The Philippines is a country that is beyond amazing for its pristine beaches, affordability, and people who are somewhat similar to Nigerians. It should be at the top of your bucket list ASAP!
To clarify our similarities; they don’t accept anyone’s nonsense, will haggle without qualms, may try to pull a fast one on you, and are friendly with foreigners without prejudice.
I’ll warn you that the visa process as of today (July 2024 Feb 2025) is a bit sketchy because the online platform they want Nigerians and other travelers to fill out before visiting the embassy for an interview has been under maintenance since May. No worries! I will share information on what you can do in the interim to get you to the beautiful Philippines pronto.
Video Guide: The Philippines Visa Guide for Nigerians
The Philippines Visa Guide for Nigerians
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, offers a wealth of activities for travelers. Begin with island hopping in Palawan, exploring the stunning beaches of El Nido, Coron, and the underground river in Puerto Princesa. For diving enthusiasts, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and Apo Reef are must-visits, showcasing vibrant marine life. In Luzon, trek to Banaue’s ancient rice terraces often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” or hike Mount Pinatubo for its breathtaking crater lake. Boracay’s white sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation and water sports.
Cebu offers a mix of historical sites like Magellan’s Cross and natural attractions, including Kawasan Falls. For a cultural experience, visit Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Finally, immerse yourself in the lively festivals, such as Sinulog and Ati-Atihan, to experience the rich Filipino culture and hospitality.
Do Nigerians Need a Visa to Visit the Philippines?
Yes, Nigerians need a visa to visit the Philippines and I will do my best to break down the process for you.
For Other Nationalities. Check Here to See if You Need a Visa to the Philippines
Some countries are part of a visa waiver agreement with the Philippines, click here to see if your country is one of the lucky few. For others, read the information above and make sure to file for your visa at least 30 days before your travel date. It typically takes 1-7 days to receive the visa, but in case of rejection, do apply early to resolve any unforeseen issues.
How To Apply For the Philippines Visa
To apply for a visa to the Philippines from Nigeria, email pe.abuja.visa@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Typically, the process would be to first fill out the visa form and print it using https://www.visa.gov.ph and then schedule an appointment on https://abujape.as.me/, but neither the online visa application system nor the appointment system is working. Feel free to visit the links to check just in case.
The Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements for Nigerians
- Fill out the visa form – with the online visa system not working, a form will be provided at the embassy on your scheduled appointment date.
- You may download a copy of the form here and pre-fill it before visiting the embassy. Do note that the form given at the embassy may vary from the one provided in the link. This should give you an idea of what to expect.
- Two (2) colored passport photos 1.77″ x 1.37″ (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm), taken within six months before the date of application, showing a clear front view of the applicant’s face, with a white background; no eyeglasses or sleeveless attire.
- Original passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines;
- Police certificate (for travel abroad) duly authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country of origin (or its equivalent), in the original copy
- Letter of invitation (if applicable), duly notarized and authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines (if applicable)
- Bank statement (6 months validity) – your bank account should have at least a value of $1000 balance if visiting for up to 30 days.
- Employment certificate (6 months validity)
- For businessmen, a company registration certificate with evidence of tax payment
- Photocopy of your passport data page
- Yellow fever card issued by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Return flight booking reservation (do not confirm your flight ticket yet) – book a dummy ticket
- Hotel reservation (including the hotel name and address) – book a dummy reservation
- Travel itinerary detailing travel to the Philippines
Visa processing takes approximately 2 weeks.
How Much is the Philippines Tourist Visa for Nigerians?
Due to the fluctuating rate of exchange, I’d advise that when you visit the embassy to complete the visa process, either go there with the exact USD amount in hand or calculate the current exchange rate in Naira to avoid any issues. Also, visit the embassy’s Facebook page to confirm rate updates or changes, they are pretty good with updating their page.
The Philippines Tourist Visa Rates:
Single entry, valid for 3 months – $40
Multiple entry, valid for 6 months – $80
Multiple entry, valid for 1 year – $120
They do not accept card or bank payments at the embassy, so make sure to have enough cash on you for payment.
Where to Track Your Visa to the Philippines Status
To track your visa to visit the Philippines, click here. Enter the application ID to check the results in the E-visa search menu. If you are approved for E-visa, print the E-visa to visit and exit the Philippines. Make sure to always have a copy of your E-Visa document and passport on you while traveling through the country in case of random checks or security needs.
Address of the Philippines Embassy in Nigeria
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, ABUJA
No. 34B Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja 904101 FCT Federal Republic of Nigeria
Mobile No.: (+234) 81025-41252 (Consular)
(+234) 90532-44916 (ATN)
Email: abuja.pe@dfa.gov.ph / pe.abuja.consular@gmail.com
Website: www.abujape.dfa.gov.ph
Extension of the Philippines Visa
If you wish to stay in the Philippines beyond the pre-approved period, apply for a visa extension at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration at least 7 working days before your visa expires. To err on the side of caution, apply 14 working days ahead. Visit the Bureau of Immigration’s eServices platform at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/ to register for an account and apply online. You may extend your visa up to twenty-four (24) months.
