IMMIGRATION COSTS AND PROCEDURES IN THE PHILIPPINES

[@daddybob6096]

Hello Rod, a word to the wise, last year, (May) when we came back for a vacation, i was detained at Mactan, because i had not renewed my ICR card since living back here in NZ. I had my passport confiscated until we went to Immigration at Mandaue J Mall, and sorted it out. It was regarded like a big deal, and took 24 hours to resolve the matter before we could return to Mactan and get my passport back. They took it very serious, and i felt it was over the top, and concerned me somewhat as i was almost 78yo. Not a good experience at the time, maybe others unwittingly may fall into the same situation. Cheers Rod.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that experience Bob. That is definitely not something I would anticipate.

[@allsmilz7234]

What's an ICR card ?

[@Hijoe-pq3go]

NEVER LET ANYBODY CONFISCATE YOUR PASSPORT. They have no right to take your Passport. Ask to speak to a Supervisor. You can call your Embassys 24 hour Emergency Line. I would certainly Report this to your Embassy. Immigration Officals think that they can do what ever they want, But they still have to follow the law.

[@daddybob6096]

@@allsmilz7234 Should be, ACR card. Alien Certificate of Registration.

[@daddybob6096]

@@Hijoe-pq3go I wasn't sure if they could legally do that as i had committed no crime. I suspected at the time, one of them was a Supervisor, again i wasn't sure as they spoke very little to me, mostly speaking to my wife. I was confused at what the problem was.

[@pomrobpomrob3938]

As a UK citizen I always receive the 30 day visa on arrival. I then either go to the Immigration office and pay around P3300 for the extension. When I am feeling lazy I give my passport to a travel agent and for a fee of around P500 they do all the work.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that info pomrob .

[@stan121midling5]

can you do a updated video on what is needed please ? hehe

[@luchernou627]

i live in cambodia,we do not have to leave after 3 or 6 months with a regular visa.you cam prolongue it indefinately.only oines who have to leave are people on touristvisas wich is 1 month plus max 30 extra.if you enter on a regular visa you can renew for3 or 6 or 12 months at a time

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for that info.

[@delaluz4634]

Hi Rod. What are the total fees if one was to stay the full 3 years vs applying for a SRRV visa? Will it be more cost effective and less time consuming? Thanks for sharing.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good question but I have never added up all of the fees each way. It is more about convenience of only having to report once a year and other advantages.

[@ejbgunny1]

They made me fill out a mental health questionnaire when they discovered I was from Minnesota. Perhaps they heard about frozen brain syndrome and wanted to make sure I wasn't going to pass along an irreversible ailment to the good people of the Philippines. Lol

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

LOL. I understand. Minnesota get in the international news more often than any other state often for the wrong reasons. I think there is something to the "frozen brain syndrome". One could probably write a book about that.

[@bw5343]

I'm originally from Minnesota, but have lived in Arizona long enough that my brain has thawed out. LOL.

[@PhilippinesMyParadise]

That was incredibly important Philippines Immigration information! I really enjoyed watching how you put it all together Rod. thanks for sharing, thumbs up and best regards/Ned👍

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ned. It seemed the Immigration online info was better presented when I first moved here and I found it a bit confusing. They may have left some of the details out online because each office has some discretion in how the administer the program.

[@ZebraFacts]

I wish I had these types of videos when I began traveling to the Philippines. I began traveling to the Philippines back in 2005. In 2009 I moved to the Philippines and acquired an "I" card (equal to a US Green card). I didn't have to because I was married to a Filipina which allowed me a one-year extension (automatically). It was a bit of a challenge to get my I card but then everything you do in the Philippines is a challenge.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Neat Gifts. I also wish there had been more information available to me but that opened up an opportunity that has become a full time job many days. That balikbayan privilege is great when married.

[@boognow6728]

I'm on a 13A IF YOU DON'T SHOW UP FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT IT'S BIG TROUBLE CAN REQUIRE AN ATTORNEY YOU CAN ALSO BE DEPORTED.

