General Info

[PhilJoy]

Dear Admin,

Is there any chance of starting a thread for "All the different excuses girls have given you for needing money".

I had a regular hit me up just now to pay for her 'brother's' funeral.

Some of hers have been classic. And just so comical and not so well thought out with fake photos and the like.

And don't the Filipinas just love that fucking howling / crying Emoji.

_ Phil.

[Lalake]

Anyone here a P. I. Or know a good one in Metro Manila I can send money to and trust he'll do the requested work. I'm trying to find a girl. I know, I know it sounds stupid. But I might just give it a try.

Send me a PM. You don't have to reply here.

Cheers.

[Goferring]

I never stayed in PH without exiting for 6 months, my base is in PH, but I like to move around. Before the eGovPH app when I used to go to the Marquee Mall immigration office for extensions, they always charged me an extra 1,5 K (I think) for the police clearance, and it was official, not a scam. I don't know if it changed, it's not needed anymore, or is only for more than 2 months stay, or they were making extra contributions to the police fund, for something that's optional. (Or maybe I look suspicious).

Has anyone overstayed beyond 59 days by accident? I'm wondering if it is much of a problem?

I've overstayed beyond the original 30 days before without renewal and the only ramification at the airport was some finger waving and having to immediately buy the 29 day extension even if I've only over stayed one day.

Given the extra applications and paperwork required for visas beyond 59 days, do Immigration cause much of a problem at the airport for an over stay?

Cheers. G.

P.S. Before anyone asks, no I'm not intending to purposely overstay. I'm just winding if it's as casual as overstating 30+ days.

[Old And Ugly]

I never stayed in PH without exiting for 6 months, my base is in PH, but I like to move around. Before the eGovPH app when I used to go to the Marquee Mall immigration office for extensions, they always charged me an extra 1,5 K (I think) for the police clearance, and it was official, not a scam. I don't know if it changed, it's not needed anymore, or is only for more than 2 months stay, or they were making extra contributions to the police fund, for something that's optional. (Or maybe I look suspicious).

[Trevor2522]

Good work Trevor. Can you provide a link?

I used search.brave.com (A.I. button) for the earlier text. It is a pretty-reliable, meta-search engine. There are lots of commercial, police-clearance sites but you need one with 'gov.ph' in the URL. Still not sure if it is an absolute requirement for leaving after 6 months' stay, although the US embassy site does not mention it.
https://www.foi.gov.ph/agencies/pnp/...-110582842700/

Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC)
https://ph.usembassy.gov/exit-clearances/
https://e-services.immigration.gov.p...ceCertificateB

Must appear in person
https://newlandchase.com/philippines...-applications/

[WestCoast1]

Foreigners staying in the Philippines for more than six months must obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before leaving the country. This requirement applies to tourists who have stayed for six months or more and those with expired or downgraded visas. The ECC is necessary to ensure that the individual has complied with visa extensions and other immigration regulations. Tourists staying more than six months must submit the proper form along with three passport-sized photographs and the visa fees. The processing time for the ECC is typically 4-5 business days, with an expedite option available for an additional fee. It is important to note that the ECC and travel tax are separate requirements. If you are a permanent resident temporarily leaving the country, you must apply for a re-entry permit with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). However, this information is specifically for permanent residents and not tourists.

Good work Trevor. Can you provide a link?

[Trevor2522]

Agree, but apparently people do it. Its possible that scammers get your phone number or email, then send you a (bad) link reminding you to process your eTravel. You click on their link and end up with trouble.

They fool search engines into prioritising over genuine, government sites. People are lazy and dumb; they send millions to fake, Nigerian princes, LOL! And allow themselves to be injected with untested viral remedies, without any evidence of viruses even existing.

Foreign nationals who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more may need to obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before departing the country. However, the requirement for a police clearance specifically after six months of stay is not explicitly mentioned in the provided context. The ECC is required for certain categories of foreign nationals, including those who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more and are holders of a Temporary Visitor Visa.

Foreigners staying in the Philippines for more than six months must obtain an Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC) before leaving the country. This requirement applies to tourists who have stayed for six months or more and those with expired or downgraded visas. The ECC is necessary to ensure that the individual has complied with visa extensions and other immigration regulations. Tourists staying more than six months must submit the proper form along with three passport-sized photographs and the visa fees. The processing time for the ECC is typically 4-5 business days, with an expedite option available for an additional fee. It is important to note that the ECC and travel tax are separate requirements. If you are a permanent resident temporarily leaving the country, you must apply for a re-entry permit with the Bureau of Immigration (BI). However, this information is specifically for permanent residents and not tourists.

