Veterans of Foreign Wars: Conferences - Departments - States > For Veterans: VFW Pacific Areas

PHILIPPINE VISAS to enter???

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DoggyDaddy:
PHILIPPINE VISAS:      U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter the Philippines for stays of less than 21 days. Foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, admitted under E.O. 408 (non-visa required nationals admitted for 21 days) may extend their stay in the Philippines beyond 21 days by applying for a visa waiver at the nearest Immigration Office before the expiration of the 21-day period. Visitors coming to the Philippines on the no-visa policy must enter for tourism purposes; have a passport valid for six-months beyond their estimated stay; and present proof of onward travel. If the intended stay is over 21 days, a visa is required. Currently, 21-day visas can be extended to 59 days for approximately 5,000 Pesos (about $100). Visa extensions can be made at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila or at a regional office. Visitors who do not keep their Philippine visa status current may become subject to fines, detention, or deportation.

     Foreign nationals holding a temporary visitor’s visa pursuant to Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 and aliens admitted under E.O. 408 may extend their stay in the Philippines every 2 months for a total stay of 16 months. Extension of stay after 16 months, up to 24 months, needs the approval of the Chief of the Immigration Regulation Division. Extension of stay after 24 months needs the approval of the Commissioner. (MCL Memorandum dated 31 July 2007). Effective 17 SEP 07, applications for extension of tourist visas as well as payment thereof, shall be made on or before the expiry dates of the foreign national's lawful stay, otherwise, payments shall include penalties and motion for reconsideration.

     There are many types of visas for permanent residents. The non-quota types are similar to U.S. family based categories. For example: spouses of Philippine citizens are eligible for a "13-a visa" which will give the holder a permanent resident status. Under the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, Section 13 (a), non-restricted nationals are eligible for permanent residency in the Philippines. This visa is issued to an alien on the basis of the valid marriage to a Philippine citizen. To qualify for this visa, the applicant must prove that:
•   He/she contracted a valid marriage with a Philippine citizen.
•   The marriage is recognized as valid under existing Philippine laws.
•   There is no record of any derogatory information against the applicant in any local or foreign law enforcement agency.
•   He/she is not afflicted with any dangerous, contagious, or loath-some disease.
•   He/she has sufficient financial capacity to support a family and will not become a public burden.
•   He/she was allowed entry into the Philippines and was authorized by Immigration authorities to stay.
•   NOTE: This visa is only available to citizens of a country that grants permanent residence and immigration privileges to Philippine citizens.

     The Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) also known as the “Retiree’s Visa” is a non-immigrant visa with age and financial requirements covered by the laws and provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940. The SRRV is advantageous because the holder receives a permanent non-immigrant status with multiple entry privileges and need not be married to a Philippine citizen. This visa is issued to former Filipino citizens and non-restricted foreign nationals who are at least 35 years old, have no criminal record, meet the medical standards, and meet the investment requirements. Enrollment Options are:
•   With Pension - 50 years old and above,   a required time deposit is US$10, 000.00 and a monthly pension of US$800.00 for a single applicant; US$1,000.00 for a couple.
•    Without Pension - 35 to 49 years old and a US$50, 000.00 time deposit or 50 years old and above and a US$20, 000.00 time deposit.
•   Former Filipino citizens (at least 35 years old, regardless of the number of dependents) – US$1,500.00
•   Ambassadors of other countries who served and retired in the Philippines or are current and former staff members of international organizations including ADB - US$1,500.00.
•   A resident retiree can include without additional deposit his spouse and an unmarried child below 21 years old; or two (2) unmarried children who are under 21 years old. However, the third or additional child/dependent of a foreign national retiree who is under 21 years old will have an additional deposit of US$15,000.00 per child/dependent.  The conditions and restrictions to the deposit are similar to that of the principal’s deposit. For more information about SRRV, refer to http://www.philippine-portal.com/visas/special-retiree-resident-visa-ssrv.html .
     The Philippines Visa Upon Arrival Program (VUAP) is a liberalized visa policy that allows tourists and foreign investors who are classified as restricted nationals or nationals who require visa, to enter the Philippines. This visa is also issued to foreign investors and businessmen who are endorsed by the Board of Investments, Philippine Retirement Authority, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, local business councils and local/foreign chambers of commerce and industry to enter or stay in the country. To obtain submit the application or request to the foreign chamber of commerce (e.g. Indian Chamber of Commerce) or to any authorized sponsor organization who will directly submit the documents to the Bureau of Immigration. A confirmation letter from the Bureau of Immigration will be issued to the applicant with a single or three year multiple entries, depending on the nature of application. The application fee of 5,510 Pesos (only paid once) allows the applicant to stay in the country for 30 days and is extendable for six months.
 [Source: U.S. Embassy ACS Newsletter Sep 09 ++]
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