Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Philippines?
Official Requirement
Visa-free
for South Africa citizens travelling to Philippines
Nationals of many countries may visit the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism or business. Before arrival, all visitors must register on the e-travel system within 72 hours of departure to obtain a QR code for presentation at immigration. Extensions beyond 30 days may be applied for through the Bureau of Immigration while in the Philippines.
Checked 8 September 2026
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
No visa needed for this trip
South Africa passport holders can enter Philippines for short visits without a visa. Check that your passport stays valid for the whole stay, carry proof of onward travel, and confirm the current entry conditions on the official source before you fly.
Official Philippines entry requirements →
Palawan
The short answer
South African citizens do not need a visa to enter Philippines for stays of up to 30 days. No visa is needed before travelling to Philippines for a short tourist or business visit. On arrival: the Bureau of Immigration operates eTravel, the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System. Complete it before you arrive. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Philippines
- Requirement
- Visa-free
- Maximum stay
- Up to 30 days
- On arrival
- The Bureau of Immigration operates eTravel, the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System. Complete it before you arrive.
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Philippines
Complete the eTravel declaration before you arrive. The Bureau of Immigration runs it as the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System.
Check the current entry conditions on the Bureau of Immigration site before you travel, because the detail is not published on its landing page.
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Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, and against all but essential travel to the rest of Mindanao, excluding Camiguin, Dinagat, and Siargao islands. Around 20 typhoons reach the Philippines each year, mostly between June and November. Large demonstrations are expected in Metro Manila and elsewhere, and these can disrupt travel.
Updated 2026-08-01 11:42:45
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Philippines
No. South African citizens can enter Philippines without a visa for a short tourist or business visit. This was last checked on 8 September 2026.
Up to 30 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Philippines uses PHP. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 8 September 2026.
Full change history for this route →