Philippines Visa RequirementsFor Qatar passport holders
Qatari nationals are eligible for a Philippine visa on arrival for up to 59 days at major Philippine international airports, or can apply for an e-Visa online. The fee is approximately $40 USD. The Philippines has the world's largest overseas Filipino worker community based in Qatar, giving the two countries close social ties.
Qatar passport holders require a visa to enter Philippines.
For visa on arrival: At Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), or other major airports, proceed to the immigration VoA counter. Pay approximately $40 in cash. For e-Visa: Apply at evisa.gov.ph before travel. Upload passport, photo, supporting documents. Fee approximately $30 to $40.
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
Required Documents
Philippines Visa Application Form
Completed form submitted to the Philippine Embassy in Qatar.
Valid Qatari Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay.
Passport Photos
Two recent color passport photos (2x2 inches).
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing sufficient funds.
Employment Letter
From Qatari employer confirming employment and approved leave.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure.
Current Travel Situation
Qatar to Philippines: What You Need to Know
The Philippines has one of its largest overseas communities in Qatar: approximately 250,000 to 300,000 Filipinos work in Qatar, spanning domestic service, healthcare, construction, and the service sector. Despite these strong people-to-people ties, Qatari nationals still require a Philippine visa.
The Philippines offers extraordinary natural beauty: Palawan's UNESCO-tentative limestone karst landscape (El Nido, Coron), Boracay's white-sand beach, Siargao's surfing, and Manila's colonial Intramuros district. Philippine cuisine (kare-kare, lechon, sinigang) is diverse and excellent.
How to Get There
Qatar Airways serves Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) directly from Doha (DOH). This is one of the busiest Gulf-Philippines routes given the Filipino community in Qatar.
Money & Banking
Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). As of 2024, approximately 57 PHP per USD. The Philippines is affordable. Beach resorts in Boracay run $50 to $200 per night. Excellent seafood at very low prices in local restaurants. Cards accepted at hotels.
Practical Tips
El Nido, Palawan: Fly from Manila to El Nido Airport (ENI) on a small aircraft (1 hour) or to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and connect. Island hopping tours through dramatic limestone karst formations are the signature experience. Boracay: The most popular beach resort. Fly from Manila to Caticlan (MPH, 1 hour) then short boat. Beachfront hotels and watersports. Coron, Palawan: World War II Japanese shipwreck diving, Kayangan Lake (freshwater lake inside a karst formation), and pristine coral reefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Qatari nationals need a visa for Philippines?
Qatari nationals can obtain a Philippine visa on arrival for up to 59 days at major Philippine airports. Fee approximately $40. Alternative: apply for an e-Visa online at evisa.gov.ph. Qatar Airways serves Manila and Cebu from Doha.
Qatar Airways serves Manila and Cebu - which airport is better for beach tourism?
For Palawan (El Nido, Coron), fly Manila then connect to El Nido Airport (ENI) or Puerto Princesa (PPS). For Boracay, fly Manila then to Caticlan (MPH). For Siargao, fly Manila to Siargao (IAO). For Cebu with island hop to Bohol, Siquijor, Camiguin, fly Doha direct to Cebu (CEB). Manila is the main hub; most island destinations require a domestic connection.
What is El Nido Palawan like for Qatari tourists?
El Nido is a coastal town in northern Palawan surrounded by dramatic limestone karst formations, turquoise lagoons, and pristine beaches accessible only by boat. Island hopping tours (Tour A through D) visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and pristine snorkeling sites. Three days minimum is recommended. Small guesthouses and beach resorts are available.
Is the Philippines a safe destination for Qatari tourists?
The Philippines is generally safe for tourists in the main tourist destinations (Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Siargao, Manila tourist areas). The National Capital Region (Manila) requires standard urban safety awareness. Western Mindanao has travel advisories from some governments due to historical conflict. Avoid areas that your country's foreign ministry advises against.
What is the food culture in Philippines for Muslim Qatari visitors?
Mindanao is the Muslim-majority region with extensive halal cuisine. In Manila and other cities, Muslim-friendly restaurants are available in Arab-community areas and business districts. Seafood is abundant and generally halal in preparation. The Adobo (soy-vinegar stew), kare-kare (oxtail peanut stew), and lechon (roast pig) are Filipino staples, though the pork dishes should be avoided.
What are the best diving sites in Philippines for experienced divers?
Tubbataha Reef in Palawan (UNESCO World Heritage, accessible by liveaboard only, March-June season) is one of the world's top dive sites. Coron Bay in Palawan has the best WWII wreck diving in Asia (13 Japanese ships sunk in 1944). Malapascua Island off Cebu is world-famous for thresher shark encounters at dawn. Apo Island near Dumaguete has excellent reef diving.