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Palawan Entry Requirements

Palawan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Information last reviewed March 2026. Philippine visa and entry policies change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (bi.gov.ph) or your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate before traveling.
Palawan, the Philippines' last ecological frontier, is accessed primarily through Puerto Princesa International Airport or via ferry from Manila and other major ports. As a province of the Philippines, entry requirements for Palawan are governed by Philippine national immigration law, there is no separate regional visa or permit required to visit Palawan specifically. All travelers must meet Philippine entry requirements, which are among the more straightforward in Southeast Asia, with citizens of over 150 countries enjoying visa-free access for stays of up to 30 days. Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa, travelers clear immigration and customs at the airport before proceeding into the province. Those arriving via El Nido or Coron by sea typically arrive from other Philippine ports after having already cleared entry formalities. The immigration process at Puerto Princesa is generally efficient, though peak season (November through May, coinciding with the best time to visit Palawan) can see longer queues. Budget extra time if arriving during the holiday period or when Palawan beaches and hotels are at peak occupancy. Beyond national entry requirements, Palawan has implemented its own environmental fees to protect its extraordinary natural heritage. The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) collects Environmental User Fees at major sites including the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, El Nido, and Coron. These are collected on-site and are separate from immigration formalities. But travelers should budget for them as part of their trip planning.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

The Philippines operates a generous visa-free policy for citizens of most Western and ASEAN nations, granting 30-day stays on arrival that can typically be extended at any Bureau of Immigration office, including in Puerto Princesa. Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy before arrival. There is currently no eVisa system for the Philippines; pre-travel authorization is handled through embassy visa applications.

Visa-Free Entry
30 days on arrival, extendable at Bureau of Immigration offices (e.g., Puerto Princesa BI office) in increments up to a maximum of 36 months total.

Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines and bilateral visa-free agreements may enter without a visa and receive a 30-day stamp on arrival. This covers the vast majority of travelers visiting Palawan.

Includes
United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand All European Union member states (including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands) Switzerland Norway Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Indonesia Thailand Vietnam Brunei Hong Kong SAR Israel Mexico Brazil South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia (with conditions)

Citizens of ASEAN member states enjoy reciprocal visa-free access under ASEAN agreements. Nationals of 157 countries total are eligible for visa-free entry as of 2026. Holders of valid US, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, UK, or Schengen visas (with at least 6 months validity) may receive up to 59 days visa-free under Philippine special provisions. Always carry proof of onward or return travel, as immigration officers may ask for it.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
N/A, the Philippines has no eVisa system as of March 2026.

The Philippines does not currently operate an eVisa or Electronic Travel Authorization system. Pre-clearance for eligible nationalities is handled either through the visa-free on-arrival system or through embassy visa applications. Some travelers may encounter the term 'eVisa' on third-party sites, these are not official Philippine government portals.

Includes
Not applicable, the Philippines does not offer an eVisa as of March 2026.
How to Apply: Monitor bi.gov.ph for announcements, as the Philippines has discussed implementing an eVisa system. Any official eVisa, when launched, would be applied for through bi.gov.ph exclusively.
Cost: N/A

Beware of third-party websites charging fees for 'Philippine eVisas', these are not legitimate government services. If your nationality requires a visa, apply directly through an official Philippine embassy or consulate.

Visa Required
Single-entry tourist visas typically allow a 59-day stay, with possible extension through the Bureau of Immigration.

Citizens of countries without visa-free agreements with the Philippines must obtain a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate before arriving. This applies to a relatively small number of nationalities.

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country. Required documents typically include: valid passport, completed application form, recent passport photos, proof of sufficient funds, return/onward travel ticket, and proof of accommodation. Processing time is typically 3, 7 business days but varies by post. Fees vary by country. Expect PHP 1,200, 2,500 equivalent for a standard tourist visa.

Citizens of countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations are generally not issued visas. A complete and current list of nationalities requiring visas is maintained at bi.gov.ph. Citizens of China (PRC) are subject to specific visa requirements and conditions, verify current policy before travel.

Arrival Process

Arriving at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the most common entry point for international travelers visiting Palawan. Most international arrivals connect through Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, NAIA) or Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) on domestic flights, having already cleared Philippine immigration at those hubs. A small number of charter and direct international flights operate into Puerto Princesa, primarily from East and Southeast Asian cities. If arriving internationally into Puerto Princesa directly, you will clear immigration and customs there. If arriving domestically after clearing immigration in Manila or Cebu, you proceed directly to the arrivals hall.

