Tourist Visa & 16 Months
As most expats know, we can extend our tourist visa for 16 months but then we must leave. Many refer to it as a “visa run” and that sounds like a good name for it to me. There is some controversy about if you can leave, go to another country and come right back or if you must stay out for three days.
I read on the BI site that it was three days, or at least that’s the way I remember it. Now I can’t find that. Many expats say they didn’t do that, that they came straight back. Many say they didn’t have an onward ticket too and no one asked. Others where forced by the airline to purchase an onward ticket before they would fly them to the Philippines. That’s the way it is suppose to work. Some get by without purchasing that onward ticket.
When I entered the country I had a fully refundable onward ticket so I just got a refund. This time I will get an onward ticket from Zamboanga to Malaysia. I hear that cost about $40.00 or so I’m told. That seems high to me for a slow boat to Malaysia but what do I know. 
I’ve been spoiled by all these low prices.
My travel agent tells me it is three days but they also wanted to sell me a ticket. I planned to buy one but their price was nearly double what I can get on my own. Not use to that, in the USA you can get the same if not better price when going through an agent.
Until I see it in writing from BI that its not three days, I’m going with three days.
I hear rumors of people using an agent to send their passport to Malaysia and there are BI officers from Malaysia on the boat that stamps it for them without them ever getting to the country! Why do that? It just doesn’t seem worth the risk to me.
Trip to Bangkok
I entered the country in February 2008 so my 16 months is up in July. So I plan to go to Bangkok, Thailand in June and stay for two nights and then come back. The round trip ticket is going to cost me less than $220. And the hotel room is $18.00 a night. The room includes a fridge, aircon, cable and internet cable. It is within 2 miles of the airport.
If they have a Pizza Hut nearby that delivers, I’ll never have to leave the place. I’d like to explore a bit but I’ll be likely to just hibernate and rest up if I’m alone.
I’m wondering if there is anyone out there that needs an excuse to fly to Thailand, I’d love to meet you there.
If you have any advice for me regarding the trip, please share it. I could use the help. I haven’t booked the trip yet, I am flexible on the trip dates.
I know many of you have a different type of visa and don’t need to leave. Lucky you. I want to travel to other countries so this works out well for me. Next time, hopefully I can take Jessie to Singapore of Hong Kong or even Japan.
In my last article I said my learning was far from over and here it continues. The hotel I have picked out is called Thong Ta something. LOL I don’t know if that means thong or not. My first guess was that it didn’t but then I started to wonder. Might prove interesting or it might prove wishful thinking. Anyway, if you have any information that would be useful for me, please let me know!
Rusty: you should bring Jessie… Filipinos can travel to ASEAN without a visa.
I regularly visit Bangkok and Malaysia and know both places very well. E-mail me your phone number off the board and I’m happy to ring you late afternoon to talk.
Hi Rusty!
You’re funny…”Thong Ta something”. LOL!
If I were to spend $220 for roundtrip ticket and $18 a night for hotel room, I might as well go sight seeing. I believe that Thailand has also a very rich culture. Maybe you can explore their buddhist temple or something and experience authentic Thai food instead of Pizza Hut. Just a suggestion.
John, I’ll get that number to you. I’m headed to Bantayan Island right now. Get that too you soon.
Jessie wont be able to go, at least it is not likely. Her birth certificate is not in order and she doesn’t have a passport as a result. I’ve also got things I really need to save for. I’d likely get out more if she was with me though.
Hi Beth, LOL Well that really is the name of it.
I only remember the Thong part. 
LOL Its near the airport so it may very well be catering to westerners and from what I can tell, we do have a bit of a reputation as playboys. I wish I was a playboy. 
LOL I’m only a flirt.
Tia food? I barely eat American food, if the doctors knew how I eat, they’d say no wonder your in such pitiful shape.
Have you seen what the Thai eat? They make Filipino go ewww and you guys eat chicken heads, intestine and things. I’m still trying to get up enough nerve to do it. 