[@kaileymonique949]

BOOGNOW . Trouble is an understatement...they will lock up in Bicutan in the Most Appalling conditions for a minimum three months prior to deporting you at your expense!!

[@boognow6728]

@@kaileymonique949Monique thanks for the info I knew you could be deported but did not know of the 3-month ordeal.

[@virendrapatel7277]

I am American green card holder but indian citizen I have 14 days no requirement Philippines entry than I can only 7 days visa extension in Philippines immigration office so do you know now in New immigration changed how many days indian citizen with us green holder can live how many days or still only 14 days like before change Philippines immigration new law please thank .your voice is so clear so easy to understand what you say than others you tubers vedios

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

This new law is not passed yet so we will have to wait and see Virendra.

[@pauljones3557]

There are two Immigration offices in cebu one at J center mall Mandaue and one at Island Mall Matcan. Island Mall has a faster service. If you arrive on a one way ticket you need to show a outward ticket. it can be for 11 months in advance. It does not have to be for 30 days in advance. You can get a one year multiple entry visa from any Philippines embassy. Which let's you stay 59 days per entry. A one year multiple entry visa cost $90. If you enter 3 or more times a year in good value for money as a visa extension from 30 days to 59 days cost 3130 pesos. =$61.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Paul. I will cover some of the other visas later. I am familiar with the 1 year multiple entry visa but most expats do not want to leave every 59 days which is expensive in itself. I recently read that a congressman wants to change immigration law to require visitors to acquire a visa before visiting and to set up a quota system. Hopefully, this will not pass into law.

[@virendrapatel7277]

Your this vedio is of 2019 showing visa costs but what about now in 2023 visa cost .can you show this information please

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Not much has changed so almost the same, maybe a little change in 1 fee or so.

[@mikeywallace]

intramurous is the best office i know of for a quick 6 month visa extension . normally less than 2 hrs. i've never been asked by imm upon landing here for an onward ticket. departing airports have asked me. no,problem bringing food here

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Mike.

[@Kwanglebeh]

You're allowed to come and go with as much cash as you like,if it's over 10 grand just you need to declare it.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Yes, thanks. I misspoke on that issue.

[@jenjaylewis549]

Your wording is all off and they changed the max amount of money to $8,000.00 declared on you in 2015.

[@3jhoward]

@@jenjaylewis549 Wrong, it is 10k. Anything more you need to declare, so your wording is all off.

[@Kitiwake]

@@jenjaylewis549 it was 10k in 2015.

[@Kitiwake]

Don't carry more than 10k while traveling into any foreign country that allows it. Yes you can declare over that amount but you are flashing yourself and will be pulled in and treated like your have performed some major crime... And all that goes with it.

[@gimponatrip425]

Just out of curiosity. I hope you can answer this question if you get married to a Filipino person. Don't you automatically become a citizen over there or so that you could negate these fees?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

There is a Balikbayan privilege if married to a Filipino but I am not sure of all of the details yet.

[@mikeywallace]

no more stickers in pp. now they stamp your receipt with visa expiration date. bring your receipt when you renew

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Mike. That is my experience most of this year, just receipts.

[@vegascon9860]

I recommend a one way throw away ticket to Taiwan. It’s cheapest.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks. One can also buy a full price ticket somewhere with a refund option and get your money back.

[@michaelm.9947]

Hi Vegas, how much is a ticket to Taiwan at the present time?

[@JamesLee-sd3fk]

I want to live threre. I am a 75yr old Vet wanting to retire there so what do I have to do please.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I suggest you contact JRC Visa Consultancy with offices in Cebu City, Dumaguete, and Moalboal James. They have helped many expats. There facebook link is: facebook.com/jrcvisa.cbu.ph

[@marineboyocean]

I’ve never been asked to show a return ticket 🎫 I’ve visited on 5 different occasions ??

