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Philippines visas

Philippines business visa

Business options include the 9(a) visitor visa, the 9(d) business visa and a specific online visa route. Some travellers also qualify for visa-free business entry.

Ways to get a Philippines business visa

  1. 9(a) visitor visa for business

    Visa needed

    Visitors travelling for business.

  2. 9(d) business visa

    Visa needed

    Foreign businesspeople covered by the 9(d) visa class.

  3. Visa-free business visit with a qualifying foreign visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Citizens of India with a valid tourist, business or resident visa, or a permanent residence permit, from a Schengen Area member state, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom or the United States.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. Single-entry business e-Visa

    eVisa

    Citizens of China residing in Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau may apply through VFS Global.

    Stay
    Up to 14 days.
    Entries
    Single entry.
    Fee
    CNY 380 application fee plus CNY 98 service fee.

    Passports that qualify (1)

    1. Apply for a business e-Visa through the VFS Global website.
    2. Pay the CNY 380 application fee and CNY 98 service fee.

Who needs it

Business visitors who do not qualify for a visa-free route need a suitable visa.

Who doesn't

Eligible Indian citizens with a qualifying foreign visa or permanent residence permit can visit for business for up to 30 days. Eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders can visit for business for up to 59 days.

Good to know

  • APEC Business Travel Card conditions are listed in a separate category.

Questions

Do I need a business visa for the Philippines?

Business visitors who do not qualify for a visa-free route need a suitable visa. Eligible Indian citizens with a qualifying foreign visa or permanent residence permit can visit for business for up to 30 days. Eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders can visit for business for up to 59 days.

What are the ways to get a business visa for the Philippines?

There are 5 options: 9(a) visitor visa for business (a visa from an embassy); 9(d) business visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free business visit with a qualifying foreign visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Single-entry business e-Visa (an online visa); APEC Business Travel Card entry (no visa at all).

Who can go to the Philippines without a business visa?

Citizens of India with a valid tourist, business or resident visa, or a permanent residence permit, from a Schengen Area member state, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom or the United States. Holders of eligible passports and an APEC Business Travel Card marked PHL for travel to the Philippines.

Can I apply online for the Philippines?

Yes: Single-entry business e-Visa. Citizens of China residing in Mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau may apply through VFS Global.

Does my passport change whether I need a business visa for the Philippines?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Philippines visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a business visa for the Philippines be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the Philippines business visa rules?

On the Philippines's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my business visa once I am in the Philippines?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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