1
Arrival and Disembarkation
Upon landing at Puerto Princesa (or your Philippine entry airport), remain seated until the aircraft stops and the seatbelt sign is turned off. Collect all carry-on items and proceed through the jet bridge or onto the tarmac shuttle bus to the terminal.
2
Health and Quarantine Check
Proceed through any health screening checkpoints. Requirements have varied significantly in recent years. As of 2026 no COVID-specific documentation is required. But this can change. Travelers arriving from countries with active disease outbreaks (yellow fever zones, etc.) may be screened separately.
3
Immigration / Passport Control
Join the immigration queue. There are typically separate lanes for Philippine citizens and foreign nationals. Present your passport to the immigration officer. You will be asked about the purpose of your visit, intended length of stay, and accommodation address. Your fingerprints and a photo will be taken (biometric enrollment). The officer will stamp your passport with the authorized stay period, typically 30 days for visa-free visitors.
4
Baggage Claim
Proceed to the baggage claim area and collect your checked luggage. Confirm your flight's carousel number on the display boards. Report any lost or damaged bags to the airline's baggage services desk before leaving the secure area.
5
Customs Declaration
All passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (available on the aircraft or at the terminal). Declare all dutiable goods, currency above PHP 50,000 (or foreign equivalent), and all items being imported for commercial purposes. Proceed through the red channel if you have items to declare, or the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Random inspections occur in the green channel.
6
Exit to Arrivals Hall
After clearing customs, exit into the public arrivals hall. Here you will find ground transportation options including accredited airport taxis, tricycles, and hotel transfer services. SIM card vendors and currency exchange counters are typically available in or near the arrivals area.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the Philippines. Immigration officers will check this and may deny entry if it expires within six months.
Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof that you plan to leave the Philippines within your authorized stay. A confirmed return flight or a ticket to another country is strongly recommended. Without it, you may be questioned at length or denied boarding at your origin airport.
Proof of Accommodation
A hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or letter of invitation from a Philippine host. Officers may ask for the address where you will be staying, have at least your first night's accommodation booked and the name/address readily accessible.
Customs Declaration Form
Completed on the aircraft or at the terminal. Required of all arriving passengers, one form per family traveling together is acceptable.
Visa (if required)
If your nationality requires a visa, it must be affixed in your passport before arrival. Visas obtained from embassies are presented at immigration alongside your passport.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
While not always checked, Philippine immigration may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. A general guideline is PHP 500, 1,000 per day, or approximately USD 10, 20/day. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash are all acceptable.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Book at least your first night's hotel before arrival. Puerto Princesa is a way into El Nido, Coron, and other Palawan beaches, having a clear itinerary ready will make immigration questioning brief and stress-free.
Download your return flight confirmation to your phone's offline storage before landing. In-flight Wi-Fi is not always available and you won't have mobile data until you obtain a local SIM.
Have PHP 1,650 ready for the Terminal Fee at Puerto Princesa Airport on departure, if it is not already included in your airline ticket. Check your ticket to avoid surprises.
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can extend your visa at the Bureau of Immigration office in Puerto Princesa (Fernandez St, near the city center) for a fee of approximately PHP 3,030 for a 29-day extension. Extensions must be initiated before your current authorized stay expires.
Peak season in Palawan runs November through May, expect the best weather but also the busiest airports. Arrive early for your return flight during this period, as Puerto Princesa airport queues can be significant.
Environmental User Fees are collected at Palawan's main nature attractions: PHP 200 at the Puerto Princesa Underground River, PHP 200 Environmental Fee in El Nido plus PHP 200 per island-hopping tour set, and similar fees in Coron. These are paid at the sites, not at immigration.

Customs & Duty-Free

Philippine customs is administered by the Bureau of Customs (customs.gov.ph). Regulations are in line with ASEAN customs norms, with allowances for reasonable personal use items and standard duty-free limits for alcohol, tobacco, and gifts. All passengers must complete a Customs Declaration Form on arrival. The Philippines enforces strict prohibitions on firearms, drugs, and certain agricultural products to protect its biodiversity, Palawan, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has particular sensitivity to the introduction of foreign plant and animal material.