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting Mark. I think most of us have been asked for an "ongoing" or return ticket before boarding a flight to the Philippines.

[@marineboyocean]

Ohhh I thought you meant at Phil immigration in Manila. Maybe because the airline company in Australia knew I already had a return ticket ?

[@michaelhaidee]

Very good info for the newbie coming to the Philippines 👍. Yes bring your photos before you enter the office. At the immigration office in General Santos City, there is no wait. Only takes me 10 minutes. Funny I get charged an extra 1000 peso for the "Express Lane" fee... but no one is in the office 😂. total is like 3300 peso.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing your experience Michael.

[@davidblair9078]

Sounds like that ex-pat from Dumaguette was Bud Brown...hmmm.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have met several expats from Dumaguete David...but it could have been Bud.

[@anthonykeller5120]

Thanks. Good information on the little things as well as the prices. It’s the little things that make you spend the most time - like building a house, the trim takes longer than the framing.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Anthony.

[@clydeseaside345]

The currency rule of 10 thousand is interesting----you bring into the country or take out 10 thousand American dollars, or Australian Dollars or Philippine Pesos---the currency doesnt matter but the rule is 10 thousand. Because I am now married to a Filipina and we are travelling together from Australia, even though I am only staying for 28 days, I asked at the airport for the Balikbayan Privilege, produced our marriage certificate and I was given a 12 months visa free. Lol, because of my wife;s current Australian visa conditions, she has to return in 30 days, I can stay for the year---but we are going home together

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that information Clyde. The Balikbayan privilege is a great perk.

[@boognow6728]

applied for new ACR card took me 5 hours had to wait 3 months for the card.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks BOOGNOW. I have had 3 ACR cards and the last one took a long time. Problems with Manila getting them done. Maybe out of plastic again.

[@mick-tl5ui]

it look me 30 minutes, but i have never received one yet, each time they kept telling me there was a "mechanical problem", but i always applied for it and paid for it, so as far as can see it is a done deal.

[@woodpeckery]

@@mick-tl5ui... Hopefully, you have a receipt for having paid for those ACR Cards. A 'mechanical problem'??! Robotics installed at the Immigration Office... hahaha

[@boognow6728]

@@mick-tl5ui, They should have a secure drop off box with a notice as to how long replacement takes then give you a call when the card is ready then you can sign and pay to get everything taken care of

[@micpotato8158]

Yes “it’s more dumb in the philippines”

[@ilovethephilippines8991]

Once again a nice listen, very informative, may i add a bit,, i am Australian and one year applied for the visa to stay 59 days while still in Aus, cost way more than just getting the extension after arriving, so i dont do that anymore, just extend when i am there. Thanks again mate, looking forward to your next one.. . Regards Eddie Sydney/ Jagna.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thank you very much. Yes, the 1 year visa require you to leave every 59 days or sooner which has travel expenses also.

[@angeljoykip4961]

U gave best explanation I do appreciate

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Angeljoy.

[@niezelkathrynfernando3806]

Do they require additional documents if you extend for 6 months after the first 59 days?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

No. You fill out the same simple extension form, no additional pictures or documents needed for the tourist visa extension unless you never supplied pictures originally. That is my experience.

[@niezelkathrynfernando3806]

Amazing Philippines thanks a lot! Have you also tried to go out of the country only after 3 years? Because I have read that it is advisable to go out of the the Philippines every 6 months.

[@bonzotalonzo9072]

I have to go to BI in a couple days to update both my Visa and ACR Card which should cost over 10,000p. I get the 6 mo. ext. & never have been asked for the pics. All offices don't appear to be the same either. Iloilo has dress code requirement right on the wall & they also will charge you if you don't provide 2 copies of your Passport (personal info page & last stamp page).

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting and thanks for sharing that Lawrence. Each office has some discretion on how the operate.

