Frequently Asked Questions
Changes to Visa Requirements since Covid began.
Please Note that many changes have occurred since Covid begin to have impact in March 2020.
Currently Visas are much more difficult to obtain.
Visas are NOT currently being issued in Brisbane / Queensland.
Please Contact the Embassy in Canberra directly regarding all aspects of Visas for the Philippines.
I want to go to the Philippines for a holiday and hold an Australian passport, do I need a visa?
Pre-Covid: Australian Passport holders may stay in the Philippines as a tourist without a visa for up to 30 days This visa exemption only applies to persons with a confirmed ticket out of the Philippines and at least 6 months passport validity.
Please refer to this list for other countries who are valid under this visa.
My passport expires within 6 months, can I enter the Philippines with less than 6 months validity left?
No, ALL passports require a minimum of 6 months validity remaining from the date of entry into Philippines.
What are your methods of payment at the consulate?
We Only accept Cash ($AU), Money Order, or Bank Cheques. Please make out payments to ‘The Philippines Consulate’. We do not have EFTPOS or credit card facilities.
How long does it take to process a Visa in Brisbane?
If an appointment is made you will receive your Visa back during the appointment, provided the application form is completed with all relevant and approved supporting documentation attached. If sent via mail, all Visas are processed and returned each Wednesday (as long as we receive it to the PO Box by the Tuesday).
Do you need my passport?
Yes, your original passport is required to be submitted at the time of application as the Visa is placed into your passport.
I would like to retire to the Philippines, how do I do this?
Please find following a link to some information on Non-Quota Visa or Retirement Visas. Please note our office is unable to issue these:
https://philembassy.org.au/images/visa/non-quot_vis_req.pdf
https://philembassy.org.au/images/visa/SRRV-Info.pdf
What inoculations do I need to go to Philippines?
It is not a legal requirement, but advisable for all travellers to get immunised against Typhoid and Malaria. These immunisations can be attained from your doctor. Your local G.P. can provide further advice on inoculations.
What medications can I take into Philippines?
You can take up to 30 days of prescribed medication as long as you have a doctors prescription. Keep in original packaging.
Vitamins may also be brought in as long as they are in the original packaging and the quantity is what you need for the period of your visit.
I have a child in the Philippines, who needs to make/renew their passport, what do they need?
They will need two documents to be signed and consularised via appointment at our office. 1. Special Power of Attorney; and 2. Affidavit of Support & Consent. Please use our Notorial Page to make an appointment and Download Forms
I have a Philippines friend that I wish to bring to Australia, how do I do that?
You need to contact Australian Immigration, as they may require an Australian Visa. Australian Immigration may be contacted on 131-881 or http://www.border.gov.au/
I have a document that requires to be Notarised or Red Ribbon?
Our office is open each Wednesday via appointment for this service. Please refer to our Notorial Page for further information and to make an appointment submission.
I want to renew my Philippine Passport, can I do that in Brisbane?
Only the Consulate in Sydney and the Embassy in Canberra can renew passports in Australia. The Embassy brings a mobile unit to Brisbane each September but Appointments need to be made DIRECTLY with the Embassy, not through us.
Why is the Consulate only open 1 day a week?
We do not have the funds or staff to be open each day. Our services are offered each Wednesday at our Brisbane office via appointment. You can make appointments through our website.
I need to get a police clearance, how do I do this?
Please refer to our NBI Page to order NBI Cards/Forms and for full instructions.
I will be travelling to the Philippines with a Philippine spouse/parent, do I require a visa?
If you are travelling into the country with a Philippine citizen or former citizen you will be granted a Balikbayan 12 month free Visa upon arrival. If you are travelling without the Philippine citizen, you will need to apply for a visa if staying longer then 30 days.
I need to renew my Philippines Drivers License?
Philippine driver's licenses cannot be renewed in Australia.
Applicants must send by mail or courier or have delivered by their Representative to the Land Transportation office in the Philippines the following:
Why has the Consulate in Brisbane moved again?
Due to the amount of people turning up without appointments, or outside their appointment time, and due to loud an rowdy clients, the Consulate was asked to leave our last premises due to noise complaints. It is imperative that you make an appointment through our website and wait for your appointment confirmation before coming to our office.
Parking
Parking is available at 200 Mary Street, Brisbane.
Click Here for More Information - SecureParking.com.au
Rude behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and may result in the loss of the Philippines Consulate in Brisbane.
Thank you
Please Note that many changes have occurred since Covid begin to have impact in March 2020.
