Getting Visa Extensions

A vacation in the Philippines can become quite a memorable and enjoyable experience. However, like other countries, if the days of your allowed stay are up then you should leave. This is the time when getting visa extensions come in handy especially when you visit a prime tourist spot in the country such as Puerto Galera.

General Visa Info

In the Philippines, you will get your visa extensions from the office of the local Bureau of Immigration. You won't find one in every town in the country so if you're stuck in a city or town that doesn't have a local office of this bureau then you'll have to get your visa extensions from the nearest town/city that has one.

However, in the case of Puerto Galera, you're lucky enough since you'll find an office there. Remember to get your visa extensions at least a week before your stay expires. This would allow you some leg room and avoid any hassle or fines for overstaying (that would amount to P500 for each month).

Bureau of Immigration Office in Puerto Galera

The immigration bureau office in Puerto Galera is located near where the Municipal Buildings are. Specifically, it is right behind the police office. All these buildings and offices are located on the one-way road opposite a high school building so it won't be that hard to find. You can either take a jeepney, which will save you some money or hire a tricycle/motorcycle to take you there where you have to pay P50.

The offices are open from 8:30 am to around 4 pm, but you should go there in the morning just to make sure. Sometimes the immigration office will only be open for half a day. They're usually open from Mondays to Wednesdays, which is your best shot at getting visa extensions in Puerto Galera.

What to Bring When Applying for a Visa Extension

Here are the things you should bring with you if you are planning to get visa extensions in Puerto Galera. You need a photocopy of the following: your passport entry stamp, the page of your passport where you have your picture on it, a filled out application form, your latest arrival card, and your visa.

How Much Will it Cost?

The cost for extending your visa in the Philippines will vary depending on the amount of days you would extend your stay. A 38-day extension will cost around P3,000. Now if you would like to get visa extensions for 59 days after using up your 38 day stay, you'll have to pay some P4,000. You also get to pay about the same amount if you would like to extend your stay beyond six months.

Now, if you're in Puerto Galera you won't have to do this by yourself. You are not required to make a personal appearance at the immigration office. You can hire one of the staff of a hotel or resort you're staying in to do all the paperwork for you. Many resorts or hotels will give you that service for a fee.

Staying in Puerto Galera can be fun, which sometimes means that you will have to get a visa extension if you want to stay a bit longer. Take note of the fees mentioned here and where to go in case you decide to get visa extensions on your own.