Temporary visitor 9(a) / waiver
30 days, then extensions
Tourism or a short visit. Most GCC, EU, and US passports enter visa-free for 30 days.
First extension is usually 29 days (visa waiver) at BI or online. Past 59 days you need an ACR I-Card.
Stay & papers
Stay calculator, visa types, and the ACR I-Card. Fees change — confirm on the BI site.
Stay calculator
- Apply to extend by
- 19 Sept 2026
- Initial stay ends
- 24 Sept 2026
- ACR I-Card after
- 23 Oct 2026
- ECC on departure
- 21 Feb 2027
Stays over six months usually need an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before you fly out.
13(a) — spouse of a Filipino
Long-stay / permanent
Married to a Filipino citizen. A path to permanent residence.
Needs an authenticated marriage, medicals, and a BI file. Not issued on arrival.
SRRV retirement visa
Multiple-entry long stay
Retirees via the Philippine Retirement Authority. Bank deposit and age rules apply.
Typically 50+. Check pra.gov.ph for the current deposit — the number moves.
9(g) pre-arranged employment
Tied to the contract
A job with a Philippine employer after DOLE/BI approval.
Working on a tourist stay is a violation. The employer usually starts the file.
9(f) student
For the program
Admission to an accredited school.
Often converted from tourist status after the school accepts you.
- 1
On arrival
The admission stamp is the clock. Photograph it. Count from that day, not from the ticket.
- 2
First extension
File before day 30. Online: e-services.immigration.gov.ph. Bring passport, a photo, and peso cash if you go in person.
- 3
ACR I-Card
Required after 59 days. Makes banks and some licenses easier. The card fee is often quoted in USD at the window.
- 4
When you leave after a long stay
After about six months you usually need an ECC from BI before flying. Without it you can be stopped at the airport.
Guidance only. Fees and rules change. Check immigration.gov.ph and your embassy before you act.