Everything you need about Philippines visas: tourist visa, mandatory eTravel Pass, SSP for students, ACR I-Card, and stay extensions — a clear guide for Saudi nationals
The Philippines is one of the most welcoming countries for Arab tourists and students. Saudi Arabia and many Arab countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, meaning you can travel directly without visiting an embassy or waiting weeks for approval.
For students wishing to study for longer periods, the Philippine system offers clear pathways: extending the tourist visa inside the country, obtaining the Special Study Permit (SSP), and the ACR I-Card for long stays. All these procedures can be completed inside the Philippines without returning to Saudi Arabia.
All travelers to the Philippines — including Saudi nationals — must register in the eTravel electronic system within 72 hours before arrival. This registration is mandatory and does not replace a visa if one is required.
eTravel Pass is an electronic registration system launched by the Philippine government to collect travelers' health and travel data. The only official website is etravel.gov.ph — beware of any other site that charges fees for this free service.
Go to etravel.gov.ph — this is the only official site. Do not use any other website.
Enter your email address; a verification code will be sent to activate your account.
Select 'Foreign Passport Holder' and enter your passport details, flight number, and arrival date.
Register your hotel address or place of stay in the Philippines (school address can be used).
Answer the simple health questions (takes no more than 2 minutes).
After review, a QR code will appear. Screenshot it or print it to keep.
Present this code to airline staff in Saudi Arabia and immigration officers upon arrival in the Philippines.
The SSP is an official permit issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) to foreign students studying at language institutes or non-academic schools. It is mandatory for any student studying for more than 6 weeks and is processed by the school on the student's behalf.
The ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card) is an official ID card issued by the Philippine government to long-term foreign residents. It is mandatory for any foreigner whose stay exceeds 59 days in the Philippines.
Student Visa 9(f) is for students who wish to enroll in formal academic programs in the Philippines (university, diploma, master's). It is not required for language school students who use an SSP.
| Type | Duration | Cost | Study | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9(a) Tourist | 30 days (extendable) | Free | With SSP (under 6 months) | Best for language students |
| SSP | Study period | ~$70–100 | Language institutes only | School processes it |
| ACR I-Card | Stay over 59 days | ~$50 | Additional for long stays | From BI office |
| 9(f) Student | Study period | ~$200+ | University / formal diploma | Requires university acceptance |