And then there is Ballot, I was going to try that until I saw this picture of a girl picking the duck up by the head in the egg, that pretty much put an end to that. Maybe someone will get me drunk enough to try it.
i want too but I’m scared…… LOL
Hang in there Rusty ..YOU’LL DO ALL RIGHT ….. PHIL N jESS
Rusty – you really crack me up. I’m not gay mind you but as a Northerner I gotta say “Love you Southern boys”. I’ve watched Deliverance many times and you were great in it. You were the one playing the violin right?
My situation is different than yours. After staying a year my plane ticket had to be used or forfeited so being recently married I decided to go back to the US to get a immigrant visa. Unfortunately it has taken much longer to get the marriage paperwork through the NSO so I have been in the states for 4 months now.
If I had known it would take that long I would have forgotten the ticket.
Just this week the paperwork got finished and it is in the mail right now so hopefully I will be back home with my wife and son soon!
We are going to live in the town her folks are in to save money and hopefully get a good farm going for an income. Calmba Missamis is the town.
Anyway I’m a southern MO Ozark Hillbilly we should get together some day if your ever in northern Mindanao I think we might get on well together.
Hi Rusty, Keep us all informed on what happens, and what you do. I may be doing the same thing in the near future. Good luck!
One thing that almost no one cannot but possibly notice, is that whereever Steve appears on the posts, he almost never misses a chance to show that he is quite obviously the posterior end…..how terribly insulting the comment was. If it was an attempt at base humour, then I would imagine it tells us a wealth of things. I was wondering though, why would one watch Deliverance “many times” unless one had a latent interest in a certain theme ? Is it the incestuous leanings of the Ozarkians, or perhaps the homosexual rape scene?
Go away…………I personally don’t think there’s a place for individuals on LIP that seem committed to insult others, and on the whole, hate the Philippines (and the people therein).
I wish Bob would install a device that would allow for “Ignore all posts from ________. “
Rusty,
The person on this site that probably has the most insight on visa matters is Dave Starr. A link to his site is in the Blogroll on this page. http://www.philfaqs.com
Mark C
I am off to Bangkok too for my visa run the cost of the flight only £70 which seems a great deal to me.
Spencer, good one. You got me. Yes I did like the homosexual rape scene the best but I watched it many times just to see Burt Reynolds big blue eyes. Where are you from big boy.
Hey folks, I’ve been out enjoying paradise. Went to Bantayan Island WOW WOW WOW.
Hey Rusty did you go to Santa Fe ?? .. Phil n Jess
Hi John H.
I never even got a return ticket to the US. Instead I got a refundable ticket to Thailand and refunded it.
Only four months, I’m surprised its not longer. My first thought was to bring my girl to the US but after reading on how difficult that was, I just came here. Just as well, she would have been too afraid to go to the US. Like many Filipina, she’s very shy and a bit timid. I’ve been bringing her out of her shell though, she’s done more exploring in the last year than her whole life combined I think. Aww not really, she did travel a bit as a child. Probably doesn’t count though.
Hope you get back soon. Be glad to meet you. I was thinking of moving to Valencia, but now that I’ve been to Bantayan, I doubt I’ll leave this area now. Perhaps you can get up this way? I might get down there one day, funds are still limited for me, cutting my travel desires way back. But that’s temporary.
John? How far in the future? I’d love to have someone going with me or meeting me there.
Thanks Mark C, I’ll check it out.
John, when you going? If you don’t have other plans, perhaps we could bump into each other for some mischief.
Rusty,
Regarding sending passport to Malaysia and having a Malaysian immigration employee stamp it or whatever, why bother as would still need stamp from Philippine immigration to make you again legal.
If you want to play that route no need to go to anyplace as you can do it all right there in Cebu.
Few years ago that was my way and had a Maranao friend that worked at BI Cebu and who for a under 50bucks would take my passport to international airport, have it stamped with exit stamp for me, put in a balikbayan stamp in it , enter some stuff into computer and return the passport to my home, true door to door passport service at less than even a slow boat to Malaysia. At one point even had a business helping other foreigners do the same.