Alcohol
Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages duty-free per adult passenger.
Must be for personal use only. Passengers must be 18 years or older to import alcohol. Amounts exceeding 2 liters are subject to customs duties and taxes.
Tobacco
400 cigarettes (2 cartons), or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco per adult passenger.
Passengers must be 18 years or older. Exceeding these limits will result in duty charges. Electronic cigarettes and vaping products are in a legal grey area in the Philippines, importing large quantities may attract scrutiny.
Currency
PHP 50,000 in local currency may be brought in or taken out without declaration. Foreign currency of any amount may be brought in. But amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared.
Failure to declare currency above the threshold can result in confiscation. Upon departure, you may take out up to USD 10,000 in foreign currency (or equivalent) without special authorization. Larger amounts require prior approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Gifts and Personal Goods
Goods with a total value not exceeding PHP 10,000 (approximately USD 175) are duty-free for personal use or as gifts.
Items clearly intended for resale or in commercial quantities are dutiable regardless of value. Electronics, branded goods, and multiple units of the same item may be flagged for inspection.

Prohibited Items

  • Illegal drugs and controlled substances (narcotics, methamphetamine, etc.), severe criminal penalties apply under Philippine law, including life imprisonment
  • Firearms, ammunition, and military weapons without prior authorization from the Philippine National Police (PNP) or Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
  • Pornographic materials, including child exploitation material, criminal penalties
  • Counterfeit currency and forged documents
  • Gambling equipment and paraphernalia intended for illegal gambling operations
  • Products made from endangered species listed under CITES (e.g., ivory, certain reptile skins, coral products) without valid permits
  • Pirated goods, DVDs, software, and counterfeit branded items are routinely confiscated

Restricted Items

  • Live animals and birds, require import permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and veterinary health certificates; Palawan's endemic species are protected and importation of exotic animals may be refused
  • Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plant material, require phytosanitary certificates from the country of origin and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) import permits; Palawan's biosecurity is taken seriously given its status as a biodiversity hotspot
  • Prescription medications, bring a doctor's prescription and sufficient documentation. Quantities should clearly reflect personal use. Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled in the Philippines
  • Firearms for sports shooting, require prior coordination with PNP and airline notification. Permits must be secured well in advance
  • Radioactive materials and certain chemicals, require permits from relevant Philippine government agencies

Health Requirements

The Philippines does not require proof of vaccination as a mandatory condition of entry for most nationalities as of March 2026, but travelers coming from or transiting through countries with active yellow fever transmission must present a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Recommended vaccinations for Palawan reflect the tropical disease environment, consult a travel medicine clinic 6, 8 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Required Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, required only for travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (primarily parts of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America). Without this certificate, travelers may be vaccinated on arrival or face a 6-day quarantine period.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A, recommended for all travelers. Transmitted through contaminated food and water
  • Typhoid, recommended for travelers eating outside hotels or trying local street food and Palawan food markets
  • Hepatitis B, recommended for longer stays or those with potential medical exposure
  • Rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis), recommended for adventure travelers, those spending time outdoors, or anyone who may have contact with animals. Relevant for ecotourism activities in Palawan
  • Japanese Encephalitis, recommended for travelers spending extended time in rural or agricultural areas, or staying longer than 4 weeks
  • Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
  • Influenza, recommended for all travelers
  • Malaria prophylaxis, Palawan (including El Nido and rural areas) has risk of malaria, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax; consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before travel; Puerto Princesa city itself has lower risk than rural Palawan
  • Dengue awareness, no vaccination required but travelers should use DEET-based mosquito repellent. Dengue is present throughout the Philippines including Palawan

Health Insurance

Health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended for travelers to Palawan. While Puerto Princesa has several hospitals (Ospital ng Palawan, Adventist Hospital Palawan), serious medical cases may require evacuation to Manila. El Nido and Coron have only basic medical facilities. Medical evacuation from remote areas of Palawan can cost USD 10,000, 50,000+ without insurance. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in diving, island-hopping, or jungle trekking, these are the activities that draw visitors wondering about things to do in Palawan. But they carry specific risks.

