Philippines visa extension advice (British Passport)

Im returning to the Philippines in March, I usually stay for 30 days but this time I plan on staying for 45 days.

I've been told its very easy to get a visa extension at terminal 1, but im wondering is it better to get the visa in advance and if so how do I go about getting it? My worry is the airline (Qatar airways) will stop me boaring in London for not having the visa before I travel.

Thanks

Qatar Airways arrives at and departs from NAIA Terminal 1, not Terminal 3, Jim, as the refurbishment work at T1 is finished.

Do you know how I would get the visa in advance? Do I have to go to London? That's quite far away from where I am.

We were thinking about staying for 30 days then flying to Hong Kong for a week and then returning for 8 days. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do this though as it's too expensive.

This link may help you!

http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/extensionofstay

Only a few international carriers have not returned to Terminal 1 such as KLM, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

I see that, at long last, NAIA's website is close to but doesn't quite admit that taking a shuttle bus or taxi between terminals results in lengthy journey times: "Though travellers report that the service is not really reliable due to the Manila hectic traffic and have preferred to take a taxi instead. Even so, waiting times for getting a taxi may be larger than an hour". You don't say!! If PAL can organise buses that regularly run between T2 and T3 using the airside road network, then surely NAIA can operate a proper inter-terminal shuttle service using the same network.

They're supposed to have re-roofed the terminal and waterproofed the jet bridges which leaked terribly whenever it rained. As the country's main port of entry, the airport really is a bit of bad advertising.

Cheers mate but that seems to be advice for people already in the country who want to extend there stay.

I'm wondering if the airline will stop me travelling because I don't already have a visa and the tickets show my return date is over 30 days.

I can't seem to find a link to apply for a visa online and I really want to avoid going 6 hours to London.

Is the extension pretty much guaranteed?

Most unlikely.

You can't apply online however this page contains all the information - and links to forms - that you need.

Generally speaking, yes.

Your welcome.
I read point one in the link as your answer!

I've never been asked to show a visa when checking in, as the airlines and check in staff know that you will be given a visa on arrival (assuming that you have a UK passport), and that it's possible to extend it. They will be more concerned with the fact that you have a return or onward ticket out of the Philippines.

The airlines know that Brits may extend their stay after arrival in the Phils for up to 36 months (and very easy it is to do that too).

If you're worried about this with any particular airline, contact them and ASK them to confirm.

What you MUST have, as a tourist, is an ONWARD airline ticket, to anywhere, when entering the Philippines.

I thought a return , or onward ticket was the only necessity for being allowed on the flight to Philippines .

Isn’t the visa issue just a concern for Philippine immigration ?
I’ve extended my visa to 59 days twice at Cebu airport on arrival with no problems .

I have a return ticket =] I'll try to ring the Philippines Embassy or Qatar Airways tomorrow as it will drive me mad and I will worry until I check in

When I go on to the Qatar Airways it says:
"Please note that visa requirements can change with little or no notice. Make sure you have the correct visa and that you meet the local medical requirements. Qatar Airways cannot be held liable for any disruption to your travel plans resulting from incorrect travel documentation."

There is a link on their website that tells you the visa requirements on the country your travelling to with a British passport and it says:

"Visa Exemptions:

Passengers with a British passport for a maximum stay of 30 days.

Former nationals of the Philippines (Balikbayans) with proof of former Philippines nationality, for a maximum stay of 1 year. Accepted: old Philippines passport, birth certificate or foreign naturalization papers showing former Philippines nationality. A foreign passport with place of birth "Philippines" does not prove former Philippines nationality. Accompanying spouses and children are also visa exempt if they are handled by the same immigration officer.

Spouses and children of nationals of the Philippines traveling together with the national of the Philippines, for a maximum stay of 1 year. Accepted proof: marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers, etc. The family must be handled by the same immigration officer.

Additional Information:

Multiple extensions of 59 days, (with a maximum of 1 year), available for those listed under visa exemptions. Extension of visas must be settled at Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila. Fee varies depending on reason and number of days requested for the extension.
Length of stay is calculated by starting on the next day after the day of arrival in the Philippines."

The additional Information makes me think that they know I can extend it in the Philippines and I won't need it at check in.