Justin
Rusty,
Truly was cheaper to overstay than to leave as if caught overstaying they just make you pay fees plus 500php fine per missed payment but its negotiable at any BI office or at the International airport. My nephew overstayed for 8 yrs, total cost 200bucks after some negotiating with the fellows at BI.
Justin
Justin,
As I said, I wouldn’t go that route. People do it or have been doing it. Some recent changes might make that harder to do. Don’t know, don’t care, wouldn’t dream of doing it which was my point in mentioning it at all.
It would be illegal and in my opinion, foolish.
Rusty,
I wasn’t by any means advising you to do that but was just pointing out why I didn’t understand why having a Malaysian immigration employee was advantageous to the people you met who where doing it as a Malaysian entry stamp is of no relevance at all as its the Philippine exit and entry stamp that you really need as it is the Philippine immigration laws you are satisfying. Anyway, Once again was not advocating nor encouraging anyone to do that but just letting you know it is possible as I have done it myself on numerous occasions.
Out of Curiosity, I know your one of my fellow Mississippians so wanted to ask if you hunt and if you’ve done any hunting there in Philippines yet.
Justin
Justin,
Its been years since I’ve been hunting. I do miss it.
I’m not sure what you would hunt here. I did see some expats doing it and that confuses me as it is my understanding if your found in possession of a gun, that’s life in prison for any non-citizen.
Sometimes though, one can run across an old law and then later find it has been revised. I know of expats that have gone to gun ranges here.
The heat along with the terrain would make hunting a pretty difficult thing. There is also a severe lack of wild life to me. One thing I noticed was no road kill. So much of tat in Ms it got my attention. There is a small deer here but I think it is fairly rare. Many of the native people don’t know much about their wildlife. My girl didn’t know they had deer here.
I just don’t see hunting here, as much of a possibility. With my health, just about impossible. I sold all my guns after my first divorce.
Well most of them. Was either that are starve as my X had all my money. If I get back to Ms. I’d love for you to take me!
I really miss it.
Rusty,
No possession of a gun is not life in prison. Several ways a foreigner can carry guns,. I carried one on daily basis even.
One way is to join a PPSA range, if done this gives you a document to transport to and from the range. The gun will be in wife’s name but you can transport it.
Next way is to carry mission orders, in this its risky unless proper procedure is followed. To be legal you must be a paid operative on contract Philippine to Philippine group, be listed on a roster , carry proper credentials and carry only guns that have serial numbers listed as being used in official operations.
Anyway, Regarding hunting, Can kill ducks, wild pigs, little deer, etc. Must go where people hunt though, In Mindanao one of the political dynasties has a 10,000 hectare hunting camp.
Also, Even if caught carrying illegal in no way will you get life in prison typical punishment is a bail between 15-60tphp, facing charges and possible serving 5yrs, Little money in right hands though and case can be made to disappear so long as no powerful entity is pushing it from behind the scenes.
Justin
Rusty,
The small deer taste very great. Ive never killed one (only ducks and wild boar) but have eaten one and was nice. There was a restraunt I used to enjoy that specialized in exotic foods like snakes, wild boar, little deer, big lizards, eels blood, etc etc. I liked most of it but my favorite was the snake as very tender.
Justin
Wow, I read an article in the paper just two days ago that didn’t mention the carry to and from the range!
For a wife to get one, they went through several things your SUPPOSE to do, mental evaluation included. They said that skipping that for a fee is usually not an issue though.
I assumed that working for someone that had you carry a weapon applied only to Filipino.
So I gotta get married just to carry a gun? Dang that’s a high price to pay. LOL
Do you know if they have any guns for rent at the gun ranges in Cebu City area?
Rusty,
For your wife to obtain a gun is very simple process just some basic documents and clearances, ballistic testing on the gun in question etc. Do not buy one of those cheap paltiks yall have there in Cebu , from Danao, as they jam and etc, not very good usually. Good gun will cost you at least 50tphp for something like a S&W or Colt etc. The Taurus and etc are OK though and cheaper but if you plan to range shoot you’ll need good weapon like a para ordinance or colt gold cup etc. Also, quality ammo is very expensive as well, you can buy cheap reloads though for practicing.
