How much is Travel Tax in the Philippines and where to pay it (2025 guide)
Travelling abroad and wondering how much Travel Tax is in the Philippines? Learn more about how and where to pay for it.
The Philippine passport is ranked 66th on the Passport Index¹, offering many opportunities for international travel. While some Asian countries still require a visa, many destinations offer visa-free entry, which means you can simply fly in and be granted entry if you meet any additional requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the best countries to visit without a visa from the Philippines so you can jet off with no worries. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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Enjoying seamless travel with your Philippine passport can be easy if you do a little homework. Many countries are visa-free, which means you simply show up with your passport and you’ll be allowed to enter. However, take note that some countries require the following:
- Additional requirements: These can include proof of a return ticket or a hotel booking
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Other countries offer a VoA, which means you can get the visa at the airport. You’ll only have to bring additional documents like a passport copy and photographs. In addition, the fee is generally modest, and you can pay it at whichever airport you land in.
For many Filipinos, Asian countries without a visa remain popular travel choices. Plenty of low-cost airlines offer attractive fares to nearby destinations, and time zones are similar, so you won’t have to deal with jet lag.
Similar cultures, some shared history, and familiar food choices also make Asian countries feel a little closer to home. In addition, the relatively low cost of living in many countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam makes travel affordable for many Filipinos, adding to their appeal.
Just because a country has a visa-free policy for Philippine passport holders doesn’t mean you book a one-way ticket and simply fly in. Many countries have additional requirements that you’ll need, whether it is at the check-in counter or when you land.
Most countries will require you to have one or more of the following:
- A passport that is valid for a minimum of six months
- Proof of an onward ticket
- A confirmed booking for a hotel or guesthouse
Each country also has a maximum length of stay, so always pay close attention to the intended duration of your trip so you don’t overstay. Overstaying can not only incur hefty fees but will also be a black mark on your record, and you might be denied entry in the future.
Lastly, your visa-free entry is only for tourism purposes and does not permit you to be employed, and many countries have strict penalties for illegal working. Always obey the laws of the country you’re visiting, and respect its culture.
There are many visa-free Asian countries for Philippine passport holders, and here are the most popular destinations.
Philippine passport holders get visa-free entry into Taiwan for up to 14 days, but this arrangement is only valid till 31 July 2026, after which it will be reviewed.²
There is no need for an eTA or Travel Authorization Certificate, but you’ll need a passport with a validity of over six months, proof of a return ticket or onward travel, and accommodation booking. You’ll also need to fill in the Taiwan Arrival Card online through the Immigration Agency within three days before arrival.
Taiwan offers much when it comes to food, nature, and culture. The efficient transportation system makes getting around easy, while cities like Taipei offer vibrant nightlife and endless food options. In addition, the country is extremely safe, and the Taiwanese are friendly, hospitable people whom many Filipinos find easy to get along with.
Philippine passport holders get a 21-day visa-free stay in Vietnam, and for longer stays up to 90 days, you can apply online for an eVisa.
For visa-free stays, you’ll need a passport valid for over six months and proof of onward travel like a return ticket. If you’re intending to stay longer than 21 days or require multiple entries, you can apply for an eVisa through the Vietnam Immigration portal or in person at the Vietnam Embassy in Manila. Fees are 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 50 USD for multiple entries. In Philippines Pesos, this would be approximately 1,416 PHP for single-entry and 2831 PHP for multiple entries, based on the exchange rate on 24th July 2025.
Vietnam has loads to offer in terms of nature, with the famed Ha Long Bay just a short bus and ferry ride away from Hanoi. With towering limestone cliffs, emerald green waters, and delicious, abundant food choices, it remains a top favorite with Filipinos. In addition, the exciting buzz of cities like Hanoi is constant, with countless shopping and retail choices to suit shopaholics.
Filipinos enjoy a 14-day visa-free stay in Hong Kong, provided your trip doesn’t involve work or study.⁴ You’ll need a passport with six months' validity and proof of onward travel. In addition, immigration officers might also ask you about hotel bookings or your host details, so having that information ready can be handy.
Hong Kong is a foodie paradise and not to be missed, especially for the discerning food connoisseur. The vibrant, dynamic city is one of Asia’s most exciting when it comes to nightlife, food, and culture. From bustling street markets and endless shopping opportunities to an extensive range of food, traveling within Hong Kong is easy and especially great for those interested in food, retail, and culture.
