Here’s What Overstaying Foreigners in the PH Need to Know

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Good news!

Many foreigners who had reached their 24 or 36 month limit on their tourist visas in The Philippines were worried that they may be deported. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration has released a statement saying that overstaying foreigners will be allowed to remain in The Philippines.

BUT It’ll cost you…

It seems you’ll still have to file a motion for reconsideration in order to extend your tourist visa. In addition, you’ll still be assessed the overstay fines. The fines per the BI website are:

500 PHP for each month overstayed
510 PHP motion for consideration fee

From a visa agent:

15,000 PHP in penalties if you file for the MR before your 36 months are up
25,000 PHP if you file after your 36 months are up

If your tourist visa is about to expire and you don’t want to leave The Philippines I strongly recommend you apply for a different visa such as the SRRV or 13a Spouse Visa as the motions for reconsideration that you’ll need to file continuously will become cost-prohibitive for most foreigners.

This only applies to foreigners who have been overstaying since March 1st, 2020.

If you need money check out my article on ways expats can make money in The Philippines.

How to File a Motion for Reconsideration (MR)

Apply at one of the BI offices equipped to handle such a procedure. You can find a full list here
You may request application an application for reconsideration.
Fill out a tourist visa extension application at the office, TVS-CGAF-VE-2016, or download it and fill it out beforehand.
Hand in your passport plus the application
Pay the fees (the overstay fines plus the motion for reconsideration fee)
Await instructions on when you can retrieve your passport

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