I carried under mission orders and range I used was in wife’s uncles back yard.
Regarding ranges in Cebu, Try Kamagong Gun Club as heard its good place.
Justin
Rusty,
Below is a link that may help you learn more about clubs in Cebu area and etc.
http://pinoyguns.proboards105.com/
Justin
Hello Bob,
I’m sorry , if possible can you please remove all but one?
What happened was I posted it but it didn’t post, instead it took me to top of Rusty’s article but when I scrolled down there was still no posting not even one waiting for moderation. I tried again to same result. I was thinking maybe it was my connection or something so tried a few more times, the above is end result of my effort. I guess there was a delay or something. My sincere apology as truly didn’t mean for the above to happen.
Justin
Hello Rusty,
One last curious question. Where in Ms are you from?
I ask because read your profile and see your from Ms but lived in Tn most adult life anyway being a Mississippian myself just had been wondering this.
BTW, I was born in Vicksburg but grew up in Pearl and Brandon.
I bet you miss southern cooking there in Cebu, that was my biggest complaint in Philippines as I really missed my mawmaw’s cooking and especially pecan pie and blackberry cobbler.
Anyway, I hope you have nice and safe trip to Thailand.
Justin
Hello Bob,
I’m now confused.
I had posted multiple links by accident, already explained what happened and you explained why.
Anyway have not further posted any more links at all , not even one, but you told me again not to post multiple links which I haven’t done since as haven’t even posted one since.
Weird thing is your newest message just showed up to day but is dated at an even earlier time than the message directly above it.
Justin
Hello Again Bob,
Nevermind previous confusion as seems your message just attaches itself to bottom and stays sticky on the thread in that location.
Justin
Hi Rusty,
It is my understanding that you can renew tourist visa for up to 2yrs at the discretion of BI office.I presume you would have to have a clean slate with no fines for late 2 monthly extensions.
regards Chas.
Hi Rusty,
Perhaps you (or anybody who knows) could tell me the name of the ferry going from Zamboanga to Malaysia and their phone number. It seams to me a good way to do the visa run.
Travel Agent sent me a text. They wont extend me and I’m as perfect on my extensions and following all the rules. I have to leave at 16 months.
Don’t forget you need a BI Clearance Certificate before you leave.
Thank you Bob and thank you Chasdv, great healp I will be booking this week to Sandakan. As for the worning from you Rusty, I agree with you, but I do not believe in 100%, There is no such think, but I hope the plane taking you to Bangkok and the weather on that day will be 100%. While in Bangkok, try some of their food its really different then in here, I mean in the Philippines. Even the chicken feet taste good if you can swollow it!!.
Well, After all I did not go through Zamboanga to Sundakan. I did try, but all those crying and nagging the angry looks from my Filipina as if I was already kidnapped and left her alone. It was beyond my strenght. I bought a ticket from Cebu Pacific Airlines from Cebu to Singapore and back for April, and it cost me 8400peso(hand luggage only). There are a few clean hotels near Little India in Singapore where I can stay for about S$25-50 a night.
Hello! I am new to this site. My wife is Filipino and we are planning to go in Davao for good. We are trying to buy a 6 acre farm with a house there and planning to put up our Filipino-American restaurant. My question is how can i get a visa if I want to stay there for good? And where can i file the papers too? Another question is i am planning to bring my handgun there as a self protection, is there anyway that i can ship it to there and how long it will to process. Thanks. Hope to hear an answer soon.
Okay Bob! Thanks a lot, I will try to contact to the Embassy of the Philippines….Sam
i don’t know if I ever added it here but another Expat on another site alerted me to the need for a Clearance Certificate when leaving the Philippines. I think, IF I remember correctly, that it is only needed for those that have been here more than six months. That certificate cost another P1800.
I see this info and need some clarification please….