Currently Visas are much more difficult to obtain.
Visas are NOT currently being issued in Brisbane / Queensland.
Please Contact the Embassy in Canberra directly regarding all aspects of Visas for the Philippines.
I want to go to the Philippines for a holiday and hold an Australian passport, do I need a visa?
Pre-Covid: Australian Passport holders may stay in the Philippines as a tourist without a visa for up to 30 days This visa exemption only applies to persons with a confirmed ticket out of the Philippines and at least 6 months passport validity.
Please refer to this list for other countries who are valid under this visa.
My passport expires within 6 months, can I enter the Philippines with less than 6 months validity left?
No, ALL passports require a minimum of 6 months validity remaining from the date of entry into Philippines.
What are your methods of payment at the consulate?
We Only accept Cash ($AU), Money Order, or Bank Cheques. Please make out payments to ‘The Philippines Consulate’. We do not have EFTPOS or credit card facilities.
How long does it take to process a Visa in Brisbane?
If an appointment is made you will receive your Visa back during the appointment, provided the application form is completed with all relevant and approved supporting documentation attached. If sent via mail, all Visas are processed and returned each Wednesday (as long as we receive it to the PO Box by the Tuesday).
Do you need my passport?
Yes, your original passport is required to be submitted at the time of application as the Visa is placed into your passport.
I would like to retire to the Philippines, how do I do this?
Please find following a link to some information on Non-Quota Visa or Retirement Visas. Please note our office is unable to issue these:
https://philembassy.org.au/images/visa/non-quot_vis_req.pdf
https://philembassy.org.au/images/visa/SRRV-Info.pdf
What inoculations do I need to go to Philippines?
It is not a legal requirement, but advisable for all travellers to get immunised against Typhoid and Malaria. These immunisations can be attained from your doctor. Your local G.P. can provide further advice on inoculations.
What medications can I take into Philippines?
You can take up to 30 days of prescribed medication as long as you have a doctors prescription. Keep in original packaging.
Vitamins may also be brought in as long as they are in the original packaging and the quantity is what you need for the period of your visit.
I have a child in the Philippines, who needs to make/renew their passport, what do they need?
They will need two documents to be signed and consularised via appointment at our office. 1. Special Power of Attorney; and 2. Affidavit of Support & Consent. Please use our Notorial Page to make an appointment and Download Forms
I have a Philippines friend that I wish to bring to Australia, how do I do that?
You need to contact Australian Immigration, as they may require an Australian Visa. Australian Immigration may be contacted on 131-881 or http://www.border.gov.au/
I have a document that requires to be Notarised or Red Ribbon?
Our office is open each Wednesday via appointment for this service. Please refer to our Notorial Page for further information and to make an appointment submission.
I want to renew my Philippine Passport, can I do that in Brisbane?
Only the Consulate in Sydney and the Embassy in Canberra can renew passports in Australia. The Embassy brings a mobile unit to Brisbane each September but Appointments need to be made DIRECTLY with the Embassy, not through us.
Why is the Consulate only open 1 day a week?
We do not have the funds or staff to be open each day. Our services are offered each Wednesday at our Brisbane office via appointment. You can make appointments through our website.
I need to get a police clearance, how do I do this?
Please refer to our NBI Page to order NBI Cards/Forms and for full instructions.
I will be travelling to the Philippines with a Philippine spouse/parent, do I require a visa?
If you are travelling into the country with a Philippine citizen or former citizen you will be granted a Balikbayan 12 month free Visa upon arrival. If you are travelling without the Philippine citizen, you will need to apply for a visa if staying longer then 30 days.
I need to renew my Philippines Drivers License?
Philippine driver's licenses cannot be renewed in Australia.
Applicants must send by mail or courier or have delivered by their Representative to the Land Transportation office in the Philippines the following:
- Photocopies of Passport (first page, visa-page & pages indicating the date of last departure from the Philippines & date of last arrival overseas);
- Letter of Authority to authorized representative to renew your license;
- Photo-copy of driver's license and driver's license receipt (DLR), (if applicable)
Why has the Consulate in Brisbane moved again?
Due to the amount of people turning up without appointments, or outside their appointment time, and due to loud an rowdy clients, the Consulate was asked to leave our last premises due to noise complaints. It is imperative that you make an appointment through our website and wait for your appointment confirmation before coming to our office.
Parking
Parking is available at 200 Mary Street, Brisbane.
Click Here for More Information - SecureParking.com.au
Rude behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and may result in the loss of the Philippines Consulate in Brisbane.
Thank you