New Phlippine Immigraton Bill Change For Tourists

[Rob Browder]

If the bill becomes law as written, tourists would only be able to extend their stays for TWO years in the country before flying out and back, vs THREE years, as-is now. 

 

Note that this is only a bill for now, but provides insight into the thinking of the current government - they don't want to "crack down" on Tourists.

[Jingthing]

Still pretty friggin' great!

[homeseeker]

Currently i live in Thailand but considering various options. So if i leave Thailand and go to live in the Philippines.

Is it the case i can stay there a I can stay 2/3 years there as a tourist before needing to apply for other visa there?

Thanks!

[black tabby12345]

On 7/31/2024 at 6:51 PM, Rob Browder said:

If the bill becomes law as written, tourists would only be able to extend their stays for TWO years in the country before flying out and back, vs THREE years, as-is now. 

 

Note that this is only a bill for now, but provides insight into the thinking of the current government - they don't want to "crack down" on Tourists.

 

Hi, this is my first visit to this thread.

Are there quite a few foreign expats(retirees) who stay on the Philippines on tourist visa(extension)?

No unfriendly questions on back to back re-entry?

 

I have lived in Thailand for years quite happily.

But always with some plan B, just in case.

So your reply post will be appreciated.

[Rob Browder]

On 3/30/2025 at 12:55 PM, black tabby12345 said:

Hi, this is my first visit to this thread.

Are there quite a few foreign expats(retirees) who stay on the Philippines on tourist visa(extension)?

No unfriendly questions on back to back re-entry?

Provided you have proof of a flight-out, which is required, I have not heard of any case of denied-entry.  This has been allowed for decades.

 

I did read some reports regarding applying for extensions - one does have to actually answer some basic questions now about where you live, and how you support yourself.  This change was the result of a directive.  Before, you just "went through the motions," paid your money, and done.  The folks discussing this stressed the importance of being polite in this process - then, no problem. 

 

There are three "Plan B" countries in the region I keep in-mind, where longer-stays are not a problem:  Cambodia, Philippines, and Laos.  Cambodia and Laos have 1-year "official visa" solutions which cost about the same as an Agent-procured 1-year extension for retirement in Thailand - in the ~$350 ballpark per-year.  The cost is only a bit higher if below retirement age.

[black tabby12345]

16 hours ago, Rob Browder said:

Provided you have proof of a flight-out, which is required, I have not heard of any case of denied-entry.  This has been allowed for decades.

 

I did read some reports regarding applying for extensions - one does have to actually answer some basic questions now about where you live, and how you support yourself.  This change was the result of a directive.  Before, you just "went through the motions," paid your money, and done.  The folks discussing this stressed the importance of being polite in this process - then, no problem. 

 

There are three "Plan B" countries in the region I keep in-mind, where longer-stays are not a problem:  Cambodia, Philippines, and Laos.  Cambodia and Laos have 1-year "official visa" solutions which cost about the same as an Agent-procured 1-year extension for retirement in Thailand - in the ~$350 ballpark per-year.  The cost is only a bit higher if below retirement age.

 

Hello, Rob,

Thank you very much for your kind reply with up-to-date details.

Proof of flight-out, means the boarding pass of the plane you used to temporarily leave PHL(short for the country name)?

 

Regarding Cambodia, I have also studied requirements for their retirement visa several years ago.

I was quite surprised to find out I only have to be over 55; only need to produce my passport  (other than ID photo, application form and fee).  Also learned Cambodia govt encourage foreigners to lodge their paper through travel agents(rather than in-person application at the department).

Very glad to know the condition has not been changed at all.

 

Since I am already over 55, looks quite easy to move to Cambodia when something wrong might happen here (no longer able to stay on in Thailand).

 

I thank you again your advice.

Wish you have a good day, from Thailand.