[@r.martin6584]

I have a question: what happens if I fly to Hong Kong for a few days just before my initial 59 day visa extension expires. When I return to the Philippines, does the clock start over again on the date of my return? (ie. Do I start over again with the initial free 30 days, etc.?)

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Ralph. When you take a trip out of the country and return to the Philippines, your visa starts from scratch again with the free 30 days,

[@rgb711]

My question is, what are the ramifications if your visa is current but your ACR card has expired? Any penalties for an expired ACR card?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I tried to renew my ACR card and was told it had to be done at the same time I apply for an extension which put it past the expiration date. It was their policy and not mine so no penalty. I suspect all immigration offices handle this the same way but not positive.

[@sashashpiruk4865]

Last year I entered Philippines with only 30 days left on my passport and no one said a word to me. ( I didn't do it on purpose. Didn't think it was up so soon). But my stay in Philippines that time was only 21 days...

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that. I am sure they do not catch everything so you lucked out I think.

[@davidhosking436]

You can get it done in the Airport at a cost

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

That is what I have heard under the present circumstances.

[@peterlloyd1434]

Thanks Rod, more helpful info, much appreciated 👍

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Peter. I will add other visa info and updates soon.

[@mikeywallace]

some satellite office require fotos. intramurous does not require anything except pp and visa extension form

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Photos are required for your 1st extension Mike.

[@mikeywallace]

i dont think fotos are required at intramrous unless it's for acr card

[@mikeywallace]

intramurous does online appointments now

[@michaelspencer6523]

It changed in 2021, must contact philippines embassy for a visa or not allowed to enter philippines

[@franciscoverra2307]

F Ur not use expressline less 1k

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Yes, thanks Francisco.

[@michaelspencer6523]

The 30 day visa is not now in philippines , hou must purchase 90 day visa before enter philippines from usa and must have a eound trip ticket before they sale you the visa

[@davidhosking436]

Thanks for information.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks David.

[@mikeywallace]

visitors can stay up to 3 yrs

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Correct.

[@KINSEY1956]

I have had nothing but good experiences, so far, with the Philippine immigration offices. I had some pictures taken for my ACR card. To my surprise, they already had my picture on file from me visiting the country about a year before. who says the Philippine immigration offices are not technically up-to-date...lol

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Tom. I have also had good experiences.

[@virendrapatel7277]

In 2015 I got tourist visa here in San Francisco usa Philippines consulate office for 58 days on my usa green card when ARRAIVED IN MANILA AIRPORT IMMIGRATION COUNTER I SAW MY 58 DAYS VISA STICKER ON MY PASSPORT PAGE BUT IMMIGRATION OFFICER STAMPED ON MY PASSPORT ONKY 7 DAYS AS I AM BEING INDIAN CITIZEN GREEN HOLDER .BUT I DIDN'T CHECKED STAMP THAN I LIVED 5I DAYS ACCORDING TO MY VISA ACQUIRED IN SAN FRANCISCO WHEN I WAS RETURNING BACK TO INDIA IMMIGRATION LADY OFFICER TOLD ME I OVER STAYED IN PHILIPPINES THAN I SAW HER MY VISA STAMP PAGE IN MY PASSPORT .SHE TOLD ME WHEN I ARRIVED AT THAT TIME IMMIGRATION OFFICER STAMPED YOU FOR 7 DAYS ONLY SO SHE CALLED HER SUPERVISOR THAN SUPERVISOR CHECKED MY PASSPORT VISA ON AIRPORT COMPUTER THAN HE TOLD ME YOUR VISA FROM SAN FRANCISCO PHILIPPINES CONSULATE OFFICE DIDNOT RECEIVED EVEN AFTER MORE THAN 65 DAYS SO I HAD TO PAY 8200 HUNDREDS PESOS FINE ACCORDING TO SUPERVISOR .SO THAT WAS EXTREMELY WORST COMPUTER SYSTEM IN PHILIPPINES AT THAT TIME ..

