Arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) may be a nearly unique lifetime experience. Because of security, no one without special authorization may come into the airport. All "greeters" must remain outside, across the street from the main entrance. There is an air-conditioned, glassed in raised waiting area, where for a nominal fee; your "greeters" can wait. Because of the huge number of Filipinos who work overseas, Balikbayans, the luggage area can be pure mayhem. Take a deep breath. You're here!

WARNING: Watch your purse and carryon baggage while you are standing at the carousel waiting for your luggage. Although undoubtedly no worse than any other large city, there are pickpockets and thieves about who take advantage of your distraction to rob you. I know of at least one seasoned expat whose welcome to Manila included the theft of her wallet and all of her money, documents, and credit cards. Exercise caution

Nationals from other countries who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding twenty-one (21) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. However, Immigration Officers at ports of entry may exercise their discretion to admit holders of passports valid for at least sixty (60) days beyond the intended period of stay. Note: All tourists wishing to stay longer than 21 days need a visa.

With your Passport, you will need a "Baggage and Currency Declaration Form" which you will be given on the plane or upon arrival. Currently, the only required vaccination is for yellow fever for anyone coming from an infected area.

Luggage’s carts are available in the baggage claim area. You prepay for the cart, either US$1 or 46 Pesos. The baggage carousel is generally jammed. Once in a great while, your entire luggage seems to come off quickly and at the same time, but generally allow for a long, crowded wait. After collecting your luggage from the carousel, continue on to customs.

There are large signs in English that indicate which lines are for "Nothing to Declare". Your luggage may be searched at this point. Visitors are allowed to bring in the following duty free: reasonable quantities of clothing, jewelry and toiletries, 400 sticks of cigarettes or two tins or tobacco and two bottles of wine or spirits not exceeding one liter each. Visitors carrying more than US$3,000 must declare the amount at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter in the customs area. You may not take out more foreign currency than you brought in. Duty free items and amount of cash brought into the Philippines is restricted.

All "greeters" must remain outside, across the street from the main entrance. There is an air-conditioned, glassed in raised waiting area, where for a nominal fee; your "greeters" can wait. As you exit the airport, taxis and hotel cars are directly across the street. However, if a private car is meeting you, you will have to cross the street and go down a long ramp either to the left or right depending on the letter of your last name. When you get to the lower level, there are signs indicating letters (i.e. A-G) under which you stand until your ride sees you. They can at that point drive the car up to you to load. Currently, a car must loop around the airport to get back to where you are, so be patient.

Note: As you exit the arrival area, there will be numerous heavily armed police and sometimes military personnel. Chances are you have not arrived just in time for a military coup. The presence of armed guards throughout Manila is omnipresent. Amazing as it may seem, with time you will grow use to this presence. Remember no matter what time of year that you arrive; it will be warm and humid. Layer clothing accordingly.

Visit the Embassy of the Philippines web site at http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org for the most current visa information. 

Just want to make a quick reminder to any foreigners who are living in the Philippines. With any kind of Resident Visa; you must go to the Bureau of Immigration and complete your annual check in any time during January or February.

If you do not complete your check-in before the end of February, you will be illegal here, your Visa no longer in force.  After February, you can still go to the Bureau and Check In, but you will need to pay a fine at that point.  It is not a huge fine, but much better to complete your check in within the prescribed time and remain legal!

While this procedure applies to permanent residents, foreigners who hold Resident Visas and Special Retirement Visas, it is a good idea for any person who is staying here to check the status of their visa.  If you are here on a tourist visa, you are required to go and renew that before your first 21 days in-country are completed, and thereafter you must renew it every 59 days.  Remember the dates that you need to renew to avoid penalties, and potential trouble.  If you were to get caught over-staying you will face penalties, even the possibility of not being welcome to return to the Philippines in the future.