The Philippines: Obtaining an extension of a Visitor’s Visa under Section 9a

If you will be visiting the Philippines for pleasure, business or for health purposes, a 21-day visa is usually granted upon arrival while a 59 day visa can be obtained before arrival from any Philippine embassy or consulate general. Obtaining an extension of Visitor’s Visa under Section 9a (Non-Immigrants) is also fairly straight forward and applicants should observe the following procedures:

• Verification of travel and derogatory records, assessment of filing, implementation and other fees and generation of Order of Payment Slip.
• Releasing of OPS to the applicant.
• Payment to collecting officer and issuance of an official receipt.
• Approval of Extension.
• Updating of records, visa implementation and document archiving.
• Release of Passport.

Requirements for a Temporary Visitors Visa or extension are as follows:

• Valid passport of the applicant.
• Tourist Visa Extension form duly accomplished (BI Form No. MCL 07-02).
• Bureau of Immigration (BI) Clearance Certificate.

The fee structure for all visas and visa extensions are outlined on the Bureau of Immigration’s website and extensions may be done either in person at a Bureau of Immigration office or via an accredited representative (such as an immigration attorney or even a travel agent) for a small additional fee.

Generally speaking, visitors to the Philippines (so long as they are not working in the country) can live there for up to a year without ever leaving just by properly obtaining visa extensions (further information about how to do this can be found on the Living in the Philippines website and listserv). However, any visitor coming to the Philippines to work in the country must secure a proper work permit (preferably prior to arrival).