contact Information as listed in Philippines Embassy Website, New Delhi.
Philippine Embassy in New Delhi
H.E. (Mrs.) Ma. Teresita C. Daza
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
50-N Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi: 110021
Tel number:+9111- 2688-9091, 2611-0152, 2410-1120 and 2688-8838
Fax number: +9111- 2687-6401
Office Hours for Submission of Visas: 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Monday to Friday
Email: philippineembassynewdelhi@gmail.com
Philippine Honorary Consulate General Mumbai
Mrs. Rajashree Birla – Consul General ad Honorem
Mr. Retnaswamy Swaminathan – Consul ad Honorem
Mr. Subramaniam Krishna Moorthy – Vice Consul ad Honorem
1st Floor, Industry House
159 Churchgate Reclamation,
Mumbai 400021
Tel: (+91-22) 2202-4792
Fax: (+91-22) 2281-4103
Office Hours for Submission of Visas: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Collection of Visas on the 3rd working day between 10:00 am to 12:00pm
Email: pcgmumbai@gmail.com
Philippine Honorary Consulate General KOLKATA
37 Shakespeare Sarani
2nd Floor, Kolkata, 700001
Tel:(+91-33) 2280-2546
Fax:(+91-33) 2280-8345
Email: pcgkolkata@gmail.com
Office Hours for Submission of Visas: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Collection of Visas on the next day between 2:00 pm to 4:00pm
Philippine Honorary Consulate General Chennai
Mr. Ashwin Muthiah – Consul General ad Honorem
“Spic House” Annex Building
VIII Floor, 88 Mount Road
Guindy, Chennai 600032
Tel: (+91 44) 22354063 and
Fax: (+9144) 22352062
E-mail: pcgchennai@spic.co.in
The Philippines tourist visa for Indians seems like a tough process. However, if you have the right documents, you could enjoy a trip to the heaven!
Do you have an experience getting a Philippines Tourist Visa? In addition, do you have any suggestions or points to add? Request you to add your experience in the comments section.
Hi, I also want to visit Philippines in November….but my issue is I quit my job in September 2016 and since then I am not working….is it possible to get Tourist visa if my father sponsor my trip….coz if i update my bank statement from last 6 months not deposit only withdrawal….and if I see the last 6-7 months my bank balance is not healthy…..
Hi Debashish,
Yes, the embassy will accept a letter from your father. He has to be the sponsor as well.
since, your bank statements may not be useful without a good balance here, you would need to furnish the statements of your father, the sponsor in this case. They may expect a balance of 80,000 – 100,000 INR monthly balance on an average.
Also, since you have been unemployed the last 8 months or so, the consular officer may have credible doubts on your intention to return to home country. They might doubt that you may jump your visa to get a job or settle down there. Please make sure your purpose of visit is explicit with a good itinerary and detailed plans.
Do visit the consular office in your vicinity to get information on any other additional documents they may require.In my experience, the documentation varies from one consular office to another.
Hope this helps. Please post if you have any other queries.
Happy Travels!
Kevin
Hey Kevin,
i have booked my ticket to philippines for june, I am above 21 years of age, and a student, and just finished my masters. My dad passed away and my mom doesnt have a healty job so my aunt (mom’s sister) is sponsoring my trip. will that be okay?
Is the confirmed return ticket mandatory?
Hi soumyarajan,
yes, the return ticket is mandatory. The max number of days you can get is 30 days. have a good itinerary. have a return ticket within 30 days. It is the discretion of the consular officer as to how many days you get the visa for.
The return ticket could be either to India or any other country. Again, if it is any other country, you should have a visa for that country. If the country is say Thailand, you will get VOA,in which case you may not need visa.
Please post if you have any other queries. Hope this helps.
Happy Travels!
Kevin
Hi Promotra,
I am an Indian citizen and have valid Residence card of Japan. I am currently living in Japan and want to visit Philippines for a week and then return to Japan. I understand in my case there is no need of prior Visa require as I can VOA. My question is whether I need to get any prior application or forms to fill to clear immigration at Japan airport or I can directly go with return ticket passport and Residence card?
