MY PHILIPPINES TOURIST VISA EXTENSION. APPROVED, OR DO I HAVE TO LEAVE?

[@DShizzel]

They're just doing due diligence after Manila said to do better interviews. One problem they may encounter is foreigners who can't control their tempers and start yelling during the interview. In that case, they're being handed a reason to deny on a silver platter, aren't they? You handled it quite well.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate, I agree. That's all that they are doing, at least at the moment anyway. 👍

[@kevink1214]

I have been renewing my visa extensions on the BI website. So quick and easy and done in 5 mins and got the approval typically the next day. The BI sends you a PDF with the visa extension approval via email. I think now they make you go into the BI office every other time now. No need to use JRC, or any agency for that matter, it is so easy for just a tourist visa. I never had to do biometrics for my ACR card since I did the renewal online. I just had to pick up the ACR card at the BI office. They also just used my passport photo for the ACR card.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

THat's interesting that you were able to do the ACR card online. Good info, thanks 👍

[@BuckeyestoBananas]

I've been going to an agency to do my extension, September I will be here 4 months. I went in today to check to see if my next extension went through, they said it hadn't came yet probably due to the Holiday here in the Philippines. The last time it was done early, needless to say It kind of worried me, but when I applied the agency didn't ask me anything and took my payment so I guess I'll check back in a few days. It seems that they are focused on that year mark. Thanks for the video!

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate, I really woudn't worry about yours, I'm sure it will be fine 👍

[@dochi1958]

Way over thinking it. You did right- keep it simple & truthful. They aren't police investigating a crime & trying to break you, just trying to weed out the low lifes that cause problems & trouble.

[@floribertosousa2251]

Hi 👋 Simon. Great 👍 informational video about your personal experience on renewing and extending your visitor visa. Thanks mate and keep up the great work.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate, much appreciated my friend 👍

[@B_Tama]

Well that was weird. After watching your video last night I thought here we go, I've been doing all of my extensions online for six months and when I tried this one it said I have to go to the BI office. So in I go to MarQuee Mall Angeles City office, filled out the form and took it to the lady at the window. She checked it and filled in bits I wasn't sure about. She asked for my last visa and as I had done it online I showed her the email. Then she printed out the bill and sent me to the cashier. I paid her 2830PHP and she gave me a slip and said come back to window 5 in 2 hours. I go back to window 5, give the guy the slip and he says write your nationality, name and sign it gives me my passport and visa and that was it.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

For what it's worth, it's just my opinion (so it's not worth a lot 😂) I think that's going to happen a lot more going forward. I think online applications will get rejected more often, and people will be directed to go to immigration in person more often. I don't think it means more applications will get turned down, I just think they are going to want more "face to face" applications so they can assess people's applications in more detail before they issue extensions.

[@B_Tama]

@SpeakingofAsia Yeah, true mate. Just surprised me after looking at all of the videos. Maybe cause everyone else was in shorts and T Shirts, hahaha

[@QuadraAce]

They only interview after 1 year

[@B_Tama]

@@QuadraAce I have been extending my visa for over a year. The first two times were for 6 months.

[@jimprendergast1827]

I think your first hand experiences are of invaluable worth to expats Take care Jim

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks Jim, be lucky mate 👍

[@JunBermz]

Their questions have no wrong answers. It’s more about how you act appropriately and respond confidently in the interview.

[@britgerus1956Glenn]

How do you know?

[@emris_merlin]

It depends on officer. I extended in Manila last week and waited for one hour because they interviewed one person

[@edwinje]

They ask to see if you mess up and say you have a business or are building a house. Having a business on tourist visa is a big no no, and building a house or other things indicating a permanent stay you should apply for a different visa.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Yep, that's what I think they're doing too 👍

[@just_russ4633]

I have always found the ladies in Dumaguete to be very friendly and helpful. I have had to appoint my sister in law to act on my behalf because I cannot walk anymore, which makes it impossible to catch a bus and attend the office in person. They always charge me express lane because of her representing me. I don't know why they do this but I just comply with whatever they want. They did ask why she was still representing me the last time she went. They also asked her to bring copies of my marriage certificate next time I extend. Maybe I need to apply for a PR visa next time, who knows. Anyway stay safe everyone and enjoy your time here.

