The 9(a) or Temporary Visitor’s Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to foreign nationals who come to the Philippines for a short period of time, whether for tourism, business or medical purposes. Restricted foreign nationals are required to secure an entry visa before they can enter the Philippines. However, unrestricted foreign nationals can travel to the Philippines without an entry visa. Most foreign nationals are given a 30-day period to stay in the country upon arrival, but that initial stay can be as few as 7 days and as many as 59 days, depending on the visitor’s country of origin. This initial stay can be extended to a maximum stay of 16 months.

Requirements:
• Registration with the Bureau of Immigration, or office of the municipal or city treasurer in areas outside Manila;
• ORIGINAL and PHOTOCOPY of the passport with a validity that must extend at least six (6) months beyond the length of proposed stay in the Philippines. If entry visa has already expired, paid incurred fines.

Procedure:
A tourist visa is very simple to procure: foreign national must only proceed to the Bureau of Immigration for processing.