Visa-Free Entry for Indians: How to Extend Your Stay in the Philippines with a Tourist Visa

On June 7th, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Indian tourists are granted visa-free privileges in the Philippines. The number of tourists who have arrived from India rose 12%, which is nearly 80,000 in 2024, according to the data of the Department of Tourism. Despite the growth, Indian tourists remain a small portion of the over five million who traveled to Southeast Asia last year. The visa-free arrangement aims to boost tourism arrivals from India.

What is a Temporary Visitor’s Visa or 9A Visa?

Temporary Visitor’s Visa, also known as a 9A Visa or Tourist Visa, is offered to foreign nationals who are visiting the Philippines for tourism purposes within a short period of time. This serves as legal proof that a foreigner can legally stay in the country within the given period. 

If your home country has a visa exemption agreement with the Philippines, you are exempted from applying for a tourist visa. However, if you wish to extend your stay in the country, you must apply for a tourist visa extension.

Can an Indian Travel in the Philippines without a Visa?

Yes, you can travel in the Philippines for two (2) weeks or fourteen (14) days without a visa, as long as you have a valid Indian passport. However, if you have a valid visa or residency permit from Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen nations, Singapore, or the United Kingdom, you can enter the Philippines for a 30-day non extendable visa-free entry for tourism purposes. 

If you wish to stay in the Philippines more than the given period, you may apply for a tourist visa extension. For other purposes, such as residence or work, you must apply for a visa suitable for your stay. 

When Should You Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines?

It is advisable to apply for a tourist visa extension a week before your visa-free entry expires. However, if you wish to not extend your stay in the Philippines, be mindful about the validity of your visa-free entry to avoid immigration consequences, such as overstaying or blacklist order. 

Where to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines?

You can apply for a tourist visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration (BI) main office or any regional office. You can also apply through the BI e-Services at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/Dashboard/Index?ReturnUrl=%2FTouristVisaExtension. 

Qualification for Indian Tourists in the Philippines

Not all Indians are automatically eligible to enter the Philippines unless they have the following:

• Proof of accommodation or hotel reservation

• Valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended date of stay, or a valid visa or a permanent residence permit from Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen nations, Singapore, or the United Kingdom

• Sufficient funds to support the trip

• Confirmed return ticket

• No record of negative immigration history 

If you do not meet the following qualifications, you will be required to apply for a Temporary Visitors Visa or Tourist Visa. 

Can Someone Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines on Your Behalf?

Yes, a duly authorized representative can process your tourist visa extension application in the Philippines, given that they have a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). 

Tourist Visa Extension Requirements in the Philippines

If you are planning to extend your stay in the Philippines, you must provide the following requirements:

• Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form for Extension of Temporary Visitor’s Visa 

• Original Passport/Travel Document 

• Photocopy of Downgrading Order, if applicable

• Additional documents, if required

If you have overstayed for more than two (2) weeks or more than the maximum allowable stay, you must provide the following:

• Notarized letter of explanation for overstaying with attached original copy or certified true copy of supporting documents

• Additional documents for further evaluation of the application, if required by the Bureau of Immigration 

Tourist Visa Extension Process in the Philippines

To process a tourist visa extension in the Philippines, follow this step-by-step procedure to be guided:

Tourist Visa Extension In-Person Application Process

• Seek Visa Assistance. Get visa assistance from a service provider, they can guide you all throughout the process and assist you on gathering the needed documents to ensure that your application is complete and accurate, preventing any cause of delay or denial from the Bureau of Immigration (BI). With their expertise, it increases your chances for approval of your tourist visa extension application. 

• Prepare and Submit the Requirements. To initiate the process, prepare all the requirements and ensure that it is complete and accurate to avoid rejection and delay. Once completed, submit them at the BI main office or any designated office. 

• Pay the Fees. Settle the necessary fees with the BI. These fees may vary depending on the type and duration of the extension. You may confirm your fees at the BI office or their official website at https://immigration.gov.ph/.

