Thank you Marco for this invaluable information, by far the best I found anywhere. I'm here now in the Philippines and have extended my stay to 59 days via the online Visa Waiver. Super easy. Now I'd like to extend beyond 59 days, but you state "Only after the Visa Waiver expires can you apply for regular visa extensions in 1, 2, or 6-month durations." This implies that I would be in the country illegally when I apply for the extension. I can't find any information anywhere about extending beyond the Visa Waiver period. Help!

Hi Dave, I'm glad you are finding the information useful. You need to complete your extension prior to your 29-day waiver expiring. What I was trying to clarify is that you need to apply for the visa waiver first before applying for the 1,2, or 6-month extensions. You don't go from entering the country for 30 days visa-free, then jump straight in for a 6-month extension. Does that help clarify?

I’am a Micronesia citizen who married a Filipina citizen,can I stay in the Philippines for 31 days?

Hi Alex, citizens of these countries can enter the Philippines visa exempt for 30 days, then extend another 29 days with a visa waiver application at the Bureau of Immigration office or website.

Hello
I'm French citizen, I will go to Philippines the 7 March for more 30 days, so I need to make an extension
then I must already request an extension on the website or must I wait to be there at the airport

Hi Frederick, you need arrive first, then you can extend. You can extend online or at the Bureau of Immigration One-Stop branch at Terminal 3 at the airport.

After 59 days is there anyway that I can avoid flying out of the country or is it always mandatory?

Is there anyway that I can remain in Philippines without flying out after 59days? I'm trying to avoid the cost of plane tickets after every 59days

Hi KY, It depends on your citizenship. Citizens of some countries can extend their visas for an additional 1, 2, or 6 months for up to 3 years without leaving the country. What passport do you hold?

I am getting married in the Philippines as a US citizen after I arrive i Cebu: on Apr 3. I will not have a visa as I am allowed to be there 30 days without a visa. How do I get a marriage visa while I’m there?

Hi Mike, it is going to be series of many steps.

1. As a US citizen, you can enter the Philippines visa-exempt for 30 days
2. Follow the steps to get married in the Philippines
3. Apply for a Philippine marriage license
4. Apply for a probationary 13a spousal visa in the Philippines
5. Extend your visa, until the 13a probationary visa is granted
6. Convert the 13a probationary visa to a 13a Permanent visa after one year

As you can see there are many step and things to keep track of. If you need help with your 13a visa, we can help.

Hi, Thanks for the guide. Do children (7 years old) also require a visa waiver to extend from 30 to 59 days or is it OK if their parents both have one? She doesn't have an email/telephone and the website doesn't allow 2 visa waivers on the same login

Hi James, yes, even children will need to keep their visa valid with an extension. You should be able to use another email address to create an account for her or you can apply in person at a BI branch. Cheers.

Is this information still accurate in 2024? I’ve heard people saying that beginning this past April, that after 12 months of stay, the renewal process is under much more scrutiny now.

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Is this information still accurate in 2024? I’ve heard people saying that beginning this past April, that after 12 months of stay, the renewal process is under much more scrutiny now.

@Sam You are correct. As of July, the Bureau of Immigration has implemented an "Assessment" for tourists coming in for their visa extensions. This is in response to the Chinese illegal POGO operations. 

However, the implementation thus far has been simple interview questions to ensure you are not working or breaking any laws. I have not heard of any foreigners (non-Chinese) who have had any issues after responding to their simple interview questions. 

That said, no one knows what this will look like in the future. The law still states 36 months on a tourist visa. Your safest bet is an SRRV (retirement visa) or a 13 marriage visa.