Bilateral relations

The Open Door Policy of President Manuel Quezon welcomed and provided safe haven to over 1,300 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution.

The Philippines was the only Asian country who opened its doors to the Jewish people. As a result, Filipino citizens do not need a visitor visa for tourist trips to Israel. Israeli tourists also do not need a visa to visit the Philippines.

The Philippines (under President Manuel Roxas) was the only country in Asia to vote in favor of the establishment of the State of Israel as the homeland for the Jews.

The Philippines and Israel established formal diplomatic relations in 1957, further solidifying their bilateral ties.

The Philippine and Israel embassies were both opened in 1962, in Manila and Tel Aviv respectively.

Israel sends humanitarian aid to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. The 148-member delegation provided relief goods to the victims, assisted in search and rescue operations, and in the reconstruction of buildings and restoration of water supply. They also set up a field hospital where they treated more than 2,800 victims, performed surgeries, and helped in the delivery of babies.

On September 2, 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Israel for a several-day visit. It is the first time that a sitting president of the Philippines has visited Israel since diplomatic ties between the countries were established in 1957. Following his visit, Philippine President Duterte signed and ratified two new agreements between the two countries in the fields of nursing and hotels.

Official visit of Israeli Foreign Minister to the Philippines Eli Cohen