Philippines Embassy in India: Address, Appointment Booking & Visa Photo Size Guide
Indians travelling to the Philippines for tourism don’t need to apply for a tourist visa at the embassy, since they qualify for a 30-day visa-free stamp at any international airport. The embassy addresses still matter, though, because anyone going on a work, business, or long-stay visa needs them.
✅ Last verified on-the-ground: 2026-07-17
This guide covers the Philippines embassy in India address and appointment booking process for non-tourist visas, plus the current visa photo size, fees, and consulate details for Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Quick Answers
| What | Answer | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Do Indians need a tourist visa? | No, visa-free for 30 days | ₹0 |
| Where to apply for non-tourist visas | Embassy Delhi + consulates Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata | |
| Appointment booking system | Global Appointment System (GAS) at dfa.gov.ph | ₹0 |
| Visa photo size required | 2x2 inch to 3x3 cm square, white background | ₹0 (printed at photo studio) |
| Standard processing time for visa | 7 to 10 working days | |
| Rush processing (where available) | 3 to 5 working days | |
| 30-day visa-free extension at BI Manila | 1 month, renewable once | PHP 3,030 |
Embassy and Consulate Addresses in India
The Philippines runs one full embassy and three consulates across India. The embassy in Delhi handles all official diplomatic work, including non-immigrant visas for the whole country. The three consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata mostly serve the Filipino diaspora and handle limited consular services, though they can also accept tourist-visa-equivalent applications for non-tourist categories (work, business, student) on a referral basis.
Embassy of the Philippines, New Delhi
50-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Phone: +91 11 2688 6783 / 2611 3600
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (consular section 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for walk-ins)
The Delhi embassy is the main point for any Indian applying for a non-immigrant visa (work, business, student, spouse). All applications go through the Global Appointment System (GAS) at passport.gov.ph first, then physical submission happens here. It also handles passport renewals for Filipino citizens in India and document authentication (red ribbon) for OFWs.
Philippine Consulate General, Mumbai
2nd Floor, Sakhar Bhavan, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021
Phone: +91 22 2204 5119 / 2204 5120
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Mumbai consulate covers western India and has the highest volume of OFW traffic outside Delhi. It accepts work-visa applications on behalf of the embassy and can authenticate OFW documents (OWWA, POLO). For tourist visas, Indians don’t need to come here at all, but Filipinos in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and Karnataka use this office for renewals and OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) processing.
Philippine Consulate General, Chennai
23, Second Street, TVS Colony, Off Turnbulls Road, Chennai 600033
Phone: +91 44 4202 8585
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Chennai consulate handles southern India. Like Mumbai, it accepts non-tourist visa applications by referral and does OFW document work. Tamil Nadu has a long history of Filipino seafarer employment, so this office sees a lot of seaman’s book and contract authentication work.
Philippine Consulate, Kolkata
Park Plaza, 71 Park Street, Kolkata 700016
Phone: +91 33 2229 4696
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (limited hours, call before visiting)
The Kolkata consulate is smaller and handles eastern India plus the northeast. It mainly does document authentication and Filipino citizen services. For non-tourist visa applications, Kolkata residents usually get referred to Delhi.
Visa Photo Size Specifications (2026)
Indian applicants keep getting this wrong, so here’s the exact format the embassy in Delhi currently accepts. These specs match the Bureau of Immigration standard and the DFA’s own passport photo format.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2x2 inch OR 3x3 cm (square, both accepted) |
| Background | Plain white, no shadows, no patterns |
| Head size | 70 to 80% of the photo height |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Format | Colour, printed on photo-quality paper |
| Digital specs (for e-Visa uploads) | JPEG, 200x200 px minimum, 1000x1000 px maximum, file size under 1 MB |
| Glasses | Removed |
| Head covering | Allowed only for religious reasons, with full face visible |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Photo count | 2 physical copies for paper applications, 1 digital upload for e-Visa |
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Photographers in India often give you 2x2 inch prints by default for Schengen and US visas, but for Philippines work/student visa applications, 3x3 cm is technically the preferred format. Just ask the studio for “passport size, square, white background” and show them this table on your phone. Cost: ₹50 (~$0.52) to ₹100 (~$1.04) at any standard studio in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai.
Step-by-Step: How to Book an Appointment
For non-tourist visas (work, business, student, spouse), Indians must book through the Global Appointment System before visiting the embassy. Here’s the exact sequence as of July 2026:
- Create a DFA account at passport.gov.ph. Use a working email and your Indian passport number. The confirmation email arrives in 10 to 15 minutes.
