Philippines

Singapore passport holders may enter the Philippines without a visa for tourism purposes, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. They must also hold a valid return ticket to their country of origin or onward destination and a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond their intended stay. Singapore passport holders who wish to remain in the Philippines for more than 30 days may request an extended stay at the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival in the Philippines, subject to approval and the payment of necessary fees.  

Travellers who intend to visit the Philippines for studies, employment, business and other purposes are required to apply for a visa sticker. For more information, please visit the official Philippine e-Visa website or contact the Philippine Embassy in Singapore.  

Travellers entering the Philippines are required to complete an eTravel declaration within 72 hours prior to arrival. Upon successful registration, a QR code will be generated. Travellers are advised to save a copy of this QR code as it may be requested by customs and/or immigration officials. eTravel registration is free of charge.  

The latest Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) Circular on immigration guidelines can be assessed at their Facebook page. Travellers can also refer to the latest quarantine requirements at the Bureau of Quarantine's website. 

Travellers are advised to remain vigilant against crime while travelling. Some examples of common crimes that befall travellers are illegitimate Philippine government websites, government service scams, ATM fraud, and taxi scams.  

When dealing with the Philippine government, avoid using unauthorised websites or going through third parties which may require unnecessary payments. Avoid going to unfamiliar places with a high known incidence of crime, especially at night and if alone. When withdrawing cash, choose ATM machines in banks or busy areas where it is less likely that machines have been tampered with. Use only easily identifiable taxis or known ride-hailing services such as Grab and keep your friends and family informed of your travels. 

Travellers must abide by local laws and regulations. The Singapore Embassy in Manila is unable to intervene in the enforcement of local laws and regulations by Philippine authorities. 

The Philippines imposes severe penalties on possession, importation, and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, drug offenders can be sentenced to life imprisonment. 

Driving in the Philippines 

Travellers holding a valid driver’s license issued by the road authorities in their home country are allowed to drive on Philippine roads for up to 90 days after arrival if their license is in English. Travellers who intend to stay past 90 days must apply for a Philippine driving license or convert their foreign license into a local one at the nearest Land Transportation Office. For more information, please contact the Land Transportation Office.  

Natural Disasters  

The Philippines is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and is one of the most geologically active regions in the world. It is home to active volcanoes and experiences frequent earthquakes, typhoons, flash floods, and landslides, especially during typhoon season from June to November.  

Singaporeans travelling to the Philippines are advised to closely monitor weather forecasts, typhoon advisories, and seismic alerts through official sources before and during your trip. Please consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers natural disaster-related cancellations and itinerary changes. If caught in a natural disaster, follow local authorities’ instructions, heed exclusion zones and evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions for your personal safety. 

For updates and information on weather, climate and natural disasters in the Philippines, please visit: 

• Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) 

• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) 

• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) 

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024] 

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations. 

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities. 

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice. 

For those planning to travel, here are some tips: 

Before travelling 

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions. 

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage. 

• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs. 

• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency. 

While travelling 

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments. 

• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances. 

• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks. 

• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details. 

• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855. 

Advisory: Email Scams 

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail. 

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855. 

Advisory: Impersonation of Government Officials 

Be wary of individuals claiming to be government officials contacting you via social media, messaging apps, phone calls or emails. They may ask for personal information, copies of identification documents, or request money transfers under various pretexts. If you receive a suspicious message, call or email claiming to be from the Singapore Embassy in Manila, please verify directly with us at +63-2-8856-9922.