Are you dreaming of a perfect beach getaway for your next holiday adventure? Why not explore beyond the usual destinations and expand your horizons. The Philippines is just a short flight across the ocean but a world away from your daily routine. Why not experience tropical beaches with perfect white sand, drinking cocktails served by friendly Filipino girls as the sun goes down. If you want adrenalin, why not get out into the night life of Manila, diving off Anilao or trek past an active volcano.
Situated half way between Japan and Australia and a short hopfrom Hong Kong, the Philippines is a great tourist destination. If you are thinking of booking a holiday here, then in this article I am going to talk about what visas you need to get here.

Coming For Up To 21 Days?
Before travelling anywhere you are of course going to need a passport. Back in the 1990's you had to send your passport to the local consulates for the countries you wanted to visit and they would send back a visa after a couple of weeks. Times have changed and a lot of countries allow entry without a visa. The Philippines falls into this category and allows visitors of good personal standing into the country for up to 21 days provided they have the following -
1. Your passport is valid for 6 months after your intended trip;
2. There are blank pages in the passport for the entry and exit stamps; and
3. You have proof that you intend to leave the country within the required time frame (a return ticket).
Who qualifies for this hassle free entry? The Philippines accepts visitors from 150 countries for a stay of up to 21 days. That covers just about everyone on the planet. This entry can be for business or a personal stay - there are no restrictions for this 3 week stay.

The Longer Stay
What do you do if you want to stay for longer than 3 weeks? The next step up is to obtain a visa from your local Philippines consulate. The visa you are applying for is the Temporary Visitor's Visa 9(A) for Pleasure and Business and will allow a stay of up to 59 days (or just under 10 weeks). As you are applying for a physicaly stamped visa that will appear in your passport, there a few more requirements -
1. There is least at 6 months left on your passport after you intend to leave the Philippines;
2. At least 2 blank pages in your passport for the visa and any border stamps;
3. A completed visa application form (with required payment);
4. A certified passport sized photo of yourself;
5. Copy of your plane ticket and/or confirmed travel itinerary;
6. Other documents to support your visa application (such as an invitation from friends or family you are staying with etc.).
These are the requirements for a holiday traveller and are typical of spending an extended stay in any country.

What About The Business Traveller?
Business travellers must additionally provide a company letter of sponsorship detailing the purpose of the visit and a letter of invitation from a business contact in the Philippines.