9(a) TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA

All foreign nationals who wish to apply for 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa must file their visa applications via the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Online Visa Application System (OVAS) through the following link: https://www.visa.gov.ph

You are requested to apply for a visa at least one (1) month before your travel to the Philippines.

Here are the steps on how to apply for 9(a) visa through OVAS:

	CHECK IF YOU NEED A 9(A) VISA. Applicants from certain countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg, may avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines for an initial stay of 30 days. See the list of countries whose nationals may avail of visa-free entry to the Philippines. Are you a former Filipino and staying in the Philippines for less than one year? You may be eligible for the no-visa privilege under the Balikbayan program. Your immediate family may also avail of this program as long as they are traveling with you.
	GO TO THE ONLINE VISA APPLICATION SYSTEM (OVAS). If you do need a visa, go to https://www.visa.gov.ph and carefully follow the instructions in the platform. NOTE: If the OVAS website is undergoing maintenance, please fill out the visa application form here: PDF | PDF Fillable and go to Step 4 for the requirements to be sent via email along with the application form.
	CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR CONFIRMATION. Once your online application is successfully registered in the portal, a confirmation email will be sent to your registered email.
	FORWARD THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL TO THE EMBASSY, WITH SCANNED REQUIREMENTS AS YOUR ATTACHMENTS. Forward the email with the Applicant Reference Number (ARN) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject: 9(a) visa application to inform us of your application for a visa, and attach all your scanned requirements in PDF or JPG format. The following are the minimum requirements for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa application: Visa application form (duly accomplished in https://www.visa.gov.ph) Reminder: In the application form, write your full given name as indicated in your passport One (1) colored passport-size (4.5cm x 3.5cm) photograph (with white background) taken within the last six (6) months Passport with validity of at least six (6) months after the intended stay in the Philippines AND one (1) photocopy of the passport’s data page Photocopy of identity/residence card Proof of financial capacity to support stay in the Philippines (e.g., latest bank statement, pay slips from the last 3 months, employment certificate disclosing one’s salaries and other entitlements, proof of investments, pension statements, sponsorship letters supported by sponsor’s latest bank statement) Certificate of no criminal record (e.g. Police Clearance or Blanco Register) Copy of return/onward airline reservation ticket or flight booking confirmation If staying in a hotel: copy of hotel booking confirmation for the whole duration of stay / If hosted: signed letter of invitation/accommodation from sponsor AND sponsor’s valid ID If traveling for business or volunteer work: original endorsement letter from the firm/institution in Belgium/Luxembourg stating the purpose of the visit AND confirmation letter from the sponsoring firm/institution in the Philippines Additional requirements are required for the following: minors Chinese nationals visiting journalists, media and documentary groups foreign students foreign nationals aboard yachts or sailboats Important: Applicants are enjoined to email the consular office following basic formal email guidelines. The consular office will not accept the following applications: emails without proper subject lines or email body incomplete requirements attachments that are sent over several emails (please send only one email with all the attachments) unclear copies and improperly scanned requirements Failure to comply with the above will result to your application being rejected.
	WAIT FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT SCHEDULE. Once all requirements are properly sent, the visa officer will evaluate the application. The visa officer will then provide you through email an appointment schedule for your visa application and detailed instructions on the additional requirements and procedures. Applications for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa must be made in person, except for applicants who are 12 years old and below.
	SUBMIT YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PAY THE FEES. Go to the consular section of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels on the date of your appointment. Present the original documents requested with their photocopies. Submit your requirements to the visa officer and pay the corresponding fees.  Incomplete visa requirements will NOT be accepted and may result in the delay or denial of the application. The visa officer will interview the applicant. Please note that you may bring only one (1) companion during your appointment. Visa fees (non-refundable): For Holders of Passports from Visa-Free Countries Single-entry visa, valid for 3 months.........€30.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months.......€60.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 12 months.....€90.00 For Holders of Passports from Non-Visa-Free Countries Single-entry visa, valid for 3 months..........€40.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months........€80.00 Multiple-entry visa, valid for 12 months.....€120.00 Note: Visa fees are subject to change without prior notice.
	CLAIM YOUR 9(A) VISA. Processing time is five (5) to ten (10) working days. Return to the Embassy on the date provided by the visa officer to claim your passport with your visa. Bring your receipt.

Note:

Nationals from countries not listed in E.O. 408 are requested to email the Consular Section of the Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least one (1) month before their intended departure date for the list of requirements.

Those who intend to stay for more than 59 days may apply for an extension of their visa with the Bureau of Immigration. For more information, please click HERE.

For further queries and clarifications, please contact the Philippine Embassy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional requirements for minors travelling to the Philippines

Visas are required of minors who are traveling to the Philippines. Minors must be accompanied by an adult when traveling to the Philippines.

For minors below eighteen (18) years of age, visa applications may be filed by either parent or by their legally appointed guardian who must submit proof of the said relation to or responsibility to look after the minor.

For minors aged twelve (12) years and below, and are included in either of their parents’ (collective) passports, minimum documentary requirements must be submitted and corresponding visa payments must be made (per child). All persons included in the passport must be properly identified with a photograph affixed to the passport.