Hi Vishi,
VOA in general requires only return tickets, proof of stay and funds. It is suggested you get the VOA forms printed from the Immigration Website before hand. These forms would not be required at the airport in Japan. Please call up the specific airline to verify if they do need by check-in.
Happy Travels!
Kevin
hello,
I have a friend who is self employed amd been here in the philippines 4times already. He us from New delhi and would like to visit Philipines again and intended to stay for a month, but his visa agent told him that applying for a multiple entry visa will b rejected right away. Is this true?. and if its possible would you be able to recommend visa agencies that can assist my friend.. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon.
Hello Alee,
The agent may be right given the situation in Philippines now. Multiple Entry visa would require fool proof documentation and valid reason. Although your friend had visited the Philippines 4 times, there would be questions on the valid reasons to visit again! Hope you get my point.
Thomas Cook does a better job, which comes at a premium pricing though.
However, your friend could try a single entry for 30 days with a proper itinerary, accommodation and proof of funds; i assume he is going to try for a tourist visa. If he has a girl friend / friend in the Philippines, they can provide required documentation such as their salary slips, address information etc., to sponsor his trip.
Hope this helps!
Thanks
Kevin
Hello Kevin,
I’m from India and i have a friend in the Philippines. I have plans to visit the philippines soon But I’m currently NOT working and there is NO one here to sponsor my trip. So i was wondering if my friend can sponsor my trip and if yes then how?
Thank you and hope to hear from you very soon.
Hello Kevin,i’m planning Phil trip for next month after reading your post i understood that the visa procedure is not quite simple,what might be the questions the embassy will ask me ,since I’m unemployed i need to submit the sponsorship letter from my father as per the first comment ,whether it should be notarized?
Hi Kiran,
The sponsorship letter applies to minors and students.
You would need to check with the embassy where you are planning to apply , if they would accept parent’s sponsorship when unemployed.
If they do, then yes it had to be notarized.
PS: if you have all the required documents in order, you may not face much questions. If otherwise, questions would mostly be towards your intention to travel. They would have reasons to doubt if you would return to India.
Hello, Is it mandatory to have a credit card/travellers check. Also is the IT returns mandatory?
Hi Sherry
IT Returns is mandatory.
The consular officer did not press on the need for credit card. However this could vary depending on the city you are applying. You could however give a copy of the card to be on the safer side.
Cheers
Kevin
Hello Kevin
I m from Mumbai, I m planning of having a small trip in Angeles city Philippines. My problem is that I m unemployment from past 2 months but I have 150k plus of balance in my saving n I can afford to stay for around 2 or 1 week.
Will I able to get tourist visa if I applied n if yes then will face any probs during immigration?
Ur advice n suggestions will b very helpful.
Hi Vivek,
Although Angeles city is entitled to tourism, am not sure if it’s frowned upon in India.
Although you don’t need to be employed to apply for a tourist visa, the checks are stringent. Unemployed status is less encouraged owing to the fear that people might misuse visa, find a job there and jump their visa; which is a valid precaution at their end.
Your bank balance is a positive factor. However, your odds are 50-50. If you can show proof of self employment with necessary docs, it may be possible.
PS: Talk to Thomas cook and see if they can help you in this regard.
Cheers
Kevin
Thanks for the reply Kevin.
For tourist visa Do they do employment background check up or they will call or visit the work or the employer to verify if applicant is working or not after submitting the leave application from job at the embassy?
Can you tell please which are the mandatory documents required for submission?
Thanks alot.
Hi Vivek,
I don’t think they visit your work place to issue a tourist visa.
however, they might call up the HR or whomsoever is going to issue you the document. In my opinion, never lie.
I have listed all the mandatory documents at the end of the article. However, I suggest you visit the embassy in person to get the list of mandatory documents. The documents vary from one location to another.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Kevin
Hi Promotra,
I have submitted all documents to the consular officer 4 working days ago,he said he will make a ring to my number if the visa is approved, and haven’t given any ‘claim stub’ to collect my passport from their Chennai consulate.