- Select “Non-Immigrant Visa” under the appointment type menu. Tourist visa applications are disabled on this system because Indians don’t need them.
- Choose the location: New Delhi Embassy only (consulates don’t take direct appointments; they refer to Delhi).
- Pick a date slot: 2 to 6 weeks out, depending on season. December to January is busiest (Christmas and New Year travel), so book at least 8 weeks ahead.
- Pay the appointment slot fee: PHP 100, non-refundable, paid online via credit card or debit card.
- Gather documents (passport valid 6+ months, photo as per specs above, visa application form, supporting documents like employment contract or school enrolment letter, proof of funds).
- Visit the embassy on appointment date: 50-N Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri. Reach by 9:00 AM for the 9:00 to 11:00 AM window. Carry originals plus 2 photocopies of every document.
- Pay visa fee at counter: Fees range from PHP 2,500 for a temporary work visa to PHP 8,000+ for longer-term categories. Exact amount depends on visa type and is told to you at the counter.
- Wait for processing: 7 to 10 working days for standard, 3 to 5 working days if rush is offered (rush fee PHP 1,500 extra). Passport is returned via courier (₹500 (~$5.19) to ₹800 (~$8.30) within India) or you collect in person.
- Check status online: Use the reference number from your receipt on the DFA appointment portal.
Subodh’s Pro Tip: Don’t book more than one appointment. The DFA system flags duplicate slots and can cancel both. If you need to reschedule, cancel first and rebook after the 24-hour cooling period.
Fallback: Walk-In Without Appointment
The Delhi embassy still accepts a small number of walk-ins for emergency cases (medical, death in family, urgent OFW documentation) between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays. You’ll wait longer (3 to 5 hours) and risk being turned away if the quota is filled. Call +91 11 2688 6783 the day before to confirm walk-in availability.
For more on the broader visa situation, see the Philippines visa guide for Indian passport holders and the visa-free entry walkthrough. For broader regional context, see the Southeast Asia backpacking hub.
At the Airport: What Happens at Immigration
Even though most Indians skip the embassy entirely and arrive on a 30-day visa-free stamp, here’s what to expect at NAIA Manila, Mactan-Cebu, Clark, or Davao airports.
Immigration Counter Process
- Hand over passport, return ticket (printed), hotel booking (printed), and the immigration form you filled on the plane or at the desk.
- Officer stamps the visa-free entry, writes the date 30 days from arrival, and notes “TEMPORARY VISITOR” with the BI stamp.
- Fingerprints are taken (both thumbs) and a photo is captured. Travellers report this takes 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours.
Documents Officers Sometimes Ask For
- Proof of onward travel
- Hotel booking for first night or full itinerary
- Bank statement showing PHP 20,000+ in funds, though rarely asked of Indian tourists
- Invitation letter if visiting family
Common Photo Mistakes at the Counter
The Bureau of Immigration at Manila sometimes prints a small entry pass photo on your arrival card. Officers occasionally reject applications if your photo doesn’t match BI standards (2x2 inch white background, same as the embassy). Travellers report being sent to the photo booth in the arrivals hall and charged PHP 150 for a corrected photo.
For full arrival procedures, see the airport departure and arrival guide and the travel tax explainer.
Extensions and Overstay Rules
Extending the 30-Day Visa-Free Stay
Indians can extend at any Bureau of Immigration (BI) office in the Philippines, with the main office being in Intramuros, Manila. The cost is PHP 3,030 for the first month extension, with up to one additional month possible. The total maximum stay as a tourist is 59 days (30 + 29), assuming you apply for the extension at least 7 days before your initial 30 days expire.
Process: Visit BI Manila with passport, ACR I-Card (if you have one), and the extension fee. Processing takes 1 to 3 days. ACR I-Card requirement has been waived for stays under 6 months since 2024, so Indian tourists generally don’t need it.
For details, see the Philippines visa extension guide for Indians.
Overstay Fines
Overstaying a visa-free stamp in the Philippines carries a fine of PHP 500 per month, plus a PHP 1,000 to PHP 5,000 administrative penalty at the airport when you try to leave. Overstays over 6 months trigger an automatic BI blacklist, which can take years to clear and bars re-entry.
Common Mistakes and Rejection Reasons
Mistake 1: Applying for a tourist visa at the embassy when Indians are visa-free
What people do: Google “Philippines visa for Indians,” see an old blog post, and queue at the Delhi embassy for a tourist visa.
What happens: Turned away at the security gate. The embassy doesn’t issue tourist visas to Indian passport holders because none are needed.
