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Complete Guide for Visa Extension at BOI Makati

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Last month, I took an initial extension visa at Bureau of Immigration (BOI) in Makati. Here is the whole process for me not to forget the failure.

BOI_Makati

Type of Visa

I took 1 month VISA WAIVER which is for an initial extension of 29 days for tourist.

Preparation

Here is the list I always bring for visa application.

  1. Passport
  2. Pencil *
  3. Photo (2 x 2 inches) **

* Enough pencils are not available at immigration. Firm sheet for writing is also helpful since desks are very few.

** If ID photo is smaller than 2 x 2 inches, it might be declined. I tried a smaller photo twice and it was rejected in the second time. In case your photo is not accepted, Kodak shop is available near Jolibee at Makati Ave. But I don’t recommend it. Because they may ask crazy high price like PHP1,400. It can be less than PHP100 in other malls.

At last, don’t forget to check if you are not wearing shorts or sandals. Those are not allowed.

Location

Here is  the location of BOI. Immigration is in the 1st floor. They open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. There is a parking at the side of Jupiter street. (I will update it if it’s available for visitors.)

Process

Here is the whole process. I added a timeline to each process. This time, 7 people were waiting earlier.

  1. Get an application form from a guard at the entrance of immigration. (9:09 am)
  2. After filling out the form, provide it to the guard. Then he checks the form and attaches our ID photo to it. He gives us a number card after that.(9:14 am)
  3. Go inside and we can see 4 windows (window 1 to window 4). Then wait until our number is called there.
  4. Give the application form and passport at window 2. Then “order of payment ship”  is given. (9:27 am)
  5. Proceed to window 4 and pay PHP3,030. (9:34 am)
  6. Go to window 3 and provide all documents with our passport. (9:41 am)
  7. Wait until they call our name in the room.
  8. Get visa when they call our name. (10:11 am)

 

Conclusion

In total, it took about 1 hour this time. If it’s afternoon, it may take more time. And lunch time should be avoided. They take noon break from 12nn (although the poster says they don’t take noon break).

Update:
2/29/2016: Remove process to get number.