Are you planning to extend your Philippine adventure but worried about visa complications? Our comprehensive guide simplifies the visa extension process, providing all the essential information you need for a worry-free stay. From required documents to the application procedure, we’ll walk you through every step, ensuring you can confidently continue exploring the beauty of the Philippines.
Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa
Temporary Visitor’s Visa or Tourist Visa (9A) is a non-immigrant visa given to foreign nationals who are planning to visit the Philippines for a short period of time. The purpose of their visit might be tourism, business or medical-related.
Validity Period of Tourist Visa in the Philippines
Tourist Visa holders are allowed to stay for thirty (30) days upon their arrival. However, this may vary based on their country of origin, ranging from 7 to 59 days. If you wish to extend your initial stay, you may file for extension for at least one (1) week before the expiration of your stay.
Under Immigration Memorandum Circular No. SBM-2013-003, non-visa allows individuals to extend their stay up to thirty-six (36) months, while visa grants its holder to extend their stay up to twenty-four (24) months.
Requirements for Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines
The following documents are required to be submitted when applying for Tourist Visa extension:
- Duly accomplished Consolidated General Application Form (CGAF)
- Valid passport or travel document
- Photocopy of Downgrading Order (if applicable)
- Notarized letter of explanation for overstaying with attached original copy or certified true copy of supporting documents
Application Process for a Tourist Visa Extension in the Philippines
To process a tourist visa extension, you must follow this procedure:
- Fill Out the Form. Fill out the application fee and ensure that information is complete and accurate.
- Submission of Documents. Submit the required documents and your passport to the Officer-in-Charge.
- Issuance of Certificate. If you do not have a derogatory record, a BI Clearance Certificate should be issued to you.
- Payment of Fees. Pay the required fees and get the Official Receipt and submit it with the necessary documents to the receiving Officer.
- Claim. Claim your passport with a stamped Extension of Stay.
Can I Work with a Tourist Visa in the Philippines?
No, only Work Visa (9G) holders with work permits are allowed to work in the Philippines. If you wish to work in the country, you must change your tourist visa into a work visa.
Visa Free Countries in the Philippines
Under Executive Order No. 408, s. 1960, individuals from countries listed below are allowed to enter the Philippines without a tourist visa, with a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less.
Andorra | Angola | Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Australia | Austria |
Bahamas | Bahrain | Barbados | Belgium | Belize | Benin |
Bhutan | Bolivia | Botswana | Brazil* | Brunei Darussalam | Bulgaria |
Burkina Faso | Burundi | Cambodia | Cameroon | Canada | Cape Verde |
Central African Republic | Chad | Chile | Colombia | Comoros | Congo |
Costa Rica | Cote d’Ivoire | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Denmark | Djibouti | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | El Salvador |
Equatorial Guinea | Eritrea | Estonia | Ethiopia | Fiji | Finland |
France | Gabon | Gambia | Germany | Ghana | Greece |
Grenada | Guatemala | Guinea | Guinea Bissau | Guyana | Haiti |
Honduras | Hungary | Iceland | Indonesia | Ireland | Israel* |
Italy | Jamaica | Japan | Kazakhstan | Kenya | Kiribati |
Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan | Lao People’s Democratic Republic | Latvia | Lesotho | Liberia |
Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg | Madagascar | Malawi | Malysia |
Maldives | Mali | Malta | Marshall Islands | Mauritania | Mauritius |
Mexico | Micronesia | Monaco | Mongolia | Morocco | Mozambique |
Myanmar | Namibia | Nepal | Netherlands | New Zealand | Nicaragua |
Niger | Norway | Oman | Palau | Panama | Papua New Guinea |
Paraguay | Peru | Poland | Portugal | Qatar | Republic of Korea |
Romania | Russia | Rwand | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Samao | San Marino | Sao Tome and Principe | Saudi Arabia | Senegal | Seychelles |
Singapore | Slovak Republic | Slovenia | Solomon Islands | South Africa | Spain |
Suriname | Swaziland | Sweden | Switzerland | Tajikistan | Thailand |
Togo | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia | Turkey | Turkemenistan | Tuvalu |
Uganda | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | United Republic of Tanzania | United States of America | Uruguay |
Uzbekistan | Vanuatu | Vatican | Venezuela | Vietnam | Zambia |
Zimbabwe |
Note that Brazilian and Israeli citizens are given fifty-nine (59) days stay based on existing agreements. Additionally, you must have a valid return journey ticket and passport for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the period of your stay.
Reasons Why You Should Visit the Philippines
The Philippines is known for its lively and hospitable citizens, which proves that “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. Other than that, there are various reasons to visit the Philippines:
- Tourist Destination. With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines has various beautiful beaches, mountains, and other natural attractions that are perfect for nature lovers.
- Weather. January to May is the best time to visit the Philippines, especially if you are a fan of summer. June to October are the country’s rainy months. For up-to-date weather information, you may rely on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
- Language. Filipino and English are the two primary languages in the Philippines. Filipino is the national language, while English is widely used as a medium of instruction in higher education. Therefore, you do not have to worry if you do not know or only know a few Filipino words to communicate with locals.
- Cuisines. Various cuisines are available in the restaurants, which could help you ease your homesickness and cravings. It would also be the best way to try out different dishes from other countries without even going there.
- Culture and Art. Philippine culture is diverse because of the colonialization of the Americans, Japanese and Spaniards. Despite that, the country does not forget to embrace its own culture, such as traditional arts and indigenous crafts that highlights the country’s rich heritage and artistry of its people.
- Transaction Hours. Most businesses open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday and 8:00 AM until noon on Saturdays. While some operate 24 hours. With these hours, it is sufficient and accessible to do your errands without worrying about the time.
Need further information and assistance regarding (9A) Temporary Visitor’s Visa? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
