Philippine visa?

Question

I am a US citizen. My wife and child are filipino, and living in the Philippines. I am planning to go to the Philippines soon. I was unaware that in order to get a visa one must have a return ticket. I bought a one-way ticket because we are not sure of the exact date of my daughter and wife's visas to the US are final. We only know that it will be about three months. My question is: "is there any way I can still get a visa?" I am leaving really soon.

Answer 1

Those who stay not more than 21 days does not require a visa. You can extend your 21 days visa upon your arrival in the Philippines. Check the following government websites

http://www.dfa.gov.ph
http://www.immigration.gov.ph

What I have heard most immigration officers do not meticulously look for the return ticket. To be safe, try to get an open return ticket and refund it afterwards. It's up to you.

Also try to go to the Search for Questions box and type in your inquiry. I have already answered this question couple of times. You can click on my avatar and check my best answers.

Also join us in our travel forum
http://www.thorntree.lonelyplanet.com

This Yahoo travel forum is unfortunately becoming a general Philippine forum where most questions are not related to travel.

Answer 2

Most of these answers are partly correct. If you want a 21 day tourist visa, you need a return ticket. My advice is to either book a return ticket, or have your wife buy you one of those "cheap" tickets from Clark Airport on to KK or something like that just to be allowed in. Once you are there you can extend your visa beyond the 21 days, and throw away or return the unused ticket.

You could also apply for a longer visa in your country of residence prior to departure. My friends do this kind of stuff all the time.

There is a 50-50 chance that they will actually look for the return / onward ticket, but better safe than sorry. I actually think your best bet is to book a fully flexible economy-class ticket which you can change the return date on for up to one year. It costs a bit more, but may save in the long run in case you run into delays with your wife and kids getting their papers.

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CDOGUIDE: you need to add "prior to arrival" to your first sentence. You actually contradict yourself saying you don't need a visa, and then saying you can extend your visa. Think about it.

Harryt62: A US passport is good for 10 years. People carrying one can be issued a visa at port of entry for 21 days, which means you need a visa (but you get it there).

WellTravelled: You don't appear to be well-travelled. Citizens of certain countries only (ie: not Russia or Nigeria) can be issued a 21 day visa upon arrival in the Philippines, meaning YES you do need a visa, but you can get it there. Extention of the 21 day visa is possible for various lengths of time. There are also other types of visas depending on if you want to work or study.

Answer 3

You don't need a visa as a US citizen visiting the Philippines. Upon entry you will be given a stamp in your passport that will allow you to stay for a certain time (generally 3 months).
They *can* deny you entry if you don't have a return ticket, though. You can either contact the Philippine embassy ahead of time and try to get that waived in your case, or you can just buy a *changeable* return ticket and take it with you, then change the date of the flight once you're there.

Answer 4

If you will be entering the Philippines with your wife, then the
immigration will give you the balikbayan visa which extends
your stay for up to 1 year. This visa is only given if your wife
is filipina and if you accompany her to the Philippines.

The second part is tricky but you must have a return ticket
or a ticket for a travel on-ward. I have heard of people purchasing
tickets with an on-ward flight to Hong Kong in order to meet the
requirements. They have the on-ward ticket but they choose to
stay in the Philippines, instead of traveling on-ward to HK.

Answer 5

I believe you have to bring your marriage certificate and present at the port of entry. Otherwise, check with the nearest Philippine Embassy and Consulate.

Unfortunately, Tourist visa are given for 21 days at the port of entry provided you show to the immigration officer your valid passport and an onward ticket. However, for Filipinos who are naturalized Americans and / or dual citizens of the US and the Philippines using their American Passport are given 1 year at the port of entry. I am not so sure about your case, although it's always good to check with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate. I am sure, they will be happy to help.

Mabuhay!

Answer 6

Maybe go there and get the visa once your there.Manila and Cebu both have US consulates,they can help you.You state she is your wife,if true bring your marriage certificate-for now its your bible in Phils.Bring along all information with you that you would need in order to get a visa with you.When I sent away for a visa to go to Phils. I got my passport back in 1 week in NY state.I'll assume you do not have enough time and say bring your marriage certificate for sure.Talk it over with immigration when you arrive.Philippines is lax with foreigners as far as getting into the country-but dont overstay a visa/generic admittance for obvious reasons with your international marriage.Best Wishes

Answer 7

Here is the real answer.

A US passport is good for 21 days. Beyond that you have to go to immigration and pay about 2000 pesos for a 90 day extention. You must have a round trip ticket or entry will be denied into the Philippines.

Answer 8

You do not need a visa to go to the Philippines. You can stay up to one year if you are married to a Filipino and she is also present. You can not stay for one year if she is not in the country.

Answer 9

I DONT UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE SITUATION.....WHAT TYPE OF VISA ARE YOU APPLYING FOR....A TOURIST VISA IS VERY DIFFICULT....ARE YOU AFTER ASPOUSAL VISA...FIANCE VISA....IS YOUR MARRIAGE RECORDED IN THE PHILS AT THE NSO OFFICE [e-mail]...I MAY KNOW SOME ONE WHO CAN HELP YOU ..JUST DEPENDS WHAT PART OF PHILS YOU ARE GOING TO....OR IS THIS VISA FOR YOU???? MANY PEOPLE STAY LATER THAN THE 21 DAYS ALLOWED....YOU MAY GO TO THE EMBASSY AND GET AN EXTENSION.....I STAY A WEEK AND A HALF LONGER...I JUST HAD TO PAY A FINE FOR OVER STAYING....WAS NOT MUCH

Answer 10

Have your visa that has been issued to you revised or amended!