Phils visit over 21 days, any problem boarding airlines if you haven't got visa?

[Iani]

Hi

I couldn't find an answer to this one.

I'm off to Phils in October, and would probably want to stay 4 weeks.

Of course, this is over the 21 day visa free period, so an extension would be needed.

I've read all the threads on here on how to do this, it doesn't sound hard, apply soon as arrive, or soon after - but nevertheless a faf

However, I read in one place, a hint that if your return tickets were over 21 days, then you can be denied boarding.

Is this a definite? I'd probably fly Etihad, Qatar or Emirates, but thinking - if I used the online check-in, and printed my own boarding pass, then they wouldn't see the return section anyway?

It's just that - yes I could go to London and get a visa, or maybe apply by post - but it looks like they want all sorts of evidence, and counter-signed by some sort of official

Thanks anyway, thought this could be useful to anyone else reading if anyone knows the answer

[lastlid]

They check your passport as you leave, after checking in with the airline.....

[Iani]

Oh, was I confusing been a long day

I meant, if I had return tickets for over the 21 days period, they could deny boarding on the outward journey, so wouldn't get out there in the first place.

That's what I meant. I'd obviously extend it soon as I could out there. I know of course, you always get your passport checked before checking in.

Or actually, does anyone know if it's easier to apply here?

Yours confused

[Steve.r]

Getting an extention visa is so easy. You do it on arrival in manila. Line up in the immigration queue as normal, when you get to the officer, tell him you need a longer visa, he directs you to the door on the left. You go in, tell them you want to extend, they get the ok, you pay, then go back to the immigration line and wallop!! you get your stamp. I have done it a couple of times already. No hassle.

[grahamw48]

Oh, was I confusing been a long day

I meant, if I had return tickets for over the 21 days period, they could deny boarding on the outward journey, so wouldn't get out there in the first place.

That's what I meant. I'd obviously extend it soon as I could out there. I know of course, you always get your passport checked before checking in.

Or actually, does anyone know if it's easier to apply here?

Yours confused

I've done that on many (most actually) occasions.

It's not a problem.
Sometimes I've had 1 year 'open' tickets.

[irishman12]

There is a proposal that the 21 day visa will be extended to 30 days but not sure when it will be -its best to contact the airline that you plan on flying to verify about possibility of being denied boarding but as long as you have return ticket -shouldnt be any problem -as mentioned you can extend at airport or in manila

[irishman12]

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/355008...-boost-tourism

[Iani]

Thanks for that
Its not the extending, it's if the airline might be snotty about letting you on. Not sure if it's worth contacting them though, as the people at check-in aren't necessarily the airline staff, as general staff from the airport.

Thanks anyway
Be great if they extend that visa free period soon

[irishman12]

of course the people at checkin are airline staff unless things have changed since last time i flew -will be checking in with emirates in a few weeks -if they are going to deny boarding -then they must have some documentation regarding it .

[RickyR]

I've flown in and out of the Philippines a lot. The airlines use an IATA database which tells them that you will only receive a visa for 21 days, and that they will deny boarding without it.
I've been asked for onward tickets with Asiana, Cathay and Singapore Airlines, in addition to Cebu Pacific in HK. I only once got asked by KLM. Asiana and Cathay were the strictest.
Generally its luck as to whether their system flags up to ask you or not, but if your unlucky you WILL be denied boarding.

This is even the case despite husband being able to get balakbayan visas and the possibility of getting extensions on arrival. When I was flying with Asiana, I lied and showed them my seamen discharge book, and said I'd be joining a ship in Manila so wouldn't need an onward ticket, and that took a lot of explaining. Think i was very close to having to pay for another ticket.

An easy route out is to book a ticket out of Clark to Kota Kinabalu (cost around 20-30 pounds) or get a fully refundable ticket and cancel it afterwards.

[grahamw48]

As far as the airline is concerned, when they land you in Manila you don't need a visa.

After that it's not their problem.

Yes, of course you need an onward (or return) ticket to satisfy Philippines immigration...and your carrier, but I don't think that is what you were asking.

Two different things.

[RickyR]

The reason the airline is so concerned about abiding the visa rules, is because if they deliver you to the Philippines and you're denied entry, they are responsible for repatriating you and will be fined.

[grahamw48]

I understand that, but as Brit you don't need a visa to enter the Phils.

