When you extend your visa to stay in the Philippines, it is exactly what it says on the tin...A visa to STAY! It is not a multiple entry visa, and so of course it is void once you leave. It really isn't difficult to understand
Don't confuse a visa with a period of authorized stay. A visa is something that gives you permission to present yourself at the border seeking to enter. The border official stamps your passport with your period of authorized stay. If you leave before the expiration of your authorized stay, then that period expires also and when you represent yourself at the border the next time, you must request a new period of stay. You will be given a period of time that you are eligible for regardless of what may have happened before. I arrived 4 days ago and was given 1 year. If I leave in a month any remaining time on my 1 year ends. If I return in 2 months, and I cannot provide evidence that I qualify as a balikbayan, they will only be able to give me 29 days even though I was originally authorized for up to 1 year.
Balikbayan expires the minute you exit the country. Dont be confused about that. And the only thing that qualifies you obtion a balikbayan visa is a marriage certificate and you wife arriving in the country with you. Same same tourist visa,, if you leave, its done. come back and start over.
@@wobbles47 the only thing that we needed was for my wife and I to arrive together. We were not asked to provide any additional information. We had it however if it was requested
Nothing but respect for you Tom! I am also a foreigner and I never know what to expect, but kudos for you for making the right decision for you! I applaud you and am impressed with your willingness to get to know the Filipinos and enter places others would not attempt to try... Your truly friendly to them, and your demenure is sincere towards them... lastly, your gutsy, for accepting food off the streets and live to tell the story... forget the naysayers. ... you are one in a million Tom! High FIVE!
Oh Tom! Schoolboy error. It's common knowledge that when you leave the country the visa is void. $300 for a six month visa that only costs $123? Never a headache for me going to J Center Mall. Was there last Friday - in and out within 45 minutes. So quick I made a video for UA-cam. Respect.
Tom, their is an immigration office inside The Grand Island mall in Lapu-lapu City area and renewing your Passport Visa there will take 30 to 45 minutes. The Cebu area is super long 4 hours or more.
I have never had any issue going to the BI office in Bacolod or in Manila. Go early or pick an office in a big city that is away from the central business areas. The agencies just want your money. Unless you have a multi-entry visa like in other countries or a permanent resident visa in the Philippines you can’t leave and come back on an existing visa. I research everything myself and have had zero issues. Looks like impatience and relying on an agency that just wants your money was your issue. Just go to BI and do it yourself. I learn something new in the Philippines every week!
I’m sorry for what happened Bro 😎 including the lost of so much money 💴 however, I did a bit of research, and found out that the immigration itself has the last say. In any event, in the Philippines 🇵🇭 itself, when visa extension is given for a period of time, if you leave the country and try to return, that visa will be voided. Hope everything works out Tom 😊stay safe and glad you’re back again, but all in all, try to do a little research as well.
!!! Thank you for sharing your experience! This knowledge will probably save me hundreds of dollars in mistakes because I was planning to visit Thailand while on a 59 day visa in the Philippines.
It's simple, think of your tourist visa as a single entry visa.....and not a multi-entry visa, so once you exit the PH, it is automatically cancelled, only permanent visas like the 13a or SRRV allow for multi-entry.......I believe there was a time the embassies were issuing multi-entry 9a visas, but I think they stopped doing that now. It's a shame you received incorrect info from that agent....but it happens often there. It's pretty easy extending your visa in Cebu, I've done it a few times myself since they have an office in J Mall in Mandaue, went early in the morning and was done within 2-3 hours, so not too bad. Better luck next time dude!
agree as visa's to most countries are single entry visa's no matter how long you get a visa for. But reading immigration ph, they do have a "special return certificate" that you need to apply for before departing the phillipines for non nationals (aliens or extra terrestrials lol)
You used to have to leave yearly but immigration always depends on who you speak to on the day. He/she could say one thing one minute and completely different the next minute. Best is to marry MJ and get a permenant acr. You still pay a couple of hundred peso fee yearly and renew the acr every 4-5 years but it's all a lot easier. Makes it easier for MJ to travel also as shes travelling with a husband so no awkward questions.
Hi all I'm in Tacloban and I get my extension at he office 10 minutes. In and out. I got my first extension and then 6 months. The office said to your welcome and we do the 12 months next. It was all so easy and the office people there were so good.
First time to comment here, even though I’ve followed you and MJ for a while now ~ especially MJ. Sooo sorry you had to go through what you went through and are getting hit from left and right here, it seems. The Philippines, my beloved country, as well. 😬🥺😳Lessons learned, both positives and negatives. You did need a break from each other, it seemed, judging from the way your goodbyes at the airport went down, prompting MJ to say, “Now I can breathe.” Freudian slip, perhaps? Then no explanation whatsoever, not even any mention of Tom’s name for days. No matter. I follow MJ/you both because it gives me pleasure to see MJ portray provincial life in the Philippines. Even though it was a long time ago when I lived there, I still find her upbringing similar to mine in a lot of ways ~ without the nice, new home and car that MJ possesses, thanks to her money management skills from her previous jobs and now as a successful vlogger. My big family of 12 plus some relatives lived under one roof, fought like cats and dogs sometimes, but loved and supported each other, like MJ’s family. Enough about me. Take care, lovebirds, if you’re meant to be. Keep loving life and each other and keep getting to know each other. Hold on to your dreams, MJ. You also, Tom. 😊💃🏽🌺🇵🇭🌴
Of course the agency wants your money so they just said yes to you even if that's not real. If you exited the country, just like other countries, your visa is voided.
I believe the way it works regarding a multi-entry tourist visa is that you have to leave before the first 59 day mark, and when you return, you receive another 59 day period that is handled the same way. You must have stayed beyond the initial 59 day period. That is why most people who leave the Phils regularly , just go with the initial 30 day allotment or get a 59 day visa to start with.
Check with another blogger Susie, for years she had just extended her visa and after 3 years she did left back to her home country. She returned early this year and had been doing the same monthly routine of extending until recently she got married to the bf. Now she has her immigrant status.