[@jamestv231]

Hi Rod. I’ve watched your videos for several years now and really appreciate them. I visited the Philippines back in 2017 for 4 months. I enjoyed it so much I’m planning an early retirement there in a few years. I had heard about that you had to leave after 3 years. How long must you leave for before you can come back? One week. Two weeks? Thanks

[@erbinbronira9837]

24 hrs.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks James. There is some discussion and disagreement about whether you need to be gone 24 hours or if less is ok. To be safe I would plan on returning after 24 hours. I know people in other SE Asian countries make "border runs" by bus often and they cross the border and come right back into Thailand, Vietnam, etc and it is just to get the foreign visa stamp showing you had left.

[@michaelspencer6523]

Plus id over stay visa date there is jail time plus you will not ne allowed to enter for life you be black listed

[@BossChronicles]

What are options for American citizens planning to stay long term ?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

There is the SRRV visa and requires a bank deposit of $10,000 USD in a PH bank or that amount in the purchase of a condo or investment in a company Shawn. I will cover some of that in a video soon.

[@acepapd]

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts (and/or experiences that others have shared with you) regarding the SRRV instead of extending a tourist visa. Thank you for this (another) informative video.

[@pauljones3557]

SRRV cost more than a visa extension. 1400 us dollars to start with just for the application . then $360 a year to keep the SSRV. then the loss of interest on 10.000 or 20.000 us, dollars that you have to put in the bank account . If you have a pension of more than 800 us dollars a month you only need to put 10.000 us dollars in a bank account. If you stop the SRRV visa it takes up to 4 months to get your 10.000 or 20.000 us dollars back. Work out the costs before you think about the SRRV visa. The 360 us dollar a year fee can go up at any time.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I will be doing a video about some of the other visas soon. Thanks.

[@draganserdar9999]

You must be immigration,adviser,

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I wish Sonny. I have some experience, listen to others, and read from the govt sites.

[@jimchan1718]

you give a lot of important imformation about immigrating to Philippines. thanks sir. I hope next year I can go to there to apply SRRV identity first.it's going to charge me $50000. may I ask cebu city allow to apply SRRV?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jim. I believe you can apply for the SRRV in Cebu City but not positive. I will try to look into the details.

[@jsmat111]

I went to Mandue city 5 days ago,for my 3rd month extension and ACR card i paid 6458 pesos for 2 month extension and 1500 pesos for ACR card...i was surprise NO NEED PHOTOS or COPYS OF PASSPORT for ACR card..just back in 2 month for ACR card

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks j matias. Each office has some discretion in what they require.

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

Rod- When You get a 2 month extension at the airport upon arrival- Are You than good for 3 months total (Initially)? Or is it just extending Your initial 30 days to 60 days?

[@pauljones3557]

You can only get a 29 day visa extension at the airport. the cost of the 29 day extension at cebu airport is 3000 pesos

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

You end up with the 59 days approved Tom, not 3 months.

[@bobbypage4854]

Paul Jones do I have to have a ongoing ticket ? My stay will be 38 days can I just apply for the extension at the airport & pay the $3000 pesos? I hope I can just do this at airport without having to have a ongoing flight. Thank you

[@bobbypage4854]

Amazing Philippines my stay is 38 days. Can I just apply for the extension at the Philippine airport in Cebu? Or do I have to have a ongoing ticket also? Thank you Rod 🙏✌️

[@VittoShulman]

How many times we should explain the greenhorns like you that your ongoing/return ticket doesn't have to be withing 30 days of arrival. It can be any date - 4 months, 6 months or you can even buy an open date ticked at some companies. And yes they do check the return ticket. Last time I was checked twice - by the airline when I was boarding the plain and then by immigration so make sure you have it and print it out. I went to extend in Makati and the whole process took about 20 min: was very easy and stress free.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Vitto. I stand corrected.

