Currently, people requesting entry to the Philippines need a health pass and a health declaration form to enter the country. Their government required these because of the Covid-19 pandemic. These precautionary measures ensure hassle-free travel.
If you want to visit this country, the government has two primary visa categories, namely:
- Immigrant
- Non-immigrant permits
The government encourages tourists to process the requirements before coming to the country. Doing so will help you, the visitor, determine which visa best suits your purpose. They even launched the online Philippine eTA visa waiver application. You can now file for a Philippine eTA visa waiver at the comfort of your home and not visit the local embassy or consulate.
Visa Requirements for British Citizens
British citizens can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days without any visa. If you already know that you will be staying for more than the said period, you should file for the necessary papers.
However, if you plan to work and stay in the Philippines for an extended period, it is best to apply for an Immigrant Visa. The visa will serve as a work permit or document for employment. You can apply for visa-free entry and stay for 30 days if you plan to travel to the Philippines for leisure or personal travel purposes and have a valid UK passport.
To acquire a visa-free entry, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel bookings
- Cash or debit/credit cards
Please note that all travellers to the Philippines will have to go through customs check upon entering the country. Officials will interview you. Incoming travellers would often be asked to procure travel documents and applicable Philippine visas.
How to Apply for a Philippine eTA Visa Waiver?
The online Philippine eTA visa waiver application is available on the Department of Tourism (DOT) website. The form is simple, and the process is quick. Just follow the easy steps, and everything will be settled in no time.
Fill out the eTA application form by entering the following details:
- Visit Type
- Arrival/Departure Date
- Country of Origin
- Passport Type
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Mobile Number
- Visa Type
Once you have submitted the form, use the online payment system to settle the processing fees. Note that the processing fee may change at any time without prior notice.
As soon as you have paid the fees, you will receive the Unique Identification Number (UID). Please keep the number for future reference. The online form is easy to use, and the processing fees are relatively affordable, but it may take about three days to get the eTA visa issued for your travel itinerary.
If you are travelling by group, the primary applicant will receive the UID. If one member of the group has not yet completed the paper work, the rest of the members can go ahead with their trip without worrying about the missing documents.
Conclusion
It is always prudent to apply for visa before travelling. It will save you from certain hassles and frustrations, especially if you are travelling in a group. Remember that the eTA visa waiver may take up to three days, so you may not be able to enjoy a vacation straight away. You may have to wait until the visa has been issued.
If you need help to apply for visa, you should reach out to Travcour VLS. We will assist you in processing your travel papers, so that you can prepare other things for your journey. Contact us for more information!