Appreciate your explanation Tom, I was very interested why you had to leave on such short notice. My Australian friend said we as Australians can get a visa with multiple entries. Just a thought is that applicable to you. Anyway, as they say such is life, live, learn. Enjoy your time, I'm sure the positives will out weigh the negatives. Looking forwards to seeing some more videos of the slums/ hard life there for filpinos. I'm sure in the future you just maybe do a give away @ a favourite slum area. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 🍻
Lesson learned, never take anyone's word when it comes to visas anywhere. Take the time to learn the rules of the game and your life will be much funnier in the Philippines 🇵🇭. GL kid.
Hi Tom. I think you should check if you were given a single entry for 6 months or multiple entry for 6 months. I think the agency failed to explain that if your visa is single entry only then it becomes void if you leave the country before 6 months. If you were given multiple entry visa, you can go in and out several times withing that 6 months without voiding the visa.
I’m kinda in the same situation as you . I was going to extend my visa 6 months and called JRC who has been handling my extensions for me to find out if I fly to America to visit family is my extension still valid . They said no . Once you leave the Philippines on a tourist extended visa and come back you start all over again and also loose your ACR-1 card even though mine doesn’t expire for almost a year . Crazy I know . I’m still not quite sure why you left for Thailand and came back since your visa is valid from your trip for 30 days . Love your Vlog by the way . I live on Macton island and enjoy your adventures with MJ.
Hi Tom, nice to see you vlog. “ life lesson” anyway continue on with your awesome traveling life ( smile) Life is precious- Focus, no worries be happy (smile) May God Bless & protect you throughout your life. From Chicago USA
My friend, you need to go to immigration office yourself. It takes 15 minutes or less to fill out the paperwork. Then wait your turn to submit make your little payment. Then go back and pick up your passport and visa. Easy peasy. You need to go and do this yourself, then you can make a vlog and tell everyone how it went. I’ve been doing this for the past 9 years. No problem ever. But if you don’t want to do it , I can do it for you for a large sum of money, same day service. Take care.
Off topic but loved the video of you getting a massage in Bangkok. It is cheap to get one at most places in PH. If you could film one in Cebu it would be interesting to see. Most places may not let you film but money seems to talk in the PH so sure you can find a place that will allow it.
Maybe someone can answer this question for me. I will try and write it to make sense. ✨I have read that it is required to have a departure flight showing on an itinerary for Foreign Nationals when entering the Philippines ✨if someone plans on staying for the eligible 30 days or 59 days but then wishes to apply stay longer ✨Does that departure flight have to be on their itinerary?
Tom, all your personal business specially legal papers don’t rely on someone else. Do it personally that’s what I do to avoid trouble. It’s personal thing .
Tom I feel your pain. It's true one person always says something different from another person that's the Philippines for you. They make money from paperwork Tom. The acr card I was asked if I want one for my kid and I said what's the purpose of an acr card they said it's good to have to drive in the Philippines and I said no my child isn't going to drive here lol. They really should not punish foreigners to get these nonsense stuff. But yea once you leave its invalid because then it's more money for them if you get another one. They don't understand we hire agencies to save time and headaches, the traffic, the high cost to get to immigration, the long lines, yea you pay more if you cut lines. You sure didn't deserve that because you put your trust into an agency then they told you wrong. If I were you I would have mentioned their name the agency lol they're so lucky you didn't. It really is a lot of headache. A lot of people get tired of it and not come back.
Giving you thumbs up for this video even though your visa problem was a pain in the ass and it cost you a few extra dollars and time you where still allowed back . Nice job with the explanation of your experience
It sounds unsympathetic but I will say, it is not the fault of the Philippine government, it is your fault for not knowing personally the law, rules and regulations. You can blame the agency but you are the ultimate reason why this happened. I never use fixers if I do, I will have to do my own research before I let the fixer do it to save me from any headache of the processing my papers. Good luck 😃
The immigration have the last say always. If you leave it has always been the visa is void. Up to you to learn the rules and learn to do it yourself like most of the smart long termers do. Never trust fixers and visa agents. Bushyboy Oz.
Hi Tom. I am in Thailand and have a one year visa. If I want to exit the country I have to go to immigration, pay 1000 Baht and they stamp my passport with a re entry stamp. I have already done a trip to Canada and the return was fine. I was just wondering if the Philippines has anything similar. Cheers from a Kiwi in Thailand
Philippines doesn’t have this advanced system wish they did. I follow people in Thailand and your immigration far more expat and tourist friendly. Lucky you, take care.
I have not heard that before but then again I have not left since I got here. I do know after the 3 years of extensions you don't have to leave the country and come back and start over you can just apply for a different visa to stay after the 3 years.
What Tom had to endure is not uncommon. The Philippines has every right to enforce their laws and visitors or Expats must respect that. HOWEVER the issue is the individual agents sometimes just make up their own regulations or interpret the regulations to meet their agenda. Some are corrupt looking to make some easy money others are sour little vindictive tyrants. Some are just not too bright and it reflects poorly on the vast majority of honest dedicated hard working agents.
It's the same with a 1 year balikbayan visa, if I leave the Philippines and then return without my spouse the balikbayan visa is null and void, I have to enter on the 30 day visa on arrival.
This is good info to know as I was planning to enter with spouse balikbayan status but if I needed to leave and go out of the country I thought my re-entry was good under balikbayan status….anything to make a buck…Philippines.
@@toneloko930 Well that is what I was told by immigration/ passport control upon entering the Philippines, you may get different info when you enter 😄 The 30 day VOA is free to be fair.
I smell BS on the visa Tom.I have been there many times before then left to go hongkong then returned a few days later no dramas and didnt have to re apply for a new visa.
@8:00 That is exactly what you should do…. Unfortunately I feel like these agencies just there to sell … and don’t tell you things properly… like lost in translation… Thanks for sharing your story.
i think it is same everywhere once u exited automatically cancel whatever stamped visa you have otherwise u shouldnt leave and just complete your 6 mos without going anywhere.
