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🇵🇭PHILIPPINES
🇺🇸UNITED STATESPH-US

Do Philippines passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Visa required. B1/B2 visitor visa, USD 185. Philippines is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Philippine ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter the United States — Philippines is not on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The standard tourist/business visa is the B1/B2, costing USD 185. The application requires the DS-160 form and an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Manila (no consulates elsewhere in the Philippines). B1/B2 visas are typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries — the Philippines has the more favourable 10-year reciprocity, and each visit allows up to 6 months as determined by the CBP officer on arrival. Interview wait times in Manila have ranged from a few weeks to several months depending on demand and category.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-27
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-27
Visa type
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit (CBP discretion)
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 185
consular fee only
Processing time
Interview wait 1-3 months
standard track
Validity
Usually 10 years (reciprocity)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check passport validity
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with at least 1 blank page.
· 6-month rule
/02
Complete DS-160
Online non-immigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov. Save the confirmation page with barcode.
· DS-160
/03
Pay USD 185 MRV fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee at BPI or via the bank channel for the Philippines. Save the receipt with reference number.
· USD 185
/04
Schedule interview
Book at the US Embassy in Manila. Interview waits typically 1-3 months for first-time applicants.
· embassy interview
/05
Attend interview
Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, fee receipt, financial evidence, employment letter, itinerary, PSA documents. Decision usually same day; passport returned in 5-10 working days.
· in-person interview
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 13 complete
Philippine passport
Valid 6 months beyond stay, 1 blank page
DS-160 confirmation
With barcode
Passport photo
5×5 cm (2×2 inch), white background
USD 185 fee receipt
MRV fee
Interview appointment
At US Embassy Manila
Employment letter
With salary and leave approval
ITR (Income Tax Return)
Last 1-2 years
Bank statements
Last 6 months
PSA birth certificate
Original copy
PSA marriage certificate (if married)
Original copy
Property/business evidence
Strong ties to the Philippines
Itinerary
Flight bookings and accommodation (optional but helpful)
Travel insurance
Strongly recommended; US healthcare is extremely expensive
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
B1/B2 visa (MRV fee)USD 185Non-refundable; per applicant
Visa Issuance FeeFreePhilippines is not subject to reciprocity issuance fees
Global Entry (optional)USD 1205-year fast-track membership for approved travellers
Overstay penalties3-10 year banStrict enforcement
Total estimateUSD 185 — USD 185incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

B1/B2 standard
1-3 months interview wait
Includes interview scheduling, in-person appointment, and passport return.
Interview waiver (renewal)
2-4 weeks
For renewals within 48 months of expiry of previous B1/B2; document drop-off only.
Emergency appointment
Variable
Available for medical, urgent business, or student emergencies.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Strong ties not demonstrated
Need to show ties to the Philippines (job, family, property) so the consular officer believes you'll return.
High
/02
Inconsistent answers
Differences between DS-160 and interview answers raise red flags.
Medium
/03
Past US overstay
Any previous overstay or removal heavily affects future approvals.
High
/04
Suspected immigrant intent
Section 214(b) refusals are the most common reason for Filipinos. The consular officer must believe you'll leave the US.
High
/05
Weak travel history
First-time international travellers may need stronger supporting evidence (especially funds and employment).
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
CBP inspection
A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.
/02
Customs
Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-27
Philippines to US route verified
Confirmed B1/B2 USD 185, Philippines not on VWP, 10-year reciprocity validity typical.
2023-05-30
MRV fee raised to USD 185
US increased non-immigrant visa application fee from USD 160 to USD 185.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Filipino citizens need a visa for the US?—
Yes — Philippines is not on the Visa Waiver Program. Philippine ordinary passport holders need a B1/B2 visitor visa (USD 185) to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit.
How much does the US visa cost?+
How long does the US visa take?+
How long is the B1/B2 valid for Filipinos?+
What is Section 214(b) refusal?+
Can I use Guam visa-free entry?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Philippines passport

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Compare the Philippines passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇵🇭◐
Philippines visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇵🇭▤
Philippines passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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