Philippines · 2026
How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Philippines
Short answer
Yes. Visa-free visitors enter for 30 days and can extend at the Bureau of Immigration — a first extension of 29 days costs about ₱3,030. You can keep extending, up to a total stay of 36 months, but once you pass 59 days an ACR I-Card is required.
How long can you actually stay?
Visa-free entry gives 30 days. A first extension adds 29 days (59 total); after that you can extend in longer blocks, up to a total of 36 months for most nationalities. Once your stay passes 59 days you must get an ACR I-Card.
Step by step: extend at immigration
- Apply at any Bureau of Immigration office — or online, as the BI has moved most tourist extensions to its e-services portal in 2026.
- For the first extension, request the 29-day extension before your 30-day entry expires.
- Pay the fee — the first 29-day extension is around ₱3,030 (fees rise for the longer blocks).
- Once your stay will exceed 59 days, apply for the ACR I-Card — usually bundled into the extension fee at that stage.
- Keep extending before each period ends; you can stay up to 36 months before you must leave.
What it costs
| First 29-day extension | ~₱3,030 (~$54) |
| ACR I-Card (after 59 days) | ~₱3,000 (~$53) |
| Longer 1–2 month blocks | Higher, varies |
Overstaying — fines & bans
| Per month of overstay | ₱500/month + fees |
| Per year of overstay | ₱5,000 admin fine |
| Long overstay | Fines + possible blacklist on exit |
Alternatives to extending
Long Stay Visitor Visa (LSVVE)
Extends a visitor stay in a single longer block instead of repeated short extensions.
SRRV (retirement)
The Special Resident Retiree's Visa — indefinite stay for eligible retirees.
Leave & re-enter
A quick trip out resets your visa-free entry — an option before hitting the 36-month cap.
FAQ
How long can a tourist stay in the Philippines?
Up to 36 months for most nationalities by extending at the Bureau of Immigration, or 24 months for nationals who needed a visa to enter. After that you must leave.
What is the ACR I-Card and when do I need it?
The Alien Certificate of Registration I-Card is mandatory once your stay exceeds 59 days. It's normally issued as part of the extension at that stage.
Can I extend my Philippine visa online?
Yes — in 2026 the Bureau of Immigration handles most tourist extensions through its e-services portal, though some cases still need an office visit.
Related
Source: Bureau of Immigration, Philippines.
Visa rules change frequently — figures are for general guidance only, not legal advice. Always verify with the official immigration website before booking travel.