My wife worked for a company and her job was to get employee visas, immigration ops and etc.. Having said that, I have nothing to offer.. LOL .... She will help me when the time comes.
You cant have paradise without some problems bro :) Just leave it be and stay anyway, dont get upset ok I always go to immigration down there but i dont make any diffrence because i stay down there until its time to go back to sweden and work. Cheers m8
General rule is that 6 month extensions are only granted at main offices not satellite-based offices. Not sure why you paid so much for a visa extension. My 6 month visa cost me $147 USD. The process is super easy. Just remember, in the Philippines, you must have patience. Good luck
You were lucky. BI lost my exit papers in manila and Caused me to miss a flight to America in November of 2022. The ticket was non refundable Lost $1900.00.
Govt workers there, like most places, have random number generators for their competency levels. Msot agents are average, but some are great and some are terrible. You could get a new or hardass agent who just messes up or just messes with youbecuase they can. I think the agency is correct but they cannot predict what kind of BOI agents you will run into.
I don't know if it's changed but my last two trips there is a Phillipines embassy were I live so I gave them a court clearance easy $10 a copy of my income, were I was staying my pass port $125 and a request for a 90 day visa. A Week later went back and got my pass port with 90 day stamp. It maybe cost a little more but was a 90 headache free trip, with a 30 day extention avaliable. Did not have any thought of staying longer then went to Thailand 30 days Cambodia 15 days and Vietnam 30 days and home. This was my scheduled for two years prior to COVID. Now as a non vaccinated person I have no ambition to travel at all till they all 💯 % comferm that non vaccinated people are good to go to travel freely. It seems that since COVID the rules can change on a dime and it can depend when and who you run into at the airports. So you just have to be willing to go with the punches and it is what it is and be prepared for any thing. So far from input from people traveling to Thailand and Vietnam it has not been a issue for regular 30 day travel for vaccinated people. Were I am it officaly came out that the Phillipines just opened up a month or two ago and I have been told vaccinated people it's 30 days as normal there is like a 5 to 7 day quarantine for non vaccinated people and tickets were really cheep were I am. I think just to get people to start returning for tourist reasons. Many countries are trying to get back to normal and airline costs are going way up I think ticket prices are about to sky rocket. So if I was vaccinated and I was going if I can still get the 90 day no issue visa I would book and pay for my hole trip now including if I was going some were else after the Phillipines before this happens. 🤔
A word about exit clearances. I made an emergency trip to Beijing and went to Cebu immigration. Told the officer my story. Looked at my passport and told me everything was in order. But I've been here over 6 months. You're good. I get to Manila immigration and first question, where's is your exit clearance? Told HER my story. P720 later, I was cleared and on my way. Next time I was at immigration in Cebu, I didn't see that particular officer.
You should have looked at the customs immigration person and said that's not what my Philippine lawyer says. Then they will have to do the research to make sure they are right so they would have let it slide and said oh ok. When you claim to have the law and a lawyer behind you they don't push issues with you
The travel agency is not the Government! I would have gone back to the travel agency and get a refund; they NEED to know they were disseminating wrong information so the next Joe don’t get scammed!
I have been traveling to the Philippines since 2006. The wife and I built a house there in 2009. Decided to raise our kids in the U.S.A. We still go back periodically. Last trip for me was 2019. My wife is going back to visit next month. I will not be going with her. I might be done with the Philippines for ever? That might be a pretty bold statement, but I have had it with ALL the hurdles. I realized last trip that although the Philippines still resonates with me, the govt. red tape is no longer worth it. If I do fly into the Philippines it will be just a jumping off point for Vietnam. Great Vietnam content yall posted.
I kinda enjoyed my visa runs to Singapore from the Indonesia myself. I’m not a fan of handing over my passport to anyone either. That’s a great way to have someone steal your identity. Happens a whole lot. Since you guys are travel vloggers…..just make visa run travel vlogs. Problem solved. Bill is in the mail. 😆
@Tom....There was misunderstanding between you and the BI official. Just like any other country, when a foreigner leaves or exits the Philippines within a month after the approval of a 6-months visa extension, that nullifies the remaining 5 months left in your 6-month stay in the Philippines. It is always like that. So neither of the BI officials has contradicting statements. It is you who didn't understand the policy.
A very important question, Tom! Since you like this comment - why did you come back to the Philippines.? You should have stayed in Bangkok! Scrap that reasoning “to see MJ”! That is old music now since you really never cared for her, obviously! The reason why I am upset is … because I love my country, the Philippines! Every time you talk about it, it’s always bad! Can you say something nice, for a change?
The so few things nice about it , 25% to be close . Like destinations (beach , places to eat- cheap - what else ? Other than that friendly people because of economics , everything else is saturated like infrastructure, transportation, horrible service in obtaining (which you stil can) documents, paperwork, medical , the real necessities that are NOT up to date in anyplace close with good accesible ways for outsiders to gain . 💯 % woman will act nice to an outsider no matter the age as long as he has a paycheck 💰 Always the same environment if you stay permanent, and 80% of followers or viewers are ignorant to fall an support filipinas so they can even live better for free off donations…. Example: MJ , - someone answer wher is here part productive in life other than being laid back eating , sleeping , trying to cook , filming 🎥 rain , forest, house 🏠 family an crying about her everyday mood when FOOLS provide for all her needs better than they do with their own families REALLY , can’t no one tell she’s a horrible actor an a WEB - BEGGER I’ll leave everyone with their own thoughts about it , myself I live too well in the USA 🇺🇸 to pay attention to obvious things like that but I like to stroll once in a while to see how the world 🌍 stays dumb while moving in circles an dummies follow. Watch your favorite UA-cam videos but be real an honest about what you see , ugly will always be ugly don’t disguise a poison ivy with petals of flowers 🌺 Enjoy everyone An last to Tom -- You know you’re hooked 🪝 to MJ just because you like how she enjoys or the way she eats banana (if you know what I mean)
@@chilooftiz2311 so glad you’re not in the Philippines! Enough of your negative experience! It made you a more discerning tourist but you have not learned a lesson - tolerance! I am the first one to apologize to you for all the Filipinos that have wronged you. On the other hand, I wish to commend all Filipinos that have been welcoming to foreigners esp you! Hope that you met ONE NICE Filipino! Thank you for that feedback! Ahhh, entitled Americans, hard to please. Forgive me but I am also American, Filipino and Canadian!