[@mikecool3378]

How about Retirement visa you didn’t talk about

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I will cover the SRRV and other "special" visas in another video.

[@Steve7318]

I'm an SRRV holder and for those that are willing and able to do it I'd highly recommend it. You'll avoid some of the hassles associated with Immigration and ACR cards. In fact you won't even have to go to BI. You can come and go multiple entry as you wish. There's an ID card you'll have to renew once a year but it doesn't involve going to BI. That's about the only hassle with it.

[@SportsIncorporated]

I'm 2 and a half minutes in and it's already great comprehensive info. Thank you.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Stephan.

[@randallq6228]

Hi Rod, thanks for this excellent video, the information you're shared is very useful and has clarified some things for me. I hope to travel to Cebu to visit a good friend of mine in January. So this is helpful information indeed. Take good care,

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Randall and safe travels.

[@LloydDaySka]

mactan Island immigration office in island mall. in at 8 am out 8:35 you must exact amount

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing your experience Lloyd. That is always a challenge when people cannot make change from larger bills.

[@davidjames1684]

@Amazing Philippines - I flew into the same Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) when I first went to see my then girlfriend, now fiancee. I am interested in retiring in the Philippines within the next few years (but as early as Christmas of 2020), so I have been researching the SRRV (Special Resident Retirement Visa). The one part that concerns me the most is the $20,000 bank deposit requirement (about 1 million pesos). I don't know if they hold onto that "forever" or if someone like me would be able to use that money for bills, food... (but not investments like a condo or business for example). I plan on living with my fiancee in Mindanao in her house. I am also wondering why I need the SRRV if I marry her in USA and then her and I both go back to live in her house in the Philippines. Also, do I even have to be married to her or can I live with her as my indefinite fiancee?

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks David and good luck with your plans. If you marry here you can avail of the Balikbayan privilege which is basically a 1 year privilege to stay in the country. If you don't marry, the SRRV is an option and I believe that has to stay deposited or used for a property or business investment.

[@davidjames1684]

@Amazing Philippines - That answer is not clear to me. If I marry her in USA then retire in Philippines, the first year would be "free" and then after that, I need to still get the SRRV? If that is the case, I would only save about $360 which I think is the annual renewal fee for the SRRV. So even if married to her, I still need a "stay deposit" of $20,000 (about P 1 million) for the entire stay while in Philippines? What if I never leave Philippines? I never get it back, assuming I never buy property and never use it for any business investment there? Why would they charge someone money if they are already married to a Filipina and want to live in her house there? That doesn't make much sense to me. As her future husband, I should be able to live with her for "free" (no SRRV required), unlike a single man that wants to retire there.

[@leofreihofer]

Good information to know. Never overstayed a trip. Wouldn't know how to get a visa to extend my stay.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Leo. Overstaying can get expensive.

[@piratecovephilippines4711]

Great information, the price list you have are the same as the BI website and are up to date, but can be hard for some to find on there.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks. The immigration site was easier to navigate back in 2015 in my opinion.

[@mick-tl5ui]

I think i will try the non fast lane on my next trip next year. Rizal st. makati office tell me it takes three days! i think i can live with that

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Michael. It will save you a little money unless you have to travel far to get it.

[@thebigcheese6606]

Hi Rod, do you know if you can get a 59day VISA AT CEBU airport on entry? As I have heard you can at the immigration office there for php3000. Thanks.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I know people who have done it also. You would have to ask at the airport to direct you to the proper office.

[@thebigcheese6606]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 thanks for answering.

[@jamflo2]

Great job,,, your got my sub,, be Blessed and stay Awesome!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks JamFlo and take care.

[@cgj3888]

Nice one Thanks for sharing good info bang up to day SMILES

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks C Gj.