Current Health Requirements: As of March 2026, the Philippines has no COVID-19 entry requirements (no vaccination proof, no testing, no quarantine). This status can change rapidly in response to new variants or outbreaks. Before traveling, verify current health entry requirements at the official Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) website or the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (bi.gov.ph). Your airline will also have up-to-date requirements, as they are responsible for ensuring passengers meet entry criteria before boarding.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Philippine Bureau of Immigration
The official authority for visa policy, entry requirements, and visa extensions in the Philippines.
Website: bi.gov.ph | Puerto Princesa BI Office: Fernandez St, Puerto Princesa City, for visa extensions and immigration inquiries while in Palawan
Your Country's Embassy in the Philippines
Contact your home country's embassy or consulate in Manila for consular assistance, emergency passport replacement, or if you encounter legal difficulties.
Most major countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada, EU members) maintain embassies in Manila. Register with your embassy's traveler registration program (e.g., US STEP, UK FCDO registration) before departure.
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
For visa applications and passport-related matters within the Philippines.
Website: dfa.gov.ph | Overseas pre-travel visa applications are handled by Philippine embassies in your home country.
Emergency Services, Palawan
Philippine National Emergency Hotline: 911 (active nationwide including Palawan). Local Puerto Princesa Police: (048) 433-2333. Puerto Princesa City Health Emergency: (048) 434-4205.
911 is the primary emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services throughout the Philippines. In remote areas of Palawan (e.g., between El Nido and Coron), cellular coverage may be limited, satellite communication devices are advisable for extended backcountry travel.
Bureau of Customs, Philippines
For customs queries, prohibited item guidance, and duty information.
Website: customs.gov.ph | Hotline: 8527-4537
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)
Administers environmental permits and fees for Palawan's protected areas.
Website: pcsd.palawan.gov.ph | Relevant for research permits, commercial activities, and understanding Palawan's environmental protection framework.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children traveling with both parents require only their own valid passport (and visa if applicable). Children traveling with one parent or a guardian require: (1) a notarized travel consent letter from the absent parent(s), and (2) the absent parent's valid ID or passport copy. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration strictly enforces this to prevent child trafficking, border officers may refuse entry to unaccompanied minors or children without proper documentation. Children under 15 traveling alone must be accompanied by an authorized adult escort and carry a notarized parental authorization letter. Adopted children should carry adoption papers. Birth certificates are recommended for all children to establish relationship with accompanying adults.

Traveling with Pets

Importing pets (dogs and cats) into the Philippines requires: (1) valid rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before arrival, (2) official veterinary health certificate from an accredited government veterinarian in the country of origin, (3) import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Philippines obtained before travel (apply at bai.gov.ph), (4) microchip (ISO standard 15-digit), and (5) anti-parasitic treatment records. Pets from rabies-free countries have a simpler process. Pets from rabies-endemic countries face a quarantine period of 7, 30 days at the Philippine Animal Quarantine Facility in Manila, pets cannot be transported directly to Palawan without clearing Manila first. Airline and ferry operators have their own pet transport policies, verify well in advance, as domestic legs to Puerto Princesa must also be arranged.

Extended Stays (Beyond Initial Entry Period)

The initial 30-day visa-free entry can be extended at any Philippine Bureau of Immigration office, including the Puerto Princesa office. Extensions are granted in 29-day increments (first extension fee: approximately PHP 3,030; subsequent extensions vary). The total maximum stay on a tourist visa, including all extensions, is generally 36 months, though this requires regular Bureau of Immigration appearances and fees. For stays beyond 59 days, you will need to obtain a special return certificate if you leave and re-enter. Travelers who overstay their authorized period face fines (PHP 500/month of overstay) plus potential blacklisting. For those planning long-term residence, the Philippines offers various long-term visas including the Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority, and the 9(g) Pre-arranged Employment Visa for those with job offers.

Travelers with Dual Nationality

Philippine citizens holding dual nationality should enter using their Philippine passport, as this avoids immigration restrictions and allows for indefinite stay. The Philippines recognizes dual citizenship for natural-born Filipinos who have reacquired citizenship under RA 9225. Dual nationals who enter on a foreign passport are treated as foreign nationals and subject to all foreign visitor requirements including the 30-day maximum initial stay. It is generally advisable for dual citizens to be consistent, enter and exit on the same passport.

Journalists and Media Personnel

Foreign journalists working in the Philippines should be aware that while tourist visa entry is technically possible for short trips, officially working as a journalist may require accreditation with the Presidential Communications Office and a 9(f) student/training visa equivalent. In practice, many travel journalists visit on tourist visas for editorial travel content. Commercial filmmakers and production crews require permits from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and may require location permits in Palawan's protected areas from the PCSD.

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