Philippines Visa RequirementsFor Saudi Arabia passport holders
Saudi nationals are eligible for a Philippine visa on arrival for up to 59 days, or may apply for an e-Visa online. The fee is approximately $40 USD. The Philippines has a unique relationship with Saudi Arabia due to the large Filipino overseas worker community in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia passport holders require a visa to enter Philippines.
For visa on arrival: arrive at Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Cebu (CEB), or other international airports. Complete the arrival card, pay the VoA fee of approximately $40 USD at the immigration counter, and proceed through immigration. For e-Visa: apply at evisa.gov.ph before travel. Upload passport, photo, and 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 or consulate in Saudi Arabia.
Valid Saudi Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Passport Photos
Two recent color passport photos (2x2 inches), white background.
Bank Statements (3 months)
Showing sufficient funds for your visit to the Philippines.
Employment Letter
From Saudi employer confirming employment and approved leave.
Hotel Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from the Philippines.
Current Travel Situation
Saudi Arabia to Philippines: What You Need to Know
The Philippines maintains one of the world's largest overseas labor communities in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 800,000 to 1 million Filipino nationals work in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, there is no formal visa-free arrangement for Saudi passport holders visiting the Philippines.
Saudi nationals may obtain a visa on arrival at Philippine international airports for up to 59 days. Alternatively, an e-Visa can be pre-applied through the Philippine Bureau of Immigration online portal.
The Philippines is a popular destination for Gulf residents (Filipino expats' Saudi employers and families), beach tourism (Palawan, Boracay, Siargao), and diving enthusiasts. The Philippine archipelago has some of the world's best dive sites.
How to Get There
Riyadh (RUH) to Manila (MNL) connects via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Abu Dhabi. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Arabia serve this route. Total travel is approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Money & Banking
The Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). As of 2024, approximately 57 PHP per USD. The Philippines is affordable. Beach resorts run $50 to $200 per night. Island hopping tours in Palawan cost $30 to $60 per day. Cards accepted at hotels; carry cash for local transport and smaller establishments.
Practical Tips
Boracay (carabao) is one of Asia's best-known beaches, though subject to occasional closures for environmental management. Palawan (El Nido, Coron) is a UNESCO-tentative site with dramatic limestone karst scenery, crystal-clear lagoons, and excellent diving. Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines.
Manila has the historic Intramuros walled city, SM Mall of Asia (one of Asia's largest malls), and Bonifacio Global City for dining and nightlife.
Halal food: The Mindanao region is Muslim-majority and has excellent halal food. In Manila and tourist areas, halal restaurants are available in Muslim neighborhoods and tourist districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi nationals need a visa for Philippines?
Saudi nationals can obtain a Philippine visa on arrival for up to 59 days at major Philippine international airports, or apply for an e-Visa online at evisa.gov.ph. Fee approximately $40.
What is the best island destination in Philippines for Saudi tourists?
El Nido and Coron in Palawan (dramatic limestone karst lagoons and snorkeling) are the most spectacular. Boracay (White Beach) is the most famous beach resort. Siargao is for surfing. Cebu is the main island hub with beaches, diving, and the Chocolate Hills day trip to Bohol.
Is Manila worth visiting for Saudi tourists?
Manila is a transit hub and worth a day or two. Highlights include Intramuros (the Spanish colonial walled city), Manila Bay sunset, Binondo (the world's oldest Chinatown), the SM Mall of Asia, and Bonifacio Global City for modern dining. Most Saudi visitors use Manila as a gateway and proceed to island destinations.
Are there halal food options in the Philippines?
Mindanao (southern Philippines) is the main Muslim region with extensive halal food. Manila and Cebu have halal restaurants in Muslim-populated areas. Mindanao cities (Davao, Zamboanga, Marawi, Cotabato) are Muslim-majority. In Boracay and El Nido, halal restaurants are available but less numerous.
What airlines fly from Saudi Arabia to Manila?
No direct Saudi Arabia-Manila nonstop service. Connections typically route via Singapore (Singapore Airlines, Scoot), Kuala Lumpur (Philippines Airlines, AirAsia), or Dubai (Emirates). Total travel time approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Do Saudi nationals need a yellow fever certificate for the Philippines?
A yellow fever certificate is required only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not on the yellow fever risk list, so no certificate is required for Saudi nationals traveling directly from Saudi Arabia.