Tax Clearance Philippines: When leaving the Philippines after staying for more than six months, foreigners are required to obtain an Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC) from the Bureau of Immigration. This is necessary to ensure that all visa extensions and other formalities are in order. For foreigners, the ECC is required if they have stayed over six months on a tourist visa and must be acquired during the 72 hours before departure. The ECC can be obtained at the airport, but it is advisable to bring enough cash as the fee can exceed 1,200 pesos. It is important to note that the ECC and travel tax are separate payments. The ECC is a formal procedure to ensure compliance with immigration laws, while the travel tax is a departure tax for Filipino citizens. Exit Clearance Certificate (ECC): Required for foreigners who have stayed in the Philippines for more than six months and must be obtained before departure.

SRRV (Special Resident Retirees Visa) holders in the Philippines are generally exempt from obtaining re-entry permits. They can travel in and out of the country without the need for reapplication for entry visas and are exempt from Exit Clearance and Re-entry Permits (presumably including Police/Tax clearance -- but check with your SRRV handler). Additionally, SRRV holders are also exempt from the Annual Registration requirement and do not need to apply for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card as required by the Bureau of Immigration. This exemption allows SRRV holders to enjoy special express lanes at the Immigration Area, which speeds up immigration procedures. The SRRV requires a deposit of either $10,000 or $20,000, depending on the applicant's age and health status ($1,500 for veterans). For healthy and active principal retirees who want to use their visa deposit towards renting an apartment or buying a condominium unit, the deposit is $20,000 if they are ages 50 and higher, and $50,000 for those aged 35 to 49. For ailing retirees who need medical or clinical services, the deposit is $10,000, along with a monthly pension of at least $1,500 and health coverage that is acceptable in the Philippines. The deposit is held in a designated bank account and can be used for specific purposes, such as purchasing real estate, but it cannot be withdrawn for personal use while the retiree remains in the Philippines.

[WestCoast1]

I've never needed a police clearance for anything, but why would anyone knowingly use an agency to do their eTravel? It is only a few minutes and not painful to do. I don't get it.

Agree, but apparently people do it. Its possible that scammers get your phone number or email, then send you a (bad) link reminding you to process your eTravel. You click on their link and end up with trouble.

[Aml3740]

PSA. Updated e-Travel video by vlogger Jennifer Terri. Apparently the e-Travel app and website has been updated a tad, to allow the BI to better integrate with foreign law enforcement (she mentioned Interpol). Also a warning about utilizing 'fixer' websites to obtain police clearances or e-Travel registration (see pix). Relevant info in this 8-minute vid for foreigners is the first 3 minutes. In another similar video she said that e-Travel registration is tied to your PP. So when you enter the Phils and the Immigration officer swipes your PP, your e-Travel info comes up on his screen (you no longer need to show your e-Travel QR code or such).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Feq8T13WMc

I've never needed a police clearance for anything, but why would anyone knowingly use an agency to do their eTravel? It is only a few minutes and not painful to do. I don't get it.

[WestCoast1]

PSA. Updated e-Travel video by vlogger Jennifer Terri. Apparently the e-Travel app and website has been updated a tad, to allow the BI to better integrate with foreign law enforcement (she mentioned Interpol). Also a warning about utilizing 'fixer' websites to obtain police clearances or e-Travel registration (see pix). Relevant info in this 8-minute vid for foreigners is the first 3 minutes. In another similar video she said that e-Travel registration is tied to your PP. So when you enter the Phils and the Immigration officer swipes your PP, your e-Travel info comes up on his screen (you no longer need to show your e-Travel QR code or such).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Feq8T13WMc

[Goferring]

Which company do you use for those temporary, 'check-in' tickets?

Don't forget the eGovPH app.

I use Top Onward Ticket but here are many to choose from if you Google 'Onward Ticket'.

A good point. Trying to key in the data in the immigration area upon arrival is a major PITA due to very unreliable cell and wifi data. Definitely do it before departure.

Enjoy. G.

[Trevor2522]

I always get a dummy ticket for $15. I've never heard of them being refused.

