Philippines visa 2026: Taiwanese get 14 days visa-free, what if you stay longer?
You used to need a visa for every trip to the Philippines; now most people don't. This post explains when visa-free entry is enough, when you need a visa, and the eTravel form you need either way.
- Up to 14 days: visa-free with a Taiwan passport, no visa needed
- Staying 15–30 days: ETA e-visa, agency service from NT$1,800, about 2 business days, age 15 and over
- Staying 31–59 days: 9A paper tourist visa, agency service from NT$1,500, standard processing about 4 business days
- Everyone: fill in eTravel (free) on etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before departure to get your entry QR code
- Passport validity: 6 months or more recommended
※ Rules and fees are subject to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) / official announcements.
Do I need a Philippines visa?
- Tourism only, staying up to 14 days: No. Enter visa-free with a Taiwan passport.
- Staying longer than 14 days: Yes. Choose ETA (≤30 days) or a 9A paper visa (≤59 days) depending on how long. After a visa-free entry you cannot extend locally, so if you know you'll stay longer, sort it out before you go.
- Non-tourism purposes (work, study, long-term family stays): you need the corresponding visa, not covered in this post.
ETA e-visa vs 9A paper visa
| ETA e-visa | 9A paper tourist visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 30 days | 59 days |
| iTour service fee | From NT$1,800 | From NT$1,500 |
| Processing time | About 2 business days | Standard about 4 business days |
| How to apply | Online on the Manila Economic and Cultural Office website | Submit documents to the office (or through a travel agency) |
| Notes | Usually age 15 and over | Agency service and urgent processing available |
Prices are market references; the office's announcements prevail. Urgent and agency services carry an additional service fee.
What is eTravel? (Required even visa-free)
eTravel is the Philippines' electronic arrival / departure declaration system. It's free, and the official website is etravel.gov.ph. Visa-free or with a visa, you must fill it in online within 72 hours before arrival; once done, you get a QR code to show at check-in and immigration. You fill it in again when you leave.
It asks for your passport and flight details, your accommodation address in the Philippines, contact details and so on. Book your accommodation before you fill it in.
Philippines visa: FAQ
Can I extend the 14-day visa-free stay locally?
No. A visa-free entry cannot be extended locally or changed to another visa purpose. If you'll stay longer than 14 days, get an ETA or 9A before you go.
What about children (under 15)?
The ETA is usually for age 15 and over; children under 15 needing a longer stay usually go the 9A paper visa route and may need extra documents (parental consent, proof of relationship, etc.), so check in advance.
What happens if I don't fill in eTravel?
You may not be able to check in, or you may have to fill it in at the airport, which wastes time. Make sure to complete it before departure.
Can a travel agency apply for me?
iTour can handle both the 9A paper visa and the ETA e-visa for you, including urgent 9A processing; eTravel is an online system you must register on yourself before departure, and we can guide you through filling it in.
Further reading: Vietnam e-Visa 2026 ・ US ESTA 2026 (fee increase)
This post is rewritten from an older iTour Pixnet article and updated with the latest 2026 rules (14 days visa-free for Taiwanese, eTravel).