How to: Philippines Entry Requirements for USA & EU Citizens (2026 Guide)
Planning a trip to Southeast Asia and wondering about the Philippines entry requirements for US and EU citizens in 2026?
The good news is that traveling to the Philippines is relatively straightforward for both American and European passport holders. However, there are still a few important entry rules you need to follow before you fly to avoid delays or issues at check-in or immigration.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know so your arrival in the Philippines is smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant!
Do US and EU Citizens Need a Visa for the Philippines?
The short answer is no, US & EU citizens can travel to Philippines and stay for tourism visa-free for up to 30 days.
However, all who enter the country do need to complete an eTravel form within 72 hours of arrival.
More on the eTravel form below ⬇️
Philippines Entry Requirements for US & EU citizens in 2026
Before traveling, make sure you meet these requirements:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
- Return or Onward Ticket: You must show proof of a return or onward flight. This is checked before boarding your flight and Airlines will often refuse check-in without it. We learned this the hard way and had to book a last-minute flight out of the Philippines at the airport — don’t make our mistake!
- Complete an eTravel Form: The form must can be completed online at https://etravel.gov.ph/ before you arrive or at the airport once you land in the Philippines.
If you prefer to stay ahead of things, you can complete the form before landing. We filled it out upon arrival and it was totally fine. At the airport, QR codes are clearly posted for easy scanning, and there are even computers available for travelers without phone access. Staff are also on hand to help if you run into any questions.
The screenshot here sufficed as proof of our onward travel within 30 days — make sure to have something similar available at the check-in desk and you’ll be totally fine.
What is the eTravel form?
The eTravel form is a mandatory online arrival registration for all passengers entering the Philippines.
You can complete it here: https://etravel.gov.ph/
You may also scan QR codes at the airport to complete it upon arrival.
What information do you need to complete the eTravel form?
The eTravel form is very simple, but I’ll list some helpful info and tips below to help prepare you should you decide to complete the form upon arrival.
Note if you don’t have internet on your phone, you can use the free airport wifi in most cases. If that stresses you out, you may want to consider organizing to have roaming data readily available once you land in the Philippines.
To complete the form you will need:
- Access to Email: A 6-digit code will be sent to your email to verify it, be sure to have access to your email
- A Selfie: Be ready with a selfie to upload to the form, you can also take a selfie right there and then if you’re on your phone
- Passport Info: Passport number, DOB, name, issuing country, date of issue and expiration
- Flight Info: The flight number for the flight you arrived on, your origination airport, the date you left that location, and when you’re leaving the Philippines
- Address in the Philippinnes: Use the address of your first hotel even if it’s not your accommodation for the entire trip
Once submitted, you will receive a QR code.
Important: Screenshot your QR code immediately. You will need it during arrival processing.
Once you arrive and have completed your eTravel form, received the QR code, you’ll be funnelled through to passport control where you’ll receive your stamp and then at customs the QR code will be checked.
And that’s it — Welcome to the Philippines!
We hope this helps you avoid any of the mistakes that we made, and wish you smooth entry to the Philippines.
Cheers & safe travels,
Julie & Harry
If you’re headed to the Philippines, you might also find our other guides helpful:
Read our guide on getting a visa for the Philippines here
Read our guide to Kawasan Falls Canyoneering here
Read our guide to snorkeling the Sardine Run in Moalboal here
Read our guide to hiking Osmeña peak here
Read our guide to finding the best Lechon in Cebu here
Read our ideal 2-week Siargao itinerary here