Skip to main content

Philippines Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism; the stay can be extended in-country through the Bureau of Immigration.

Guide last updated October 6, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
  • No visa required for the initial 30-day stay.
  • Proof of onward or return travel ticket (checked at check-in and sometimes on arrival).
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking).
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory.
  • No biometrics required for the initial visa-free entry stamp.

Visa types

  • UK citizens do not need a visa for the initial 30-day stay.
  • Visa-free tourist entry: 30 days, single entry, for tourism or short business visits (no local employment).
  • 9(a) temporary visitor visa: an alternative applied for in advance at a Philippine embassy/consulate for travellers wanting a longer initial stay (up to 59 days) without relying on in-country extensions.
  • Balikbayan privilege: a special extended visa-free stay (up to 1 year) available only to former Filipino citizens and their accompanying foreign spouses/children, not typically applicable to most UK tourists.

Entry conditions

  • Up to 30 days permitted visa-free on arrival; your passport is stamped with the exact expiry date of your allowed stay.
  • No work is permitted under the visa-free entry.
  • Extensions are available in-country at the Bureau of Immigration (BI), typically in increments of 1-2 months at a time, up to a total stay of 36 months for continuous tourist extensions.
  • You must apply for your first extension before your initial 30 days expire to avoid overstay penalties.
  • Overstaying incurs fines calculated per day plus a possible travel ban, assessed at the BI or on departure.

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee for the initial 30-day visa-free entry.
  • No advance processing time required.
  • First extension at the Bureau of Immigration: typically around PHP 3,000-4,000 (approx. USD 50-70), processed same-day or within a few days at a BI office.
  • Subsequent extensions carry similar fees, often with an added Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitors (CRTV) fee for longer stays.
  • No official express service, but same-day processing is common at BI satellite offices for straightforward extensions.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Mark your 30-day expiry date clearly and start any extension process a few days before it lapses - BI offices can have queues.
  • Keep all extension receipts and stickers in your passport, as you'll need a continuous paper trail if you extend multiple times.
  • Typhoon season (roughly June-November) can disrupt domestic travel; check weather advisories when planning island-hopping itineraries.
  • Register with the FCDO's travel advice page for updates on specific regions, particularly parts of Mindanao.
  • If considering a long-term stay, look into the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) rather than repeatedly extending a tourist stay.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United Kingdom passport holders

FranceGermanyItalySpainUnited StatesAustraliaView all →

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.