@@gavinmiller2077 For a “smart guy” and “smart girl” … the judgment is so poor. BUT … I think, he was inching to go to Thailand and that was the reason! So disappointed with both!
@@deetl it takes 2 hours to get your visa extension in Angeles. It has taken me NO more than 15 minutes on 4 occasions to get my visa extended in San Fernando La Union . Yet Tom thinks it’s easier to get up at 3 am , travel to the airport, go through what really is hassal and aggravation than visiting an Immigration department? Please ? I was actually laughing listening to his excuse
Tom have you ever heard the expression it's cheaper to keep her. So the best way to stay the longest is for you to get married to MJ and live happily forever. You both make a perfect couple 💑 ♥️
Great to see you back. Sorry for the mess up. That sucks. You use the same place Pea talks with on her show? They wouldn’t even refund part of your money? Hang in there there and have a great time and play with Scarlet she missed you. 😊
Tom,never trust a fixer 😁,the rules change depending on the way everyone feels.The first year i went in 2012,the passport girl took a shine to me and she said ,i will give you 1 year gwapo. Next time i went 3 weeks.its a lottery mate.great vlog ,hope you guys are good man xx
Everytime Ive entered the Philippines it’s been different lol. 1 time they told us in line that families stay together in the same line.. next time they tried to make my wife go through a Filipino citizens only line with a US passport and tried to deny my 1 year visa until the airport director got there and settled it.
Once you exited a country(i assume all country) your visa was voided even if it was stamped 6 months/ one year/ etc.. upon return you will be stamp/ given again another new visa to stay.
You can be unlucky on any given day (but the KNOW IT ALLS) will always be clever after something goes wrong- to my knowlege if u leave the country the visa is THEN in-valid
hehe thats philippines we love it and we hate it. i have heard that from others too, that you have to start over with the extensions if you leave. take care...
@roaming hogan - do you worry that maybe the Philippines or Asia might not be for you, and I don’t mean because you can sometimes be a little negative about the country. What I mean is that you are over 30, you’re a foreigner and that can mean that unlike older foreigners you don’t have the luxury of a regular income to support yourself. Does this make you worried about yours and MJ’s future? As we get older, it will be more difficult to get a career (forgive me as I don’t know what qualifications, work experience or whether you have a degree or not). But Are you not worried that it might be time to mature and settle down, work on your career back in Ireland, maybe invite MJ to join you. or is UA-cam going to be your career path and ability to fund your life and support your future family? I’m just curious as UA-cam and traveling seems to be more of a young single persons game?
Hi Tom: I can sympathize. Visa's are always an experience. I had to come back home, and write my Congressman to get a Visa released. it caused a several month delay. I had gotten conflicting information as well. But these things usually work out in the end. Patience is a virtue. It definitely is a good idea to follow up to get the correct information. I would advise to try to get the corrected information in writing.
When you extend your visa to stay in the Philippines, it is exactly what it says on the tin...A visa to STAY! It is not a multiple entry visa, and so of course it is void once you leave. It really isn't difficult to understand
Don't confuse a visa with a period of authorized stay. A visa is something that gives you permission to present yourself at the border seeking to enter. The border official stamps your passport with your period of authorized stay. If you leave before the expiration of your authorized stay, then that period expires also and when you represent yourself at the border the next time, you must request a new period of stay. You will be given a period of time that you are eligible for regardless of what may have happened before. I arrived 4 days ago and was given 1 year. If I leave in a month any remaining time on my 1 year ends. If I return in 2 months, and I cannot provide evidence that I qualify as a balikbayan, they will only be able to give me 29 days even though I was originally authorized for up to 1 year.
The Visa office should have known.
Balikbayan expires the minute you exit the country. Dont be confused about that. And the only thing that qualifies you obtion a balikbayan visa is a marriage certificate and you wife arriving in the country with you. Same same tourist visa,, if you leave, its done. come back and start over.
@@wobbles47 the only thing that we needed was for my wife and I to arrive together. We were not asked to provide any additional information. We had it however if it was requested
Nothing but respect for you Tom! I am also a foreigner and I never know what to expect, but kudos for you for making the right decision for you! I applaud you and am impressed with your willingness to get to know the Filipinos and enter places others would not attempt to try... Your truly friendly to them, and your demenure is sincere towards them... lastly, your gutsy, for accepting food off the streets and live to tell the story... forget the naysayers. ... you are one in a million Tom! High FIVE!
Tom, best thing to do is visit the Q & A section of the embassy/ immigration website so you will get accurate and official information.
missed you so much Tom . you're resilient and it will get better for you both hang in there.
Honestly it’s nice to see you roam n explore by yourself. I hope you travel more.
Great to hear 👂 for him to explore by HIMSELF !!!!
Oh Tom!
Schoolboy error. It's common knowledge that when you leave the country the visa is void.
$300 for a six month visa that only costs $123?
Never a headache for me going to J Center Mall.
Was there last Friday - in and out within 45 minutes.
So quick I made a video for UA-cam.
Respect.
Around here in Ph if you ask 50 people the same question you will get 50 different answers.
Tom, their is an immigration office inside The Grand Island mall in Lapu-lapu City area and renewing your Passport Visa there will take 30 to 45 minutes. The Cebu area is super long 4 hours or more.
I hope he reads this note from you. Not sure how far it is from him but it sounds like the best deal in town take care of my friend
thanks for this tip as a foreigner, im thinking of staying 60 days.
