My ex, a former national of the Philippines, and our son are planning their first visit to the Philippines in a decade. My ex has already purchased tickets and I'm a bit concerned because I've heard some bad things about the online company they used and visa-free entry to Philippines for U.S. citizens is just 30 days, but the tickets they purchased are 33 days. They can extend their stay there to avoid fines, but I'm worried whether they might be denied boarding at some point in their trip because the return is 3 days over,

Has anyone had any experience with this advice? I'm worried about them a bit.

Best to either get on the PH embassy website or get the missus to call them here in BKK and you will know

for sure what are rules and rely on a feedback of a TV member....

Visa Issuance

Nationals of USA with a passport can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 59 days. Extension possible. Fee: USD 50.-.

The following should be taken into account even if holding a Visa:

Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and documents required for their next destination.

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.

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

Visa Issuance

Nationals of USA with a passport can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 59 days. Extension possible. Fee: USD 50.-.

The following should be taken into account even if holding a Visa:

Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and documents required for their next destination.

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.

http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

Lopburi, Thanks for the information. I did input their data into their form, though, and it returned that the documentation was insufficient for the journey because a visa is required; however it then says that holders of a USA passport can get a visa on arrival for 59 days which seems to contradict that result. Do you think they would refuse to let them board because of that? It seems they should be allowed on with that note.

Agree the web site is misleading - but information in first part is just to make you read below it seems (have never used that site before and appears to be new). As long as they can show funds to purchase visa should not be any issue and even then it is not likely to be asked. The key factor for any such travel is have onward airline tickets so if having round trip they often do not even bother to check.

Agree the web site is misleading - but information in first part is just to make you read below it seems (have never used that site before and appears to be new). As long as they can show funds to purchase visa should not be any issue and even then it is not likely to be asked. The key factor for any such travel is have onward airline tickets so if having round trip they often do not even bother to check.

Again many thanks. I agree that it should not be an issue - not sure why IATA does that but they then link to a private site to apply for a visa. That said I will find some information about the VoA for them to have as support. Again thanks, I sincerely appreciate the information....

Been going BKK-MNL many times last years, both on tourist class and business class.

Every time at check in at BKK, airline asked to see return ticket within 30 days. Airline strictly follow IATA rules.

At arrival PH, Immigration also ask to see return ticket within 30 days. When I planned to stay longer than 30 days, I bought a cheap throw away ticket with AirAsia for 50-80$. Not a U.S citizen though, so your experience might be different.

I'm a bit puzzled why your wife is an ex national of The Philippines. The Phils. recognises dual nationality so was it a US requirement that she give up being a Filipino national?

I've been to The Phils more times than I care to remember (although last time was in 2010) - I have never experienced anyone looking at my return ticket either at check in or on arrival.

Also you might want to check out their "balikbayan" arrangements where they give extended stays (a year as I recall) to Filipinos and their spouses who have gone abroad. I think this might extend to Filipinos whose passports have expired but I am not sure.

Just want to say thank you to those who responded and the advice. I'm less concerned since there is a visa on arrival option and the Balikbayan option.