Just trying to get more clarification. I am a US citizen planning to visit the Philippines for over 30 days. What is the maximum days I can stay without applying for a visa as a US citizen visitor? When would the visa (9a) application be required for a US citizen?

Hi Zachary,

US citizens can enter the Philippines and stay for 30 days without a visa. After 30 days you can get a 29-day extension (technically a visa waiver) to bring the total to 59-days without a visa.

After 59-days, US Citizens will need to apply for an ACR card, but then you can continue extending your visa by 1, 2, or 6-months for up to 3-years.

Enjoy your time in paradise.

Cheers,

Marco

Thank you for answering,
Couple of follow up questions

Can the extension request can only be completed at the Philippines Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila at the time of my stay?

Do I need a round-trip flight ticket to apply for the extension?

You can apply for the visa waiver or extension at your closest Bureau of Immigration office. You'll want to apply roughly a week BEFORE the due date.

To enter the country you need proof of onward travel with a date within 30 days of your arrival date in the Philippines. Even if you plan on extending to 59 days or more, you need to show a flight out within 30 days. Stupid rule, I know.

I recommend renting an airline reservation from these guys for cheap.

For the extension, the BOI could theoretically ask for a ticket, but I have never heard of them doing so.

Hi, I'm a US citizen traveling to the Philippines in December. I know I can only stay for 30 days, but I'll stay for more than that. I was planning on using onwardticket.com. My question, will I have issue with Philippine immigration on my way back to US? Will they check if I went over the 30 day limit? Thank you!

Hi Jen,

US citizens can stay in the Philippines for much longer than 30 days. After the first 30 days, you simply need to legally extend your stay at the Bureau of Immigration office. First, you can get a 29-day extension (technically a visa waiver) for a total of 59-days without a visa.

The steps on how to extend can be found here.
https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-tourist-visa#visa-free-extensions

After 59-days, US Citizens will need to apply for an ACR card, but then you can continue extending your visa by 1, 2, or 6 months for up to 3 years.

Even if you plan on staying longer than 30 days, you still need to get proof of onward travel no more than 30 days from your arrival date. You can use my link to purchase an onward ticket reservation for $14 https://link.nomadicfire.com/onward-ticket

Cheers,

Marco

Hello, my question is will I have issue with the airport when I show them the onwardticket? Like have people really used that site with success going to the Philippines from USA?

So does this mean I can book a one-way ticket from USA to the Philippines & used onwardticket as my way to bypass showing a rountrip ticket?

Hi Clos,

I've been using and recommending that site for ages, and I haven't had anyone mention any issues. Instead of booking a round-trip ticket, you can show the PDF that includes a flight itinerary for your selected route and a PNR (Passenger Name Record)code that confirms your reservation. It is a real flight reservation made by a registered travel agency. Your reservation and all your included information can be verified on major airlines' websites.

Cheers,

Marco

Hello Marco, My Name is Ron W. Important question prior to my using your services to the Philippens. I am 81 and do not have and extra $10,000 to deposit for requirements regarding the Philipeen Retirement Visa. Question: Do you have another visa suitable for me to Go, from the United States? I have a permanent place to live in Pampanga, and a dear friend to stay with. I also cannot afford to keep leaving the Country every 3 or 6 months and re enter. My health is not 100% so travelling often is too burdensome. I appreciate your kindness so I can get on with this project to arrange my life.

Hi Ronald,

Actually, as a former US Marine, the Philippines Retirement Associate offers you a special retirement visa with financial incentives. The visa is called the SRRV EXPANDED COURTESY. Do you meet the requirements below:

1. Were in the US military?
2. Are you over 50 years old?
3. Can you show guaranteed monthly income of $1,000+ (military pension and social security both county)?
4. Do you have your DD214 form?

If you meet the SRRV Expanded Courtesy Requirements, then qualify for a significantly reduced deposit of $1,500!

I hope this counts as good news for you. If you need help with your SRRV visa application or if you have further questions, please contact us.

https://nomadicfire.com/philippines-visa-consultation

Cheers,

Marco

Your post is very helpful Marco. If a single-entry visa is granted for a 60day stay, can the traveler (US citizen) still exit and re-enter the Philippines within the first 30day visa free provision? then on the 2nd re-entry, can the he still use the remaining days he applied for?

I don't understand when/where the SINGLE entry applies if a US citizen can enter the country without visa in the first 30days.

Hi Chie,

For US Citizens, you can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days. Most people first enter with a visa exemption stamp at the airport for 30 days. People refer to the stamp as a "tourist visa," which leads to the confusion. After 30 days, you can get a 29-day extension for a total of 59 days. After 59-days you can continue to extend for up to 3 years. You can leave the country at any point. You get a new 30-day visa exemption every time you enter the country. Hope that helps clarify. Let me know if you still have questions.

Cheers,

Marco

Hi Marco - so glad I happened upon your blog, I have seen many of your yourtube videos too. Thank you for the information on your website.

Hi Jeanne,

Thank you for the kind words. If you find the content useful, I would greatly appreciate you sharing your favorite article on Facebook or other social media.

https://nomadicfire.com/live-abroad

Cheers and let me know if you have any questions about anything.

Marco