How much is the first extension to 59 days?
I have never had any issue going to the BI office in Bacolod or in Manila. Go early or pick an office in a big city that is away from the central business areas. The agencies just want your money.
Unless you have a multi-entry visa like in other countries or a permanent resident visa in the Philippines you can’t leave and come back on an existing visa.
I research everything myself and have had zero issues.
Looks like impatience and relying on an agency that just wants your money was your issue. Just go to BI and do it yourself.
I learn something new in the Philippines every week!
Well said , hopefully he will take your advice. Take care.
You can extend your visa every 6 months up to 3 years but once you leave the country and go back you have to apply new visa.
I’m sorry for what happened Bro 😎 including the lost of so much money 💴 however, I did a bit of research, and found out that the immigration itself has the last say. In any event, in the Philippines 🇵🇭 itself, when visa extension is given for a period of time, if you leave the country and try to return, that visa will be voided. Hope everything works out Tom 😊stay safe and glad you’re back again, but all in all, try to do a little research as well.
I went to the cebu office on friday and was finished in half an hour
and i have found in the philippines its best to find out for yourself
!!! Thank you for sharing your experience! This knowledge will probably save me hundreds of dollars in mistakes because I was planning to visit Thailand while on a 59 day visa in the Philippines.
It's simple, think of your tourist visa as a single entry visa.....and not a multi-entry visa, so once you exit the PH, it is automatically cancelled, only permanent visas like the 13a or SRRV allow for multi-entry.......I believe there was a time the embassies were issuing multi-entry 9a visas, but I think they stopped doing that now.
It's a shame you received incorrect info from that agent....but it happens often there. It's pretty easy extending your visa in Cebu, I've done it a few times myself since they have an office in J Mall in Mandaue, went early in the morning and was done within 2-3 hours, so not too bad.
Better luck next time dude!
Bad advice from the Agency as i see it
agree as visa's to most countries are single entry visa's no matter how long you get a visa for. But reading immigration ph, they do have a "special return certificate" that you need to apply for before departing the phillipines for non nationals (aliens or extra terrestrials lol)
Thanks Tom, I appreciate the heads-up !!
You used to have to leave yearly but immigration always depends on who you speak to on the day. He/she could say one thing one minute and completely different the next minute.
Best is to marry MJ and get a permenant acr. You still pay a couple of hundred peso fee yearly and renew the acr every 4-5 years but it's all a lot easier. Makes it easier for MJ to travel also as shes travelling with a husband so no awkward questions.
Thanks for sharing Tom. Sorry about your experience, good to see you back!
Hi all
I'm in Tacloban and I get my extension at he office 10 minutes. In and out. I got my first extension and then 6 months. The office said to your welcome and we do the 12 months next. It was all so easy and the office people there were so good.
Good to be back Tom. Now enjoy your time there. You take care.
First time to comment here, even though I’ve followed you and MJ for a while now ~ especially MJ. Sooo sorry you had to go through what you went through and are getting hit from left and right here, it seems. The Philippines, my beloved country, as well. 😬🥺😳Lessons learned, both positives and negatives. You did need a break from each other, it seemed, judging from the way your goodbyes at the airport went down, prompting MJ to say, “Now I can breathe.” Freudian slip, perhaps? Then no explanation whatsoever, not even any mention of Tom’s name for days. No matter. I follow MJ/you both because it gives me pleasure to see MJ portray provincial life in the Philippines. Even though it was a long time ago when I lived there, I still find her upbringing similar to mine in a lot of ways ~ without the nice, new home and car that MJ possesses, thanks to her money management skills from her previous jobs and now as a successful vlogger. My big family of 12 plus some relatives lived under one roof, fought like cats and dogs sometimes, but loved and supported each other, like MJ’s family. Enough about me. Take care, lovebirds, if you’re meant to be. Keep loving life and each other and keep getting to know each other. Hold on to your dreams, MJ. You also, Tom. 😊💃🏽🌺🇵🇭🌴
Hi Tom. I am in Cebu City because of your videos love it here!
Of course the agency wants your money so they just said yes to you even if that's not real. If you exited the country, just like other countries, your visa is voided.
Simple, since he knew he was going to Thailand he could have saved the money by not extending
@@PHILINDi106 exactly!
I believe the way it works regarding a multi-entry tourist visa is that you have to leave before the first 59 day mark, and when you return, you receive another 59 day period that is handled the same way. You must have stayed beyond the initial 59 day period. That is why most people who leave the Phils regularly , just go with the initial 30 day allotment or get a 59 day visa to start with.
Not clear to me why he left. He no longer wants to extend his original 30 day visa? He plans to leave the Philippines every 30 days from now on?
Check with another blogger Susie, for years she had just extended her visa and after 3 years she did left back to her home country. She returned early this year and had been doing the same monthly routine of extending until recently she got married to the bf. Now she has her immigrant status.
You can always convert your tourist visa at the Bureau Immigration to however visa you need to stay for a longer stay more than a year or 2
sorry for all the headaches! but i’m glad you are back!!! now it’s time to do more adventure!!💜💜💜☀️
Appreciate your explanation Tom, I was very interested why you had to leave on such short notice.
My Australian friend said we as Australians can get a visa with multiple entries.
Just a thought is that applicable to you.
Anyway, as they say such is life, live, learn.
Enjoy your time, I'm sure the positives will out weigh the negatives.
Looking forwards to seeing some more videos of the slums/ hard life there for filpinos.
I'm sure in the future you just maybe do a give away @ a favourite slum area.
Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 🍻
Lesson learned, never take anyone's word when it comes to visas anywhere. Take the time to learn the rules of the game and your life will be much funnier in the Philippines 🇵🇭. GL kid.
Hi Tom. I think you should check if you were given a single entry for 6 months or multiple entry for 6 months. I think the agency failed to explain that if your visa is single entry only then it becomes void if you leave the country before 6 months. If you were given multiple entry visa, you can go in and out several times withing that 6 months without voiding the visa.
