Visa Guidelines Released
Visa Guidelines Released
ICWES20 is a global platform for women in STEM, welcoming delegates from across the INWES regions and an international audience.
Non-visa (visa-free) countries: Nationals covered by the Philippines’ visa-free privileges (including the 30-day stay under E.O. 408 and related DFA circulars) may enter without a visa, subject to standard entry requirements. Reference list (PDF, DFA/Philippine Consulate): https://vancouverpcg.dfa.gov.ph/images/NO-VISA-ENTRY-COUNTRIES-FOR-30-DAY-STAY-UNDER-E.O.-408.pdf
Visa-required countries: If your nationality is not on the visa-free list, apply for a 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visa at your nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate and allow ample processing time. Guidance (DFA/Philippine Embassy): https://brusselspe.dfa.gov.ph/sample-sites/visa/temporary-tourist-visitor-visa
Letter of Invitation / Conference Participation: You may request a letter from the ICWES20 Secretariat to submit to your respective Consul to help facilitate visa processing (recommended practice; final requirements depend on your consular office). Include: full name, passport bio-page details, affiliation, country of residence, intended travel dates, and proof of participation (registration and/or abstract acceptance).
Standard Entry Requirements:
- Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival. https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/consular/visa/faqs-travel-to-the-philippines-of-foreign-nationals/ Philippine Embassy
- Return or onward ticket within the allowed visa-free stay. https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/consular/visa/faqs-travel-to-the-philippines-of-foreign-nationals/ Philippine Embassy
- eTravel registration + QR code (often checked by airlines before boarding). https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/philippines/entry-requirements GOV.UK
Other documents to prepare (highly recommended; may be requested by airline/immigration):
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and conference registration/confirmation (ICWES20), plus your travel itinerary. (Practical recommendation—requirements can vary by traveler and airline.)
- Proof of financial capacity (e.g., credit cards/cash, sponsorship letter if applicable). (Practical recommendation.)
- If applicable: Yellow fever vaccination proof for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Philippines.html Travel.gov
Check eVisa Policies: https://evisa.gov.ph/page/policy
Visa Exemption Program
The nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, which permits a duration of stay up to 90 days.
| Andorra | Germany | Norway |
| Austria | Greece | Poland |
| Belgium | Hungary | Portugal |
| Brunei | Iceland | Romania |
| Bulgaria | Ireland | San Marino |
| Canada | Israel | Singapore |
| Croatia | Italy | Slovakia |
| Cyprus | Japan | Slovenia |
| Czech Republic | Korea (South) | Spain |
| Denmark | Latvia | Sweden |
| Estonia | Liechtenstein | Thailand |
| Finland | Lithuania | UK |
| France | Luxembourg | USA |
| Malaysia | Malta | Vatican |
| Monaco | Netherlands | New Zealand |
To avail of the visa-exempt program for the Philippines (Executive Order No. 408), delegates must satisfy these core requirements at the port of entry:
1. Valid Passport
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your intended period of stay in the Philippines.
- Condition: Passports must be machine-readable (no hand-scripted passports).
2. Return or Onward Ticket
- Delegates must present a confirmed flight ticket departing the Philippines to their country of origin or a next country of destination.
- Note: The departure date on the ticket must fall within the allowed visa-free duration (e.g., within 90 days for the countries on your list).
3. eTravel Registration (Mandatory)
- Timing: All travelers must register via the eTravel Portal within 72 hours prior to arrival.
- Output: Upon successful registration, you will receive a QR Code. You must present a digital or printed copy of this code to the airline before boarding and to Immigration upon arrival.
- Cost: Registration is FREE. Be wary of “scam” websites that ask for payment.
4. Proof of Accommodation and Purpose
- While not always asked for, it is standard practice for delegates to have:
- Hotel Booking: A copy of the reservation at the Royce Hotel or your chosen accommodation.
- Conference Invitation: A copy of the official invitation letter for the conference (e.g., ICWES20) to prove the nature of the visit is for a professional event.
5. No Derogatory Record
- The traveler must not be on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s “Blacklist” or have any pending derogatory records.
💡 Summary Table for Your Website
| Requirement | Details |
| Passport | Must have 6 months validity remaining from date of entry. |
| Ticket | Valid Outbound Ticket required upon arrival. |
| Digital Form | eTravel QR Code (Register 72 hours before flight). |
| Duration | Up to 90 days for your specific list. |
Important Note: Even if a delegate is visa-exempt, admission is always at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. It is highly recommended to carry a printed copy of the conference invitation just in case!