Entry & Visas
Palawan follows Philippines-wide visa rules — most nationalities enter visa-free for 30 days with easy extensions available.
Verified 2026 · Island Seeker Editorial
quick answer
Most travellers — including citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and South Korea — can visit Palawan and the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. No advance application is needed. Environmental fees apply in El Nido (PHP 200) and some areas of Puerto Princesa. Extensions to 59 days and beyond are available through the Bureau of Immigration.
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Visa-free stay
30 days for most nationalities
Extension
Up to 59 days at immigration
El Nido eco fee
PHP 200 per person
Passport validity
6 months beyond departure
Palawan is a province of the Philippines and falls under the same national visa rules. Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and over 150 other nationalities can enter without a visa for 30 days. Simply show your valid passport and a return or onward ticket at immigration.
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the main gateway, with the most international and domestic connections. El Nido also has a small airport (ENI) served by small aircraft from Manila. All Palawan entry points follow the same 30-day visa-free rule.
Have your onward or return ticket readily accessible — immigration officers at Philippine airports can and do ask to see proof of departure, particularly for solo travellers making a first visit.
El Nido charges a PHP 200 Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) per visitor, paid at the El Nido Tourism Office or online in advance. This covers access to island hopping tours and protected marine areas. Separate fees apply for individual island hopping tours (boat, guide, and island entry fees are typically bundled in tour packages).
The Puerto Princesa Underground River — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers — requires a permit and charges PHP 150 per person on top of boat transfers. Tours must be booked in advance during peak season as daily visitor numbers are capped.
Coron, the other major Palawan destination, charges port fees of PHP 50 and separate dive/snorkel fees at Kayangan Lake (PHP 200) and Twin Lagoon (PHP 200). These small fees fund local conservation and are non-negotiable.
Visa extensions in Palawan are handled through the Bureau of Immigration office in Puerto Princesa. The first extension takes your stay to 59 days for approximately PHP 3,030. Further monthly extensions are possible.
El Nido and Coron do not have Bureau of Immigration offices — if you need an extension while in these remote areas, plan ahead and handle paperwork in Puerto Princesa before travelling north.
questions & answers
Do I need a visa to visit El Nido in Palawan?
No. El Nido is in Palawan, Philippines, and falls under the same national visa rules. Most nationalities enter visa-free for 30 days with no advance application.
What is the El Nido environmental fee?
PHP 200 per person (Eco-Tourism Development Fee). Pay at the El Nido Tourism Office or online. It covers access to El Nido's marine reserves and must be paid before joining island hopping tours.
What airport do I fly into for Palawan?
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) has the most connections, including some international flights. El Nido Airport (ENI) is served by small planes from Manila. Coron (USU) is also served from Manila.
Can I fly between El Nido and Coron?
There are no commercial flights between El Nido and Coron. Most travellers take the fast ferry (4–5 hours, approximately PHP 1,800–2,500) between the two. Some take the slower RORO ferry or travel via Puerto Princesa.
Do I need to show proof of a return ticket for Palawan?
Philippine immigration can ask to see onward travel at any entry point. Having a return flight or confirmed onward ticket on your phone covers this requirement. It's rarely refused entry — but be prepared.
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