How Much Does a Philippine Visa Extension Cost?

Budgeting for long-term stays in the Philippines requires understanding the Bureau of Immigration's fee structure. The costs are standardized nationally, but the final amount on your receipt depends on how many months you buy, whether you use the "express" lane, and if it is time to renew your ACR I-Card.

💡 The Short Answer: Expect to pay roughly ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 for standard 1- or 2-month extensions. The 6-month extension costs around ₱11,500 to ₱13,000. All fees must be paid in cash (Philippine Pesos) at the BI cashier.

Standard Extension Fees (Estimates)

Extension Type	Estimated Cost (PHP)	Availability
1st Month Waiver Extension (29 days to 59 days)	~₱3,000 - ₱3,500	All BI Offices
1-Month Extension (After 59 days)	~₱3,500 - ₱4,500	All BI Offices
2-Month Extension (The most popular)	~₱4,500 - ₱5,500	All BI Offices
6-Month Extension (LSVVE)	~₱11,500 - ₱13,500	Mostly Manila Main Office

🪪 The ACR I-Card Fee (The "Hidden" Cost)

If you are extending past 59 days, or if your current ACR I-Card (valid for 1 year) is expiring, the BI will automatically add the ACR I-Card fee to your bill.

ACR I-Card Cost: ~$50 USD (approx. ₱2,800 - ₱3,000 PHP, depending on the exchange rate).

This is a one-time annual fee. If you do 2-month extensions, you will only pay this once a year, usually on your 5th or 6th extension cycle.

Optional & Penalty Fees

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Express Lane Processing	+ ₱1,000	Gets your passport back same-day or next-day (not available at all offices).
Overstay Fine	₱500 per month	Plus a ₱1,000 "motion for reconsideration" fee. Do not overstay.
ACR I-Card Reissuance (Lost)	~₱3,000 + Fines	Requires an NBI clearance and an affidavit of loss.

🗣️ The Reality: Budgeting for a Year of Extensions

The 2-Month Strategy: If you extend for 2 months at a time (6 times a year), plus one ACR I-Card fee, expect to spend roughly ₱30,000 to ₱35,000 PHP per year (approx. $500 - $600 USD) just on visa maintenance.
The 6-Month Strategy: If you can get to Manila for the 6-month block, you will spend roughly ₱25,000 PHP per year (two extensions + one ACR card). It is cheaper, but costs time and flight money if you live in the provinces.
Always bring extra cash. The BI frequently updates administrative fees by a few hundred pesos without much warning. Always bring ₱1,000 more than the estimated fee just in case.

🗺️ What Should You Read Next?

Ready to Go? Read the Step-by-Step BI Office Guide → Can I Pay These Fees Online Instead? → What If I Already Overstayed? Check the Fines →

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Latest Field Reports

Fresh community updates. Confirmed reports are merged into the guide above at the next review.

Current Extension Fees Table