In case the Philippines visa extension portal does not work, see here for the application checklist and here for the Philippines extension visa form that needs to be filled out (BI FORM NO. TVS-CGAF-VE-2016). Then visit the Bureau of Immigration office near you to complete the process – click here to see the list of addresses in the Philippines
Fastest Way to Get to the Philippines from Nigeria
With your visa to visit the Philippines approved, it’s time to pack your bag to jet off for your trip! Qatar Airways offers the fastest route from Lagos to the Philippines. Fly to Manila with about 21 hours of total travel time from Lagos. Followed by Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
See Here for the Best Accommodation Options in the Philippines
Budget/Hostels in the Philippines
Hostels are my preferred way to travel when traveling solo because there are usually like-minded travelers to make friends with and I’m able to create a safety bubble system with other travelers.
Resorts/Hotels in the Philippines
Travel Insurance
There are some local travel insurance companies in Nigeria like AXA Mansard and Allianz Nigeria.
To avoid currency valuation issues, I prefer to use international insurance companies to receive a dollar value of whatever loss I incur during my travel because the local companies reimburse in Naira. I don’t think I need to say more regarding the Naira.
My current preferred option is SafetyWings
Things to Do in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban experiences. Whether you’re an adventurer, history buff, beach lover, or foodie, the Philippines offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the top things to do in this beautiful country.
Island Hopping in Palawan
Palawan is often hailed as the most beautiful island in the world. Start your adventure in El Nido, where you can embark on island-hopping tours to explore the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. Crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and towering limestone cliffs make this area a paradise for snorkelers and kayakers. Don’t miss the Big Lagoon and Secret Beach. In Puerto Princesa, visit the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The subterranean river winds through a cave before emptying into the South China Sea, offering a unique boat tour experience.
Diving and Snorkeling
The Philippines is a diver’s haven with some of the world’s best dive sites. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sulu Sea, is known for its incredible marine biodiversity. Another top spot is Apo Reef in Mindoro, the second-largest contiguous coral reef system in the world. For those new to diving, Moalboal in Cebu offers easy access to the famous Sardine Run and nearby Pescador Island.
Beaches of Boracay
Boracay is synonymous with paradise. Its White Beach, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. In the evening, the beach comes alive with vibrant nightlife, featuring beachfront bars and restaurants. For a quieter experience, head to Puka Shell Beach or Diniwid Beach, where you can relax away from the crowds.
Historical and Cultural Tours
Manila, the capital, offers a blend of modern attractions and historical landmarks. Visit Intramuros, the old walled city, where you can explore Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Cebu, see Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, which reflect the country’s Spanish colonial history.
Natural Wonders in Luzon
Northern Luzon is home to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” These ancient terraces were hand-carved by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago. For a more active adventure, hike up Mount Pinatubo to witness its breathtaking crater lake formed after the 1991 eruption. Another natural attraction is Mayon Volcano in Bicol, known for its perfect cone shape.
Festivals and Events
Filipinos love to celebrate, and their festivals are colorful and lively. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu, held every January, honors the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) with street parades, dances, and religious rituals. In Aklan, the Ati-Atihan Festival, also in January, features participants in indigenous costumes and black body paint, dancing to rhythmic drumbeats. The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, every May, showcases houses decorated with colorful rice wafers and agricultural produce.
Culinary Adventures
Filipino cuisine is a delightful mix of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. In Manila, sample dishes like adobo, sinigang, and lechon. Make sure to visit the Legazpi Sunday market in Manila to sample a lot of the local delicacies! Visit Dampa seafood markets where you can choose fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot. In Pampanga, known as the culinary capital of the Philippines, try sisig, a sizzling pork dish. For a unique experience, head to the Banaue region to taste Ifugao rice wine and local delicacies.
Relaxation and Wellness
For a more tranquil experience, head to Siargao, known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Even if you’re not into surfing, the island’s laid-back vibe, pristine beaches, and natural rock pools like the Magpupungko Tidal Flats offer a perfect setting for relaxation. In Cebu, visit Oslob to swim with whale sharks, or Kawasan Falls for a refreshing dip in turquoise waters.
Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers, the Philippines offers a range of activities from canyoneering in Cebu’s Kawasan Falls to paragliding in Sarangani. In Davao, conquer the peak of Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, or go white-water rafting in the Cagayan de Oro River.
The Philippines’ diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this archipelago offers a myriad of experiences that will leave you enchanted and longing for more.