I’m kinda in the same situation as you . I was going to extend my visa 6 months and called JRC who has been handling my extensions for me to find out if I fly to America to visit family is my extension still valid . They said no . Once you leave the Philippines on a tourist extended visa and come back you start all over again and also loose your ACR-1 card even though mine doesn’t expire for almost a year . Crazy I know . I’m still not quite sure why you left for Thailand and came back since your visa is valid from your trip for 30 days . Love your Vlog by the way . I live on Macton island and enjoy your adventures with MJ.
Lose not loose. Pet peeve. 😆
@@neilgunns8391 you are correct grammar police . I wasn’t paying attention.
Hi tom happy for you be back in 🇵🇭🌴🌴🌴🇵🇭🇵🇭
Hi Tom, nice to see you vlog. “ life lesson” anyway continue on with your awesome traveling life ( smile)
Life is precious- Focus, no worries be happy (smile)
May God Bless & protect you throughout your life.
From Chicago USA
A minor setback in life. Head up and carry on. Good luck.
My friend, you need to go to immigration office yourself. It takes 15 minutes or less to fill out the paperwork. Then wait your turn to submit make your little payment. Then go back and pick up your passport and visa. Easy peasy. You need to go and do this yourself, then you can make a vlog and tell everyone how it went. I’ve been doing this for the past 9 years. No problem ever. But if you don’t want to do it , I can do it for you for a large sum of money, same day service. Take care.
Sorry this happened Tom. I will be keeping my eyes wide open !
You 2 are perfect for each other
Off topic but loved the video of you getting a massage in Bangkok. It is cheap to get one at most places in PH. If you could film one in Cebu it would be interesting to see. Most places may not let you film but money seems to talk in the PH so sure you can find a place that will allow it.
My wife and I arrived in early Sept. got the balikbayon visa 1 yr. next is 13A visa will go thru JRC agency
No, do it yourself. the probatioary 13a and the permanent 13a after 12 months will cost you heaps. Cheap and easy to do it yourself.
Maybe someone can answer this question for me. I will try and write it to make sense. ✨I have read that it is required to have a departure flight showing on an itinerary for Foreign Nationals when entering the Philippines ✨if someone plans on staying for the eligible 30 days or 59 days but then wishes to apply stay longer ✨Does that departure flight have to be on their itinerary?
bottom line, if you wanted to stay, you could've. Is there must be another reason why you're leaving?
Actually,get married,go to Thailand for a few days, honeymoon,then go back and you'll get one year free stamp.. Balikbayon..just a thought
Yes because a visa is a great idea to get married. Think before you post, then give your head a wobble will you
Tom, all your personal business specially legal papers don’t rely on someone else. Do it personally that’s what I do to avoid trouble. It’s personal thing .
Tom I feel your pain. It's true one person always says something different from another person that's the Philippines for you. They make money from paperwork Tom. The acr card I was asked if I want one for my kid and I said what's the purpose of an acr card they said it's good to have to drive in the Philippines and I said no my child isn't going to drive here lol. They really should not punish foreigners to get these nonsense stuff. But yea once you leave its invalid because then it's more money for them if you get another one. They don't understand we hire agencies to save time and headaches, the traffic, the high cost to get to immigration, the long lines, yea you pay more if you cut lines. You sure didn't deserve that because you put your trust into an agency then they told you wrong. If I were you I would have mentioned their name the agency lol they're so lucky you didn't. It really is a lot of headache. A lot of people get tired of it and not come back.
Giving you thumbs up for this video even though your visa problem was a pain in the ass and it cost you a few extra dollars and time you where still allowed back . Nice job with the explanation of your experience
It sounds unsympathetic but I will say, it is not the fault of the Philippine government, it is your fault for not knowing personally the law, rules and regulations. You can blame the agency but you are the ultimate reason why this happened. I never use fixers if I do, I will have to do my own research before I let the fixer do it to save me from any headache of the processing my papers. Good luck 😃
Travel ageny are not fixers. They are licensed to renew Visas for you. They are legit totally legal.
The immigration have the last say always. If you leave it has always been the visa is void. Up to you to learn the rules and learn to do it yourself like most of the smart long termers do. Never trust fixers and visa agents. Bushyboy Oz.
The psuedo fixers as you call them remembered they had money to collect but forgot they had a service to render.
“Kung AYAW, me dahilan, kung GUSTO, me paraan!”
Hi Tom. I am in Thailand and have a one year visa. If I want to exit the country I have to go to immigration, pay 1000 Baht and they stamp my passport with a re entry stamp. I have already done a trip to Canada and the return was fine. I was just wondering if the Philippines has anything similar. Cheers from a Kiwi in Thailand
one year visa? is that a retirement visa?
Philippines doesn’t have this advanced system wish they did. I follow people in Thailand and your immigration far more expat and tourist friendly. Lucky you, take care.
Hey I’m a kiwi and I love travelling to south east asia I want to travel The Phillipines in the near future any advice?
I have not heard that before but then again I have not left since I got here. I do know after the 3 years of extensions you don't have to leave the country and come back and start over you can just apply for a different visa to stay after the 3 years.
What Tom had to endure is not uncommon.
The Philippines has every right to enforce their laws and visitors or Expats must respect that. HOWEVER the issue is the individual agents sometimes just make up their own regulations or interpret the regulations to meet their agenda. Some are corrupt looking to make some easy money others are sour little vindictive tyrants. Some are just not too bright and it reflects poorly on the vast majority of honest dedicated hard working agents.
we visitors respect the philippines but this isnt about that, might edit your comment
It's the same with a 1 year balikbayan visa, if I leave the Philippines and then return without my spouse the balikbayan visa is null and void, I have to enter on the 30 day visa on arrival.
This is good info to know as I was planning to enter with spouse balikbayan status but if I needed to leave and go out of the country I thought my re-entry was good under balikbayan status….anything to make a buck…Philippines.