I had a passport stolen 2 days after returning to Philippines 1st week November 2008, and will get the new one in about a week this April 2009. I have been in Philippines since my last return in 1st week of November. I dont know for sure but I have been told that my last entry and exit shows only from a trip in june 2007 outside Philippines and back in. I have made multiple trips in and out via the zamboanga to malaysia trips..and gotten the entry and exit stamps. The last one was 2 days before my passport was stolen.
Since I do not have the old passport anymore…how do I remedy this if that is truly what immigatration has as my last exit and entry….
And once remedied, what is my best choice below to get cost effective visa extensions before I get married here in december 2009.
I will note this, from the schedule of fees to get a tourist visa issued in advance:
FEES:
US $ 30.00 for single entry visa valid for three (3) months
US $ 60.00 for multiple entry visa valid for six (6) months
US $ 90.00 for multiple entry visa valid for twelve (12) months
(For each entry, a visa is usually good for an initial stay of 59 days)
PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE IN CASH, POSTAL MONEY ORDER, BANK DRAFT, OR CASHIER’S CHECK ONLY. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
And these fees from the schedule of fees for renewing tourist visa waivers and tourist visas:
TOURIST (NON-RESTRICTED) ADMITTED INITIALLY FOR 21 DAYS MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER 38 DAYS
Visa Waiver Application Fee P1,000.00
Visa Waiver P 500.00
LRF P 30.00
Express lane fee P 500.00
And once remedied, what is my best choice below to get cost effective visa extensions before I get married here in december 2009. Do I just apply for a 59 day single entry visa while here in Philippines and just extend it over and over ?????
can anyone help me? My fiancee is planning to stay here in the philippines for 2 years. He cannot get a round trip ticket because round trip ticket is usually do for 6 months. what is the best thing he will going to do? surely,he will apply for extension of stay and have an out going ticket to some country near philippines. My concern is, does he really need to fly outside philippines or just forget the out going ticket and just stay in the philippines for 2 years renew his visa every months?
I am a Chinese citizen and a friend of mine lives in Manila. Does it matter what nationality you are to qualify for extending your tourist visa every two months? Can any country do it or just certain ones like USA?
Hi Mike – I know that some countries don’t get the renewal privilege, but to be honest, I don’t know which ones they are. Sorry about that.
Steven – I have decided to moderate your comments. If you can act in a friendly way, I will remove you from moderation after I feel that you have shown that you can improve your ways. If you cannot act in a friendly way, I will take it beyond simple moderation, and remove your commenting privileges all together. I am sorry, but I get a lot of complaints about you, and frankly you are a pain to administer.
Justin – If you are going to post links to other sites, please, one time is enough.
Justin – Anytime that anybody tries to post a link, I have to approve that, to make sure we are not linking to bad sites. That is why you could not see it there, because I had not approved it yet.
I have removed the multiple links.
Hi markus – I don’t think there is a ferry going from Zamboanga to Malaysia, but there is a fast craft vessel which goes from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia. That vessel is Weesam Fast Craft.
Hi Markus,
I filed details of a guy who made this trip in 2006,so some things will have changed,especially prices.
Booked through Swift Travel.
Can be booked direct through,
Aleson Shipping Lines,
174 Veterans Ave,
Zamboanga Cty.
Office,991-4258,991-2687,991-2099,993-2082 ask for May.
Port,991-5874,992-4585.
Sandakan Office,confirming return trip timetable.
Aleson Shipping Lines,
Timmarine son Building,
Sandakan.
Cost(2006)P13000 round trip with cabin for 2 people.
Recommended budget but comfortable hotel.
Hotel Nature,
Block 25,
Lot 5a/5b Dalan Dua,
PO Box 815,
90709,
Sandakan,
Sabah,
Malaysia.
Double Room @P1300 a night.
Tel:089-235623
Fax:089-274700
Sitta or Diana.
Very friendly people,genuine,no rip off of Tourists.
Hope this info gives you something to work with,
regards Chas.
I know several people that would not make that trip without armed escort. I know many that would. At least two Filipino said don’t do it. I would not make that trip but….
