The Bureau of Immigration launched on 10 June 2013 the Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension (LSVVE) scheme to encourage tourist arrivals in the Philippines. Under the LSVVE:

• Foreign nationals can enjoy longer visa extension (six months) under a single transaction.
• The visa costs Php 13,900 for visa-required nationals and Php 11,500 for non-visa required nationals.
• Foreign travelers can prolong their stay in PH without the need to frequently visit BI for processing of documents.
• The maximum stay given to nationals under EO 408 is 36 months, while visa-required nationals are given 24 months.
• A new visa sticker will replace the wet stamp used by BI in implementing extensions of stay in the passports of foreign nationals.

Pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. RADJR-2013-002, the following guidelines are hereby issued in connection with the implementation of the LSVVE:

1. Applicability – The LSVVE shall apply to all nationals.

2. Extension of Tourist Visa – Subsequent LSVVEs may be applied for during the last thirty (30) days of the previously issued LSVVE, or upon the expiry of a regular visa extension.

3. Restriction on Extensions – The approval of the Commissioner shall be required for visa extensions when the number of months applied for would exceed the 16-month limit.

   Foreign nationals with an accumulated total stay near the 16-month cap from the date of their latest arrival should be informed of the preceding restriction should they apply for additional visa extensions.

   No LSVVE shall be issued to visa-required nationals whose stay exceeds twenty-four (24) months and thirty-six (36) months for non visa-required nationals.

4. Payment and Fees – An additional One Hundred Pesos (Php 100.00) as cost of the sticker visa shall accrue for the account of the Bureau of Treasury.

   Applicable visa extension fees shall still be collected based on the schedule of fees for the entire six (6) month period.

5. Implementation – The initial implementation on the LSVVE shall be limited to the BI Main Office in Intramuros, Manila until further notice.

   For further information on the LSVVE, please visit the Bureau of Immigration website http://immigration.gov.ph