Entry & Visa
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for the Philippines — upon entry, you automatically receive a stay of 30 days. Requirements:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date
- Return ticket: Checked upon entry! Entry can be denied without a return/onward ticket. Tip: Book a cheap onward ticket (e.g., via onwardticket.com, from 12 USD)
- Sufficient funds: Theoretically required, rarely checked in practice
Extension
The 30-day visa can be extended locally at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) — initially by 29 days (to a total of 59 days), then monthly up to a maximum of 3 years (!). Cost for the first extension: approx. 3,000–4,000 PHP. This can be done in Manila, Cebu, and most major cities. Simple process — no complicated bureaucracy.