Good point about check-in at the home airport. Airlines don't want to be fined if the destination rejects them for lack of an onward ticket. Actual onward/return flight costs can vary significantly by date, so try to be flexible. Which company do you use for those temporary, 'check-in' tickets?

On SE Asian regional flights: Low-Cost Carriers vs. Major Airlines ... the former could be considered false economy because of poor timings, added checked-baggage fees and their point-to-point (non-guaranteed) nature. I prefer to pay very little more with Thai or Philippine Airlines to avoid those inconveniences and hectic check-in lines, plus enjoy better seats.

[Old And Ugly]

Don't forget that an onward ticket is required twice: once when you arrive in NAIA but also when you first get your boarding pass at your home country Departures. Without an onward ticket it's likely you won't even be allowed to board.

I've had to show an onward ticket at NAIA maybe 25% of the time.

I've had to show an onward ticket at home Departures 100% of the time before being welcomes aboard.

NAIA immigration will accept that extensions are a formality and be ok with a ticket out in 58 days. None of my home airlines will. I always get a dummy ticket for $15. I've never heard of them being refused.

Enjoy. G.

Don't forget the eGovPH app.

[Goferring]

I appreciate there are 'Throwaway Reservation / Ticket' outfits online, who will very-cheaply furnish 'evidence' of a ticket out -- to show airline check-in & immigration on the outward leg. However, these have dubious legal standing and can be rejected -- forcing travellers to buy a full-fare ticket out of the PI at the last moment. There is an American on YT called 'Vagabond Dan', who travels continuously with a 6-foot, Malaysian ex-model; he uses those dodgy tickets most of the time but admits they do get caught occasionally, and have to buy full fare at the last moment to board.

Don't forget that an onward ticket is required twice: once when you arrive in NAIA but also when you first get your boarding pass at your home country Departures. Without an onward ticket it's likely you won't even be allowed to board.

I've had to show an onward ticket at NAIA maybe 25% of the time.

I've had to show an onward ticket at home Departures 100% of the time before being welcomes aboard.

NAIA immigration will accept that extensions are a formality and be ok with a ticket out in 58 days. None of my home airlines will. I always get a dummy ticket for $15. I've never heard of them being refused.

Enjoy. G.

[Trevor2522]

I appreciate there are 'Throwaway Reservation / Ticket' outfits online, who will very-cheaply furnish 'evidence' of a ticket out -- to show airline check-in & immigration on the outward leg. However, these have dubious legal standing and can be rejected -- forcing travellers to buy a full-fare ticket out of the PI at the last moment. There is an American on YT called 'Vagabond Dan', who travels continuously with a 6-foot, Malaysian ex-model; he uses those dodgy tickets most of the time but admits they do get caught occasionally, and have to buy full fare at the last moment to board.

Philippine embassies do offer a 59-day 'Temporary Visitors Visa', which still requires evidence of ticketing, but at least one can book the dates confidently for a 2-month trip, without the need for airline change fees.

Thought I was being clever buying an Oman Air economy 'Flex' ticket with 'No Change Fees'. So I could extend my return date, once in for the initial 30 days. I then extended for 29 days online (permitted once only, apparently), costing ₱3,030, which went through smoothly -- although I did have to email immigration for the result of my application -- the Philippines is notorious for inviting online applications for anything, then totally 'forgetting' to inform the applicant of the result, LOL.

Returning to Oman Air, they want to charge me the same as my original return ticket again ($930), for a one-month extension of the return date. A friend travelling on Emirates was charged a reasonable fee of $140 for his return-date change, partly by being flexible on the timing. Airlines especially take advantage of 'date-changers' at busy times, and charge inflated prices, plus their standard fees. It is difficult to pin them down as to the cost of date changes after departure. I am minded to take a minimal sector refund from Oman Air and book my homeward flight elsewhere. The 'Trading Standards Department' back home will be interested to hear what they are up to: playing their third-world games in the West.

Regarding my earlier point below about the morality of 'compensated dating', as the Japanese call it: if a clear, P4P arrangement is made, that's fine. My point was that most Filipinas on dating sites are willing to go out with foreigners in the conventional sense, and panty-drop after a modicum of 'treats', in prospect of an ongoing relationship. It is up to players' conscience as to whether it is fair to string well-intentioned females along in that way, with little cost or investment being expended.