[@Steve-nu4sv]

According to Immigration consultants NOTHING in the rules have changed. You can still extend your tourist visa for up to a maximum of 36 months. The Memorandum from the BI office in Manila to district offices is a reminder to check and verify the information provided is accurate and that the applicant meets the requirements for the visa to be extended. Someone recently posted about a problematic interview in relation to a 13A application. The interviewing officer indicated he was dissatisfied and would be recommending the application be denied. He then went to a visa agent explained his problem. They reviewed the paperwork, contacted the BI office asked for the application be looked at again and consequently the application was granted.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

I don't think any one has said that ANYTHING in the rules has changed did they? I know I certainly didn't.

[@Steve-nu4sv]

@@SpeakingofAsia I saw a number of posts after news of the Memorandum was released. Quite a number of vloggers indicated that the changes were of concern. Something of a knee jerk reaction. The Filipina Pea did a vlog with an Immigration Consultant who clarified the situation. Mike's Philippine Retirement followed up with a similar interview with another Immigration Consultant who said the same as the one in the vlog by FP. Ultimately the Government of the Philippines get to decide what their Immigration Policy will be. The vast majority of visitors and expats visit the PH obey the rules and make significant contributions to the local economy some even volunteer to support good causes. It makes no sense to disrupt that and I don't think the Government will.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@@Steve-nu4sv Fair enough 👍

[@kieranloftus7945]

Hi Simon, love your vloggs and am a fellow Brit. I have FINALLY after 7 years decided to make an exploratory trip to philippines for 28 days from about 18th Dec to 12th Jan 25. What would you say would be the best itinerary?. I would fly to Cebu..should I then ferry to dumaguete over xmas, maybe Siqiuour Island?????. As the man on the ground how would you guide a newbie to getting the best experience within that month time frame.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Hello mate, good for you 👍 It’s a tricky one that, it really depends on what you’re into, beaches, bars, waterfalls, etc and why you’re coming here? If it’s purely for o holiday, I’m not sure if you would want to come to Dumaguete, Negros isn’t really a tourist destination, it’s more a place to live. But if you’re coming here because you’re thinking of moving over here long term in the future and you want a check out a few possible places to live, then it makes sense to come to Dumaguete. However, looking at purely logistically. Maybe start off in Cebu for a few days, then get the ferry to Bohol, have a few days there, then get the ferry to Siquijor for a few days there and then pop on the ferry over to Dumaguete to finish. Personally, I would leave the last week free so if I fell in love with somewhere on the way over, I could grab a few more days there on my way back to Cebu. Hope this helps mate, Be lucky 👍

[@kieranloftus7945]

@@SpeakingofAsia Much appreciated Simon for taking the time to reply. Oi Oi Saveloy !!

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@@kieranloftus7945 No worries mate, have a great time. If you do make it over to Dumaguete and want to grab a beer message me 🍺👍

[@brentstrippin8867]

Glad it went well.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate 👍

[@kieranloftus7945]

Hello Simon You kindly replied to me about travelling from Cebu to the islands over late Dec 23 to early January 24. It was muted on a vlogg that there could be possible problems at that time with travel on the ferries and getting tickets over xmas period. I was looking online and it appears that you can buy tickets in advance online (OceanJet) rather than queueing on the day at the ticket office. Is that something you have done and is that method reliable? I was going to island hop from Cebu to bohol, siqueour and Dumeguette. Someone suggested Agoda for general travel. Are they a one shop travel agent with online reps to guide you? . Thanks as always for your guidance. There's a beer (or two) in it for you :) Cheers Kieran Bournemouth UK

[@SpeakingofAsia]

No, I’ve never booked tickets in advance and to be honest I wouldn’t. The only company who lets you is Ocean Jet, and they always seem to leave ridiculously early. I’ve always turned up on the day (usually around lunch time) and always been able to get on the next available ferry, it’s never been a problem. If the ferries are running, you’ll get on one but make sure they are! They won’t be running on certain dates, Chriyas etc then you’ll be screwed. But if you’re really worried about getting a ferry just turn up earl, they leave every one to two hours (Dumaguete- Siquijor route) so there’s going to be space on one of them, remember it’s first come first serve so if you’re there you’ll get on. Sorry, can’t advise about Agoda, I’ve never used them, and I’ve never done Cebu - Bohol so I can’t advise you on that either I’m afraid. I hope this helps, be lucky mate 👍

[@MsVroege]

They put your gf's name in your application because if anything's happen to you they have someone to turn to or asking any information about you about...