Hi Vivek…did you apply for visa ? kindly mail me at mumbaipropertysearch@yahoo.com
Hi, Im planning to travel to Philippines IN November for honeymoon. My would-be has travelled to Switzerland earlier and she has a used Schengen visa. So is she eligible for VOA for this trip and what documents should she be carrying?
I will have to apply Visa for myself and all requirements are clear except for healthy balance in statement. I have a salary account and every month salary gets deposited to it. Should that be sufficient or I have to maintain a certain balance for few months? If certain balance has to be maintained, then what would be a good amount to maintain.
Thanks for your help.
Hello Kevin,
Thanks for the detailed info.
I have booked my tickets of Sept 29, 2017 me and my wife. What documents do we require to submit to obtain a tourist visa ?
We have a china temporary visa and would be travelling from China back to china itself.
your help is appreciated.
Can I visit philippines embassy Delhi to get information about my queries? Is there information queries window? Or they don’t give information about visa?
Hi i will be travelling tp philipines in nov
..my friend has a multiple entry us visa till 2021..does he need a vusa to visit philipines….we will also be getting out at singapore airport…
If i get singapore visa single entry tourist visa..do i need visa for philipines
hello kevin,
i am planning to visit my friend in Philippines. i have read all the instructions and we have to pay the fee of around 3K for single entry, but u didnt mentioned how we supposed to pay can u please help me with it.
Hi,,,what is covering letter ? What should be mentioned ? can i get a sample of it ? ….im Self Employed so i have IT returns and Registration Certificate. i hope its enough ?
Good Morning
is it possible??if we get a Singapore tourist valid visa.
an indian passport holder can get a visa on arrival for 14 days
at the Philippines airport? and then extended it for another 7 days
and stay for 21 days.
Please help will be waiting for you advice.
Hello Kavi,
I am traveling to the US in a month and have valid visit visa for the same. I would like to travel via Philippines. This was on my bucket list for a long time. I have a healthy bank balance of 2 lacs and can cover my expenses. I am unemployed in India though so no tax returns. Do I qualify for a VOA?
I may travel soon and may not be in a position to apply for a tourist visa now. I would rather change my route via the middle east.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Vineeth
Sir I am from chennai I just finished my degree last year I am not working but I am gonna publish my two books this month so maybe I am self employee…I am a girl who loves a girl and she is from Philippines the truth is she want me to meet her family and I wanna meet her we meet in internet and she will sent me invitation letter next week is that possible to get 30 days visa? And what is the best way to get visitor visa and what should she put in that invitation letter please give some tips and may i use agency or apply directly ?how much inr I need to show in my bank account and can my cousin sponser me?
Hi, The article sums-up nicely, covered good info about visa. If any of you wish to migrate to singapore and need any sort of help related to visa do visit our website. Thanks in advance.
Hey Promotraveller!
I live in Delhi, I want to what are the minimum criteria of funds required in bank account? and can i apply for visa before actually buying tickets? Please Help (jwadhwano.1@gmail.com) please help me out
Great clear write-up. Have a couple of questions. Did you mask part or all of your credit card number, or suggest doing so when applying through a travel agent. Similarly, for IT returns, do you cover Adhar/PAN number? Cheers.
May I know if there is any changes in process like Visa fee, express processing? I am visiting the office day after tomorrow, I just wanted to knwo what is the amount of the DD to make for express processing.
The VISA form, Do we need to fill by hand or has to be computerized?
Hello, I’m a Filipina but I have a boyfriend from India. He wants to travel here in Philippines for 3 months. Is it really a need for me to send him a letter of invitation letter to get tourist visa?
Hey mate,only if you had applied for Singapore tourist visa,there was no need to show up at the embassy,and you would have got 21 days visa free entry to the Philippines.
Best luck next time 🙂
Hey Great .!! Blog about Philippines tourist Visa process for Indians ..!!
Same way people who are looking to migrate to Canada or Australia there are few best immigration consultants in Chennai Kindly visit and take a step to move forward
Nice and informative….Thank you for posting