United States entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. This applies for tourism, business, or any other purpose. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in Manila. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview — wait times for first-time applicants can exceed 6 months. Bring your printed DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, and supporting documents to the interview.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may deny boarding if your passport expires within 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the port of entry. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready — they will check the date matches your visa's authorized stay. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying — have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. A vague answer like 'with friends' without details can trigger secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Officers may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Carry recent bank statements showing at least $1,000–$2,000, or a credit card with a sufficient limit. Cash over $10,000 must be declared on the FinCEN 105 form. | Recommended |
Visa interview wait times can be long
During peak seasons (March–May and October–December), interview slots at the U.S. Embassy in Manila can be booked 4–6 weeks out. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying your authorized stay by even 1 day can trigger a 3-year re-entry ban. Over 180 days results in a 10-year ban. Always check the date stamped on your I-94 form when you enter.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the DS-160. Select the U.S. Embassy in Manila as your application location. Save the barcode number — you'll need it for the next step.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $160 USD) through the official payment channels listed on the U.S. Embassy website. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Wait times vary — check current estimates before booking your travel dates.
4
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the embassy (Roxas Boulevard, Manila) on your scheduled date. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The interview is short — usually 5–10 minutes. Answer honestly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing takes 3–5 business days typically. You'll get instructions to pick up your passport or have it delivered.
6
Enter the United States
At the U.S. port of entry (airport or land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. You'll be admitted for up to 6 months, but the officer decides the exact duration.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. ₱9,000)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy or consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years from issue date
Cost$160 USD (approx. ₱9,000)
Same as single entry but allows multiple trips within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$160 USD (approx. ₱9,000) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 form.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initial
Cost$190 USD (approx. ₱10,700) + employer fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$160 USD application + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time academic study at a US institution. Requires admission to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school and proof of financial support.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190 USD application + employer fees
For professionals in specialty fields requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file a petition; subject to annual lottery.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas) + legal fees
For investors who create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Requires substantial capital and a detailed business plan.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (up to several years)
$220 USD application + program fees
For approved exchange programs including work-and-travel, internships, research, and teaching. Requires sponsorship by a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $160 USD (approx. ₱9,000) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Philippine passport holders. | $160 USD (approx. ₱9,000) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. ₱20,800) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bars on re-entry; consult USCIS for exact penalties. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Philippine passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid B1/B2 visa or are a lawful permanent resident, you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2, F-1) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Lawful permanent residents of the US may transit without a visa.
- Citizens of certain countries (not Philippines) may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program for transit.
Transit hubsLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) · John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most urban areas; risk increases in rural and southern regions during summer.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, Salmonella)Low risk
General food safety is high; risk is minimal with standard precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; expect long wait times for appointments.
Practical information for PH travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process takes 4–8 weeks on average. This includes filling the DS-160, waiting for an interview slot (often 2–4 weeks), the interview itself, and 3–5 business days for visa printing. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), wait times can be longer.
No. Most Filipino applicants aged 14–79 must appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Only certain renewal cases (same visa class, expired within 12 months) may qualify for an interview waiver.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning the officer wasn't convinced you'd return to the Philippines. You can reapply anytime, but you must address the reason for denial — usually stronger ties to the Philippines. There's no appeal process.
The non-refundable application fee is $160 USD (around ₱9,000 PHP as of 2026). This covers the DS-160 and interview. Some applicants may also need to pay a visa issuance fee depending on nationality — but for Philippines, the standard $160 is the only fee.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. File Form I-539, pay the fee ($455 as of 2026), and provide a valid reason. Overstaying even by a day can trigger a 3-year or 10-year re-entry ban.
Not strictly required by law, but CBP officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Having a return ticket or a booked onward flight makes the process smoother and shows you intend to leave.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. You cannot accept employment, perform paid work, or study for credit. Violating this can get your visa revoked and lead to a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.