Philippines Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for an initial stay of 30 days, with extensions available in-country. The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago of 7,000+ islands offering world-class beaches, diving, and a vibrant culture.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Philippines without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 30 days.
No visa is required for stays up to 30 days. Present your valid Canadian passport at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), Mactan-Cebu International Airport, or any other international port of entry. You must have a return or onward ticket; the Bureau of Immigration strictly enforces this requirement and may deny boarding at your origin airport if you do not have one. For stays longer than 30 days, visit any Bureau of Immigration regional office to extend your stay (extensions are granted in 29-day, 2-month, or 6-month increments).
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Philippines: What You Need to Know
The Philippines is an archipelago nation in Southeast Asia comprising more than 7,600 islands. Canadian citizens are granted a free 30-day stamp on arrival, which can be extended at any Philippine Bureau of Immigration office for stays of up to 36 months total (in incremental extensions). Manila is the capital and main international gateway, while Cebu serves the Visayas region. Top destinations include Palawan (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron), Boracay, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the Batanes Islands.
Practical Tips
The Philippine peso (PHP) is the local currency; ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Palawan is consistently ranked among the world's top island destinations; book accommodation in El Nido and Coron well in advance during the high season (November to April). Island-hopping tours are the standard way to explore remote beaches. Typhoon season runs from June to November; check weather forecasts before traveling to coastal areas. The ferry network connecting islands is extensive but schedule reliability varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for the Philippines?
No. Canadian citizens receive a free visa-exempt entry stamp valid for 30 days on arrival. You must have a return or onward ticket. Extensions are available in-country at Bureau of Immigration offices for stays of up to 36 months total.
How do I extend my stay in the Philippines beyond 30 days?
Visit any Bureau of Immigration office (main office in Manila or regional offices in Cebu, Davao, and other cities) to apply for an extension. Extensions are granted in increments of 29 days or 2 months. You can extend your stay up to a maximum of 36 months without leaving the country.
What is the best island in the Philippines to visit?
Palawan (especially El Nido and Coron) consistently tops rankings for the most beautiful islands, with stunning limestone karst seascapes, lagoons, and dive sites. Boracay is famous for White Beach and vibrant nightlife. Bohol has the iconic Chocolate Hills and excellent diving at Balicasag. Siargao is the surfing capital. Your choice depends on your interests.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The dry season from November to April is generally the best time to visit most of the Philippines. However, the country is large and weather varies by region; Palawan and Mindanao have different weather patterns from Luzon and the Visayas. June to October is typhoon season for most of the country.