Visa Upon Arrival for Cruise Tourists

Must be a visa-required foreign national arriving as a temporary visitor
Tourist-passenger on board a cruise ship/vessel handled by accredited operator
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Confirmed return or onward ticket
Not listed in BI Blacklist or excludable under Section 29 of the Philippine Immigration Act
Payment of prescribed fees according to sponsorship and group size

Differentiated between DOT-accredited operator sponsorship and Philippine-licensed shipping agent sponsorship
Tourist individual fees range from USD 15 to 100 depending on sponsorship and group size
Additional legal research fee (PHP 10) and express lane fee (PHP 500)

Application letter must be submitted 2 working days before departure from last foreign port
Letter must include details of tourists, passports, tickets, and voyage details
Affidavit of Undertaking by tour operator or shipping agent undertaking liabilities
Bureau of Immigration processes and issues an Order granting VUA
Order transmitted to tour operator/shipping agent, immigration officers on vessel, and BI Sub-port Office at least 4 hours before departure
Advance boarding formalities require presenting the Order
Fees unpaid during application are paid upon cruise arrival

Only DOT-accredited tour operators or licensed local shipping agents may sponsor visa-required nationals
VUAs under this Circular cannot be extended or converted to other immigration status
Tourist must arrive and depart on the same cruise vessel as per approved voyage details unless changes are requested and approved
Change requests require new Affidavit and must be within 14-day authorized stay

BI may deport or exclude any tourist failing to meet entry or stay requirements
Sanctions may be imposed on sponsoring operators or agents for violations
Administrative penalties may be applied for failure to comply with Affidavit of Undertaking

Tour operators or agents must report any tourist who disappears or fails to leave within 24 hours to DFA, DOT, and BI
BI must inform DFA and DOT within 24 hours of any exclusion or deportation
BI to submit monthly reports of all Section 9(a) VUA issued

All inconsistent circulars, memoranda, orders, and issuances are repealed or modified accordingly

Circular takes effect immediately upon signing
Copy furnished to Office of the National Administrative Register, U.P. Law Center, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City