Everything you need to know about Tourist Visa in Philippines in 2025. Including how to extend it

Entering the Philippines: Simple & Easy

Getting into the Philippines is a breeze!

Just download the official government app to register for your free Tourist Visa—quick, easy, and hassle-free.

In most cases, this visa lets you stay for 30 days, but there are exceptions—Brazilians, for example, get 59 days.

Extending Your Tourist Visa

Loving it here and want to stay longer?

Good news—you can extend your visa for up to 3 years!

Yes, you read that right—THREE YEARS as a tourist.

The catch? You’ll need to visit the Immigration Office every two months to renew your stay (and again, in some rare exception like Brazilians, you can only need to go back to the office every 3 months).

But hey, for paradise, it’s a small price to pay!

How to extend your Visa in Siquijor

Extending your visa while in Siquijor is a bit of a mission—you’ll have to travel to another island! But fear not—you can totally do this. 💪

The closest Bureau of Immigration (BOI) office is in Dumaguete, because… well, there isn’t one in Siquijor. So, be ready to spend a full day traveling just for your visa extension. I know—it sucks. But hey, being a Digital Nomad in Siquijor is not always a paradise. 😉

📍 Where to Go

The Bureau of Immigration office in Dumaguete is your destination.

🚪 What to Expect – The entrance is a bit weird (you’ll see what I mean when you get there), but don’t worry—you’re in the right place.

This is the entrance of the Bureau. Its weird and small.

🚢 How to Get There (From Siquijor to Dumaguete)

Take a Boat from Siquijor to Dumaguete
- Ferries run daily, and you can check schedules or book tickets online here: 👉 12Go Asia
From Dumaguete Port to the Immigration Office
- Walk – It’s a 20-minute walk from the port.
- Tricycle – If you don’t feel like walking, grab a tricycle and let them take you there.

Once you are in, you will follow this corridor to get to the Bureau

⏰ What Time Should You Go?

The Bureau of Immigration opens at 8:00 AM, and timing is EVERYTHING if you want to avoid an overnight stay in Dumaguete.

✅ Arrive Before 10:00 AM

🔹 Spend 20 minutes filling out forms and paying the fee.🔹 You’ll be asked to return at 2:00 PM to pick up your visa-extended passport.🔹 Done in one day! 🎉

❌ Arrive After 10:00 AM

There is a high chance that your visa won’t be ready until the next day, meaning you’ll have to spend a night in Dumaguete. You don’t want that—trust me!

💰 How Much Will It Cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the costs:

Expense	Cost (PHP)
🚢 Boat to Dumaguete (Round trip)	1,600
🛂 First-Time Visa Extension (+30 days on top of the initial 30 days you already stayed in the country)	3,000
🛂 Visa Extension beyond the initial (60 days)	9,000

💡 Not counting: food in Dumaguete, transport to Siquijor port, or any extra expenses.

This is the sign at the entrance that will show you that you are in the right place

📝 What to Bring?

✔️ Your passport (obviously!)

✔️ Cash for the visa extension (ATMs are nearby, but best to bring cash just in case)

✔️ Your hotel address (they’ll ask for it)

Pro Tip:

📌 Tick the "EXPRESS" box when filling out your form—this ensures same-day processing!

💬 Got questions? Don’t stress—the staff at the Bureau of Immigration are super friendly and always happy to help.

Me being a Digital Nomad in the Canary Island

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s a bit of a hassle, but if you plan it right, you can get in and out in one day. Set that alarm, catch the early ferry, and you’ll have your visa extension sorted before sunset. 🌅