The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka has introduced a new electronic visa system for Bangladeshi citizens, beginning June 8, 2026. This change allows Bangladeshi tourists to apply for a visa online, moving away from the traditional sticker visa process. The new system aims to simplify the application process for those wishing to visit the Philippines for tourism.
Applying for the Philippine E-Visa
The electronic visa system is designed for 9(a) Temporary Visitor Visas, which are used for tourism purposes. Applicants must use the official Philippine Visa Online Portal to submit their applications. Once an application is approved, the e-visa can be downloaded and presented to immigration officials either digitally on a device or as a printed copy. This digital approach is part of a broader effort to modernize consular services and make travel more accessible.
Fees and Payment
The cost of the e-visa varies depending on the type of visa issued. A single-entry visa is priced at BDT 8,580. For those needing multiple entries, a six-month multiple-entry visa costs BDT 13,860, while a one-year multiple-entry visa is BDT 19,140. Although the application is submitted online, the embassy has stated that applicants must still pay these fees in person at the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka until further notice.
Important Restrictions and Requirements
It is important for applicants to understand the limitations of the e-visa. Once a traveler is in the Philippines with an e-visa, it cannot be converted to other visa types, such as those for work or study. Additionally, stays under this tourist visa category are generally not extendable. Travelers must also complete the e-Travel Registration Form within 72 hours before their arrival in the Philippines. This requirement integrates the e-visa process into a larger arrival and border control system.
Benefits of the E-Visa System
The introduction of the e-visa system is expected to streamline the application process for Bangladeshi tourists. Previously, applying for a visa could take between 7 to 15 working days and required the submission of physical documents. The new online system is anticipated to reduce the time and effort involved in applying for a tourist visa, potentially encouraging more tourism and business exchanges between Bangladesh and the Philippines. This digital transformation is seen as a step towards making travel between the two countries more efficient.
Related U.S. Immigration Policy Changes
In parallel with the Philippines’ e-visa launch, U.S. immigration authorities have also implemented policy changes affecting both Filipino and Bangladeshi citizens. These changes do not directly impact the Philippine e-visa but are relevant for individuals dealing with U.S. visa and Green Card matters. One significant change is a policy memorandum emphasizing a return to home-country visa processing for Green Card applications, except in rare circumstances. This means many individuals in the U.S. on temporary visas may need to return to their home countries to complete their Green Card applications.
Another U.S. policy update in Dhaka is a two-day processing system for all immigrant visa categories at the U.S. Embassy. This change offers a faster timeline for interviews for Bangladeshi applicants seeking immigrant visas to the United States. Additionally, a proposed U.S. rule aims to clarify eligibility for discretionary employment authorization, potentially affecting individuals in temporary or unresolved immigration statuses in the U.S. These U.S. policy shifts suggest a general trend towards stricter review standards in immigration processes, occurring at the same time the Philippines is digitizing its tourist visa services.
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