Philippines Visa Requirements For British Citizen (2025)

British citizens can enter the Philippines visa‑free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes, as far as certain important criteria are fulfilled.

Philippines Visa Requirements For British Citizens

Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival
Onward ticket: You’ll need proof of return or onward travel
e‑Travel (Arrival Card): You must register online via the Philippines e‑travel system within 72 hours before departure and present the QR code at boarding and arrival
Proof of funds: Immigration may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay.
Vaccinations: Required only for travelers from high-risk areas (e.g. yellow fever). No blanket vaccine mandate for UK visitors—but standard travel jabs are advised .

Staying Longer Than 30 Days

If you wish to extend your stay:

Once in the Philippines, visit a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office (Manila, Cebu, etc.) before your 30 days expire to apply for an extension.
Typically, you can get an additional 29–30 days, bringing your total stay to about 59–60 days
Fees: Approx. PHP 2,000–3,500 (~£30–£50), plus processing costs
Extensions are granted in 1–3 business days, and you may be asked for:
- Passport
- Extension form
- Onward ticket proof
- Processing fee

Alternatively, you can apply for a 9(a) tourist visa at a Philippine embassy before traveling, which typically allows up to 59 days stay without requiring in-country extensions

Long-Term & Other Visas

For stays beyond the standard tourist limit, or special reasons, consider:

9A tourist visa (extendable up to 36 months with in-country renewals every 6 months).
9A business visa (for non‑working business visits)
13A spousal visa, SRRV, SIRV, etc., for long-term residence via marriage, retirement, or investment
Digital nomad visa (planned): Up to 1 year, renewable — designed for remote workers and expected to open soon after April 28, 2025.

Quick Reference

Category	Requirement/Option
Visa‑free stay	Up to 30 days (tourism/business)
Required documents	Passport (6 mo+ validity), onward ticket, e‑Travel QR, proof of funds
In-country extension	Up to +29–30 days via BI offices; fee ~PHP 2–3.5 k
Pre-arranged visa	9(a) Tourist Visa (≈59 days), Business Visa, etc.
Long-stay alternatives	9A long-term extension, spousal/retirement visas, digital nomad visa soon available

Does British Citizens Needs Visa To Travel To Philippines?

British citizens do not need a visa to visit the Philippines for stays of up to 30 days—for tourism or business purposes.

How Long Does It Takes For A British Citizen To Get Philippines Visa?

As a British citizen, you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance for a short-term tourism or business stay in the Philippines

What Do You Need As A British Citizen To Move To Philippines

Moving to the Philippines as a British citizen offers a unique opportunity to embrace a vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and a more relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re considering retiring, working remotely, starting a business, or simply wanting a lifestyle change, the Philippines presents a compelling option.

The Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, each offering its own flavor of life. The country blends modern living with traditional values and natural landscapes, from the bustling capital of Manila to the idyllic beaches of Palawan and Siargao. English is widely spoken, which can make everyday life, business, and social interactions much easier for British citizens. The culture is warm, family-oriented, and welcoming to foreigners.

Before you move, it’s essential to understand the nuances of life in the Philippines, especially if you’ve never visited before. While urban centers offer access to shopping malls, hospitals, and business hubs, rural areas provide a slower pace but may lack certain conveniences.

One of the reasons many Britons choose to move to the Philippines is the relatively low cost of living. However, this varies depending on your lifestyle and location. Living in cities like Manila or Cebu can be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Nevertheless, expenses such as housing, transportation, food, and utilities are generally lower than in the UK.

It’s advisable to prepare a financial plan before moving. Consider opening a local bank account after arrival to manage your funds more easily. While international banking is possible, having access to local services will reduce fees and improve convenience.

There are many accommodation options for expats in the Philippines. You can rent apartments, condominiums, or houses depending on your budget and preferences. Condominiums in major cities offer modern amenities such as gyms, pools, and security, which may be ideal for newcomers. If you’re more interested in island life, beachfront properties and inland villas are available at varying price points.

Take the time to explore neighborhoods before settling. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of Metro Manila or the calm of the Visayas, your quality of life will be heavily influenced by your choice of location.

Healthcare in the Philippines ranges from basic public services to high-quality private hospitals in urban areas. While the private system offers excellent care, it can be expensive if you’re not insured. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have international or local health insurance that covers you for both emergencies and routine treatments.

Before moving, you may also want to consult your GP in the UK about any recommended vaccinations or long-term medications you may need to bring with you.

Adjusting to a new culture takes time, but the friendly and hospitable nature of Filipinos can make the transition smoother. It helps to have an open mind and a willingness to adapt. British expats often find themselves quickly integrated into social circles through local events, volunteer work, or community groups.

Social norms are generally conservative, particularly in smaller towns, but urban areas tend to be more liberal. Religion plays a large role in Filipino culture, with Roman Catholicism being predominant. Understanding local customs and participating in community traditions can enrich your experience and help you feel more connected.

If you’re moving with children, you’ll want to consider the educational options available. The Philippines has both local and international schools, with the latter being the preferred choice for expat families. These institutions offer British, American, or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, but they tend to come at a higher cost.

Choosing the right school involves looking into location, curriculum, fees, and the community around it. Proximity to your home and workplace will also influence your decision.

Staying connected is easy in the Philippines, particularly in urbanized areas. Internet and mobile coverage are widely available, though rural connectivity can sometimes be less reliable. Several mobile providers offer competitive prepaid and postpaid plans, making it convenient to stay in touch with friends and family back in the UK.

For remote workers or digital nomads, many coworking spaces and cafes offer high-speed internet, especially in cities and major tourist hubs.

Public transportation in the Philippines includes buses, jeepneys, tricycles, taxis, and ferries. While it’s affordable, it may not meet the efficiency or comfort standards you’re used to in the UK. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in most cities and are often the preferred mode of transport for expats.

If you plan on staying long-term, you may want to invest in a car or motorbike. Driving requires some adjustment to local rules and road conditions, and traffic congestion can be a challenge in urban areas.

Many British citizens moving to the Philippines find fulfillment through community involvement, business opportunities, or even semi-retirement. It’s a place where you can reinvent your lifestyle, pursue personal passions, or focus on well-being.

Expats often form tight-knit communities and support networks. You’ll find social clubs, business associations, and hobby groups in most major cities. Whether you’re into diving, hiking, cooking, or volunteering, there’s likely a group for you.

Conclusion

Relocating to the Philippines as a British citizen can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering adventure, affordability, and a strong sense of community. With its beautiful landscapes, warm people, and English-friendly environment, it’s easy to understand why so many Britons make the move.

As with any international relocation, success lies in doing your homework, staying flexible, and embracing the differences. If you take the time to understand and adapt, you’ll find that the Philippines isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive