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(Visa info provided for your convenience. Mango's is not an authority on visa issues. In all cases please check with official visa authorities for your needs and concerns)
Promising news on special visas for foreign retirees.
The Bureau of Immigration has approved in principle the issuance of special visas for foreign retirees who want to stay in the country for at least one year. Board of Investments (BOI) governor Antonio Leviste said the approval came after an agreement was reached during a conference among officials of the BI, BOI, Department of Tourism and representatives from the private sector in the tourism industry. The implementing rules and regulations of the special visa are now being worked out by an inter-agency committee composed of BI, BOI and DOT. Leviste said the government could attract retirees in the United States receiving a monthly pension of $1,000 a month but cannot enjoy comfortable living due to the high costs of living in their country. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, about 54 million are retirees in the US.
Immigration relaxes
rules on tourist visa
By G. DE LOS SANTOS
TODAY Reporter
February 2002
In a bid to boost tourism and attract prospective foreign investors, the Bureau of Immigration has relaxed its policy on extending the tourist visa of foreign visitors entering the country.
This was announced Wednesday by Immigration Commissioner Andrea Domingo as she issued a memorandum allowing foreign tourists to extend their stay here for a period of six months up to one year from the date of their arrival.
Earlier non-restricted foreigners were allowed only a stay of up to six months while restricted aliens were limited to only two months. Non-restricted aliens refer to nationals of countries such as the United States, Japan and Germany who are not required to obtain a visa when visiting the Philippines.
Domingo said the new policy was adopted in line with the government's thrust to resuscitate the tourism industry, which sustained losses because of the rush of kidnappings perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the South.
"We hope that by liberalizing our rules on visa extensions, more foreigners will be visiting our country and this will generate more income and dollar reserves for the economy," she said.
Domingo also authorized the alien control officers in charge of the different immigration field offices in the provinces to accept and approve application for visa extension of foreigners residing in their areas.
Domingo said this will relieve foreigners in the provinces of the inconvenience of having to travel to Manila to have their visas extended. However, Domingo instructed the alien control officers not to extend visas beyond the maximum period of six months for restricted nationals and one year for non-restricted aliens without her written approval.
Foreigners intending to stay beyond the prescribed maximum periods were also required to write a letter-request stating the reasons why they wish to extend their stay in the country.
U.S. Passport Processing Changes
The Department of State in Washington has released the following information regarding upcoming changes in the processing of U.S. passports overseas. The Embassy will publicize further details of this program as they are announced.
Effective April 8, 2002, American citizens residing or traveling abroad who require issuance of a U.S. passport will be issued the latest, state-of-the-art passport incorporating a photo-digitized image and other enhanced security features. U.S. Embassies and Consulates will achieve this goal by transferring the passport issuance function to a domestic U.S. passport facility. This will increase processing times at some U.S. Embassies and Consulates, but the Department of State is committed to ensuring that American citizens receive secure documents in a timely manner. American citizens are encouraged to apply early for renewal of expiring passports.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates will continue to issue passports in emergency cases. Such passports will be limited in validity, and cannot be extended. Bearers will be required, however, to exchange their limited validity passports for a full-validity photo-digitized passport upon completion of their emergency travel, either through passport facilities in the U.S. or U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
HOW TO GET TO SUBIC BAY
Last Updated Oct 23, 2007
The Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) NAIA is a fairly confusing place for the first timer. There are now two terminals. One is for Philippine Airlines and the other is for all the other airlines. It’s known as terminal 1.
Terminal 1 is the older of the two. Upon arrival you go through the usual immigration/passport control area. This is followed by the nearby baggage claim area. Adjacent to that is baggage inspection which is usually cursory at best. You then proceed through double doors into a foyer area. In this foyer you can rent a car and driver from any of the major car rental companies for about P5000 which today is $110. If this is the way you intend to travel to Subic it is safe and efficient.
If someone is meeting you, then continue out of this area, across the outside street and down one of the two tunnels on each side. This brings you to a curbside waiting area. It is alphabetized so you can stand under your name if that is how you planned it in advance. Across this road are the ‘greeters.’ Once you identify each other that person can then get the vehicle and picks you up at the curb. Mango’s and other hotels can send drivers to the airport and provide this service, complete with coolers of ice water, soda, beer and other amenities. As of this writing most of us do this for P4000 or $85.
Terminal 2 at NAIA is also known as Centennial Terminal. Your first impression is how clean it is. If you have ever arrived at the other terminal this is a breath of fresh air. It is easy to navigate immigration, baggage claims and customs. From there it is a straight shot outside where friends, family and drivers are easy to find.
Like all airports the world over keep your wits about you, your valuables safe and do not get taken in by someone with an absurdly low price to take you to your destination.
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Additional Travel Options Manila to Subic: Mike O’Farrell has been operating his seaplane service here for over a decade. He picks you up at the South Harbor near the US Embassy and flies you to Subic in 30 minutes. He lands at his hanger on SBMA. The cost for this pick-up is $200. If you would prefer to land at Mango’s or any other beach resort in the area the price is $250. Contact him at 63-47-252-2230 or e mail him at seaplane@info.ph As of this writing Mike’s cell phone number is 09-19-325-1106 For the seasoned visitor to the PI or the cost-conscious adventurer, Victory Liner Busses are a great way to get from Manila to Subic Bay. They run from 4 AM until 8 PM leaving hourly. The first class busses are clean, comfortable, fast and efficient. They usually provide movies on board. The trip to Olongapo takes 3-4 hours depending on time of day and Manila traffic. They are safe within reason. Pay attention to your stuff. To get to Victory Liner terminal take a taxi and ask to be taken to the Pasay (pass-eye) terminal. This bus service to Olongapo is P186 or $4. For travel between
Subic Bay and Angeles City Subic Express van service leaves from Bart's Hotel
in Barretto daily at 10 AM. From Angeles it departs Kokomo's to Barrio
Barretto at 1 PM in the afternoon. Cost is 400 pesos or about $9 at today's
rate. For information call 09197760256. |
Should you have any concerns before considering traveling to the Subic Bay area check the related news articles on our Local Current News page. Also browse the embassy website for your home country. Some quick links are provided below, just click on the flag or browse the list of Manila embassies and consulates or World embassy and consulate database.
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