You do however need an onward ticket.

As I said...two different things.

[RickyR]

ah Yes, i understand now Graham, the complicated scenario of Visa on Arrival.

[fred]

This is even the case despite husband being able to get balakbayan visas and the possibility of getting extensions on arrival.

I understand the OP`s worry and I think its high time that these airlines are given clear instructions by R.P immigration as to their requirements so they are no longer compelled to deny boarding.. Its a crazy situation to put people in.
I agree with what Graham has said and like him I have never experienced any problems.. That said I have in the past bought cheap throw away or refundable onward tickets to be sure..
BTW.. The Balikbayan privilege offered to us is not a Philippine visa.

[grahamw48]

Sometimes I've bought a ticket to Hong Kong, VIA Manila.

Of course in those days as a Brit' you could stay in HK forever if you wanted, so single ticket to there was ok.

Not sure what the HK entry situation is now, but easily looked up. I've a feeling you need an onward ticket for there now also.

Of course the OP has a return ticket anyway so that isn't what he was asking about.

[Terpe]

Hi

I couldn't find an answer to this one.

I'm off to Phils in October, and would probably want to stay 4 weeks.

Of course, this is over the 21 day visa free period, so an extension would be needed.

As Graham has mentioned, as a Brit you do not need a visa to gain entry to the Philippines. You do however need to have a return ticket.

Despite all the extremely unlikely possibilities, if you are at all concerned and feel happier to be safe, then you have plenty of time to organise a 59 day visa at the Philippines Embassy in London.

The 59 day visa application form is here


Applicants who cannot appear in person may send their applications by post. The applications should be duly notarized by a Notary Public or Solicitor, who is authorized to legalize signatures. A selfaddressed, pre-paid or stamped special delivery envelope must be enclosed for the return of your passport.

[jonnijon]

I just got a single ticket to Davao, and an onward ticket for about two weeks later to Kota Kinabalu.
how much is it now to extend visa at the airport?

[grahamw48]

It will probably be about p3000 now, but google is your friend.

[jonnijon]

guess im a lazy git

[Iani]

Well I had a look on one of the airlines site, and their terms seem to suggest a visa isn't needed in the case of a UK person who can get a visa extension once over there.

Think I'll e-mail them once booked, then it's in writing. I'd maybe apply using the link above, but...........they want it signed by a solicitor? Seems a bit nuts if can avoid that

Thanks again, help appreciated

[gWaPito]

Getting an extention visa is so easy. You do it on arrival in manila. Line up in the immigration queue as normal, when you get to the officer, tell him you need a longer visa, he directs you to the door on the left. You go in, tell them you want to extend, they get the ok, you pay, then go back to the immigration line and wallop!! you get your stamp. I have done it a couple of times already. No hassle.

I wonder what the charge is? Cash or card?

[irishman12]

according to this embassy website http://www.philembassy.se/consular-services/visa it is already possible for all countries listed to enter for 30 days without visa -so better check with uk embassy first as it still says 21 days there

[irishman12]

I wonder what the charge is? Cash or card?

where are you asking about? if in manila -you will need peso

[gWaPito]

where are you asking about? if in manila -you will need peso

My question was....the cost of having visa extended at airport ....as stated in quote by steve r......we normally have it done at the Swagman in Mabini, the downside going there is we have to come back at a later date to collect the passports.

Obviously more convenient doing it at airport.

Btw Swagman also take card....we always get peso's in Manila we just a few to pay for taxi....hence wanting to know how much airport customs want for the stamp

[irishman12]

dont think it has anything to do with customs? immigration office -3030 peso

[gWaPito]

dont think it has anything to do with customs? immigration office -3030 peso

Goodness me! Immigration, customs whatever. Best if you not got the answer ie how much does it cost to extend your standard 21 day visa.

I tend not to reply

No matter Ill get my wife to give them a call

[grahamw48]

I read it as 3,030 pesos.

I'm going for 6 months end of October...just worked it all out on the back of a bit of paper an hour ago....about normal for me.

One day I just say it...I'm off.

[irishman12]

cant u read? 3030peso there is no such thing as 21 day visa and now supposedly you can stay for 30days without visa

[grahamw48]

Hey , come on guys.

It's all on blinkin google search anyway...no need to fall out over it.