Balikbayan Visa Switching to Tourist Visa

Thanks you for you very helpful information; this shows why this site is so good for us all.

I know they like multiple copies of everything, so how many photocopies of the pesos you think I should take?

 

Used to have to play the copy game, changed to the current system late last year. Almost seems too easy now (NOT a complaint!!!) lol

 

I'm sure you need two photographs 2x2, 2x copies of the forms. make sure you fill them in with BLACK INK.

 

Do they need those again. They didn't need them any more last time I checked. As AlwaysRt said, you go in with money and a passport and fill in simplified form and thats it. BUT things change so I ask you: Are they asking for those pics once again?

 

Just so you know: BI will keep your passport for 5 to 7 days while the do a background check.

 

Must have changed then, last time I got an extension was January 2016. Best thing to do is check with the BOI website, latest one.
Edit, just had a peep, you don't need a photo

 

Yup, new process implimented sometime October 2016 or so to the streemlined I mentioned already.

 

Yep, no photo, no copies, nothing but cash and its fast.

Cost me 4,530 pesos for 6 months but I have to go back to BI in a week to pick up my passport. They are just trying to justify why they used to charge so much for express fees. Its sooooo much work They were also telling the guy in line in front of me that he needed to go to BI in Cebu/Mandaue for an ECC and he had to go apply 5 business days before his flight. So any savings on the tourist visa will get eaten up on the trip to Cebu to get the ECC . . but that is later.