[@SpeakingofAsia]

You could well be right, I hadn't thought of it that way 🤔 Thank you 👍

[@britgerus1956Glenn]

Simon Interesting. Like you I'm far from a fan of bureaucracy, I always say I was born anti establishment... Therefore I fully understand your concern/s etc... I'm also surprised that they didn't ask how you were supporting yourself .... Cheers Glenn

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@britgerus1956Glenn Yes, it's strange. They ask for an occupation, but I can't recall them asking about income or funds but that may well be on one of the forms, I've got a terrible memory All the best mate 👍

[@stevophillips4121]

This was brought about because of the Chinese here and their involvement with the POGO things, etc. Heard even the Chinese "mafia" is in Angeles City, with businesses, prosties and the like. I'd renewed my extensions 2 times previously online, easy/peasy. Last time it was denied, and a message said I needed to visit their BI Office (Cebu City) Again it was fast and easy, they were pretty empty this day. While I waited to get my paperwork back, my GF was outside, and came in as 2 security guys with 2 Chinese "tourists" Turns out these guys had been here over 8 months, without ever getting extensions. AND to top it off they were from Wuhan, China hmmmmm now what else originated from Wuhan lol "the Kung Flu". I will use the online renewal in the next day or 2 and see what happens. Been here 26 months, have a GF and our house I had built almost 2 years ago. They are aiming to push expats to the proper visa types is part of the reason. Which is fine, we are now working on our paperwork needed to get married and 13A visa to not have to deal with this mess much more lol.

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

Everything now is thks to China!!! Wait til they try to militarily invade!!😮

[@HustlingAbroad]

Good video mate. They told me you can only do it every other time online now, so you won't need to back for another 4 months, thank god. They did the same with me with the receipt and change. Best time to go seems to be around 3pm ish. The ACR takes a month, you can email the office to ask if it's arrived. So you will be able to do it online next time (super easy, just do it 4-5 days in advance, mine took a few days to clear. Can't wait for mine next time, think i'll use JCR 😂😂

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate, be lucky 👍

[@ManWithNoName-t2d]

I solved the whole BI issue by snowbirding it. 5 months 3 weeks in Cebu with US expat uncle, then I go back to Florida until I get bored (2 or 3 months) return here for another 5 months, 3 days. This way I use an agency for 3 extensions, never go to BI and leave before I need an EEC. The agency and extension fees are a paltry sum. I use the agency across the escalator from BI in Mandaue, cebu. 1,000 pesos flat fee, regardless of type of visa and extension.

[@justaguy-69]

i been here since 2010 and go to singapore every 3 years and come back with my wife and get a BB waiver for a year, last time i got a 2 mo ext it was normal, but theyve seen me and my wife for 10 years, so....? dont know what they could ask me, they know everything already.

[@bepitan]

the whole visa extension industry here is just a legalised shakedown ..the only reason for the new questions is because they are coming down hard on the troublesome pogo shenanigans ..if you looked like you were from that country up north and had no girlfriend here you might well be interrogated further.

[@leroyybrown]

So with officials who are providing an essential service (visas etc) they like to keep people off balance. That comment “very important how you answer this question” is a textbook example. I note they offered an express service for a premium that you purchased. Do you see how it works?

[@danvain]

No. The reason it's important is because if they determine you should be utilizing a visa other than a tourist visa...they will require that you start that process. That could entail traveling back home to get information that they would require for the new visa (i.e. proof of income, background check from your local law enforcement, DD-214, etc)

[@leroyybrown]

@@danvain so why was Simon worried that his visa might get rejected based on how he answered the very important question?