@@toneloko930 Well that is what I was told by immigration/ passport control upon entering the Philippines, you may get different info when you enter 😄 The 30 day VOA is free to be fair.
@@toneloko930 no
It’s the culture there bro. Everyone gets their cut. They say whatever they need to get the money.
you need to have patience. that the key and stop dealing with a agent or fixers. they want your money they don't if you get in trouble
I smell BS on the visa Tom.I have been there many times before then left to go hongkong then returned a few days later no dramas and didnt have to re apply for a new visa.
@8:00 That is exactly what you should do…. Unfortunately I feel like these agencies just there to sell … and don’t tell you things properly… like lost in translation… Thanks for sharing your story.
i think it is same everywhere once u exited automatically cancel whatever stamped visa you have otherwise u shouldnt leave and just complete your 6 mos without going anywhere.
My wife worked for a company and her job was to get employee visas, immigration ops and etc.. Having said that, I have nothing to offer.. LOL .... She will help me when the time comes.
You cant have paradise without some problems bro :)
Just leave it be and stay anyway, dont get upset ok
I always go to immigration down there but i dont make any diffrence because i stay down there until its time to go back to sweden and work.
Cheers m8
General rule is that 6 month extensions are only granted at main offices not satellite-based offices. Not sure why you paid so much for a visa extension. My 6 month visa cost me $147 USD. The process is super easy. Just remember, in the Philippines, you must have patience. Good luck
You were lucky.
BI lost my exit papers in manila and
Caused me to miss a flight to America in November of 2022.
The ticket was non refundable
Lost $1900.00.
Govt workers there, like most places, have random number generators for their competency levels. Msot agents are average, but some are great and some are terrible. You could get a new or hardass agent who just messes up or just messes with youbecuase they can. I think the agency is correct but they cannot predict what kind of BOI agents you will run into.
I don't know if it's changed but my last two trips there is a Phillipines embassy were I live so I gave them a court clearance easy $10 a copy of my income, were I was staying my pass port $125 and a request for a 90 day visa. A Week later went back and got my pass port with 90 day stamp. It maybe cost a little more but was a 90 headache free trip, with a 30 day extention avaliable. Did not have any thought of staying longer then went to Thailand 30 days Cambodia 15 days and Vietnam 30 days and home. This was my scheduled for two years prior to COVID. Now as a non vaccinated person I have no ambition to travel at all till they all 💯 % comferm that non vaccinated people are good to go to travel freely. It seems that since COVID the rules can change on a dime and it can depend when and who you run into at the airports. So you just have to be willing to go with the punches and it is what it is and be prepared for any thing. So far from input from people traveling to Thailand and Vietnam it has not been a issue for regular 30 day travel for vaccinated people. Were I am it officaly came out that the Phillipines just opened up a month or two ago and I have been told vaccinated people it's 30 days as normal there is like a 5 to 7 day quarantine for non vaccinated people and tickets were really cheep were I am. I think just to get people to start returning for tourist reasons. Many countries are trying to get back to normal and airline costs are going way up I think ticket prices are about to sky rocket. So if I was vaccinated and I was going if I can still get the 90 day no issue visa I would book and pay for my hole trip now including if I was going some were else after the Phillipines before this happens. 🤔
Most countries are like that especially Republic’s. If you leave remaining time expires.
Glad u made it back to cebu. But u should have made some videos in Thailand bro. Lol even though it was raining lol
A word about exit clearances. I made an emergency trip to Beijing and went to Cebu immigration. Told the officer my story. Looked at my passport and told me everything was in order. But I've been here over 6 months. You're good. I get to Manila immigration and first question, where's is your exit clearance? Told HER my story. P720 later, I was cleared and on my way. Next time I was at immigration in Cebu, I didn't see that particular officer.
You should have looked at the customs immigration person and said that's not what my Philippine lawyer says. Then they will have to do the research to make sure they are right so they would have let it slide and said oh ok. When you claim to have the law and a lawyer behind you they don't push issues with you
The travel agency is not the Government! I would have gone back to the travel agency and get a refund; they NEED to know they were disseminating wrong information so the next Joe don’t get scammed!
I have been traveling to the Philippines since 2006. The wife and I built a house there in 2009. Decided to raise our kids in the U.S.A. We still go back periodically. Last trip for me was 2019. My wife is going back to visit next month. I will not be going with her. I might be done with the Philippines for ever? That might be a pretty bold statement, but I have had it with ALL the hurdles. I realized last trip that although the Philippines still resonates with me, the govt. red tape is no longer worth it. If I do fly into the Philippines it will be just a jumping off point for Vietnam. Great Vietnam content yall posted.
Glad your back Tom. Now it's time for some Red Horse in the morning videos 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks Tom !! 👍
Nice you are back bro
I kinda enjoyed my visa runs to Singapore from the Indonesia myself. I’m not a fan of handing over my passport to anyone either. That’s a great way to have someone steal your identity. Happens a whole lot. Since you guys are travel vloggers…..just make visa run travel vlogs. Problem solved. Bill is in the mail. 😆
I am so sorry I hope it all works out for you when you get back
Why don't you just get a throw away ticket it's $14
Hi Tom, did you get to try the burger from IN-N-OUT in BGC?
Yum
There you go. Go to their immigration site and get a print out. Proof of the way it is.
Unless your 6 month visa is Multiple entry. But if it is a single entry then you have to get a new visa upon arrival if you left the country
@Tom....There was misunderstanding between you and the BI official. Just like any other country, when a foreigner leaves or exits the Philippines within a month after the approval of a 6-months visa extension, that nullifies the remaining 5 months left in your 6-month stay in the Philippines. It is always like that. So neither of the BI officials has contradicting statements. It is you who didn't understand the policy.
It will also nulify your ACR1 card if you got it any time in prior 12 months.
Thanks for this information. Now I know. 🤙🏽
It's more frustrating in the Philippines 🇵🇭
A very important question, Tom! Since you like this comment - why did you come back to the Philippines.? You should have stayed in Bangkok! Scrap that reasoning “to see MJ”! That is old music now since you really never cared for her, obviously! The reason why I am upset is … because I love my country, the Philippines! Every time you talk about it, it’s always bad! Can you say something nice, for a change?
