Philippines

Philippines

History of Relations

Relations between South Africa and the Philippines have been steadily improving. South Africa established diplomatic relations with the Philippines on 1 November 1993. Since 1994 the Philippines has had a resident Embassy in South Africa.

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Philippines

H E Ms B N Radebe-Netshitenzhe
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South African Embassy

Philippines Representation in South Africa

Vacant
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Embassy of Philippines

Travel Info

Visa Requirements

No visa is required for tourists from South Africa for a stay up to 30 days.

During the COVID-19 pandemic as a general rule foreign national are still prohibited from entering the Philippines except the following (“Expected Foreign Nationals”) without a need of an entry exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs:

Diplomats and members of international organisations and their dependants provided that they have a valid 9(e) visa at the time of entry.

Foreign seafarers provided they have a valid 9(c) visa at the time of entry.

Holders of a series 13 visa under the Immigration act.

Holders of Republic Act 7919 visas.

Holders of Executive Holder 324 visas.

Foreign Souses of Filipino nationals provided that Filipino spouse is in the Philippines and they have a valid visa at the time of entry.

For more information please contact the Embassy of Philippines.

Health Requirements

Depending on the length of stay, the travellers might need immunisation against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

For further information go to Travelers' Health.

Climate

The Philippines has a tropical climate and two seasons: rainy from June to November and dry between December and May.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency

The Philippine Peso (PHP) is the unit of currency, which is divided into centavos. The notes are in denominations of P1000, P500, P100, P50, P20, P10 and P5; the coins, P5, P2, P1, P0.50, P0.25, P0.10, P0.05 and P0.01.

Import/export of Philippine currency is limited to P10,000. Any amount exceeding this will require the authorization of the Bangko Sentral Pilipinas (BSP).

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

South Africa and the Philippines established a structured Bilateral Consultative Forum (BCF) at Deputy Ministerial level to improve cooperation between the two countries. Although the BCF between South Africa and the Philippines did not take place as planned during 2019, bilateral relations remain strong.

Bilateral Agreements

A number of outstanding agreements such as the Joint Trade Commission and the Mutual Visa Waiver Agreement are at the final stages of conclusion.

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Bilateral trade for 2020 was R 3.158 billion, with exports at R 923 million and imports R 2.235 billion.

Main exports: base metals, minerals, paper, pulp, spirits and beverages.

Main imports: fish products, footwear, electrical appliances, tobacco, spirits and beverages.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Philippines, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

Philippines Trade Office