Visa Options For Longstay [Under 30, Funds From Abroad, Uk Citizen]

[Dave Hounddriver]

Pretty sure Star Cruises (sister company to Princess) do SE runs that include PI, you'd just have to check the details Dave. 

 

Yes, I remember reading that they had occasional ports of call here but I have never read or heard of people actually boarding in PI.  I would be quite interested.  I have looked for details before but . .  well if anyone knows of a cruise ship that can be used to leave Philippines then let us know in a new topic.  Its just curiosity on my part.

[Wait. What?]

Just wondering, do most people just do the toursit visa thing or SRRV. And why?

[Thomas]

Just wondering, do most people just do the toursit visa thing or SRRV. And why?

I don't know in comparing with SRRV,

but rather many do tourist VISA when they can get for instance 13a after marriage.

It's not so big difference in costs, but tourist VISA can't get work permit.  I GUESS some married ones chose tourist VISA by finding the process a bit easier. 

But rather many have SRRV.

[robert k]

Wait, I would do the tourist thing for a while, maybe even a year. No sense making long term decisions until you have some time on the ground.

[Daydreamer]

 

Just wondering, do most people just do the toursit visa thing or SRRV. And why?

I don't know in comparing with SRRV,

but rather many do tourist VISA when they can get for instance 13a after marriage.

It's not so big difference in costs, but tourist VISA can't get work permit.  I GUESS some married ones chose tourist VISA by finding the process a bit easier. 

But rather many have SRRV.

 

and one's more expensive than the other

[Gator]

You can save the first trip to the BOI by getting a 59 day visa right at the MNL or CEB airport. When you arrive just go directly to the BOI office (CEB off to the left before the immigration counters; MNL to the right in terminal 1). You will need to hand them your passport, copy of itinerary or return ticket, the completed immigration form you get on the plane and it's best if you already have pesos to give them. I usually give them p3,000 (they'll bring you change and a receipt; hold onto the receipt).

 

Once done there they will usually escort you to the next available immigration officer, right to the head of the line and the officer there will review the paperwork and stamp your passport. The entire process is usually fairly quick and more often then not I've been out to the baggage claim area before the luggage even arrives.

 

I don't know if the new 6 month visa is available at the airports yet, but I've read the cost for it is p13,000. Looks like you're roughly paying an extra p4,500 for the convenience of not having to go to the BOI office a couple of times. Welcome to the Phils, lol!

 

Also, for the exit visa (applicable for stays over 6 months) a friend who recently went to the new BOI office at J Mall in Cebu told me that you need to go 7 days prior to departure. As a side note, although they have relaxed the dress code in many BOI offices IMHO it's still better to show up in long pants, collared shirt and closed toe shoes. The same friend told me it's ok to wear shorts, T-shirts & flip-flops at the J Mall office, but he went wearing Chinos, Polo shirt and loafers. He felt he got better service and, again IMHO, it also shows respect for the office.

[RobinR]

Gator - good point about dress code.  I have also visited the BI office in JMall (near Samsung shop) and while there was a variety of people there many wore trousers (pants) etc.  Takes a day, costs PHP 3140 with a completed form that included the request for 2 character references.  As you said I was also advised make sure you do this at least a week before you decide for the extension.

 

Seems to work and the staff are friendly - just make sure you have the form filled in correctly with the passport photo (white background) and all should be fine

[jpbago]

You can save the first trip to the BOI by getting a 59 day visa right at the MNL or CEB airport. When you arrive just go directly to the BOI office (CEB off to the left before the immigration counters; MNL to the right in terminal 1). You will need to hand them your passport, copy of itinerary or return ticket, the completed immigration form you get on the plane and it's best if you already have pesos to give them. I usually give them p3,000 (they'll bring you change and a receipt; hold onto the receipt).

 

I did that yesterday at T1. The BOI is on the left, it is on the right at T2. He never asked for my itinerary or return ticket. (Cathay Pacific never did either when I checked in.) I gave him my PP and that form from on the plane. Cost was 2742.50p. 5 to 10 minutes.

[RobinR]

Gator - good point about dress code.  I have also visited the BI office in JMall (near Samsung shop) and while there was a variety of people there many wore trousers (pants) etc.  Takes a day, costs PHP 3140 with a completed form that included the request for 2 character references.  As you said I was also advised make sure you do this at least a week before you decide for the extension.

 

Seems to work and the staff are friendly - just make sure you have the form filled in correctly with the passport photo (white background) and all should be fine

Just to follow up, cost is PHP 3130 and the extension took an hour.  Excellent.  I would suggest to go there early (you can access the BI office despite the mall being closed) and have the form competed before you go as it really helps given the queues I saw,  But it is efficient and that is what I appreciate

[Sandiego Man]

You can save the first trip to the BOI by getting a 59 day visa right at the MNL or CEB airport. When you arrive just go directly to the BOI office (CEB off to the left before the immigration counters; MNL to the right in terminal 1). You will need to hand them your passport, copy of itinerary or return ticket, the completed immigration form you get on the plane and it's best if you already have pesos to give them. I usually give them p3,000 (they'll bring you change and a receipt; hold onto the receipt).

 

Newbie here to the forum and have been doing a lot of research on moving to Cebu. I'm in a very similar situation to the original poster and there is a wealth of knowledge i've learned already (thank you all for that). I've been to Angeles City once before and it was my only PI experience, a good one at that.

 

My question is how are you supposed to provide a copy of a return ticket if you techincally can do Visa extentions for up to three years without leaving the country? You can't just buy a one way ticket into the PI?

 

Thanks!

 

Sandiegoman