Guide to Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines

A Comprehensive Guide to Extension of Authorized Stay for Tourists in the Philippines 

As countries suddenly went into lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic all over the world,  lots of people were left with no choice but to stay where they are, longer than expected. For those foreign nationals who do not have a clue on how to extend their stay in the Philippines, you are on the right page. Read along to learn about the temporary visitor visa extension process in the Philippines this 2021.

What is a Temporary Visitor Visa?

A Temporary Visitor’s Visa (TVV) is a visa given to foreign nationals who would like to visit the Philippines for a definite time. Most TVVs are given for the following purposes:

• Pleasure – for leisure or holiday stay.
• Business – for commercial, industrial/professional stays, including attending conferences, contract negotiations, and business meetings
• Health – excluding contagious or dangerous diseases

Where can we apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Visa?

Since, as a tourist, you’ll be going to the Philippines for leisure purposes, you’ll need a Temporary Visitor’s Visa. You can apply for this kind of visa at a Philippine Foreign Service Post at your country of origin or legal residence. 

View the list of Philippine Foreign Service Posts here. 

How long is a Temporary Visitor’s Visa valid?

Once you’ve been approved and have landed in the Philippines with a Temporary Visitor’s Visa, you may stay in the Philippines legally for thirty (30) days. You may apply for a visa waiver first, with a twenty-nine-day (29) additional stay in the Philippines.

After that, if you still plan to extend your stay, you would need to file a one (1), two (2), or six (6) -month extension one week before your valid stay’s expiration. 

• For non-visa-required nationals, you may extend your stay up to thirty-six (36) months.
• For visa-required nationals, you may extend your stay up to twenty-four (24) months.

Requirements for Tourist Visa (9A) Extension

Take note of the following requirements to proceed with your application:

• Original passport
• Filled out an application form (TVS-CGAF-VE-2016). Download the form here. 
• Sworn statement of for overstaying/updating of stay of more than six (6) months
• Consolidated General Application form for Information on Applicant’s Child(ren) (as needed) Download the form here.

Where can we secure an Extension of an Authorized Stay beyond 59 Days?

Check the list of Bureau of Immigration’s offices authorized to process this kind of transaction. View the full list here as of February 2021. 

The Step-by-Step Guide to file an Extension Of Authorized Stay

Now that you’ve prepared all the requirements needed, it’s time to process the transaction. See the steps below:

1. Fill out the TVS–CGAF-VE-2016 form. You may secure this online by downloading the form here. The form is also available at the Public Information and Assistance Unit on the BI Main Office’s ground floor.
2. Submit the form and attachments, as well as your passport, to the officer.
3. If you don’t have derogatory records, you will be issued a BI Clearance Certificate. If you have any derogatory records, you must proceed to the Verification and Certification Unit for Clearance. 
4. Get the Order of Payment slip, then pay at the cashier.
5. After paying the necessary fees, get your Official Receipt (OR).
6. Submit the official receipt, application form, attachments, and passport to the assessment officer.
7. You may now claim your passport with your requested extension of stay.

How Much Does the Extension Of Authorized Stay Cost?

The cost differs depending on age, nationality, and duration of the extension. See table below:

Table 1.1 For Non-Visa Required National under E.O. 408

	Minors below 14 years old		Minors below 14-16 years old		Adults 16 years old and above
Item Description	1 month	2 month	1 month	2 month	1 month	2 month
Every month of extension	Php 500	Php 1000	Php 500	Php 1,000	Php 500	Php 1,000
Application fee	Php 300	Php 300	Php 300	Php 300	Php 300	Php 300
Alien Certificate of the Registration fee	Php 500	Php 500	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000
Head Tax (for over 16 years old)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Php 250	Php 250
Certification fee	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500
Express fee	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000
Emigration clearance certificate fee/ Certificate of exemption fee	Php 200	Php 200	Php 700	Php 700	Php 700	Php 700
Legal research fee for each immigration fee except for Head Tax and Fines	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50
Visa Sticker fee	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100
TOTAL:	Php 3,150	Php 3,650	Php 4,150	Php 4,650	Php 4,400	Php 4,900
ACR I-Card for Tourist	$50	$50	$50	$50	$50	$50
Express fee for I-Card	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500

Table 1.2 For Visa Required Nationals

	Minors below 14 years old		Minors below 14-16 years old		Adults 16 years old and above
Item Description	1 month	2 month	1 month	2 month	1 month	2 month
Every month of extension	Php 500	Php 1,000	Php 500	Php 1,000	Php 500	Php 1,000
Application fee	Php 300	Php 600	Php 300	Php 600	Php 300	Php 600
Alien Certificate of the Registration fee	Php 500	Php 500	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000	Php 1,000
Head Tax (for over 16 years old)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Php 250	Php 250
Certification fee	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500
Express fee	Php 1,000	Php 1,500	Php 1,000	Php 1,500	Php 1,000	Php 1,500
Emigration clearance certificate fee/ Certificate of exemption fee	Php 200	Php 200	Php 700	Php 700	Php 700	Php 700
Legal research fee for each immigration fee except for Head Tax and Fines	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50	Php 50
Visa Sticker fee	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100	Php 100
TOTAL:	Php 3,150	Php 4,450	Php 4,150	Php 5,450	Php 4,400	Php 5,700
ACR I-Card for Tourist	$50	$50	$50	$50	$50	$50
Express fee for I-Card	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500	Php 500

Fines and Penalties

For foreign nationals who have already overstayed in the Philippines, there are corresponding fines that you’ll need to pay before you’re allowed to extend your stay. See the table below.

Table 1.3 Fines and Penalties

Description	Amount
Overstaying fine	Php 500 per month
Motion for Reconsideration for Overstaying	Additional Php 500 + Php 10 (legal research fee)
Re-issuance of ACR (2nd entry of every entry after 59 days)	Php 250 (for minors: PHP 150)
Application fee for overstaying	Php 300

 

For restricted nationals, extension fees after six months, and holders of Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport and more, you may view the full list of fees here. 

Note: Information is retrieved on April 13, 2021, from BI’s official website. Prices may change without prior notice. 

Additional Tips in Processing Your Extension of Stay In PH

• Make sure to prepare the necessary requirements and fees you will need to pay before your appointment. Bring your own black pen.
• Check the list of Bureau of Immigration’s updated support directory with a directory of transactions to see which BI offices are allowed to do an extension of stay transactions. See the full list here. 
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some offices may be closed. Make sure to check before scheduling an appointment. 
• Do not engage with fixers or scammers. Only transact with authorized officers.
• In case that you can’t personally file for a visa extension, authorized representatives are allowed, but you will need to provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
• Kindly file your visa extension application seven (7) days before your TVV’s expiration date to avoid overstaying.
• For online appointments at the Bureau of Immigration’s main office, book an appointment online via this link. 
• Follow and check DFA and BI’s official websites and social media pages for updated announcements. See the details below for their official links.

How many times can I extend my visa in the Philippines?

Since 2015 you can extend your Tourist Visa for up to 36 months in total. After 16 months, however, you should make a Visa Run or try to get another extension for up to 24 months.

Official Website and Social Media Links

Get verified updates and information from the following websites and links:

Department of Foreign Affairs

• Website: https://dfa.gov.ph
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DFAPHL
• Contact: 288343000

Bureau of Immigration

• Website: http://www.immigration.gov.ph
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration
• Email address: immigPH@gmail.com or xinfo@immigration.gov.ph
• Hotline: +632 465-2400

Has this guide helped you understand the process of extension of stay for tourists in the Philippines? Share your experience or suggestions with us by letting us know in the comment section below!

Source: Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs 

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