How to avoid it: Check the Philippines visa-free entry guide and confirm current rules on the DFA site before booking anything.
Mistake 2: Using wrong photo size
What people do: Submit a 2x2 inch photo for a non-immigrant visa, not realising the embassy now accepts 3x3 cm square format too.
What happens: Application put on hold. Officer asks for re-submission, delaying processing by 3 to 5 days.
How to avoid it: Use the spec table above and ask the photo studio for a 3x3 cm square print. Cost is the same.
Mistake 3: Missing the photo recency rule
What people do: Submit a photo from a previous Schengen or US visa application that’s 2+ years old.
What happens: Rejected at counter. Photo must be from the last 6 months.
How to avoid it: Take fresh photos within a week of your appointment date.
Mistake 4: Name mismatch between Aadhaar and passport
What people do: Submit supporting documents (employment letter, bank statement) where the name doesn’t exactly match the passport (e.g. Middle name vs no middle name).
What happens: Officer flags for “identity verification,” which can take 2 weeks to resolve.
How to avoid it: Get an Aadhaar-Passport name-match affidavit before your appointment if there’s any discrepancy. Cost: ₹100 (~$1.04) to ₹500 (~$5.19) at any Indian notary.
Mistake 5: Booking appointments too close to travel date
What people do: Book a non-immigrant visa appointment 1 to 2 weeks before their flight, assuming processing is fast.
What happens: Slots are unavailable, or they end up paying rush fees that double the total cost.
How to avoid it: Book at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel, more during December to February peak season.
Getting Connected: SIM Card at the Airport
The moment you clear immigration at NAIA Manila or Mactan-Cebu, you’ll find Globe and Smart kiosks in the arrivals hall. The tourist SIM for either carrier starts at around PHP 50 for a 7-day pack with limited data, and you can add a 5 GB data bolt-on for PHP 100. Activation needs your passport, and the kiosk staff do it on the spot, taking about 10 minutes.
For a deeper dive on SIM options and GCash setup, see the SIM card buying guide and the GCash for foreigners explainer.
Where to Eat (If You’re Already There on a Non-Tourist Visa)
Even though this guide is primarily about the embassy and visa logistics, a few Indian travellers end up in Manila on long-stay work or student visas and need to know where to eat. Three solid Indian options:
- Royal Indian Curry House - Quezon City for a proper North Indian meal with rich butter chicken (around PHP 1,700 per person).
- Queens at Bollywood - Halal Indian Restaurant - BGC for a family-friendly Punjabi and Mughlai spread in BGC.
- Seven Mannah Indian Fusion Food for budget biryani (around PHP 300 to 500).
For Filipino food worth trying once, Kantina Manila serves the city’s best sisig and adobo, and Leandro’s Bistro is a solid pick for homestyle cooking.
FAQ
Do Indians need a visa to enter the Philippines for tourism?
No. Indian passport holders get a 30-day visa-free stamp on arrival at any international airport. No embassy visit required.
Where is the Philippines Embassy in India?
50-N Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. Phone: +91 11 2688 6783. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
What is the visa photo size for a Philippines visa?
2x2 inch or 3x3 cm square, white background, taken within the last 6 months, no glasses, neutral expression.
How do I book an appointment at the Philippines Embassy in Delhi?
Create an account at passport.gov.ph (DFA Global Appointment System), select “Non-Immigrant Visa,” pick a slot, pay PHP 100 online, then visit on the booked date.
How much is the Philippines visa fee for Indians?
There’s no fee for the visa-free tourist stamp. For non-immigrant visas (work, business, student), fees range from PHP 2,500 to PHP 8,000+ depending on category. Rush processing costs PHP 1,500 extra.
Can I get a Philippines visa on arrival with an Indian passport?
The visa-free stamp functions like a visa on arrival. You get it at the immigration counter, no pre-application needed.
How long does it take to process a Philippines visa through the embassy?
7 to 10 working days for standard non-immigrant visas, 3 to 5 working days if rush is offered. Tourist visas aren’t processed because Indians don’t need them.
Subodh’s Take
If you’re an Indian going to the Philippines for tourism, stop researching embassy addresses. You don’t need them. Book your flight, print your return ticket and hotel booking, and just show up. The 30-day visa-free stamp is automatic. The only Indians who need embassy visits are those on work, student, business, or spouse visas, and even then, the Delhi embassy is the only place that handles direct applications. If you’re in Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata, coordinate with your local consulate on the referral process before booking a Delhi appointment. And please, please get fresh photos in the right format before you show up. The line at the counter is long enough already.