[@delawaresurf5422]

Hi rod, I enjoy your videos. A caveat you may want to consider for those in audience that are married to Philippine citizen and u both enter Phil together (citizen holding ur passport), immigration will give you a one year visa. I did it a few times and verified it at local bi office. It’s a privilege govt gives. Not certain if it’s extendable, but I would imagine a short hop out of country is ok, and you can renew it.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Joe. The Balikbayan privilege of the spouse will be brought up in a future video. I think you have to leave the country for 1 day after a year.

[@edmondfookwenglee6372]

Spouse visa. And any accompanying children will also be given the 1 year visa. Sometimes immigration at airport asked for the marriage certificate. No need to fill up any forms. Never asked for on going ticket and doesn't need to pay anything.

[@michaelm.9947]

Thanks Rod for sharing this great info. Is it more expensive to do a 6 month extension than a 1 or 2 month over all? And at what point can you go ahead and do the 6 month extension? I just dont want to have to go every month to do it. As always, appreciate all the info you give!!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Visa renewals cost about $30 USD or 1500 pesos/month. You can save a bit with the 6 month as you aren't paying the "express Lane" fee as often. I have heard that they may not be handing out 6 month extensions as all immigration offices in the future so will have to wait and see.

[@michaelm.9947]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 cool thanks Rod. Yeah I will have to see which offices will do them. Thanks for the reply!!

[@wtf6694]

OMG ! Over 10k PHP for 3 months visa :(

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Visa costs need to be considered in your budget Adam. It averages about $30 US or 1500 pesos/month not including the required ACR card at 60 days.

[@edwardkitson1137]

All these fees....just a scam, to screw visitors

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I think fees will go up in many countries in the future as they need $$$ Edward.

[@bw5343]

Do you know anyone with the SRRV? 10-20k u.s deposit. Just curious in what they think about it.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

There are several people with the SRRV commenting and it is an option. I am not an expert so I would suggest you do some more research and search the forums of expats also B W. I will do a video about it in the future but personal experience can offer a lot of advice.

[@ericsoles1055]

If you are 50 or over it a 10,000 USD Philippians bank deposits plus a 1,500 USD application fee under 50 it 20,000 bank deposit

[@em2laer]

Thanks Rod for making this very informative video

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for watching Harold.

[@markmessick9856]

Thank you for your friendly helpful information.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Mark and safe travels.

[@derektolliday7694]

Good video rod, enjoyed watching 😎👍.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Derek. It was an interesting project and I am learning more from the comments also.

[@KrissBartlett]

been in and out 20 or more times over the years never had to show a ticket going out Rod maybe they know us pretty well there also im always in a wheel chair lately i cant walk of the plane Bud Brown did say he met you and a man there as well at immigration

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting. Are you on the Balikbayan visa Kriss.

[@leolopponen9010]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Balikbayan PRIVILEGE you mean Rod... This has nothing to do with immigration. I allways travel with my Balikbayan wife into the country, so I have a FREE STAY 365 days with ANY hassle about any visas. If going out within a year I dont even have to order any ECC also. When coming back WITH my wife...has to ask this privilege at the border!! They put a stamp where can be seen the LAST legal day in the country! If want to stay IN the Philippines MORE than these 365 days, have THEN go to apply for these visas. Thats it.

[@lippyfam538]

i do mine in bacolod no pic needed normally in and out fast

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for that update Ed.

[@janedudynsky5067]

Hi Rod. One of the reason why I applied for dual citizenship so my husband and I could stay in the Philippines as long as we want with no more fees to worry. Thanks for the video Rod.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jane. That sound like a very good option.

[@latinmaleaz]

hi Jane....I have dual citizenship: US and Salvadoran. Can I obtain a Filipino citizenship and keep my current citizenships? Where do I begin? THX.

[@janedudynsky5067]

@@latinmaleaz Hi! If you're married to a Filipino citizen you can get an immigration visa if you decide to live in the Philippines but can't get a Filipino citizenship.

[@MrMunjacake]

what if my plane ticket is 60 days returrn ?....cant i just come in....and go to the visa ext office before 30 days is up. ( say within approx 21 days ) ..and then , just get the 1 month extension ???....

