visa extension in the philippines

[Chris & Tiffy 0]

I am going to the Philippines in Dec. to be with my fiancee for her interview and hopefully bring her home with me. Because of her Japan police clearance we have no idea how long it will take for her to be approved. My question is; Do I need to have a return flight to enter the Philippines? I am aware of the free 21 day tourist visa and that I can extend after said days. Can I get say a 2 month visa in the states before I depart just so I dont have to fly back to manila after the 21 days just to extend? Any advice would be great. thank you and good luck everyone

[Bumbero 130]

It has been posted that yes, you do need a return flight to enter the country. Some have said to get a "throw away" ticket to show you do plan to leave the country. Otherwise, you can find out how much it is to purchase an open ended ticket and change the date of departure as needed.

As far as the request for a 2 month visa before you leave, I am not sure about that. I know when I had to extend my visa past the 21 day original, we went to Olongapo to their Customs and Immigration satellite office. Depending on where you are staying, their might be a satellite office in that area and may not require a trip to Manila to extend your visa.

Hope that helps..

[jameugiekaxavilon 25]

Yes you need to have a return ticket. Its one of the requirements when you apply for an extension of stay in Bureau of Immigration Philippines. My husband first purchased a ticket only one trip and no return because he doesn't know when he will fly back. And he applied for a two months extension in BI Philippines while he was still is the State but his application was return back because he didn't gave a return ticket. So he was forced to get a round trip (If only we knew that we can just bought a ticket from philippines to nearer country like Malaysia or singapore just to exit the country it would be much cheaper for us but too late for that he already purchased a round trip). And even when he apply for another extension in the philippines his return ticket was still asked in the Immigration. Good luck and GOD bless!!

[thinkerlove0212 158]

It has been posted that yes, you do need a return flight to enter the country. Some have said to get a "throw away" ticket to show you do plan to leave the country. Otherwise, you can find out how much it is to purchase an open ended ticket and change the date of departure as needed.

As far as the request for a 2 month visa before you leave, I am not sure about that. I know when I had to extend my visa past the 21 day original, we went to Olongapo to their Customs and Immigration satellite office. Depending on where you are staying, their might be a satellite office in that area and may not require a trip to Manila to extend your visa.

Hope that helps..

Yip! Many dont have return ticket especially Airline employees such as I. I only have had standby listings, But I would Tread carefully because it has been reported even in Phil newspapers and blogs that Phils immigratration will be cracking down. which means you get turned back, airlines heavily fined. This would be at the departing airlines expense. The airline is the one that is suppose to check before you depart. play it safe and find the cheapest ticket out such as Tiger or Cebu out of country. You literally throw it away if not used. Some will say buy open end or refundable but they are expensive to begin with.

Edited October 26, 2012 by Anne and Bret

[Chris & Tiffy 0]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

We'll probably purchase a ticket to Singapore since they don't require a Visa if you stay there within 30 days. Just in case Immigration would ask for it too.

Thanks again!

[TBoneTX 43,982]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Case Progress to Philippines regional subforum -- topic not about an immigration process. ***

[Hank_ 9,173]

This is back in March, but I did my 59 day extension at the Bureau of Immigrations only took a couple hours, I did not bring a copy of my return ticket and they did not ask.

You do need a departing ticket though.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

Singapore will stamp USC passport with 90 days and only 30 for Filipinos.