[@jamesgilbert2181]

i get every thing in a half hour every time i go to extend here in laguna never had to go back thats the way express works here

[@SpeakingofAsia]

You're lucky mate, I think next day is the quickest it works here in Dumaguete

[@Goodman849]

Hello mate. Reading the comments sounds like nothing to worry about. How do you finance it. Military pension or house rented back home?

[@SpeakingofAsia]

House mate 👍

[@michaelbingley4321]

Just renewed with an agent & no questions. I simply put in the box 'tourist'. 2 years extensions!

[@andylifetravels]

The answer is to do the retirement visa - its very reasonable I think 😀

[@kieranloftus7945]

Can you recommend any mid cost hotels in Dumaguete. Bit worried getting somewhere over xmas period.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

I like the Kingswick Residences & lodge.

[@jerrystanley6820]

Good video mate Isn't there a 1 year something you have to do

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@jerrystanley6820 Thanks Jerry. Yes, there is. I had to fill in a different form but that was it, at least as far as I know. 🤔 Thanks for watching 👍

[@AlreadyShort]

Thank Barry Jordan and all his troll supporters for this like Don C. As well as World Zoom , Marl Thornton, Gio, Paul old dog, Heidi and George. ALL not worth the oxygen they breathe. Insane all these ACR cards and fees and this and that. Pint of blood next?

[@roamingnomad3054]

Fixer will be the route I go I'm too lazy to deal with all that

[@SpeakingofAsia]

I don't blame you mate 👍

[@PeevyMctweevy]

Yeah, advertise the fact that you are going to break the rules on social media, you need your head examining...

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@@PeevyMctweevy I might be wrong mate but I think he means that he is going to use a visa agency instead of going to immigration in person. At least that's the way I took his comment anyway 👍

[@QuicknStraight]

I think you repeated the same thing about 20 times. You're overthinking it. I did my extension last week here in Taguig. I have been here almost 2 years since my last entry, on 2 month TV extensions. I am married to a Filipina (for 24 years, most of which has been lived outside the Philippines) and have a grown up dual-national son. I ALWAYS take all my docs when I go (marriage certificate, my son's birth certificate, my condo lease, etc.). I always fill the form in completely and accurately (particularly the address). This time, I was asked to show my marriage certificate and they took a photocopy of it. That was it. The guy just reminded me that my ACR was due for renewal when I go back in 2 months. There was no queue (I was second in line), so I don't think they were giving lengthy interviews. IMO, they are simply trying to weed out people who don't have a valid reason for staying. They probably want to know if you have a valid connection to the country and I don't see a problem with that. I don't see the problem with admitting you have a girlfriend and I don't see anything suspicious in them writing her name down. I think it's important to realise that they have been asked by BI HQ to ensure that people qualify for a TV extension and are not up to anything dodgy or illegal. They need records that show they are complying that memorandum. They have a job to do, as laid down by their bosses.

[@tyvid]

Hey Simon. Thanks mate for the inciteful video on tourist visa changes in the Philippines. I am in Thailand, where I did intend to make a commitment to retire. I have been staying here with an extension of stay stamp (yearly) based off a retirement visa I had originally, via an agent, and have been here for a large amount of time over 10 years. Unfortunately, Thailand has decided to change tax laws and enforce it starting from Jan 2024 and will necessitate expats in Thailand over 180 days lodging returns post Jan 2025. Incoming remittance tax. Basically potentially taxing your money transferred into Thailand to live off. A horrible tax for those who cannot get exemptions (such as most Aussie pensions that are not taxed in Australia and therefore under dual taxation agreements can be fully taxed in Thailand). As such, I need to look at alternative places to live. I want to spend some time in the Philippines to see if it suits me and I can restart my life again. I was intending to use the tourist visa option, which I knew was extendable up to 3 years. Seemed like a fantastic option rather than lodging some large sum of money into a foreign country with worrying lack of bank guarantees as well as lacking the great interest rates on savings in Australian banks. I always opt to keep the lion's share of my money in Australia where it is properly legally protected and has a certain government guarantee. I can trust the Australian legal system and as a citizen have more rights. So, my point is, I wanted to be able to spend a few years potentially in the Philippines to really sus it out as a viable retirement option for me, since Thailand seems to be going full steam ahead in taxing the hell out of expat's spending money. Philippines does not tax incoming remittances, which is a massive massive bonus. I am looking at near 20% tax on my pension money transferred into Thailand. That is a ridiculously expensive tax just for bringing it in to spend! It makes the cost of living so much more as well as now the convoluted tax return preparations that will be needed both in Australia (due to different tax year periods requiring a half year assessment and prepaid tax ahead of tax assessment date in Australia) and Thailand (will need an accountant to help verify and certify Australian documents). The stress involved, particularly for older expats will be immense. I am extremely stressed about it. So there is a bit of urgency in seeking other places to live. Until I am sure, I don't want to have to remit any large sum as a deposit in the Philippines (would rather never have to) and stay on a tourist visa. If I decide to make it my permanent home, then I would like the most affordable and practical visa option. I don't have full trust in South East Asian countries with my money to be entirely honest. But a relatively modest amount I could tolerate. The interviewing over visas is a bit sickening to hear as I thought it was bad enough in Thailand. I hope this is not going to be a permanent thing. Sounds daunting and stressful, like you are a criminal being interrogated for a crime.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Hello mate, I think you would be very wise to do that. Try before you buy. The Philippines is VERY different to Thailand, you might love, you might hate or you might be somewhere in the middle like me. Only some extended stays on some different islands here will answer that question for you. In terms of the new Thai tax regs, it is very worrying but they do have a long track record of back tracking, so fingers crossed 🤞 if enough people start voting with their feet, the government might have a rethink 👍

[@christosgiasemakis8960]

I will go to cebu on December for 45 days so i want to ask if at my arrival at the airport i cant extension my visa for 29 days so together with the 30 days that i will have will be fine, or i must go after my arrival in cebu imigration and take the 29 days?

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Sorry mate but no, I don''t think you can do that. You can't extend straight away. You'll have to wait a couple of weeks after you've arrived here before you can go to immigration to extend for the second month. 👍

[@Baloybeach]

Before 1 minute of watching this video I guarantee you get a visa.

[@Manila-sb3sn]

I’m having a coffee also.😊it’s 10:37 here in N Y.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Enjoy my friend. I bet it's a better brew than mine, I'm using instant gounds 😞😂

[@massari1174]

panglao immigration officer said that I couldn't tourist visa extension unless I had a reason such as having a family😅

[@kryzoxy1]

Same problems in Panglao, they don't want to extend visas after 12 months. So many friends happened the same.

[@martinsmith6666]

Maybe once you do those questions for the first time you may not need to have to do them again, they will be the same answer 😁

[@QuicknStraight]

I wonder what they would say if someone went back and gave a different girlfriend's name every time!

[@martinsmith6666]

@@QuicknStraight Are you testing the product 😁😅

[@Regi869]

I think visas are probably the most dreaded part of living OS. Glad you got it sorted ✌

[@SpeakingofAsia]

Thanks mate, I agree 👍

[@pdoyle9854]

Would you get in the shite for being married on a tourist visa? I dont fancy a chest xray

[@Ghekko-kw3zz]

You may get pushed into getting a 13a spouse visa after 2-3 extensions.

[@SpeakingofAsia]

@pdoyle9854 You would think so but it doesn't seem like you do, at least not yet. At least half the the guys I know over here have been here long term on tourist visas and they're married to Filipina's but it's never been a problem for them. So who knows??

[@britinoz4305]

I'd hate to be a Chinaman in this current climate ...

[@jerrystanley6820]

yeah my fixer always gets me a receipt too

[@SpeakingofAsia]

It's a lot more reassuring to have a receipt of some sort.I really didn't like leaving without anything.

[@Baloybeach]

Another one of your banal videos Simon. You can do better than your last couple of posts, use that grey matter mate. This is a go to video for every blogger that has no imagination or ingenuity to post something of interest.