General Info

[Trevor2522]

My tourist card expired also, but I keep using it for hotels and internal flights, nobody ever bothers to look on the back for the expiration date, cannot get another one yet because I never stayed continuously long enough, without exiting.

You are referring to the ACR (Alien certificate of registration) card. Seniors can avail themselves of up to 35% discount in participating food outlets, e.g. Zark's Burgers. What benefits do you enjoy presenting it for hotels and domestic flights? All visitors on the tourist visa-waiver scheme must apply for an ACR card at day 60 of their stay.

The SRRV visa is complex and 'costs' between $1,500 and $20,000 in (refundable-on-final-departure) bank deposits, which can only be withdrawn for long-term accommodation leases, or condominium purchases. The bonuses are: no limit to stay in PI, free coming and going, no ACR-card & no necessity for an onward travel ticket (have proof to show check-in).

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) program in the Philippines has undergone several changes regarding age eligibility. Initially, applicants aged 35 and above could apply for the SRRV Classic program with higher deposit requirements, ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 depending on the applicant's situation. However, the current official stance from the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) often sets the minimum age at 50 for the SRRV Classic unless the prospective retiree falls under an exception such as the SRRV Courtesy for former Filipino citizens who can be as young as 35. The SRRV Smile program is designed for active and healthy applicants aged 35 years and older, requiring a visa deposit of USD $20,000 in a PRA-accredited bank. For the SRRV Classic program, applicants aged 35 to 49 years old need to deposit USD $50,000, while those aged 50 and above need to deposit USD $10,000 to $20,000.

The SRRV Smile program is designed for active and healthy applicants aged 35 years and older, requiring a visa deposit of USD $20,000 in a PRA-accredited bank. For the SRRV Classic program, applicants aged 35 to 49 years old need to deposit USD $50,000, while those aged 50 and above need to deposit USD $10,000 to $20,000. The SRRV program has attracted a significant number of Chinese retirees. As of the latest updates, 38% of SRRV holders are Chinese, indicating a substantial interest from this demographic.

In summary, while the SRRV program initially allowed younger applicants aged 35 and above, the current focus is more on retirees aged 50 and above, with exceptions for specific categories like the SRRV Smile and Courtesy programs. As of the latest updates, 38% of SRRV holders are Chinese, indicating a substantial interest from this demographic. In summary, while the SRRV program initially allowed younger applicants aged 35 and above, the younger-Chinese (POGO-gambling) deluge has meant the focus is more on retirees aged 50 and above, with exceptions for specific categories like the SRRV Smile and Courtesy programs.

[Old And Ugly]

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Who wants to stay in La-La-Land for a continuous 3 years anyway?

I been staying for more than 3 years on tourist visa extensions, but I do lots of SEA or EU trips every few months, whenever tickets are on sale. My hobbies are beautiful pussy, travel and photography. Lately I gave up on the photographic quest. My tourist card expired also, but I keep using it for hotels and internal flights, nobody ever bothers to look on the back for the expiration date, cannot get another one yet because I never stayed continuously long enough, without exiting.

[WestCoast1]

Nudder good report there Trevor.

NBI clearance is a bummer but sounds like a one-off in this case.

Ya its rare to need one. I got a clearance at the NBI Clearance Center on United Nations Ave (corner Taft Ave). Simple process of registering online FIRST, then showing up around my appointment time. Once inside, fill out some forms, show PP, get finger-printed. They told me to come back in an hour and pick up the actual clearance. It cost a few hundred pesos and took about 2 hours total once there (including waiting around for the printout). They process hundreds of applicants per hour there, its a cattle-call.

All that said, many just continue staying, long-term, on tourist visa-waiver extensions, for up to 3 years!

The 13-A, SRRV, and the tourist-ACR are really a "Six of one, half a dozen of the other" situation. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Nowadays, one can be called in for a personal interview but, if financially-solvent and well-dressed, should not be an issue.

Two issues that not every expat can muster. Was walking thru a market yesterday and there on the sidewalk a late-60's white man in dirty clothes was selling hard candies for 2 pesos each. I was told that SRRV and 13-A are exempt from the personal interview.

