Melo Villareal
A Quick Guide to Securing Visa Extension in the Philippines
Philippines is undeniably one of the most visited destinations in Asia, boasting abundant natural wonders, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine, the reason why many foreigners fall in love with the country. But another reason to visit the Philippines is its straightforward and inexpensive visa policy, offering long-stay tourist visas. So if you’re ready to explore The Pearl of the Orient Sea, read on as we share the Philippine tourist visa application guide, including the extension procedure and requirements.
Foreign nationals who wish to visit the Philippines can stay legally in the country for up to 36 months, given they comply with the policy of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI). On the other hand, there are different ways to obtain a Philippine tourist visa based on the applicant’s citizenship. The Philippines charges cheaper fees, request easy requirements, and offer longer stays to foreign tourist from countries that mutually provide immigration privileges and permanent residency to Filipino citizens.
Philippines Tourist Visa Application
If you’re a foreign national applying for a Philippines tourist visa, the application process will vary based on your citizenship. Here are the ways to apply for a tourist visa and the conditions and requirements for application:
Visa On Arrival
Applying for a tourist visa on arrival is ideal for foreign applicants who are citizens of Visa-Free countries under the Philippine Executive Order 408, which allows them to initially stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days. The visa on arrival is a passport entry stamp granted to foreign nationals visiting the Philippines visa-free. But foreign athletes and investors invited to invest or compete in the country should apply for an official Philippines Visa on Arrival (SEVUA).
Furthermore, non-visa-required tourists can apply for a visa waiver to get an additional 29 days extension of their Philippine tourist visa if staying in the country for a maximum of 59 days. Foreign nationals applying for a visa waiver may visit the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office in Intramuros, Manila, or their field or regional office.
Qualifications
Here are the following qualifications and conditions for those who can apply for a tourist visa on arrival:
- A citizen of one of the 157 visa-free countries under EO 408 (check the list here).
- Based on the existing agreements, Israeli and Brazilian nationals can enter the Philippines visa-free, given their stay period is only 59 days.
- Indian nationals may receive a visa-free entry if their initial stay period will not exceed 14 days and may get an additional 7 days, a maximum of 21 days visa free-entry, given they possess the following:
- Valid or unexpired Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Schengen, Singapore, United Kingdom, or United States visa or permanent residence permit
- National passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
- Return or onward ticket to the next destination country
- No derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the International Police (Interpol)
- The following may also enter the Philippines visa-free, given they have a return or onward ticket:
- Hong Kong and British passport holders
- Mainland Chinese for tourism with a valid or unexpired Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Schengen, or United States visa
- Hong Kong SAR passport holders
- Macau SAR passport holders
- MECO ETA holders
Requirements
If qualified to apply for Visa on Arrival extension, secure the following requirements for application:
- Original passport
- Duly-accomplished Application Form (TVS-CGAF-VE-2016)
- Sworn Statement for overstaying/updating of stay of more than six (6) months
- For dependent children- Application Form BI FORM 2014-00-005 Rev 0
Procedure (For 29-day Visa On Arrival Extension)
- Go to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office in Intramuros, Manila, to get a copy of the application form or download it here.
- Submit your complete documentary requirements and other supporting documents for evaluation.
- Secure a BI Clearance Certificate.
- The applicant must have clear records to proceed.
- Obtain the payment slip. Next, head to the cashier and pay the necessary fees.
- Present your official receipt and documentary requirements to the assessment officer in charge.
- Then, claim the passport stamped, extending your visa to 29 days.
Fees
- For Visa Waiver- 58 USD
- For extension after 2 months- 85 USD (1 month); 96 USD (2 months)
- For extension after 4 months- 47 USD (1 month); 57 USD (2 months)
- For extension after 6 months- 75 USD (1 month); 85 USD (2 months)
- For Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)- 222 USD
Additional Charges
- Fine for overstaying- P500/month
- Motion for reconsideration for overstaying- P500/month + P10 for LFR
- Re-issuance of ACR for 2nd entry for every entry- P250 for an adult and P150 for a minor child
- Application fee- P300 (if overstaying)
But note that the fees stated above are based on the time of writing and may change without prior notice.
Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)
Now, if you’re planning to stay in the Philippines for up to 36 months (3 years), you may apply for the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) program. After your 2nd extension, apply for a 6-month visa extension, so you don’t have to visit the BI every 1 to 2 months. The LSVVE program is ideal for non-visa-required foreign nationals, which grants them a Philippine tourist visa for up to 3 years maximum. Once the 3 year period ends, the foreign national should leave the Philippines and repeat the process.
Validity of Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival
The Philippines Tourist Visa On Arrival has different initial validity based on the applicant’s citizenship. For instance, citizens of 152 visa-free countries will get an initial validity of 30 days tourist visa. Israel and Brazil nationals can stay for 59 days, while Macau and Hong Kong citizens can enjoy a 14-day stay in the Philippines. But if you want to avoid the repeated process for visa extension, apply for permanent residence visas in the Philippines, like 13g, 13a, or the Special Retiree Resident Visa (SRRV).
9a Tourist Visa via Philippine Embassy or Consulate General Overseas
The Philippines Visa on Arrival is not applicable for foreign nationals from visa-required countries not on the list of EO 408 and staying not more than 59 days in the country. These citizens should apply for a 9a Temporary Visa. But if staying in the Philippines for 59 to 120 days, the foreign national may apply for an additional 1 to 2 months visa extension at the BI main, regional, or field office.
