Hello, I am a Norwegian. If I enter the Philippines via a Tourist visa, can I directly extend my stay to 2 months at a local Bureau of Immigration office there or not? And if I can, is it highly likely that I will be granted the first 29-day extension there? Thanks.

Hi May,

If you arrive in Manila, you can go to Bureau of Immigration On-Stop Shop located at the 3rd level, Government Clearing Center of the NAIA Terminal 3 to extend. Or you can file your 29 day extension online or at your closest BOI office.

How to Extend Your Philippines Visa

Cheers,

Marco

One question, Marco, do I have to apply for a visa extension immediately or can I apply for it within say two weeks before my thirty-day tourist time expires? I was planning on flying into Cebu and then making my way to Makati to apply for a 60-day extension. Are there other places in the Philippines where I can apply for an extension? Thank you, John G. Bokay

Hi John, You can apply for a 29 day extension (technically called a visa waiver) immediately. There is a One-Stop Shop Bureau of Immigration office at NAIA terminal 3. However, you will not be able to apply for a 60 day extension until after 59 days (30 days initial visa exemption + 29 day visa waiver).

Hello I’m going to the Phillipines on the 01 may
Would like to apply for a 3 year visa
I have an expired acri card

Hi Geoffrey, there isn't a "3-year visa" available per se. Assuming you are from one of the countries allowed to enter the Philippines visa free, you are allowed to stay in the Philippines up to 36 months via tourist visa extensions. First, arrive in the Philippines for your first 30 days, then apply for a 29-day visa waiver. After you first 59 days in the country, you can apply for 1,2,or 6 month tourist visa extensions for up to 3 years. An easier alternative is to apply for a long-term visa like the retirement visa, investment visa, or marriage visa.

My name is Luc, I’m a UK citizen, resident in the UK, UK passport. I am of Filipino dissent, my family in the Philippines have offered to house me if I ever wanted to come. I can see that the tourist visa is only 59days. Is there anyway for me to stay there for more than 3 months, preferably around 6 months? Without studying or being an employee? Thank you

Hi Luc, To clarify, the 9a tourist visa is for 59 days. However, UK citizens are allowed to enter the Philippines visa free for 30 days. After 30 days, you can extend another 29 days through what is called a visa waiver. After 59 days (30 +29), you can extend again for 1, 2, or 6 months at a time for UP TO 3 YEARS! All extensions can be done at a Bureau of Immigration branch or using their new online system.