Tourist Visa Extensions in the Philippines
Extend your tourist visa and stay in the Philippines for up to 3 years. Here's the complete guide to costs, requirements, and the application process.
Quick Summary
Table of Contents
Extension Overview
If you entered the Philippines on visa-free status (30 days) and want to stay longer, you can extend your tourist visa multiple times up to a maximum of 3 years (36 months) total. This is perfect for:
- ✓ Digital nomads testing out living in the Philippines
- ✓ Retirees considering permanent residence before committing to SRRV
- ✓ Long-term travelers exploring the country thoroughly
- ✓ Anyone who wants flexibility without long-term commitment
Read Full Guide on How to Initially Enter The Country Visa Free →
How Extensions Work
The extension process is straightforward: you visit a Bureau of Immigration office before your current visa expires, fill out paperwork, pay fees, and receive an Official Receipt with your updated visa expiry date. Processing is usually same-day, if you pay the Express Fee (Around ₱1000).
Extension Timeline & Costs
Here's the complete breakdown of how tourist visa extensions work in the Philippines:
| Extension | Duration Added | Total Stay | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Extension | 29 days | 59 days | ₱3,030 | First extension after initial 30-day visa-free entry |
| 2nd Extension | 1 month | 89 days (3 months) | ₱4,300 | ACR I-Card required and issued (₱3,000 additional) |
| 3rd Extension | 2 months | 149 days (5 months) | ₱5,330 | Standard extension rate |
| 4th Extension | 2 months | 209 days (7 months) | ₱5,330 | Standard extension rate |
| 5th Extension | 2 months | 269 days (9 months) | ₱5,330 | Standard extension rate |
| 6th Extension onwards | 2 months each | Up to 36 months total | ₱5,330 - ₱8,000 | Can continue extending every 2 months up to 3 years |
- Where: Apply at a Bureau of Immigration (BI) office (not all satellite offices process this; check locally).
- When: Apply at least 72 hours to 7 days before your flight. It is valid for 30 days.
- Requirements: Bring your Passport, ACR I-Card, latest extension receipt, and five (5) 2x2 colored photos with a white background.
- Cost: Approximately ₱1,210 – ₱2,500. Bring extra cash for express lane fees.
What's Included in Extension Fees?
The actual visa extension charge
Standard BI processing fee
Documentation and stamp fees
₱3,000 one-time fee for your ID card
Required Documents
Here's everything you need to bring to the Bureau of Immigration:
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Copy of Arrival Stamp in Passport
Copy of the Arrival Stamp in Passport when you first entered the Philippines
Passport Photo Page
Copy of your Passport Photo Page
Application Form
BI form available at the office (fill out on-site or before you go)
Extension Fee
Cash payment (exact amount varies by extension number)
Proof of Financial Capacity
Bank statement, credit cards, or cash (rarely checked but good to have)
📌 Pro Tips for Documents
- Fill out the BI Application Form before going: You can then join the queue straight away rather than filling out the form inside the office
- Make copies: Bring photocopies of your passport bio page and current visa stamp
- Cash only: Most BI offices don't accept cards. Bring exact pesos.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here's exactly what happens when you go to extend your visa:
Go to BI Office Early
Arrive when they open (8-9 AM) to avoid long queues. Bring all required documents, passport photos, and cash for fees.
Fill Out Application Form
Fill out the extension application form. Forms are usually available at the office. Fill it out completely—no erasures! or print it out and complete it before you go
Get Queue Number
Tell the security guard or information desk you're there for a visa extension. They'll give you a queue number.
Submit Documents at Window
When your number is called, submit your passport, application form, and other required documents
Pay Extension Fees
You'll be directed to the cashier to pay your extension fees. Keep your receipt!
Wait for Processing
Processing time varies by office and express/regular processing:
- Same day: Express Processing
- 1-3 days: Regular Processing
Receive Your Passport with Official Receipt Extension
Your Official Receipt will be printed with your new visa extension date. Check the dates carefully before leaving!
Receive ACR I-Card (2nd Extension)
If this is your 2nd extension, you'll also receive your ACR I-Card. This typically is released the same day but can be up to 1 week so may require a separate pickup.
