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How to Stay in the Philippines for 3 Years Without Leaving

Your Complete Guide to Tourist Visa Extensions & Residency Perks

Published: June 2025 | Boracay Visa Guide

Simplify your long-term stay in the Philippines with our comprehensive guide.

Thinking about staying long-term in the Philippines? You're in luck. Unlike most countries in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers a uniquely flexible visa system that allows foreigners to stay for up to 3 years continuously — without ever needing to leave the country. Whether you're a digital nomad, retiree, or just someone escaping winter, this step-by-step guide will show you how easy it is to extend your stay and enjoy island life — legally, simply, and affordably.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and reference purposes only. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult the official Bureau of Immigration website: https://immigration.gov.ph/

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in the Philippines

✈️ Before You Enter the Country

Visitors from most countries are granted a 30-day visa upon arrival.
You must have an outbound flight ticket, but it doesn't need to be within 30 days.

🗓️ How to Extend Your Tourist Visa — Easy as 1, 2, 3

The Bureau of Immigration office in Boracay.

Step 1: Go to the Immigration Office
- About a week before your 30-day stay expires, visit the Bureau of Immigration office in Boracay.
- 📍 Location: Robinsons Mall Boracay, basement level
- 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/immigrationboracay/
Step 2: Apply for Your First Extension (Visa Waiver)
- You'll receive an additional 29 days, bringing your stay to 59 days total.
Step 3: Keep Extending — and Stay for 36 Months!
- Return to the office a week before your new expiry date.
- You will now be eligible for 59-day extensions.
- Repeat this process every 2 months, for up to 3 years (36 months) — no exit required.

✅ This process is officially supported and very common among long-term visitors.

The flexibility of Philippine visa extensions.

💻 Prefer Online? Do It All Digitally

If you don't want to go to the office, use the Bureau of Immigration's online platform:

🔗 https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph/
Create an account
Go to "Services"
- Select Visa Waiver for your first extension
- Select Tourist Visa Extension for all renewals after that

🚌 Leaving After 6 Months?

Understanding exit requirements for longer stays.

If you've stayed more than 6 months in the Philippines, you need an Exit Clearance:

Apply online under Emigration Clearance Certificate - B, or
Visit the local immigration office to apply in person

🌺 Why the Philippines Is the Most Convenient Country for Long-Term Stays

Feature	Philippines	Thailand	Indonesia
Max continuous stay (tourist)	36 months (3 years)	60 days (w/ visa runs)	180 days (multiple steps)
Visa run required?	❌ No	✅ Yes (frequent)	✅ Yes
Online visa extension	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No
Visa extension cost	💸 ~$100/2 months	💸 Frequent fees	💸 Tiered pricing
Exit required?	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes