The Philippine government has created a new online system for tourists who wish to extend their stay beyond the initial period granted on their tourist visa.

Key Points:

• The authorized maximum period of stay granted for all temporary visitor visas is 59 days. Generally, an individual with a 9a entry visa is granted an initial 59-day authorized stay which can be extended in-country, with some nationalities qualifying for a reduced initial stay. Those qualified for visa waiver entry are given an initial stay of 30 days.
• Previously, if an applicant wanted to stay beyond 59 days, an application for extension of stay needed to be filed at the Bureau of Immigration office in Manila, or the immigration office that was closest to an applicant’s temporary residence.
• The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has now launched an online application and payment system that allows eligible foreign nationals the ability to extend their temporary visitor visa online.
• The new process is effective immediately, and the same requirements and fees remain in place.
• Applicants will receive an email confirmation after successfully filing and paying online as opposed to a physical receipt.

Additional Information: The online extension for the temporary visitor visa is available to foreign nationals admitted under section 9(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act. There are certain groups that are ineligible. These individuals must still apply for extensions at a Bureau of Immigration office.

BAL Analysis: The new process should create a faster application process for eligible foreign nationals and save time and costs by offering an alternative to visiting a Bureau of Immigration office in person.