Who wants to stay in La-La-Land for a continuous 3 years anyway?

Ya, that's a good question.

[Jarango]

All that said, many just continue staying, long-term, on tourist visa-waiver extensions, for up to 3 years! Nowadays, one can be called in for a personal interview but, if financially-solvent and well-dressed, should not be an issue. Who wants to stay in La-La-Land for a continuous 3 years anyway?

The information I elided was good and to the point, thouygh the paperwork seems tedious.

You ask who wants to stay in muff land for a continuius 3 years. Many do. I do but I doubt I could hack it at this stage. I look at the losers' videos online and those who settle in and plod along, running small busienss and humouring their lady friends. Of ocurse, folk end up everywhere but the Phils is a palce you want to have your ducks in order or you'd end up nuts or worse. I don't think I could do three years. In a prison, yes but I the funny farm that is the Phils, no.

[Trevor2522]

Monthly Pension: A minimum monthly pension of US $1,500.00 is required. For former Filipinos, the requirement is US $1,000.00.

Health Insurance: A health insurance policy accepted in the Philippines.

SRR Visa Deposit: A deposit of US $10,000. 00 is required. For former Filipinos and certain categories of applicants, the deposit is US $1,500.00.

NBI Clearance: If the applicant has stayed in the Philippines for more than 30 days from the date of last entry prior to the SRRV application, an NBI Clearance is required. This clearance is valid for one year from the date it was secured.

Passport: The applicant must have an original passport with a valid arrival / entry visa in the Philippines and must be physically present in the Philippines during the processing of the SRRV application.

Additional Dependents: For each additional dependent beyond two, an additional visa deposit of US $15,000. 00 must be remitted under the name of the principal applicant, except for former Filipinos under the SRRV Courtesy.

The SRRV visa offers several benefits, including indefinite stay with multiple-entry / exit privileges, exemption from certain fees and taxes, and other advantages. For the most up-to-date and detailed information, it is recommended to contact SRRV Visa Consultancy directly.

https://pra.gov.ph/srrv/

Complete and properly filled out applications can be processed as fast as 15 to 20 working days, if you apply at one of the main PRA branches. If you apply through a satellite office, processing time can extend to 25 to 30 business days.

NBI clearance is a bummer but sounds like a one-off in this case. I assume any tax-clearance requirement is waived, as SRRV holders are not permitted to work.

All that said, many just continue staying, long-term, on tourist visa-waiver extensions, for up to 3 years! Nowadays, one can be called in for a personal interview but, if financially-solvent and well-dressed, should not be an issue. Who wants to stay in La-La-Land for a continuous 3 years anyway?

[Goferring]

If she does not want you to find her, you wil not find her.

True but so sad to hear that Lalake's rich old grandma died and left him a fortune. Did you hear he was looking for an old girlfriend to buy a house and settle down with? Wait, who could that be knocking on the door? Why it's Girlie and she misses Lalake and wants to meet him again. What a surprise.

Wasn't it the DEA who perfected the crack dealers winning Lotto scam? How stupid can someone be?

Enjoy. G.

[Jarango]

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..

If she does not want you to find her, you wil not find her.

[Goferring]

No harm in trying mate, but from what I know, you're probably going to need a DOB and full legal name to begin with, otherwise it will cost you a fortune in groundwork _ Phil.

Filipinas, especially working girls, have an extensive online presence. Between Facebook, friends of friends and image reverse searches, it's probably easier for him to do it himself.

That's 90% of what a PI would do.

G.

[PhilJoy]

I know, I know it sounds stupid. But I might just give it a try. Cheers.

No harm in trying mate, but from what I know, you're probably going to need a DOB and full legal name to begin with, otherwise it will cost you a fortune in groundwork _ Phil.

[Old And Ugly]

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.

I never overstayed my visa, sometimes I paid for nothing because I exited a few months in advance. I wish they change the system that forfeits automatically whatever time you have left on your visa by exiting the country.

[WestCoast1]

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

Huhu. Huhuhu. Huhuhuhu. Huhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu!

[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).