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

I have heard different things on this matteo but I now believe that will be ok to have a return or ongoing ticket past the 30 days. The site does not state 30 days clearly.

[@MrMunjacake]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 yah....there is an ozzie friend of mine that travels regularely...and he assures me that it is ok.....just to make sure to go get the extension .....at arund the 21 day mark......but it freakin me out coz a lotta other bloggers are saying to use the throw away ticket method ????

[@VittoShulman]

yes it is OK. The return ticked can be any date. There is no requirement that it should be within 30 days. And you can extend your visa anytime. I recommend you do it right the next day after arrival so you have it off from your mind.

[@brianp6097]

I have travelled twice with a return ticket 6-8 weeks after arrival with no problem, they know that you can extend easily to 59 days and I have done this both times at Mactan airport.

[@fazbell]

Philippines has the sanest visa system for retirees in Asia. No actual "retirement visa" but you can stay indefinitely on a tourist visa. This is the way to do it. "Come and stay for a buck a day".

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Fred. Immigration is always subject to change also.

[@davidhosking436]

Thank you for the information

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

My pleasure David.

[@TheExpatCajun]

If you are with your Philippine wife you can be stamped for up to one year now upon entry into the country!!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Robby. That balikbayan priviledge of 1 year is a great beneft.

[@TheExpatCajun]

Robert Vruwink yes they stamped it right there. Hers also.

[@aicsusa]

Great information thanks!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks AICS USA.

[@fatherwolfs1]

Thanks Rod! Great video! Salamat Po!

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks fatherwolfs. I made a couple of wrong statements and will be doing an update in the coming week.

[@fatherwolfs1]

@@AmazingPhilippines1 Who knows, things from what I hear can change overnight there like the currency exchange.. Thanks Rod for your candor! Salamat!

[@jonross8925]

I usually go to the Philippines just for the Ladies.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks Jon.

[@acw2237]

As long as not chix with dix

[@micpotato8158]

Well we don’t come to philippines for the Filipino food that’s for sure

[@acw2237]

@@micpotato8158 Haha.. Most sux but I do like some

[@thebigcheese6606]

I see you said..

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks.

[@mick-tl5ui]

Rizzal st Makati, 30 mins top, no photos, pants no shorts

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks for sharing that Michael.

[@micpotato8158]

Yes that may be true for makati but the rest of the country is dis functional and you can wait months for the acr card to be issued....while I’m on the topic of ACR cards,I once showed mine to the LTO officer in surigao city as my form of identification while trying to get him to correct my name on my Filipino drivers licence,coz they had botched that up when It was issued to me 3 years earlier,another matter....anyhow he had never seen an ACR card before and wouldn’t accept it as valid id...meanwhile we get told they are compulsory for long term foreigners and are supposedly good to make drivers licence with and open a bank account with....I see it as just a money grab and a load of paperwork that they love to bury themselves in

[@rryder994]

Thanks for the info, I've met a lady (online) and been conversing since June....I don't like flying so that's an issue we're trying to deal with.

[@caseylance88]

If you are flying from the US, take EVA Air. Pretty comfortable even in economy, they just do a quick pit stop in Taipei and other than that its just nonstop a**hauling straight to the Phils :) If all the airports and changing planes is what the issue is for you, then thats the way to go

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Thanks rryder. I don't care for flying but I do it. I had considered taking a freight ship. It would probably take a couple of weeks and one wouldn't want to go during typhoon season probably. There are travel agencies that do those type of booking. Just search for freighter ship travel. They can take up to 12 passengers without being labeled a passenger ship.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

EVA seems to be a favorite with many for a good price and reasonably comfortable. Korean Air and Cathay get high marks also.

[@terrancealona3818]

Amazing Philippines nice video good as other option how much around price would be taking a ship say to Hawaii or California