Are you thinking of having an excursion to the Philippines whether to explore the country’s iconic places or many islands or as a drop-off point for another destination (onward travel)?

If you are coming from one of the nations in this list, then you are in luck as your entry into the country will not require a travel Visa.

For more on Visa-related adventure, check out Byevisa.

What is a Visa?

Visa, not to be confused with the card scheme brand of the same name, comes from the Latin words charta visa, which meant “verified paper.” Often, it is a requirement for entry in almost every sovereign country, which is set to filter out anyone who goes in and out of the country from an external source. Under the context of the Philippines, a visa is an endorsement coming from the Philippine Embassy’s consular officer or a consulate from abroad.

Although having a visa is more likely to render someone traveling from abroad entry into the country legally than someone required of it but does not possess it, a visa does not necessarily guarantee anybody their wanted passage. That ultimately will still be subject to the scrutiny of the immigration authorities designated at the ports of entries. That is, granted the foreign traveler is equipped with all the necessary documents that suggest lawful journey across borders.

What is a “foreign tourist” or “temporary visitor”?

By definition, a foreign tourist is anyone who is coming from outside of the Philippines, regardless of the classification of race, language, gender, or religion; but particularly for any purpose other than immigration.

What is a Visa-free travel?

As the words itself imply, a “Visa-free travel” is an entry into the Philippines that does not require a visa. This means, while people from certain nations are mandated to bring a visa before being given entrance into its territory, there are individuals from certain countries who are provided the special privilege of a visa-less accommodation.

This special favor typically boils down to trust that persons coming from certain countries are less likely to breach established travel conditions. One, primarily, being the non-return to their country of origin. In addition, there is also both the tourism and business considerations to it, which is essentially a way of promoting economic activities to the receiving country from foreign persons.

What is the condition for a Visa-free excursion?

Unless you are either a Brazilian or an Israeli which allows for an extended stay of up to 59 days, being endowed the visa-free favor demands that the foreign traveler will only stay in the country for no more than 30 days upon the date of entry. However, this can get extended, granted that the traveler applies for it. For example, Australians can lengthen their presence for up to 36 months.

Conversely, a breach on this agreement would automatically results to a sanction against the perpetrator. While punishment may be merely as low as P500 per month, some nationalities can be charged as high as P4000 per month. At the worst-case scenario, a severe penalty may be imposed such as forced deportation and a total barring of the person from re-entry.