Thailand is one of the region’s most popular destinations, and the country’s tourism industry has been flourishing for decades. Philippine passport holders can enter Thailand visa-free if they are flying in, and for 15 days if they are crossing by land or sea.⁵
You’re likely to be granted a 30-day stay if you are flying in, but you can easily extend this by another 30 days for a small fee at a Thailand Immigration Office located in major cities throughout the country. For longer stays of over 60 days, you need an eVisa, which you can apply for online.
With an impressive coastline and countless idyllic, pristine islands, Thailand’s spectacular nature can be reminiscent of the Philippines. Whether you want a busy island full of bars and clubs or a quiet, peaceful retreat, there will be something that suits you.
In addition, the exciting cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai are legendary for their iconic sights and countless food choices, as Thai cuisine is world-famous and affordable. The country is also known for its warm hospitality, strong Buddhist principles, and vibrant festivals.
Accommodation is relatively affordable, and Filipinos are understandably flocking to Thailand. Whether you are into nature, history, visiting cultural icons, shopping, or simply lazing by the beach and enjoying some downtime, Thailand will have something for you.
Philippine passport holders do not require a visa for stays in Singapore of up to 30 days.⁶ You’ll need a passport that’s valid for more than six months, and also to fill out the online SG Arrival Card (SGAC) form within three days before arriving.
The island-nation is home to a large Filipino community filled with all kinds of expats and workers like domestic helpers, teachers, IT specialists, service staff, and hospitality professionals. Modern and advanced with world-class infrastructure, Singapore remains one of the top travel destinations for Filipinos.
The city is safe, clean, and easy to navigate, as almost all locals speak English and the transportation system is one of the most efficient in the world. The hawker food is affordable, delicious, and many food courts also offer Filipino food.
Many world-class attractions are one-of-a-kind, like Jewel at Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa. Cultural hubs like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam offer a unique insight into how a multicultural society can flourish together, regardless of ethnicity.
With plenty of short budget flights to and from numerous cities in the Philippines, like Manila and Cebu, Singapore makes a convenient, exciting getaway.
Like many other ASEAN countries, Philippine passport holders can stay visa-free in Indonesia for up to 30 days.⁷ Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months, and you might need to show proof of onward travel.
Like many of its neighbors, including the Philippines, Indonesia enjoys magnificent coastlines and pristine beaches. You can explore stunning temples in Bali and Borobudur, go island hopping in Lombok and Sumbawa, or hike some volcanoes and exciting mountains. In addition, the cost of living is relatively affordable, and Indonesians are generally hospitable and welcoming.
Korea allows Philippine passport holders a 30-day visa-free stay on Jeju Island, provided you fly directly to the island. If you make a stopover on the mainland, you’ll need a visa.⁸
Jeju Island is served by several direct flights, including those from Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Manila with Jeju Air. Seafood lovers will rejoice, as the local markets are brimming with all the delicacies obtained in the surrounding waters.
Nature lovers will appreciate the still-quiet, peaceful island where you can cycle the coastline, hike numerous trails, and visit the massive Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest. With sweeping panoramic views and lush greenery, Jeju Island is worth a visit, especially for adventurous travelers.
You're already saving on visa fees, so why stop there? Make your money go further on every trip with the Wise card.
With the Wise card, makaka gastos ka ng 40+ currencies sa mid-market rate, kasama ang USD, SGD, GBP at JPY. Kaya, siguradong makakakuha ka ng sulit na deal sa mahigit 150+ countries. Para makapagsimula, gumawa ka lang ng libreng Wise account, mag-order ng card, at mag-top-up ng PHP.
Maaari kang mag-order ng physical card ng Wise sa halagang 369.90 PHP. Kung mayroon kang physical na card, makakagawa ka ng chip and PIN payments, at may 2 libreng ATM withdrawals na aabot sa 12,000 PHP bawat buwan.
Kapag nasa abroad ka, puwede mong piliing gumastos ng direct as PHP at hayaan mag auto-convert, o i-convert sa gusto mong currency gamit ang iyong Wise account. Kahit ano piliin mo, makukuha mo ang rate na nakikita mo sa Google, na may kasamang low, transparent fees mula 0.57%.
Sources last checked: 23 July 2025
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