Where to Apply (BI Offices in Metro Manila)
You can extend your visa at any Bureau of Immigration office. Here are the main locations in Metro Manila:
Bureau of Immigration Main Office
📍 Magallanes Drive, Intramuros, Manila
🕒 Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Main office, can be very crowded. Arrive early.
Bureau of Immigration Satellite Office - SM Aura
📍 8th Floor, SM Aura Office Tower, McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, Metro Manila
🕒 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
More convenient, less crowded than main office
SM North Bureau of Immigration Satellite Office
📍 SM North Edsa, 1, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila
🕒 Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Good option for those in Quezon City
BI Makati Extension Office
📍 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
🕒 Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Convenient for Makati/BGC residents
ACR I-Card Explained
The Alien Certificate of Registration I-Card is a biometric ID card issued to foreigners staying in the Philippines for more than 59 days.
When You Get It
Automatically issued when you process your 2nd visa extension (after 59 days total stay)
Cost
₱3,000 one-time fee (included in your 2nd extension cost)
Processing Time
Same day but can be up to 1 week
Validity
Valid for 1 year, must be renewed annually if you stay longer
What Does the ACR I-Card Do?
- ✓ Serves as your alien registration with the Philippine government
- ✓ Makes future visa extensions easier (no need to re-register)
- ✓ Can be used as ID for some transactions in the Philippines
- ✓ Required if you stay beyond 59 days
Tips for Smooth Processing
⏰ Apply Early
Start your extension process at least 1 week before your current visa expires. Don't wait until the last day—if there are issues, you could overstay.
💰 Bring Extra Cash
Fees can increase without notice, and you might need extra for photocopies, photos, or "express" processing. Bring 20% more than the listed amount.
📸 Get PhotoCopies of Required Documents before you go
Bring required photocopies before you go to the office for a smoother experience.
📅 Track Your Dates
Set phone reminders 2 weeks before your visa expires. Overstaying results in fines and complications.
🗓️ Avoid Peak Times
Don't go on Mondays, Fridays, or the week after holidays. Mid-week mornings are best.
📋 Double-Check Everything
Before leaving the BI office, verify the dates on your Official Receipt are correct. Mistakes are easier to fix immediately.
🤝 Be Patient & Polite
BI staff deal with hundreds of people daily. Being friendly and patient will make your experience much better.
📱 Bring Entertainment
You might wait 2-4 hours. Bring a book, download shows, or have work to do on your phone/laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I extend my tourist visa?
You can extend up to a maximum of 3 years (36 months) total stay. After that, you must leave the Philippines or convert to a different visa type.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying results in fines of ₱500 per month overstayed, plus potential detention and complications for future entries. If you overstay, go to BI immediately to pay the fine and regularize your status. Do NOT wait until you're trying to leave the country.
Can I work while on a tourist visa extension?
No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal, even remote work for foreign companies. If you want to work, you need a proper work visa (9g) sponsored by a Philippine employer.
Do I need to extend at the same BI office every time?
No! You can extend at any Bureau of Immigration office in the Philippines. Many people choose different offices based on convenience.
Can I leave the Philippines and come back on tourist status?
Yes, you can do "visa runs" by leaving and re-entering to reset your tourist visa. However, immigration officers may question frequent entries and exits. If it appears you're living in the Philippines on tourist visas, they may deny entry.
What if I lose my ACR I-Card?
Report it to BI immediately and apply for a replacement. Replacement costs ₱3,000+ and takes several weeks. You'll need a police report for lost/stolen cards.
Can I convert my tourist visa to a work visa without leaving?
Yes! You can convert to a work visa (9g) while in the Philippines if you have a job offer. Your employer will handle the conversion process through BI.
How long before expiry should I apply for extension?
Apply at least 1 week before your visa expires, ideally 2 weeks. This gives you buffer time in case there are any issues or delays in processing.
Are there agents who can do this for me?
Yes, visa agents/fixers can handle your extension for an additional fee (usually ₱2,000-5,000). This is convenient if you're busy, but the process is straightforward enough to do yourself and save money.
Tired of Extending Every 2 Months?
If you're planning to stay long-term, consider getting permanent residency through the SRRV retirement visa. It's often cheaper than constant tourist extensions!
Learn About SRRV →