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Visa quick question

Discussion in 'Migrating to the Philippines' started by Garydarby84, Dec 1, 2016.

  1. Garydarby84
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    Garydarby84 Active Member

    So, I'll be going in January for 2 months while I get married then going to Hong Kong with my wife and back to ph for another month, my question is,

    Can I get my 59 day visa when I land in Philippines or must I get before (I've always gotten before).

    Reason I ask is its a 4-5hr coach ride to London then same returning and if possible I'd like to avoid it
  2. Timmers
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    Timmers Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I'm pretty sure you can extend your visa once there, @Markham hopefully will clarify.
  3. deanobeano
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    deanobeano Active Member

    I think you can ask at the airport when you land,they have an office on the left hand side on immigration queue and you go in there and get it.
  4. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    Only at T1 if landing at Manila. NOT T3.
  5. Jim
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    Jim Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Yes you can, done that for the last 3 years. You get 30 days stay free, before that expires go to the local BI and get the 29 day visa. That will be your 59 days, if you want to stay longer you have to get an extension!
  6. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    If you're a British Passport holder and your Passport's validity is greater than six months after your date of arrival in the Philippines, you have a valid and rebookable ticket out of the country and have no derogatory reports against you from previous visits, then you will be eligible for entry under the Visa Waiver scheme. You will be granted a stay of 30 days, commencing on the day after your arrival, and you can apply for an "Extension of Stay" - which you must do before the end of the initial period - at any regional or field office of the Bureau of Immigration, for which a fee is payable.
    • Like Like x 1
  7. Garydarby84
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    Garydarby84 Active Member

    thats the problem, i dont have a rebookable ticket, my ticket is to return in 3 months but i have another ticket around 50 something days after i land going to hong kong for 4 days, so ill be landing and staying about 55 days then going hong kong and returning for 1 month.

    i suppose ill have to go to london i was just hoping to avoid it if possible as i need to travel by coach and its a long trip
  8. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    Even if you obtain a Visitors Visa (9a) at the Embassy, you may still have to produce acceptable tickets at the Immigration desk upon arrival in the country. You do have a ticket to Hong Kong which will almost certainly be acceptable.

    Are you going to HK to get married? If so, 4 days won't be sufficient time. There must be three clear days between attending the Registry and the marriage ceremony. If you're then planning to have the marriage registered with the Philippine NSO, then your wife will need to attend the Embassy and wait (usually overnight) for the documents to be readied; that will add a day and a half.
  9. Garydarby84
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    Garydarby84 Active Member

    I'm getting married in Philippines, we are going to hk after, then a few other places when we are back in Philippines, boracay, palawan,vigan
  10. Garydarby84
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    Garydarby84 Active Member

    Someone mentioned I can't extend my visa at terminal 3 so I'll have to trek down to London I guess, I would have preferred not to though
  11. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    You can extend your Visa at any office of the Bureau of Immigration. That'd be at Intramuros if you're in Manila, for example.
  12. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    That 'somebody' was me.

    I have just returned from the Philippines (yesterday)... been going backwards and forwards to the place for the past 26 years.

    There is no immigration facility at T3 for obtaining an extension of stay. There IS at T1. Ask the immigration officer when you hand him/her your passport.

    Just go to your nearest immigration office in PI if you want to avoid extending in London.

    Oh, and when you return from Hong Kong with your new wife, ask for a Balikbayan stamp in your passport upon arrival at Manila. You can then stay in the Phils for up to a year without worrying about visas.
    • Like Like x 1
  13. tipipay
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    tipipay Active Member


    I am curious about this. So there is no condition about whatsoever on this as long as the Pinay's husband ask for a Balikbayan stamp? What I meant with condition is should be married for xxx days?
  14. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    Husband and wife must present themselves together at the immigration desk... after entering the country on the same flight. Always a good idea to have your marriage certificate as proof. Doesn't matter how long you've been married... as long as one of the couple is a Filipino (or former) citizen. Children can avail of Balikbayan status too.

    Always check the Phils BI website for correct up to date information. It's all there. Google is your friend. :like:
  15. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    A Balikbayan Privilege is granted to the Philippine Citizen so that they can bring their spouse into the country with minimal controls; therefore it is the spouse, not the foreigner (husband), who should ask. The Immigration can ask to see a legal copy of the marriage certificate (NSO version, if possible).
  16. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    Well , a pedant appeared as I had anticipated... which is why normally I just refer people to the relevant government website, in order to avoid this kind of message board petty one-upmanship. :rolleyes:
  17. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    I speak with the benefit of first hand experience of obtaining a BB at NAIA. Do you?
  18. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    Erm yes... like being married to my first Filipina wife for 15 years, and entering the Philippines with her on many occasions. I have also lived in the Philippines for several years at a time during the past 26 years. I own property there. I have built a house, a restaurant and a shop there. I have brought a wife and her two children from there to the UK. I am now married to another Filipina.
    I have been visiting, working and living in Asia since 1955.
    Now go and get yourself a life Mr. know-it-all.
  19. Markham
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    Markham Guest

    None of which makes you an authority on Balikbayan Privileges. I lay no claim in that area myself other than my wife was told by a Philippine Consular official in Hong Kong that she would be the one to apply for the Balikbayan Privilege in respect of me. We also have a friend who works for the BoI in Davao and he said the same.

    Your apology would appear to be in order and would be appreciated.
  20. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

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