GUIDELINES ON THE ENTRY OF TEMPORARY VISITORS TO THE PHILIPPINES
No More COVID-19 Tests or Vaccination Proof:
- The Philippines has lifted all mandatory COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements for international travelers. This means you no longer need to present a negative PCR test, antigen test, or proof of vaccination to enter the country.
Pre-Departure Registration:
- You are still required to register online through an eTravel Card https://etravel.gov.ph/ within 72 hours before your departure. This online system collects your travel and health information for immigration purposes.
Citizens from the specified countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for business or tourism if their stay does not exceed 30 days. This privilege requires a valid return ticket to their origin or next destination, and a passport with at least six months’ validity beyond their intended stay. https://dfa.gov.ph/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa
EXTEND YOUR VISA ONLINE
To extend your visa online in the Philippines, you can use the Bureau of Immigration’s E-SERVICES platform. Here’s how you can proceed:
Visit the Bureau of Immigration’s E-SERVICES website at https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph. You will find an option for ‘Tourist Visa Extension’ listed under the Transactions section. For your initial 30-day extension, you will apply for a visa waiver. Should you choose to extend your stay beyond this period, you have the option to apply for extensions for one or two months visa, six-months visas are no longer available.
THE FEES FOR EXTENDING A TOURIST VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES
The fees for extending a tourist visa in the Philippines vary depending on the duration of the extension:
1. 29-Day Extension: The fee for a 29-day visa extension is 3,030 PHP (approximately $60 USD). If you opt for the regular process instead of the express method, the cost is reduced to 2,150 PHP (around $40 USD), but it takes 5 days and requires two visits to the office.
2. 59-Day Extension: For a 59-day extension, you need to purchase the ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration), which is valid for 12 months and costs about 2,800 PHP. In addition to this, the visa extension fee is 3,050 PHP, totaling 5,850 PHP. If you choose the express option, the total cost is 7,350 PHP (around $130 USD). The ACR I-Card can be picked up one month after submitting your visa extension application.
3. Extensions Beyond 59 Days: Each subsequent 59-day extension in the Philippines costs 2,830 PHP, and you can avoid paying for the ACR I-Card again. It’s possible to extend your tourist visa in the Philippines for up to three years. After staying for six months, there is an additional fee when leaving the country–Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), which is around $12-15 USD.
4. First Extension as Visa Waiver: For Americans, British, and other non-visa-required citizens, the first visa extension after arrival is a visa waiver costing 2,030 PHP plus an additional 1,000 PHP for the “express fee.” This waiver permits a further 29-day stay (59 days total). After this, you can apply for further extensions of 1, 2, or up to 6 months. A 1-month extension with an ACR I-Card is approximately $75 (4,141 PHP), a 2-month extension is around $85 (4,641 PHP), and a 6-month extension costs about $222 (11,500 PHP).
The fees mentioned are specific for the year 2023 and may vary slightly depending on your nationality and the specific rules applied by the Philippine immigration authorities. It is always advisable to check the most current information on the official websites or contact the local immigration office for the latest updates.
The official website for information about visa extension fees in the Philippines is the Bureau of Immigration’s website, which can be found at https://immigration.gov.ph/visas/visa-waiver. This site provides the most accurate and updated information regarding visa-related fees and procedures. For detailed and specific fee structures, it’s always recommended to refer to this official source.
Ensure you visit an office of the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines to submit your visa extension application at least 7 days before your current visa’s expiry date. Late applications may result in penalties.
Save time by printing and filling out the application form in advance. As of Jan. 2024 current form is IRD.04.QF.004 Rev 02, download it here
CEBU VISA EXTENSION AND RENEWALS
In Cebu, Philippines, you have several options for renewing your visa:
The best option will be to visit the Immigration office at Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, which is not so busy, and the staff is relaxed and attentive.
Bureau of Immigration Cebu District Office Moves to GMall
To better serve the public and improve accessibility, the Bureau of Immigration Cebu District Office is excited to announce its relocation to the 2nd floor of GMall, effective January 8, 2024.
