Traveling to the Philippines from Thailand

Traveling from Thailand to the Philippines is simple and offers several choices, whether you’re planning a short trip, managing visa concerns, or preparing for a longer stay. Knowing the best travel methods and addressing visa requirements ahead of time can make your journey hassle-free and help you avoid any setbacks.

Keep reading to learn about the easiest ways to travel from Thailand to the Philippines, how to apply for a Philippine tourist visa, and the essential steps to take before your trip.

How to Get to the Philippines from Thailand

Traveling from Thailand to the Philippines is simpler than you might expect despite the latter being surrounded by the ocean. Flying offers the quickest and most convenient option, but if you’re up for an adventure, you can mix land and sea travel for a memorable experience.

Flying to the Philippines from Thailand

Flying from Thailand to the Philippines with direct flights takes just 3 to 4 hours as the two countries are relatively close. Airports in Bangkok such as Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) offer direct connections to major Philippine destinations like Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), and Clark (CRK).

There are multiple airlines that you can choose from Thailand to the Philippines, including low-cost carriers for simple affordable flights or premium airlines offering comfortable and luxurious travel.

Land Border Crossing from Thailand to the Philippines

The Philippines and Thailand do not share a land border as they are separated by the South China Sea. Flying is the fastest way to travel between the two countries, but limited sea travel options exist for those looking for an alternative adventure.

If you prefer sea travel, private charters or cruise ships occasionally operate seasonal or luxury routes connecting Southeast Asia to the Philippines. However, there are no direct ferries between Thailand and the Philippines.

To travel by sea, you’ll need to first reach a neighboring country with port connections to the Philippines. For example:

• From Malaysia: Ferries or shipping lines from ports like Port Klang can connect to southern Philippine islands such as Mindanao or Palawan. These trips can take several days to complete.
• From Vietnam: Though less common, private charters or cruises may occasionally connect Vietnam’s ports to the Philippines.

Sea travel offers an adventurous option, taking several days and working well if you’re exploring more of Southeast Asia. However, flying is still by far the most practical and time-saving choice.

How to Get a Philippine Tourist Visa

Some nations have a visa-exemption agreement with the Philippines, so if you hold a passport from one of these countries, you don’t need to apply for a visa beforehand if you will only be staying for a short time. Citizens from the following countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days:

• Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United States
• Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Middle East: Israel (up to 59 days), United Arab Emirates
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

If you are not from one of these countries and need a Philippine tourist visa, you can get one by either applying online or at the Philippines Embassy. You can choose a single-entry visa for shorter visits or a multiple-entry visa for extended stays or frequent trips, though not all nationalities get access to all options.

Long-Term Visitor Visas

If you plan to stay in the Philippines for an extended period, several long-term visa options are available to meet different needs:

• Philippines Work Visa
• Philippines Student Visa
• Philippines Spouse Visa
• Philippines Retirement Visa

Each visa has complex requirements, so these visas are best for frequent and extended stays.

How to Apply for a Philippine Visa Online

Applying for Philippine visas is relatively simple thanks to their online visa platform. Here’s how to apply online for a visa to the Philippines, step by step.

• Visit the Philippine eVisa platform and create an account.
• Complete the application form, ensuring all information matches your documents.
• Upload the required documents, including:
  • A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of financial means
  • Return or onward travel ticket
• Pay the visa fee and submit the form for processing.
• Once approved, you’ll receive the e-visa by email, which you can print and use for entry.

How to Apply at the Embassy for a Visa to the Philippines

Going to the embassy is not as convenient as you may have to make an appointment and wait for some time. However, if you prefer this method or no other method is open to you, here’s how to apply for a Philippine visa at the embassy.

• Visit the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
• Submit a completed visa application form and provide the necessary documents.
• Attend an interview if required and pay the application fee.
• After approval, set an appointment to collect your visa or receive it by mail.

What to Do Before Traveling to the Philippines from Thailand

If you’re traveling to the Philippines, it’s essential to organize your documents and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey. This is especially important if your trip involves visa-related matters, such as renewing your Thai visa, extending your stay, or applying for a new visa type before returning to Thailand.

Get Your Documents in Order

Before traveling from Thailand to the Philippines, double-check that all your necessary documents are in order to prevent any problems at the immigration. Confirm the visa requirements for both countries to be fully prepared. Keep extra photocopies of your passport, visa, travel itinerary, and other relevant documents for added convenience and security.

Both countries may require digital copies of your documents, so save clear scans or images on your smartphone or a secure cloud service. These digital backups can be invaluable if you lose your physical documents and are often needed for e-Visa applications or other online procedures.

Convert Some Currency to Philippine Peso

Before heading to the Philippines, exchange some of your money for Philippine Pesos. This is particularly useful if you need to pay for a Visa on Arrival or handle small expenses like transportation or snacks right after you land. Having local cash ready can make your arrival much easier and more convenient.

Airport currency exchange counters are convenient but often come with higher rates. To get better value, compare rates at your departure airport in Thailand and upon arrival in the Philippines. Having some pesos ready when you land can save you from last-minute hassles. Be cautious and stick to reputable exchange services to avoid unfair deals.

Apply for a Re-Entry Permit

If you hold a single-entry Thai visa, like a standard tourist visa, you’ll need a re-entry permit to keep it valid when leaving Thailand. You can apply for this permit at Thai immigration offices or at international airports before your departure. Without a re-entry permit, your visa will be voided once you exit Thailand, and you’ll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the country.

Get the Right Thai Visa

Your Thai visa should match your travel plans, especially if you plan to return after visiting the Philippines. For frequent travelers, a long-term, multiple-entry visa can simplify your trips and save time.

Visas like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa Thailand), Thailand Elite Visa, or Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand) allow unlimited re-entry during their validity. These options remove the need for re-entry permits or repeated visa applications, making your travel without any difficulties.

Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance

If you’re planning to return to Thailand or travel to the Philippines for visa purposes, Siam Legal’s experienced visa consultants are here to assist you. We simplify the visa application process, offering remote support from organizing your documents to managing application submissions while you’re overseas.

Let us take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your travels stress-free. Contact  Siam Legal today.

Category: Travel