WAIVER OF EXCLUSION GROUND (WEG) for minors below 15 years of age and unaccompanied by or not joining a parent to the Philippines

Under Section 29(a) (12) of the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, children below fifteen (15) years of age who are unaccompanied by or not joining a parent when traveling to the Philippines are classified as excludable. For them to be admitted into the Philippines, they must secure a Waiver of Exclusion Ground (WEG) from the Bureau of Immigration.

In order to obtain the WEG order, the applicant must submit the following requirements to the Immigration Officer upon arrival in the Philippines:

1. Affidavit of Support and Consent (download template HERE) by either parent or legally appointed guardian of the child, naming therein the person who will be accompanying the child to the Philippines and with whom the child will stay while in the country. The said Affidavit must be notarized by a local notary public or the Consular Officer at the Embassy (fee of €27.50 if notarized by the Embassy, to be paid in cash);
2. Affidavit of Support and Consent issued by the Commune/Gemeente, with sworn translation in English and apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
3. Extract from birth registration (international version) of the minor, apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
4. Authenticated Marriage Contract/Certificate of parents, with sworn translation in English and apostillized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium/Luxembourg;
5. Clear photocopy of the child’s passport data page;
6. Clear photocopy of the accompanying adult’s passport data page;
7. Clear photocopy of the parents’ valid passport data pages; and
8. Payment of immigration fees. 

For Chinese nationals

Chinese nationals must also submit a Social Insurance Record Certificate registered for at least six (6) months to be at the time of the submission of the visa application.

Exceptions to the abovementioned visa requirement will only apply to Chinese nationals currently enrolled in primary, secondary, or college education who will be required to submit proof of enrollment, and retirees above 55 years old.

For visiting media and documentary groups

Foreign journalists visiting the Philippines in pursuit of their profession are required to apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. In addition, they will also need to submit requirements for accreditation by the International Press Center (IPC) in the Philippines.

Requirements for IPC Accreditation of Documentary Filming Group:

1. Letter of request stating the purpose of their visit in the country and requesting for accreditation. The letter should be addressed to:
   
   MR. LUIS A. MORENTE
   Director IV, NIB
   
   ATTN: ELMA REYES PERDIZ, MPA
   Chief, Media Accreditation and Relations Division (MARD)
   MARD/International Press Center
   News and Information Bureau
   
   Contact Details:
   Phone: (+63) 2 8526-5329 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
   
   
2. List of TV equipment for the release of equipment from the Bureau of Customs (must be ATA Carnet registered);
3. Consolidated list of production crew members and designation;
4. 1 pc. 2×2 colored picture, white background, taken within the last six (6) months of submitting your application and reflecting the current appearance of each production crew member;
5. Photocopy of crew's passports (data page only);
6. 3-5 bylined photos/articles published within the last three (3) months;
7. Duly accomplished IPC Accreditation Form (go to https://nib.gov.ph/ and download by going to Divisions > MARD > Press Accreditation Form); and
8. Flight details and itinerary of the filming crew.

For the latest information and forms, please go to https://nib.gov.ph/accreditation/

Note: IPC can also assist the applicants if they do not have a local coordinator. Upon arrival in the Philippines, the production crew has to go to the IPC Office for accreditation (the local coordinator, if there is any, can coordinate with the IPC in advance).

For foreign nationals who wish to take up a short-term, non-degree course

Foreign students who wish to take up a short-term, non-degree course (e.g., language and computer courses) must apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. Applicants must also submit a Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students.

Upon arrival in the Philippines and acceptance by the school/institution authorized by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students, s/he should apply for a Special Study Permit at the Bureau’s Study Desk, together with the following documents:

1. Request Letter;
2. Certificate of Acceptance from the school accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students;
3. Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant’s authorized period of stay;
4. Affidavit of Support AND proof of financial capacity; and
5. Birth Certificate.

For foreign nationals aboard privately-owned yachts or sailboats

A Temporary Visitor’s Visa is required for foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines aboard privately owned yachts or sailboats. Applicants are required to provide the following particulars of the yacht/sailboat and its crew members:

1. Crewlist;
2. Nationality/Citizenship;
3. Passport details of the crew;
4. Vessel to be used for entry: type, name, registration, call sign and other particulars;
5. Estimated date of entry into Philippine territory;
6. Port/area of entry (Philippine waters);
7. Estimated period of stay in the Philippines;
8. Character reference/shipping agent in the Philippines (if any); and
9. Purpose of visit.

Note: Upon entry into the Philippines, the crew of the yacht or sailboat are required to register immediately with the nearest station of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and submit the yacht/sailboat.

Extension of authorized stay in the Philippines

In case the visa holder’s stay in the Philippines exceeds the authorized period of stay, he/she must report to the Bureau of Immigration, secure an extension of stay and pay the corresponding immigration fees. The Embassy advises visa holders who plan or want to extend their stay in the Philippines to directly approach the Bureau of Immigration. For more information on the application procedure and fees, please click HERE.