The entry of foreign nationals into the Philippines is primarily governed by Commonwealth Act No. 613, otherwise known as the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended. This legal framework, supplemented by various Executive Orders and Administrative Circulars from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI), dictates the classifications, privileges, and restrictions applicable to Peruvian citizens and other foreign tourists.
I. Visa-Free Entry for Peruvian Citizens
Under Executive Order No. 408, series of 1960, the Philippine government grants visa-free entry privileges to citizens of specific countries for the purpose of tourism and business.
Peru is currently included in the list of countries whose nationals may enter the Philippines without a formal entry visa. The following conditions apply:
- Duration of Stay: Peruvian nationals are permitted to stay for an initial period of thirty (30) days.
- Purpose: The stay must be for legitimate purposes such as tourism, short-term business meetings, or medical treatment.
- Passport Validity: The traveler must possess a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.
- Onward/Return Travel: A valid ticket for a return journey to the port of origin or an onward journey to a next destination is mandatory.
II. General Entry Requirements for Foreign Tourists
Regardless of visa-free status, all foreign nationals entering the Philippines must comply with the standard documentary and health protocols established by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ).
1. The eTravel System
All arriving passengers are required to register via the eTravel portal (etravel.gov.ph). This is a digital single entry form that replaces the traditional paper-based Arrival Card and the Health Declaration Form. Registration must typically be completed within 72 hours prior to arrival.
2. Proof of Financial Capacity
While not always scrutinized at the border for visa-free nationals, immigration officers retain the discretionary authority under CA 613 to require proof of sufficient financial means to support the duration of the stay, ensuring the individual does not become a public charge.
3. Health and Vaccination Requirements
While COVID-19 restrictions have largely been eased, travelers coming from certain regions in South America, including parts of Peru, may be subject to Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. If a traveler is arriving from or has transited through a Yellow Fever endemic area, a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) must be presented to the Bureau of Quarantine upon arrival.
III. Extension of Stay for Foreign Tourists
Foreign nationals who enter under EO 408 (including Peruvians) and wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days must apply for a Visa Extension at any Bureau of Immigration (BI) office.
- First Extension: A tourist may apply for an additional 29 days, bringing the total stay to 59 days.
- Subsequent Extensions: After the initial 59 days, extensions can be applied for in increments of one (1), two (2), or six (6) months.
- Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE): Under existing BI regulations, tourists may be granted extensions for a total stay of up to thirty-six (36) months, subject to the payment of requisite fees and the absence of any derogatory records.
IV. Legal Classifications: 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa
Foreign nationals from countries not listed under EO 408 must secure a 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s Visa from a Philippine Foreign Service Post (Embassy or Consulate) abroad prior to travel.
Peruvian citizens who intend to stay for more than 30 days immediately upon arrival, or those who do not meet the criteria for visa-free entry, may also opt to apply for a 9(a) visa beforehand. This visa typically allows for an initial stay of 59 days.
V. Prohibited Acts and Deportation Grounds
The Philippine Immigration Act strictly prohibits foreign tourists from engaging in certain activities:
- Employment: Foreigners entering on a tourist status are strictly prohibited from engaging in gainful employment. To work, a Special Working Permit (SWP) or an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) and a corresponding work visa (9g) are required.
- Overstaying: Staying beyond the authorized period without a valid extension constitutes a violation of immigration laws, leading to fines, deportation, and inclusion in the BI Blacklist.
- Public Charge: Individuals deemed "likely to become a public charge" or those with "contagious, loathsome, or dangerous diseases" may be excluded from entry under Section 29 of CA 613.
VI. Administrative Fees and ACR I-Card
Foreigners staying in the Philippines for more than fifty-nine (59) days are required to register for an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card). This microchip-based smart card serves as proof of legal residence status and is a mandatory requirement for long-term tourists.
| Requirement | Stay Duration | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free (EO 408) | Up to 30 Days | EO 408, s. 1960 |
| Visa Extension | Beyond 30 Days | BI Operations Order |
| ACR I-Card | Beyond 59 Days | RA 562 (Alien Reg. Act) |
| ECC (Exit Clearance) | Stay > 6 Months | CA 613, Section 22-A |
Foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for six (6) months or more must secure an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Bureau of Immigration at least 72 hours before their departure to prove they have no pending legal obligations in the country.