Philippines launches E-Visa service for Bangladeshi passport holders

In a move set to simplify travel procedures, the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh has announced the launch of its e-visa service for Bangladeshi passport holders, effective June 5, 2026.

The new system follows a beta testing phase conducted from May 25 to June 5, during which applicants with urgent travel needs could request faster processing through the e-visa option.

The e-visa processing fee has been set at BDT 8,580. This digital initiative is expected to significantly reduce the processing time and paperwork previously required for Philippine visa applications.

Previously, Bangladeshi nationals were required to apply for paper visas through the Embassy of the Philippines in Dhaka, located in the Baridhara Diplomatic Zone. The standard processing time for paper visas was approximately 7 to 15 working days.

Under the traditional system, applicants needed to submit physical documents including bank statements, employment letters, hotel bookings, return flight itineraries, and two recent photographs. The visa fee for a single-entry tourist visa was Tk 4,600.

The e-visa launch comes as part of the Philippines' broader digital transformation of consular services, following similar e-visa systems introduced in other countries. The online platform allows applicants to complete their applications remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits to the embassy.

Bangladeshi nationals require visas to travel to the Philippines for tourism, business, or other purposes, as there is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival facility for Bangladeshi passport holders. The standard tourist visa (9a) permits a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, with extension options available through the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka has urged applicants to ensure their passports remain valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date and to avoid finalizing flight bookings before visa approval.