PH tourist visa extension now up to 6 months

Kyodo News (via ABS-CBNNews.com) reports that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) "has raised the tourist visa extension period from two to six months" in an effort to boost the arrival of tourists in the country.

The report explained that "under the previous policy, foreign tourists, prior to the expiry of a 21-day entry stamp, could apply for a 38-day extension, and then two-month extensions thereafter."

BI spokeswoman Antonette Mangrobang said that the new policy regarding the Long-Stay Visitors Visa Extension, which took effect starting June 13, "will specifically benefit foreign tourists who come to the Philippines to escape the winter season in their respective countries." The Long-Stay Visitors Visa Extension costs around P13,000 or around US$300.

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