2nd trip for 2 months

[usa32]

Hi guys, I did my first trip in 2019 just under 1 month, So I didn't need to extend the visa.

The march of next year I'll be going for 2 months. I have my round trip ticket purchased, passport, covid vaccine cards.

I understand I will need to buy a one way throw away ticket that leaves manilla  within the first month, correct?

And before the 30 day visa expires, I go to an immigration office. What do I need to bring to get a month extension?

Anything else I should know?

Thank you

[Ram1957]

If you have a round trip ticket, no need for a throw away ticket. You can actually get a extension at the airport when you land.

[Dave Hounddriver]

6 hours ago, usa32 said:

Anything else I should know?

Before covid, you could apply through your nearest Philippine Embassy for a 59 day visa.  They stopped that during covid but may be worth checking with them.  The only advantage would be if you are able to get it that way then you could save doing it in the Philippines. 

My closest Embassy now tells people you can apply online at https://www.visa.gov.ph/  but when I checked the link it says its down for the weekend.  Maybe try it in a couple of days and tell us if it works for you.

[usa32]

@Dave Hounddriver Thank you sir. My closest embassy is in Chicago, long drive for me, if you have to go in person, but I may check that out. Thank you for the online link, that really would be convenient, is that new? I still hear all the guys that live there having to go the immigration office for their extensions. Do you know what is normally required for a month extension? I assume passport. Anything else? Thank you!

[usa32]

@Ram1957 Doesn't the returning leg of the round trip have to be departing within 30 days of arrival? My roundtrip will be coming back like 57 or 58 days after arrival. 

[Gator]

2 hours ago, usa32 said:

@Dave Hounddriver Thank you sir. My closest embassy is in Chicago, long drive for me, if you have to go in person, but I may check that out. Thank you for the online link, that really would be convenient, is that new? I still hear all the guys that live there having to go the immigration office for their extensions. Do you know what is normally required for a month extension? I assume passport. Anything else? Thank you!

You might want to send the Philippines Consulate in Chicago an email to verify that they are issuing 59 day visas and what the process for obtaining one is (that’s of course if they are issuing them). 
 

The easiest way is at the airport in Manila. All you need is your passport and the fee (back in January it was 2,850 pesos). You do need to pay it in pesos. One time in Cebu a few years ago I was asked for a 2x2 passport photo; so it might be a good idea to have a few of them with you. No application / form was needed and the process was done in about 15-20 minutes. Each time I’ve done it I was then escorted to the front of the line. 
 

At a BOI office you will need your passport, the fee (approx 3,250 pesos, but bring more), two 2”x2” passport photos and the visa application form filled out. You can fill it out there or download one and fill it out in advance, which, depending on how busy the office is, might save you some time. 
 

Unless you go the consulate route and get the 59 day visa in advance (technically it’s a 29 day extension) you will need a throwaway ticket as the gate agent in the USA will not let you board without one. 

[usa32]

7 minutes ago, Gator said:

 

@Gator Thank you for the reply. I emailed the consulate. How does one get a 2X2 passport photo? May sound like a stupid question. I have a full passport and a passport card. Hopefully the consulate will do a 59 day visa, and that satisfies this trip. But longer term I plan on moving there, so the more information on the visa process and pitfalls the better.

[Jollygoodfellow]

2 hours ago, usa32 said:

@Ram1957 Doesn't the returning leg of the round trip have to be departing within 30 days of arrival? My roundtrip will be coming back like 57 or 58 days after arrival. 

Since covid they are saying the ticket must be dated within 30 days so buy a rentaticket, plenty of discussion of this. As for extending nothing has changed.. Turn up at a BI office within 30 days with your passport, fill in form, pay fee and continue up to 3 years.

[Gator]

1 hour ago, usa32 said:

@Gator Thank you for the reply. I emailed the consulate. How does one get a 2X2 passport photo? May sound like a stupid question. I have a full passport and a passport card.

The only stupid question is the one not asked. Got a Walmart or Target store near you? Most of them, if not all, have a photo center and can do passport photos. I think Office Depot and Staple stores as well. 
 

The Passport Card might be good to carry here for ID purposes, but it’s not recognized for entry / BOI purposes.  I think they’re only good for entering Canada and Mexico via land borders and for cruise ship passengers who’ve departed from the USA and are returning to the USA. 

[Ram1957]

3 hours ago, usa32 said:

@Ram1957 Doesn't the returning leg of the round trip have to be departing within 30 days of arrival? My roundtrip will be coming back like 57 or 58 days after arrival. 

Best thing to do is contact Immigration thru their Facebook page. And explain your situation and they will advice you what the rules are. https://www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration