General Info

[QUOTE=Don Roberts; 1232177]1 year multiple entry visa:

It's what I use.

Get it at the Philippine embassy or nearest consulate-

You need your passport, passport photos (2?)

& a form that you can printout online (I'll try to post website later if I can find it).

I think you need a copy of your upcoming airline ticket or itinerary.

You give them $90. (? I think) LEAVE THEM YOUR PASSPORT & COME PICK IT UP WITH THE VISA IN A FEW DAYS.

I never had a problem with them losing my passport.

The visa takes up a whole page in your passport (like the one from Indonesia).

It's good for multiple entries for a period of one year, each entry good for up to 59 days.

Sorry if my details are not accurate, because some one else has been doing it for me as I live 150 miles from the consulate (I give them some kind of notarized form. Also online, I think.) Anyone who knows more about this or has a better mind for detail than old Don, please feel free to correct me or elaborate.

I do know it works. I've used it for years. The one year, multiple-entry. 59 day maximum stay (unless extended in PI) information is accurate.

Happy New Year to All![/QUOTE]Requirements vary between embassies. Bangkok wants to see a return ticket out of the Philippines. London often wants to see an original bank statement and does not ask for air tickets.

I'm planning a 80 day trip to Phils and contemplating flying Cathay Pacific. Lon-HK-Cebu, with the return flight in 80 days.

1 Will they ask for an earlier onward ticket / return flight if (a) I rely on the 21 day Visa Free period or (be) I go to the embassy and get a 59 day visa?

I've previously travelled to BKK and then flown on to Phils with Cebu Pacific. (CP in BKK always ask to see an onward ticket though so far I've been able to get away with it by quoting a fictitious onward flight number with a rival airline. Immigration in the Phils at the main airports never ask to see the return ticket.)

2 Does it make sense to try and get the 59 day visa in London? It costs just GBP22 (1500P) less than the cost of a 39 day initial extension in the Phils, but will they require sight of a return ticket within that period (The embassy blurb says its a required piece of info but is it really required in practice?)

Any feedback from those with experience of this problem, especially on this route, would be much appreciated.

[QUOTE=Barba; 1231883]Should you be in Davao they do (or at least did) it for 3500 in the little office next to immigration, opposite Victoria mall.

The few times I did this, I left my number and went for shopping in Victoria, and then they sent me a text when it was done.

Barba[/QUOTE]I had the same deal. Last time in Davao I took the taxi to the immigration office. I get to the gate and guard tells me to come back in an hour, it was lunch time. I started to walk to Chowking *to kill an hour when I walked past that travel store. They only charged me 500 peso over the visa cost. They texed me a few hours later with my new visa. Great service, saved me a few hours waiting in the immigration office.

[QUOTE=GregLondon; 1233587]I'm planning a 80 day trip to Phils and contemplating flying Cathay Pacific. Lon-HK-Cebu, with the return flight in 80 days.

1 Will they ask for an earlier onward ticket / return flight if (a) I rely on the 21 day Visa Free period or (be) I go to the embassy and get a 59 day visa?

I've previously travelled to BKK and then flown on to Phils with Cebu Pacific. (CP in BKK always ask to see an onward ticket though so far I've been able to get away with it by quoting a fictitious onward flight number with a rival airline. Immigration in the Phils at the main airports never ask to see the return ticket.)

2 Does it make sense to try and get the 59 day visa in London? It costs just GBP22 (1500P) less than the cost of a 39 day initial extension in the Phils, but will they require sight of a return ticket within that period (The embassy blurb says its a required piece of info but is it really required in practice?)

Any feedback from those with experience of this problem, especially on this route, would be much appreciated.[/QUOTE]I have flown into the Philippines with a return ticket dated up to 90days and had no problem. I think it helps to book the round trip with the same airline. That action negates the airlines responsibility to ensure you will not be an immigration risk. From my experience Cathay Pacific is stricter with return tickets than PAL or Cebu Pacific. Always book your departure flight before arrival in the Philippines. If there is an issue immigration officials could potentially March you over to PAL or whatever airline and force you to buy a departure ticket at full fare prices.

As for the immigration process when you land, sometimes I have been asked when will be my departure date sometimes not. IMO it depends if you get a female or male immigration officer. In my experience females tend to ask more questions while the guys just stamp and hand back. If they notice on your arrival form that your stay will be longer than 21 days the officer will inform you that you need to obtain a visa extention. My lastest stay was 50 days and the female immigration officer just mentioned to me I will need an extention but never pressed the matter after flipping through my passport and seeing all the other extention stamps.

I have never went through the process to get the visa before I travelled so I can't provide any info there. If you decide to get the visa at the embassy before you travel, post your experience, curious to see what happend.

Regarding onward ticket requirements, assuming you have sufficient credit, you can buy an expensive fully refundable ticket, print out the confirm, and then turn the ticket back in. Most likely you can do all that before the bill comes due. That will work for the situation where you have to get the visa in advance, for sure. It will work 99% for if you don't need a visa but just "proof" of onward ticketing, because the immigration authorities aren't linked into the airlines' databases. The other 1% is a gamble but, again assuming you have sufficient credit, if they do insist you could [b]maybe, probably[/b] Buy a similar refundable ticket on arrival. I say [i]probably[/i] Because if immigration won't let you in, the airline is responsible for getting your sorry ass back to where you came from.

I always travel with:

1) a credit card with a high limit (recommend AMEX Blue for Business, no fees, and you can make up a fictitious business, or at least I did)

2) bank / brokerage statements showing I have some funds.

3) some traveler's checks which AMEX will give you free if you have Blue; I never use them and you can turn them back in.

Was reading through a Taiwanese newsapaper this morning that described how "foreigners" were coming to review the upcoming elections.

The fact that they were all from Europe escaped the papers notice, instead they were all described as " foreigners"

Got to thingking that this is a term used by the less developed Asian countries in general.

In Hong Kong and Singapore, because there are a much higher ratio of non HK or Singaporeans in their midst, I guess that they are seen as less different.

But In Taiwan, and certainly the Philippines, and Thailand, everyone who is not Asian is a "foreigner".

Malaysia tends to report people by race or region which is better than the single all purpose "foreigner" term.

In Australia, and Europe which are both developed and quite multi-cultured no.one is referred to a being "foreign.

In US which is less multi cultured in some places, again no-one is referred to as a foreigner, given that there has been a history of people from different lands populating the place.

But in some Asian countries, that have had a long history of peoples from other races living amongst the locals, those of a different skin colour or culture are still, ignorantly to my mind, classed in general as " foreigners".

Ok, morning thought over. Back to work.

[QUOTE=Stroker Ace88; 1233735]I have flown into the Philippines with a return ticket dated up to 90days and had no problem. I think it helps to book the round trip with the same airline. That action negates the airlines responsibility to ensure you will not be an immigration risk. From my experience Cathay Pacific is stricter with return tickets than PAL or Cebu Pacific. Always book your departure flight before arrival in the Philippines. If there is an issue immigration officials could potentially March you over to PAL or whatever airline and force you to buy a departure ticket at full fare prices.

As for the immigration process when you land, sometimes I have been asked when will be my departure date sometimes not. IMO it depends if you get a female or male immigration officer. In my experience females tend to ask more questions while the guys just stamp and hand back. If they notice on your arrival form that your stay will be longer than 21 days the officer will inform you that you need to obtain a visa extention. My lastest stay was 50 days and the female immigration officer just mentioned to me I will need an extention but never pressed the matter after flipping through my passport and seeing all the other extention stamps.

I have never went through the process to get the visa before I travelled so I can't provide any info there. If you decide to get the visa at the embassy before you travel, post your experience, curious to see what happend.[/QUOTE]I went to the London embassy yesterday. They can issue a single entry 59 day vias for GBP22. They also do a 1 year multi entry (good fro 59 days on each entry for GBP65 but they will only issue to that to people who have previously obtained a single entry visa at that Embassy (unbelievably illogical rule).

They confirmed that technically a return / onward ticket was required within the validity of your visa ie 21 days if no visa and 59 days if you have a visa. They do not check that you have got the ticket at the London embassy and said that generally the airlines in London do not check either (though they might do so on a "random" basis.). They said that of course most people just go there and get an extension whilst there as I have done before.

This puts people wanting to visit Phils for more than 59 days and obey the rules in a Catch 22. Theoetically you need evidence of an onward / return ticket though in practice you don't except that from some destinations at least (such as Bangkok) where the airline will insist on some sort of evidence before letting you fly in which case you have several options (1) try and blag your way through with a fake online booked flight number (2) buy a cheap one way out ticket (3) buy an expensive but hopefully fully refundable ticket.

[QUOTE=FreebieFan; 1234113]and Europe which are both developed and quite multi-cultured no. One is referred to a being "foreign.

Ok, morning thought over. Back to work.[/QUOTE]Are you sure? If you know the nationality, (french, german etc) , then the referral might be to the appropriate nationality, if you are certain he belongs to the EU you can also quote "european", but we also use "eastern european" to define people from the ex red-block and having joined hte EU (Hungarian, Romanian, etc)

I think that in cases as such (supervising or witnessing elections) the observers might be from many different countries (even within the same continent) , so foreigners is appropraite and I do not think it is a s ort of verbal or subtle "racism"

I do remember, some 30 years ago having gone to a small island just outside Gothenburg (probably considered of some strategic and militry value, do not ask me why) it iwas full of signs "no aliens", meaning no foreigners vs. Scandinavian (most likely). The word "alien" was sounding weird to me, maybe as not being english mother tongue I might give a different value to words.

[QUOTE=Bob Bowie;1233628]I had the same deal. Last time in Davao I took the taxi to the immigration office. I get to the gate and guard tells me to come back in an hour, it was lunch time. I started to walk to Chowking *to kill an hour when I walked past that travel store. They only charged me 500 peso over the visa cost. They texted me a few hours later with my new visa. Great service, saved me a few hours waiting in the immigration office.[/QUOTE]I took advice from several "old pro" ex-pats in Cebu, who have a travel agency do their visa extensions.

When you think of the expense and the hassle of traveling to Mandaue (They moved the immigration office out of downtown Cebu.) , waiting in line, going to window A, waiting for an hour, then going to window B, then going upstairs, then returning downstairs to wait for window C, etc, it's well worth the 500 pesos to sit at the bar and have several beers while it's being renewed for you.

[QUOTE=GregLondon; 1234205]I went to the London embassy yesterday. They can issue a single entry 59 day vias for GBP22. They also do a 1 year multi entry (good fro 59 days on each entry for GBP65 but they will only issue to that to people who have previously obtained a single entry visa at that Embassy (unbelievably illogical rule).

They confirmed that technically a return / onward ticket was required within the validity of your visa ie 21 days if no visa and 59 days if you have a visa. They do not check that you have got the ticket at the London embassy and said that generally the airlines in London do not check either (though they might do so on a "random" basis.). They said that of course most people just go there and get an extension whilst there as I have done before.

This puts people wanting to visit Phils for more than 59 days and obey the rules in a Catch 22. Theoetically you need evidence of an onward / return ticket though in practice you don't except that from some destinations at least (such as Bangkok) where the airline will insist on some sort of evidence before letting you fly in which case you have several options (1) try and blag your way through with a fake online booked flight number (2) buy a cheap one way out ticket (3) buy an expensive but hopefully fully refundable ticket.[/QUOTE]The Manila-BKK and Clark-BKK flights are now the focus of increased scrutiny since several guys were accused of sex trafficking girls out of AC. That applies to inbound and outbound travel.

Thanks for the updated info.

