21-Day Entry Visa

[DaRoq 36]

My upcoming visit will be from 1/25 to 2/16. Will I need an extension since 2/16 will actually be my 22nd day there?

Edited January 8, 2013 by DaRoq

[Theresa0828 65]

My upcoming visit will be from 1/25 to 2/16. Will I need an extension since 2/16 will actually be my 22nd day there?

yes... or immigration will just ask you to pay at the airport before you leave...

[spn1025 38]

going to Philippines? Actually it depends. They don't count the first day until the day after you land.

edit: nevermind, I just counted your days.

Edited January 9, 2013 by spn1025

[spn1025 38]

Since you're not a returning Filipino, and you don't have a spouse in the Philippines, you can't get a freeby. You'll have to apply for a visa (extension)

[thinkerlove0212 158]

yes need the extension and there is some confusion to when the clock starts when you land if before midnight, after midnight date stamped clearing immigration etc.

[spn1025 38]

it starts the next day, regardless of what time you land. either way, that still puts him at 22 days.

ah I get what you're saying. if he lands after midnight on the 25th (making it the 26th) then he'll be 21 days.

Edited January 9, 2013 by spn1025

[Tintin and Mike 127]

To confirm when you need the extension contact the Bureau of Immigration

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=118&Itemid=43

Good luck!

[Artisan 138]

it starts the next day, regardless of what time you land. either way, that still puts him at 22 days.

ah I get what you're saying. if he lands after midnight on the 25th (making it the 26th) then he'll be 21 days.

Even if he lands after midnight they often do not switch out the stamp immediately and will mark you for the previous day. I had this happen on my last flight into Manila and I've heard of it happening to others as well.

Get to Immigration as soon as you can and pay the P3030 for the 38 day extension and that way avoid any possible problems when you exit the Philippines.

[Hank_ 9,173]

You can do the visa extension right there at the airport, I did the first time I was there, just tell the immigrations agent when you are at the window.

[DaRoq 36]

My Flight is on PAL, arriving at 05:55 on the 25th and departing at 22:00 on 2/16. All of my recent visits have been the same flight, and the Arrival stamp in my passport has the "Stay Until" date handwritten for exactly 21 days from arrival each time. I'm glad I asked the question, because I really didn't want to make a trip to Bureau of Immigration for just 1 day if I didn't have to. Now I know I have the option of doing it at the airport or at the satellite office in La Union.

Thanks for all the replies and great ideas!

[DaRoq 36]

You can do the visa extension right there at the airport, I did the first time I was there, just tell the immigrations agent when you are at the window.

Thanks, Hank_! This will save me a lot of time and hassle. Now I just have to set a reminder and make sure I don't forget...

[actob99 156]

It's better that you get the visa extension before the 21 days is up rather than standing at the airport ready to leave. Unless money isn't an issue...

You are correct in that most of the times they write on the stamp which day you need to leave.

[Hank_ 9,173]

You get the extension when you arrive.

[DaRoq 36]

I plan to get the extension upon arrival, as Hank_ suggested. I need the reminder for when I arrive because I'll probably be groggy and too anxious to get outside that I might forget...

By the way, it appears that paying at the airport on the day of departure would mean an overstay and incur a P500 fine in addition to waiver/extension fees.

[LSnBigBear 61]

I plan to get the extension upon arrival, as Hank_ suggested. I need the reminder for when I arrive because I'll probably be groggy and too anxious to get outside that I might forget...

By the way, it appears that paying at the airport on the day of departure would mean an overstay and incur a P500 fine in addition to waiver/extension fees.

Yes and you do not want an over stay on your record. I have been in and out or the Philippines some 50 plus times since 1998. Nothing is more irritating than being behind a person that over-stayed previously. They grill and often pull the person into a separate room prior to allowing them entrance. You will get in but why hassle with having an over stay on your passport. As Hank mentioned simply take care of it upon arrival. No worries the rest of your stay except eating Balute