Philippines visa from Netherlands

Dreaming of the perfect turquoise waters of Palawan, the vibrant coral reefs of Cebu, or the bustling markets of Manila? The Philippines offers an incredible, diverse adventure for every kind of traveler.

But if you're a Dutch citizen planning your trip from the Netherlands, the entry rules can seem confusing. You've probably heard about a new "e-Visa" system and a mandatory "eTravel" pass and aren't sure which one you need, if you need a Philippines visa at all, or what the difference is.

Let's clear up all the confusion. This is the complete guide to the real questions and problems Dutch travelers face.

Do Dutch citizens actually need a visa for the Philippines?

For most trips, no. This is the most important fact.

If you are a Netherlands passport holder traveling for tourism, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Philippines grants visa-exempt status to Dutch citizens for this period. You can just book your flight, complete the free eTravel pass (more on this below), and go.

What are the 3 mandatory Philippines entry requirements for Dutch citizens?

Even though you don't need a visa for a 30-day trip, you must have three things to be allowed to board your flight and enter the country:

1. A Valid Netherlands Passport: It must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of arrival in the Philippines. This is a strict rule checked by airlines.
2. A Valid Onward/Return Ticket: You must have proof of a flight out of the Philippines to any destination (back to Amsterdam, or on to Vietnam, etc.) scheduled within your 30-day visa-free period.
3. eTravel Registration QR Code: You must have the QR code from the mandatory (and free) eTravel pass.

What is the new 59-day Philippines e-Visa for Dutch citizens?

This is a very important recent update and a fantastic new option. As a Dutch citizen, you can now apply for Philippines e-Visa before your trip. If you pay the fee and are approved, you get a single-entry visa that allows a stay of up to 59 days.

This is a game-changer for travelers who know they want to stay longer than the standard 30 days.

How is the Philippines e-Visa different from the 30-day free entry?

This is the key choice you have to make:

• Choice 1: 30-Day Visa-Free Entry (The Default): This is the standard, free option. You don't need to apply for any visa. You just complete the free eTravel pass, show your documents (passport, onward ticket), and you get 30 days free upon arrival.
• Choice 2: 59-Day e-Visa (The New Option): This is an optional, paid visa you apply for online before you fly. It grants you a 59-day stay from the moment you land.

Why should I get the 59-day Philippines e-Visa instead of extending it later?

Peace of mind and saving vacation time.

Before this e-Visa was available, your only option for a longer stay was to enter on a 30-day permit and then find a Bureau of Immigration office inside the Philippines to apply for an extension.

The new e-Visa means you don't have to waste a day of your holiday at an immigration office. You can land in Manila or Cebu with your 59-day stay already approved and head straight to the beach.

What is the Philippines eTravel pass? Is this the e-Visa?

No, they are totally different. This is the most common point of confusion.

• The e-Visa is a paid visa application that is optional for Dutch citizens who want a 59-day stay.
• The eTravel pass is a free health and arrival declaration that is 100% mandatory for ALL travelers, including Dutch citizens, on every single trip.

The eTravel pass replaces all the old paper "arrival cards" and "health declaration forms" you used to fill out on the plane. You must complete this online form to get a QR code, which you will show upon arrival.

When do I fill out the mandatory Philippines eTravel registration?

You must fill out the eTravel form within 72 hours (3 days) before your flight to the Philippines.

Do not fill it out more than 3 days in advance, as it will not be valid. The best time to do it is the day before you fly, so you have the QR code saved on your phone and are ready to go. You will need your passport, flight details, and the name of your first hotel or accommodation in the Philippines.

What happens after I fill out the Philippines eTravel form?

After you complete the form, the final screen will show you a green or red QR code.

• Green QR Code: You are cleared for entry.
• Red QR Code: You may need to answer a few simple questions from a health officer upon arrival (this is rare and usually just a quick check).

You must screenshot this QR code or save it as a PDF on your phone. Save it to your phone's photo gallery and "Files" app so you can access it without an internet connection.

You will need to show this QR code to:

1. Airline staff at check-in (e.g., at Schiphol Airport).
2. Health officials upon arrival in the Philippines (e.g., in Manila or Cebu) before you get to immigration.

What if I want to stay in the Philippines for longer than 30 days?

This is a very common question, and the answer just got much easier! You now have two clear options:

• Option 1 (New e-Visa): Apply for the Philippines e-Visa before you leave the Netherlands. This is the new, recommended pre-planned option.
• Pro: You land with your 59-day stay approved. No stress, no visiting government offices.
• Con: It costs a fee, and you have to do the application in advance.
• Option 2 (Extend in PH): Arrive in the Philippines using your 30-day visa-free permit. Then, before your 30 days are up, go to a Bureau of Immigration office inside the Philippines to apply for a "visa extension."
• Pro: It's flexible. You can decide during your trip if you want to stay.
• Con: You will have to spend half a day or more at a crowded immigration office, filling out forms and paying fees, which takes away from your vacation time.

For peace of mind, the new 59-day e-Visa is the clear winner.

What is the passport validity required to enter the Philippines?

To be safe, your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of arrival in the Philippines. If your passport expires in, for example, five months, you may be denied boarding by your airline. Check your passport's expiry date right now!

Do I really need proof of an onward ticket?

Yes, absolutely. This is a very strict rule, and it is enforced by the airlines, not just Philippine immigration.

When you check in for your flight in the Netherlands (or your layover airport), the airline staff will ask to see your proof of a flight out of the Philippines. This ticket must show you are leaving within your approved stay (either 30 days for visa-free or 59 days if you got the e-Visa).

If you do not have one, they will not let you on the plane. A ferry or bus ticket to a neighboring country (like Malaysia) is also acceptable as proof of onward travel.