I can confirm StrokerAce's experience. I had a round trip ticket booked on PAL with the return dated more than 90 days out. I also had a 59 day visa that I obtained before the trip. So I am pretty sure they will not bat an eye if the visa is present when they see a trip that long. Maybe not 100% guaranteed someone else will not have an issue. One way to address the length of the RT itinerary is to pay more for a fully rebookable ticket. Or at least make sure your ticket is rebookable for a fee. There is a PAL office a block or two from Robinson Mall in Ermita; they were helpful to me.

I can also confirm GregLondon's experience with only being able to get the single entry visa on first application and I would now speculate that this seems to be policy in all Phil embassies and consulates. In my case, it was the Los Angeles consulate.

[QUOTE=Finrod;1234873]I can also confirm GregLondon's experience with only being able to get the single entry visa on first application and I would now speculate that this seems to be policy in all Phil embassies and consulates. In my case, it was the Los Angeles consulate.[/QUOTE]One of my visiting consultants from Australia was able to get the 59-day visa [B]for his first trip[/B] because he had a letter showing his contract that gave his assignment in the Philippines for 30 working days and a support letter from me too.

They still asked him a lot of questions in the Philippines consulate in Australia (not Canberra) but eventually granted it.

[QUOTE=Stroker Ace88; 1234487]The Manila-BKK and Clark-BKK flights are now the focus of increased scrutiny since several guys were accused of sex trafficking girls out of AC. That applies to inbound and outbound travel.

Thanks for the updated info.[/QUOTE]I suspect the other factor is that though theoretically your return ticket should be within the period of your visa / visa free allowance, if you have later return ticket the airlines will be relatively relaxed as in the theoretical event that immigration ion Phils did cause you a hassle the airline could simply change the date of your return flight. Of course the typical cost of a long haul retrun flight on a scheduled airline is often only slightly higher than a one way. In BKK however most people are travelling on budget airlines and thus often buying one ways.

[QUOTE=Red Kilt;1234951]They still asked him a lot of questions in the Philippines consulate in Australia (not Canberra) but eventually granted it.[/QUOTE]Did they make him promise not to stay there and spend his money for more than 59 days?

I find immigration authorities profiling of people shallow at best. Random questions with no clear pattern. Questions that can't possibly lead them to any conclusions abut why I have stamps from all over the world in the passport. Stupid people with a badge many times. The cream of monkeys in uniform you find in Venezuela."Mental capacity of a 3 year old gorilla? Ok you are hired!"

They are just one of these obstacles that we need to pass. We play the theater for some minutes and give them what they want. A bit like dating a European (or any) egocentric financially non desperate girl. Attention, smiles and flattery in the right portions and you get your 59 days visa to her panties. Just a few weeks ago I saw a younger handsome stud fail where Barba the old fox showed the correct balance of hunger for her body and interest in "her intellect". Just one hour later I had my tongue tickling her young clitoris and rose scented ass. And we are scheduled to meet in just a couple of weeks again. To even suggest money would be a sure way to fail massively in this case. Also girls are hungry for confirmation and for having that little ego massaged. I might sound cynical but I am not the least.

For anyone with a decent hourly salary I think the extension from inside, using an intermediate, is the most cost efficient way. 3500 PHP is less than one night in a good hotel and two nights in a middle class hotel.

As for Europeans and the concept of "foreigners". We do not say it nowadays but we sure as hell think it! :-D.

All the best from Barba.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=SlrKW7fh_Bo[/url] (absolutely worth to really listen to the whole if you do invest the minutes to watch this)

[QUOTE=Bionicman; 1234334]I think that in cases as such (supervising or witnessing elections) the observers might be from many different countries (even within the same continent) , so foreigners is appropraite and I do not think it is a s ort of verbal or subtle "racism"

[/QUOTE]Anyone not Chinese (in the Taiwan context) is foreign.

Anyone not Filipino is foreign.

Anyone not Thai is foreign.

It generally is a form of subtle racism by exclusion. But its ok its been that way for 100's of years. Glad tho that HK and Singapore with more multi cultural locals are more enlightened.