IRRI Visitors’ Program
IRRI welcomes visitors interested in rice science, sustainability, and global food security. Each visit highlights IRRI’s research and innovation while offering opportunities to explore potential partnerships. Visit programs typically include information sessions and meetings with experts on topics such as:
- Climate-resilient rice varieties
- Sustainable climate-rice production
- Advanced rice breeding and genetic innovation
- Efficient water and nutrient management
- Digital agriculture and AI-powered tools
- Rice-based food systems and improved nutrition
- Policy development and impact assessment
Everything You Need to Know
Coordination Requirements
To facilitate your visit please send the following details to the IRRI Stakeholder Engagement team via info@irri.org at least 15 working days in advance:
- Full Name
- Position
- Nationality
- Affiliated Organization
- Purpose of visit
Transport to and around IRRI Headquarters
We may require visitors to pay for their own transport costs to recover our own costs for providing this service. Payment for transport may be made at the Guesthouse or with the Residence Officer if staying in the Dormitories on campus.
Accommodation
We may require visitors to pay for their own accommodation costs to recover our own costs for providing this service. Accommodation payment may be made at the Guesthouse or with the Residence Officer if staying in the Dormitories on campus.
Payment may be made via cash, Gcash, or credit cards (Amexco, Visa, Mastercard, JCB).
Visa Requirements
When travelling to IRRI HQ, you need a valid passport (at least 6 months validity) with Philippine visa stamped on it. While nationals from numerous countries are allowed to enter the Philippines visa-free, please check with the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs for the visa requirements from your country of origin. Attach your old passport, if any, to show your past travel(s) abroad.
For more information about travelling requirements to the Philippines, visit: List of Philippine embassies and consulates abroad.
Have the following handy just in case:
- Award or invitation letter from IRRI
- Certificate of employment – particularly if this is your first travel abroad
- Return air ticket
For more information visit the following links:
Check if you require a visa Travel Requirements to the Philippines
Health Information for Travellers
General recommendations for travelers to the Philippines:
- Complete the routine immunization program required by the countries.
- Ensure that vaccinations that require updating are kept up to date, e.g. tetanus, polio, etc.
For more information on recommended vaccinations for travellers to the Philippines, visit:
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our touring programs.
How do I make an appointment with an IRRI scientist or a subject matter expert?
Our scientists and experts try their best to immediately provide the latest information on rice research to all of our stakeholders. However, they are not always available to accommodate general inquiries. If you have made arrangements with some of our experts in the past, we encourage you to contact them directly, otherwise, please email us at info@irri.org and we will direct your inquiry to the appropriate scientist.
How long do I need to wait for a response?
We will acknowledge and respond to all inquiries in 24 hours.
Who should I contact to connect to an IRRI laboratory?
IRRI has several service labs which cater to different needs and requirements. Please contact info@irri.org for assistance in finding the right laboratory for your specific needs. If you want to know about the IRRI’s Research Support Services, please click here.
I want to request for rice seeds. What should I do?
We have a small amount of seed samples available to those who request them for research purposes, but you must know the specific variety that you need. Please note that we only give SAMPLE rice seeds.
For COMMERCIAL USE, please refer to your national or local agriculture office or research institute.
I have a practical inquiry which I need IRRI’s inputs on (e.g. problems in the field, research/thesis, partnership opportunities, data, etc.). How can I obtain information relevant to these?
Visit IRRI Digital Innovations and find out what may address your specific inquiries. IRRI also offers extensive solutions to empower all rice value chain actors.