The other day I read a guys blog that went from I think Mindanao to Malaysia in his own sail boat. He spoke of stopping off at some Muslim Fishing Villages along the way. That was probably Sulu. He had quite the adventure and didn’t mentioned feeling in danger. If he was in Sulu, which would have Muslim fishing towns, he was in grave danger. Just the write person never saw him, or the wrong person.
In the last month, there have been two kidnapping incidents in that area that I know of. One was Red Cross workers, the other was a group of school teachers. The teachers are poor and that made no sense at all. Ii don’t know the exact location of the teachers, islands in that area.
I never heard how the teacher’s situation turned out. Other teachers refused to teach and the schools were forced to close, the last I read a couple of weeks ago.
I would go to Davao without any concern at all, I wouldn’t go to Zamboanga. Others that have been there will tell you I’m nuts, perhaps I am but I ain’t going unless I have ZERO other choice.
If I didn’t have the $250 it takes to fly to Bangkok, I would go that route then.
An update on the 24 months. My agent told me not to make plans to leave yet, they are going to try to get me extended up to the full 24 months. We’ll see how that goes.
Hi Rusty,
I recently found out that the extention over 16 months is purely discretionary,and can only be dealt with in person at Head BI office in Manila.Non of the regional BI offices can deal with it.
regards Chas.
I have not been inclined to eat chicken feet or heads and don’t really see that changing. But my hats off to those that try. I’ve not seen my Filipina GF eat that either but she loves IUD.
Hi Markus,
I believe you can change Peso on boat for Malay Ringitt,so you have some local crncy on arrival.
There is also a nature reserve near Sandakan to visit,if its your kind of thing.
Let us know how your trip goes,would be interesting.
regards Chas.
Rusty, the red cross workers were kidnapped in Basilan and, more recently the teachers were kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibuguey Province. the teachers were kidnapped in retaliation for the rape and murder of daughter of one of the Abu Sayraff leaders.
I live in Zamboanga del Sur and, in my three years here and throughout the Zamboanga peninsula, I haven’t felt threatend in way, shape or form.
A trip to Malaysia would/could start with a ferry to Tawi-Tawi (one day trip) then from Tawi-tawi to Malayaisa
For those who stay here for very long periods on a tourist visa, I’ve often wondered what would any other country do if a foreigner arrived on a tourist visa, got married, had children, bought a home, bought a vehicle and in esence set up home. It sure sounds like a permanent stay. why not get a permanent resident visa, if that is the intention in the first place. Isn’t it akin to visa fraud? Just my wnadering thoughts.
Frank – correction – the Red Cross workers were kidnapped in Sulu, not Basilan. They were inspecting a jail in Jolo.
Many people come to the US on a tourist or student visa and then end up getting married and never leaving.
It is fraud in the US if you enter the country with the intent to marry someone and your not on a tourist visa which takes years to get.
When I got my first extension here, my GF was with me and the BI officer asked me if I had married a Filipina. Maybe that’s why she asked. If I had done so within two months that would be a bit suspicious I’d say. (I was able to skip the first extension requirement because I got a re-entry visa. Don’t do it unless you’re going to come in and out a lot in one year. Then it will save you some money. Otherwise its a waste of money.)
Its certainly not fraud to come as a tourist and get your extensions for 16 months, then leave the country and come back. Its built into the law, the Philippine economy gains much from overseas remittances. When I had an issue with how slow my money was getting to me and I complained. I got calls from all over the Philippines making sure it got worked out. People wanted me to keep sending my money here which I have done every month.
A tourist visa is the only thing I could have qualified for when I entered. I plan to go talk to an immigration lawyer that we have here in Cebu. I keep getting different advice about opening a business to get a visa.. I think you must employ five people to do that. Just going to go find out I have a business I want to open but I can’t employee five people off the bat so it may not work for me, at least not yet. Surely I need more than just a business license. And how do I get a business license if I’m on a tourist visa that says I can’t practise a profession.
Guess, I need to go talk to that lawyer to get everything clear in my mind.
Bob did get is special visa SVRR SRVV lol I don’t remember what it is called.
I went to a lawyer in the US to see if they could help me with what I could get but they were not able to help.
Bob,
correct…..my mistake.
