Are you planning to visit The Philippines anytime soon for a short stay? You may need to apply for the Philippines ETA if you are from an eligible country on the ETA list. This Philippines visa is a travel document is solely obtained online, but you need to meet the requirements to qualify for it. Read on to know how to obtain yours today.
What Is the Philippines ETA?
The Philippines tourist visa is simply an electronic travel authorization document that allows eligible citizens of foreign countries to visit for short stays. This electronic travel authorization scheme was launched by the government in 2015 to facilitate the trips of eligible foreign nationals who wish to visit the Philippines. Rather than visit the embassy in their home countries to apply for a conventional visa, eligible applicants can apply for a short visit Philippines visa online using their computer or smartphone.
Also called the Philippines e visa, it allows the holder to stay for 1 month, after which they must exit the country. Also, this document allows for multiple entries into the country as long as their eta is still valid. If it expires, they can apply for a new one as soon as they wish.
Besides, the ETA application doesn’t require visits to the Philippines embassy or consulate offices; many travelers prefer it because the application process is not as complex as other conventional visas. The documents required are few, and the online application form is easy to complete within minutes.
Also called the Philippines e visa, it allows the holder to stay for 1 month, after which they must exit the country. Also, this document allows for multiple entries into the country as long as their eta is still valid. If it expires, they are eligible to apply for a new one as soon as they wish.
Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements
To submit the Eta online application form, you ought to provide certain things. The requirements for the Philippines visa application form are as follows.
Valid Passport
A valid passport that will not expire for six months, counting from the planned date of arrival. Passports that will expire in less than six months from the arrival date will not be accepted. The applicant must scan and upload the bio page of the passport onto the passport portal on the application form.
Email Address
An Email Address is required to apply for Philippines ETA. Without a valid email address, the applicant cannot receive the eta if it is approved. That is why applicants are advised only to provide the email addresses they can access anytime. They are also advised to check their inbox and spam folder regularly for the eta.
Debit/Credit Card
Applicants will have to pay a visa application fee for processing, but they can do so with physical cash, as only online payments are allowed. They will need to use a funded debit or credit card to make payments.
Proof of Funds
The applicant is also expected to provide proof of fund documents to show that they can afford their living expenses during their stay. The minimum proof of fund amount will depend on several factors, including the prevailing exchange rate.
Photograph
A recent photograph taken no later than three months ago. The photo must be on a white background, with the face of the applicant displayed clearly. The photo should be in 35mm x 45mm dimension.
Once the eta is received, the applicant should endeavor to print it out and bring it on their visit to the Philippines. Immigration officers at the point of arrival will demand to see both before their passports are stamped, and they will be allowed into the country.
How Long Will An Applicant Have To Wait For Philippines ETA?
Applicants are advised to apply for their eta at least 10 days or more before the day they plan to travel to the Philippines. This is because the eta may take 2-10 days to approve. The number of unapproved applications increases during peak seasons when the number of intended visitors increases.
To be on the safe side, apply for the eta as early as possible so your travel plans will not be affected by delayed approval.
Caution
Kindly note that the border and immigration officers have the exclusive authority to decide who enters the country. If officers find out that you provided fake information or document to obtain the document, they will bar you from entering the Philippines. This is why applicants are advised to provide valid information and documents.
Secondly, the Philippines ETA does not have work permits, so visitors are not allowed to do any paid job during their short stay. If you wish to work in the country, you must apply for a Philippines work visa.
Interested Philippines ETA applicants can complete the application form speedily on VisaHQ. Feel free to visit the portal to apply for it