Moreover, citizens of visa-required countries entering the Philippines no longer have to obtain an entry exemption document (EED) since April 1, 2022. However, the application requirements and procedure differ based on the applicant’s citizenship and Philippine Embassy or Consulate. This visa is valid for 3 months for a single entry maximum of 59 days stay. If 6 or 12 months of validity, you can enjoy multiple entries and 58 days of stay per entry.
Qualifications
To apply for a 9a Temporary Visitors Visa, the foreign national must be visiting the Philippines due to the following reasons:
- Business
- Medical treatment
- Pleasure
- Training
- Attending a conference, seminar, meeting, or workshops
Requirements
Here are the primary documentary requirements for applicants of 9a Temporary Visitors Visa at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General office abroad:
- Duly-accomplished visa application form in English (must be personally submitted by the applicant)
- Latest passport size photo with a white background (no eyeglasses or not in a sleeveless outfit)
- Original and photocopy of passport data page and amendment pages
- Proof of financial capacity (such as bank statement for the last 6 months, employment certificate with remuneration, or proof of business income)
- Electronic or machine-readable passport with at least six (6) months of validity beyond the intended stay period in the Philippines (with one blank visa page)
- Round trip flight ticket to country of origin or next destination country
Also, don’t forget to inquire about additional requirements at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General office abroad where you’re applying since they may request more documents for evaluation. If processing for an extension, the requirements apply as listed on Visa On Arrival.
Procedure (For 9a Visa Extension)
- Go to the BI main office and get a copy of the application form, or download it here.
- Submit your complete documentary requirements and other supporting documents for evaluation.
- Secure a BI Clearance Certificate.
- The applicant must have clear records to proceed.
- Obtain the payment slip. Next, head to the cashier to pay the necessary fees.
- Present your official receipt and documentary requirements to the assessment officer in charge.
- Then, claim the passport stamped, extending your visa to 29 days.
On the contrary, applying for a 9a Temporary Visitors Visa differs per office. Thus, inquiring with the relevant office is ideal to know the latest process.
Fees
- For extension after 2 months- 85 USD (1 month); 110 USD (2 months)
- For extension after 4 months- 47 USD (1 month); 72 USD (2 months)
- For extension after 6 months- 75 USD (1 month); 99 USD (2 months)
- For Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE)- 269 USD
Philippines eVisa Online
As of writing, the application for a Philippines tourist visa online is only available to the citizens of Taiwan. The application process for the Philippines eVisa is fast and convenient since it’s accessible on the official website of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO). To apply online, the applicant should complete the Philippines eVisa application. Once approved, the applicant will receive an email from MECO Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system. In the future, this system may be available to other foreign nationals, so always check the latest process before applying.
FAQs
Can you extend your visa in the Philippines?
Yes, you can. If you’re planning to stay longer in the Philippines and your tourist visa is about to expire, apply for an extension 7 days before your initial visa expires.
How long is a visa extension in the Philippines?
It depends. If the current visa initially allowed you to stay in the Philippines for 30 days, you can get 29 more days for an extension. Meanwhile, you can still apply for another extension for 1, 2, or 6 months if you stayed in the Philippines for 59 days after receiving your first approved extension.
How much does it cost to extend a visa in the Philippines?
For British and American citizens, the first visa extension upon arrival in the Philippines costs around P2,030 plus P1,000 express fee charge. The same goes for other non-visa-required citizens. After applying for a visa waiver, you can stay in the Philippines for 59 days. Afterward, apply for another visa extension of 1, 2, or 6 months by paying the following:
- For 1 month Visa Extension- 75 USD
- For 2 months Visa Extension- 85 USD
- For 6 months Visa Extension- 222 USD
What are the requirements for a long-stay tourist visa extension in the Philippines?
For foreign nationals applying for Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) program, secure the following requirements:
- Valid passport
- Application Form (TVS-CGAF-VE-2016; download here)
- Sworn Statement explaining the reason for overstaying for more than six months
How to apply for a long-stay tourist visa extension in the Philippines?
To apply for Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) in the Philippines, go to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and personally submit your documentary requirements. You can also hire an accredited agency to process your LSVVE.
How much is the fee for overstaying in the Philippines?
Foreign nationals who are overstaying did not apply for an extension before their initial Philippine tourist visa expires. So foreign nationals should pay around P4,000 or $73 per month for short overstays. However, overstaying in the Philippines for about 6 months or more will result in serious issues, such as detention, loss of visa privilege, or deportation of the foreign national.
How much is a 30-day visa extension in the Philippines?
A 1 month or 30-day visa extension in the Philippines costs 75 USD or around P4,213 (based on the foreign exchange rate). It automatically includes an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration) valid for 1 year, which costs 50 USD.
To sum up, applying for a Philippines tourist visa is straightforward, given you comply with the requirements and meet the conditions of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. The process also varies based on your citizenship and the office you’re applying to. As for the fees, they may change without prior notice and based on the foreign exchange rate in the Philippines. In addition, it’s essential to obtain a two-way ticket when entering the Philippines. Lastly, you may refer to this guide for the basic steps or inquire with the relevant offices for updated details on the Philippines tourist visa application and requirements.
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Read:
- Guide to Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines
- How to get a Japan Visa: Requirements and Tips for Philippine Passport Holders
- How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa for Filipinos