• Wait to be Processed. Processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications. Be sure to keep your receipt and any claim stubs provided since these are required when you claim your passport with a visa stamped. 

• Issuance of Visa Extension. If your application has been approved, you may now claim your passport with a tourist visa extension stamped. Take note of the duration of your stay to prevent any immigration consequences. 

Tourist Visa Extension Online Application Process

• Get Visa Assistance. Avail visa assistance from a service provider to be guided with your tourist visa extension application. Having assistance can increase your chances for approval and prevent any delays. With their expertise, they can offer practical solutions if any issues arise along the way.

• Visit the BI e-Services. Visit the e-Services portal of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/Dashboard/Index?ReturnUrl=%2FTouristVisaExtension.

• Register or Log In. If you are a first-time user, select the Register button and fill out the required information. Upon successful registration, a confirmation message will appear. If you have already registered, you may proceed on the application.

• Fill Out the Application Form. Log in your registered account to proceed with the application. Fill in all the required information and ensure everything is complete and accurate before submitting it. 

• Pay the Fees. Select a payment method and proceed to the online payment portal to settle the necessary fees. 

• Confirmation of Payment. Once your payment has been completed, a confirmation message will appear. The official receipt of your application will also be sent to your registered email address. 

• Monitor the Application Status. Under the menu on the left side panel of the e-Services main page, you can view the status of your application in ‘My Transactions’. Please note that processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications.

• Issuance of Visa Extension. If the status of your application has been completed, it means that your transaction was successful and your passport will be stamped with a tourist visa extension. Take note of the duration of your stay to prevent any immigration consequences. 

What Will Happen If You Overstay in the Philippines?

According to Section 6 of BI Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2013-003, foreigners who have overstayed for twelve (12) months or less will be issued an Order to Leave by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). They may also be included in the BI’s blacklist upon the discretion of the Commissioner. Additionally, foreigners who have overstayed for more than 12 months must be deported. 

However, the BI may allow them to update and extend their visa if their overstay is due to their Filipino lineage, medical condition, minority, and other analogous circumstances. 

How Long Can You Extend Your Tourist Visa in the Philippines?

Under Section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, you can extend your authorized stay in the Philippines every two (2) months for a total stay of not more than twenty-four (24) months for visa-required nationals and thirty-six (36) months for non-visa required nationals. Additionally, these periods are counted from the date of your latest recorded arrival in the Philippines. 

Travel Tips for Tourists in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists. If you’re a first-time traveler or planning to extend your stay, here are some essential travel tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Check the Weather. The Philippines is a tropical country with only two main seasons: dry and wet seasons. From June to November, the country experiences its wet season, often bringing heavy rains and strong typhoons. It is important to check the weather forecast regularly if you’re traveling during this time. On the other hand, the dry season falls between December and May, offering mostly sunny and warm weather. If you are going to the country in May, it is advisable to pack a lot of breezy clothes since it is the warmest month. But if you prefer cold weather then it is advisable to travel to the country in January since it is considered the coolest month. 

• Bring a Pocket WiFi or Buy a Local SIM. Many cafes, malls, and hotels offer free WiFi, but having your own pocket WiFi or a local SIM Card with mobile data will be more convenient especially if you are going around the country. 

• Book in Advance. To avoid high prices and fully booked hotels or flights, it’s best to plan and book ahead, particularly during peak travel seasons and holidays.

• Always Carry Cash. Although ATMs are widely available in malls, convenience stores, and banks, card payments aren’t always accepted, especially in rural areas. Additionally, payment apps like GCash and PayMaya aren’t accepted in some establishments even in urban areas. Most public transportations, such as tricycles and jeepneys, only accept cash payments. 

• Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes. The Philippines is popular for foreign tourists because of its warm weather. If you are going to visit the country between June and November, it is advisable to wear clothes that are lightweight and breathable. But if you are going to visit between December and May, it would be convenient to bring your own umbrella, rain gear, and jacket since it will be rainy and cold.