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Do Filipino Citizens Need a Visa for the US?

Checked October 19, 2026 · Filipino ordinary passport · tourism and short visits

Short answer

Visa required

Yes, Filipino citizens need a visa for the US, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How to apply

Visa Waiver Program countries (including the UK) need an approved ESTA before travel and can stay up to 90 days.

Everyone else applies for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa with an interview at a US embassy; waiting times for interviews can be long, so apply early.

Official website: US Department of State – Visitor visas

Before you travel

  • Make sure your Filipino passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has blank pages.
  • Carry a return or onward ticket, your hotel booking and proof that you can pay for your stay; border officers can ask for them.
  • Check whether your airline needs to see your visa or authorization at check-in; many will refuse boarding without it.
  • Visas for work, study or long stays follow different rules from the tourist rules on this page.

Visa rules for the US by passport

PakistanVisa required
IndiaVisa required
BangladeshVisa required
NigeriaVisa required
PhilippinesVisa required
EgyptVisa required
United KingdomeTA

Easier destinations for Filipino passport holders

Popular places you can visit visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an eTA:

Thailand 30d Malaysia 30d Indonesia 30d Maldives On arrival Sri Lanka eTA Morocco 90d Kenya eTA Singapore 30d Brazil 90d Vietnam 21d

Frequently asked questions

Do Filipino citizens need a visa for the US?

Visa required. Yes, Filipino citizens need a visa for the US, applied for through an embassy, consulate or visa application centre before travel.

How long can Filipino citizens stay in the US?

The length of stay is set by the visa you are granted; tourist visas commonly allow 30 to 90 days.

Where do Filipino citizens apply for a United States visa?

Use the official website: US Department of State – Visitor visas (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html). Avoid unofficial sites that charge extra service fees.

How many countries can Filipino passport holders visit without a visa?

Filipino passport holders can visit 36 countries visa-free and 30 more with a visa on arrival or eTA.

Based on the Passport Index dataset with our verified corrections for recent rule changes, last reviewed October 19, 2026. Entry rules change often and depend on your passport, purpose of travel and onward tickets. Always confirm with the official website or embassy before you book.