No takes on the visa issure?
Hi Francisco – I totally agree that anybody who wants to live here should get a permanent resident visa. I also know, though, that Rusty is currently unable to do that, so it’s not really an option for him.
Hi Rusty – No, I don’t have an SRRV. I have a 13(g) Resident Visa because my wife is a former citizen of the Philippines.
Hi Sam – Since your wife is Filipino, you qualify for a 13 series resident visa. It is very easy to get, just apply at the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate nearest you.
Forget about the gun, as a foreigner you cannot legally have a gun here.
wow 6 acres and doing a restuarant ..You will have enough relatives there living with you, you won’t need a gun ever
.. Phil
Hi Sam – Good luck!
I think we should because you never know when the law might change.
Some expat may go bezerk and reflect on the rest of us. It is scary to build a life in a place that you might not be able to stay in if the law changes.
I’ve got a nut case Filipina trying to get me thrown out but luckily she doens’t have any cause to do so. I met her online several years ago and choose someone else other than her and some how I ended up in the same freaking city she is in. Just my luck! If I had known she was here, would’t have moved here.
You and I have spoken about the same girl in private. Jessie’s bother is a barangay captain but in another province. I may invite him over for a visit and have him talk to someone here..
Today I met a Flipino asking a lot of questions, befriended him but worried.
I’M probably just paranoid now. He is a school teacher and is going to teach me Cebuano basically for the cost of a trip to the BBQ at the Bay. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Hello Lee – Your situation is complicated. You should go to the Bureau of Immigration and work out the situation with them. I am not going to comment, because the situation is too complicated, and I don’t want to give you inaccurate information.
Hi Lee – Doing the 59 day renewals is the only choice you have.
Hi MindanaoBob…(And Thanks to Philly for clarification on another PhilFAQs page)…thanks for the info. Yes you did answer my questions. I was asked by Philly if the Embassy gave me a letter passport/report of passport loss when I reported the theft of my original US passort…No they did not…I am wondering if that is because I brought a required Official LetterHead with Makati Police Report indicating the reporting of the theft at the moment it occurred and placing it in the blotter the moment it occurred.
If I need a letter from the Embassy also, then I will get that before going to BI…Do I need that along with the Police Report in Hand ??
Also I will go immediately to the BI and settle with them. The embassy may have steered me wrong on that one, they recommended I wait til new passport was in hand and explain the situation and pay the November to now visa fees. (I am hoping that is the final damage report).
Last but not least…should I check with Dave Starr or Justin from above to get some info on whether I should go to the Manila BI Office or another BI office if I want to get the best responsive negotiable amounts to pay (I am assuming I will need to do some heavy negotiating to get it to a reasonable level $200 USD or less)
He doesn’t have to buy a round trip ticket. It may cost more though.
You didn’t tell us what kind of visa he is coming in on. I will assume that it is a tourist visa.
Your boyfriend can stay for 16 months but may be able to get a second extension to take him to two years but there are no guarantees for that.
I was able to find round trip tickets for up to a year but it was cheaper to just buy a one way ticket than buy one for a year later.
My interpretation of the law is that he needs an onward ticket that falls within the first 21 days. Though he may get it extended when he comes in, 21 days is what he can stay for by default.
What I did was get a fully refundable ticket to Bangkok as my onward ticket. I canceled it and after about six weeks the money was returned to my account.
If he can’t get that deal for himself, he should see a travel agent.
Once he’s in the Philippines he can get a ticket back to that States for less than $500. Those deals are not always out there but the were the last time I checked. That I will likely only get him to California but he can then use South West Air to get the rest of the way. If he lacks the money, he can take a bus.
When I checked, South West Air was cheaper than a bus.
thanks for the info. yes, tourist visa. This is his 4th visit this time. I have another concern, after his onward ticket will expire can he still apply for extension of stay? or after his ticket being refunded can he still apply for extension of stay? thank you so much for the info.
He does not need an onward ticket for an extension.
Its okay if it expired or refunded.
thanks Rusty for the information it helps a lot. I’m at ease now!