New Office Location: 2nd Floor, GMall, Address: A. Soriano Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Please be reminded that the office will be closed on National Holidays and special Local Holidays. Sufficient complimentary parking is offered within the underground garage facilities.
Cebu Immigration District Office:
Located on the 3rd Floor of Robinsons Galleria Mall, along Gen. Maxilom Avenue Extension and Sergio Osmeña Jr. Blvd. in Cebu City. Their office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can contact them directly at (032) 8345-6441 or (032) 8345-6442, or via email at cebu.do@immigration.gov.ph
2. Mactan-Cebu Immigration Satellite Office (Gaisano)
This office is situated on the ground floor of Gaisano Mactan Island Mall, M.L. Quezon National Highway, Lapu-Lapu City. They are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Their contact numbers are (032) 8230-7800 or 0965 826-8415, and their email address is bisatellitemactancebu@gmail.com
This branch experiences lower foot traffic, and in some instances, visa extensions can be processed within approximately 15 minutes upon arrival, particularly around noon. The cost of reaching this location via a motorcycle taxi from IT Park is approximately 200 pesos for a one-way trip, with the journey taking around 20 minutes each way.
Remember to submit your application before 3:00 pm and make the payment before 4:00 pm at these locations.
What is an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) and Why Do You Need It?
An Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) is a document issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in the Philippines. It verifies that you, as a foreigner, have no outstanding obligations with the Philippine government and are authorized to leave the country.
Do You Need an ECC?
The requirement for an ECC depends on your visa status and length of stay:
- Tourists:
- 59 days or less: No ECC required, you’re good to go!
- Between 59 days and 6 months: You can pay an exit clearance fee instead of obtaining an ECC. This fee can be settled at a BI regional office before departure or at the airport upon departure.
- Over 6 months: You must obtain an ECC from BI.
- Other visa types: Refer to the BI website or contact a BI office for specific requirements based on your visa category.
What Type of ECC Do I Need?
There are two main types of ECCs:
ECC-A: This applies to foreigners:
- Leaving permanently.
- Overstaying their temporary visitor visa (staying more than six months).
- With expired or downgraded visas.
- Processing fees for ECCs ( PhP 500), but check the BI website for the latest fees as they may change.
ECC-B: The ECC-B is granted to individuals holding immigrant and non-immigrant visas, along with valid ACR I-Cards, who are temporarily departing the country. Valid for one (1) year, the ECC-B functions as a single-use receipt serving as either a Special Return Certificate (for Non-Immigrants) or Re-entry Permit (for Immigrants).
- Valid visas.
- A valid Alien Certificate Registration (ACR) I-Card. (Note: Not all foreign visitors will have an ACR)
- Processing fees: PHP 2,800
How to Apply for an ECC
If you require an ECC (ECC-A or ECC-B), here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Gather Required Documents: The specific documents you’ll need depend on your ECC type (check BI website or contact a BI office for the latest list). Here are some general requirements:
- Four 2×2 colored ID pictures with a white background (photo service is available right next to immigration office)
- ACR I-card
- Passport
- Official receipts of the latest visa extension
- Payments (500 pesos)
- Personal appearance
- BI Form 2015-08-001
In Cebu City ECC is processed only in Gmall.
Securing an ECC is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Gather Required Documents: Ensure you have all the documents needed for your specific ECC type (check the BI website for updates).
- Complete the Application: Obtain and fill out the application form accurately.
- Get Payment Slip: After a staff member reviews your documents, they’ll provide an Order of Payment Slip.
- Pay Processing Fee: Pay the fee indicated on the slip.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application form, all documents, and the payment receipt to the nearest Bureau of Immigration Office in your location.
- Wait for Claim Stub: You’ll receive a claim stub with a pick-up date and time.
- Pick Up Your ECC: On your scheduled pick-up date, present the claim stub to receive your ECC and original receipt.
- Sign Duplicate Copy: Sign a duplicate copy of the ECC before receiving the original.
Typically, the processing time is 4-5 business days, with an expedited option available in most cases for an additional Php 500.
Validity:
- ECC-A: Valid for one month from issuance.
- ECC-B: Valid for one year from issuance.