The so few things nice about it , 25% to be close . Like destinations (beach , places to eat- cheap - what else ?
Other than that friendly people because of economics , everything else is saturated like infrastructure, transportation, horrible service in obtaining (which you stil can) documents, paperwork, medical , the real necessities that are NOT up to date in anyplace close with good accesible ways for outsiders to gain . 💯 % woman will act nice to an outsider no matter the age as long as he has a paycheck 💰
Always the same environment if you stay permanent, and 80% of followers or viewers are ignorant to fall an support filipinas so they can even live better for free off donations…. Example:
MJ , - someone answer wher is here part productive in life other than being laid back eating , sleeping , trying to cook , filming 🎥 rain , forest, house 🏠 family an crying about her everyday mood when FOOLS provide for all her needs better than they do with their own families
REALLY , can’t no one tell she’s a horrible actor an a WEB - BEGGER
I’ll leave everyone with their own thoughts about it , myself I live too well in the USA 🇺🇸 to pay attention to obvious things like that but I like to stroll once in a while to see how the world 🌍 stays dumb while moving in circles an dummies follow. Watch your favorite UA-cam videos but be real an honest about what you see , ugly will always be ugly don’t disguise a poison ivy with petals of flowers 🌺
Enjoy everyone An last to Tom --
You know you’re hooked 🪝 to MJ just because you like how she enjoys or the way she eats banana (if you know what I mean)
@@chilooftiz2311 so glad you’re not in the Philippines! Enough of your negative experience! It made you a more discerning tourist but you have not learned a lesson - tolerance! I am the first one to apologize to you for all the Filipinos that have wronged you. On the other hand, I wish to commend all Filipinos that have been welcoming to foreigners esp you! Hope that you met ONE NICE Filipino! Thank you for that feedback! Ahhh, entitled Americans, hard to please. Forgive me but I am also American, Filipino and Canadian!
Hassal and aggravation? What a complete nonsense! It’s so simple. Just tell us the truth that you wanted to get out of the Philippines for a while
You nailed it, Man! We were not born yesterday!
He looked so … wasted! Strong stuff!
Yes does he think we are that stupid to believe that
@@gavinmiller2077 For a “smart guy” and “smart girl” … the judgment is so poor. BUT … I think, he was inching to go to Thailand and that was the reason! So disappointed with both!
@@deetl it takes 2 hours to get your visa extension in Angeles. It has taken me NO more than 15 minutes on 4 occasions to get my visa extended in San Fernando La Union . Yet Tom thinks it’s easier to get up at 3 am , travel to the airport, go through what really is hassal and aggravation than visiting an Immigration department? Please ? I was actually laughing listening to his excuse
Tom have you ever heard the expression it's cheaper to keep her. So the best way to stay the longest is for you to get married to MJ and live happily forever. You both make a perfect couple 💑 ♥️
Great to see you back. Sorry for the mess up. That sucks. You use the same place Pea talks with on her show? They wouldn’t even refund part of your money? Hang in there there and have a great time and play with Scarlet she missed you. 😊
View is so nice godbless u
I was in Cebu in May and i went from Mactan Airport to Moalboal- Malabuyoc then up to Oslob before flying to Pampanga Angeles City
Tom,never trust a fixer 😁,the rules change depending on the way everyone feels.The first year i went in 2012,the passport girl took a shine to me and she said ,i will give you 1 year gwapo.
Next time i went 3 weeks.its a lottery mate.great vlog ,hope you guys are good man xx
Welcome back to your 2nd home and enjoy your lukewarm Redhorse!
Government is so messed up in the Philippine
Everytime Ive entered the Philippines it’s been different lol. 1 time they told us in line that families stay together in the same line.. next time they tried to make my wife go through a Filipino citizens only line with a US passport and tried to deny my 1 year visa until the airport director got there and settled it.
Very clear
Once you exited a country(i assume all country) your visa was voided even if it was stamped 6 months/ one year/ etc.. upon return you will be stamp/ given again another new visa to stay.
You would need a multiple entry visa. Which I’m not sure they even have. Some countries do Tom.
Don't use the agency, go to gaisano mactan mall in lapu lapu city it's faster there keep safe
and wont burn a hole in your pocket.
im returning in may 2023, hopefully i can meet you and take selfies, ill be hanging around cebu city it park with my girlfriend there.
They should have a year visa. Pus you have a family there. It should not be that hard. You and MJ Will work it out.
You can be unlucky on any given day (but the KNOW IT ALLS) will always be clever after something goes wrong- to my knowlege if u leave the country the visa is THEN in-valid
I believe the visa would state clearly single entry or multiple entry visa. If it is not stated at all, most likely single entry visa
hehe thats philippines we love it and we hate it. i have heard that from others too, that you have to start over with the extensions if you leave. take care...
@roaming hogan - do you worry that maybe the Philippines or Asia might not be for you, and I don’t mean because you can sometimes be a little negative about the country.
What I mean is that you are over 30, you’re a foreigner and that can mean that unlike older foreigners you don’t have the luxury of a regular income to support yourself. Does this make you worried about yours and MJ’s future?
As we get older, it will be more difficult to get a career (forgive me as I don’t know what qualifications, work experience or whether you have a degree or not). But Are you not worried that it might be time to mature and settle down, work on your career back in Ireland, maybe invite MJ to join you. or is UA-cam going to be your career path and ability to fund your life and support your future family?
I’m just curious as UA-cam and traveling seems to be more of a young single persons game?
Hi
Tom: I can sympathize. Visa's are always an experience. I had to come back home, and write my Congressman to get a Visa released. it caused a several month delay. I had gotten conflicting information as well. But these things usually work out in the end. Patience is a virtue. It definitely is a good idea to follow up to get the correct information. I would advise to try to get the corrected information in writing.