If you’re planning to visit Davao City and need to obtain a visa or extend your stay, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:

How to Get a Visa or Extend Your Stay in Davao City

1. Getting a Tourist Visa

For Foreign Nationals:

• Visa Requirements:
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your planned departure date.
  • Completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter).
  • Travel itinerary or hotel booking.
  • Visa fee (varies depending on nationality and visa type).
• Where to Apply:
  • Philippine Embassy/Consulate: Apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Visa Application Centers (VACs): Some countries have VACs that facilitate visa applications.
• Processing Time:
  • Processing times vary, so check with the specific embassy or consulate. Generally, it takes a few weeks.

For Visa-Free Nationals:

• Visa-Free Entry:
  • Many nationals can enter the Philippines visa-free for a certain period (usually 30 days).
  • Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and meets entry requirements.

2. Extending Your Stay in Davao City

Extension of Tourist Visa:

• Bureau of Immigration (BI):
  • Office: Bureau of Immigration Regional Office or Extension Office in Davao City.
  • Services: Extensions for tourist visas, change of status, and other visa-related services.
  • Documents Required:
    • Original passport with a valid visa.
    • Completed application form for visa extension.
    • Proof of financial capacity.
    • Extension fee (varies based on the length of extension).
• Process:
  1. Visit the Bureau of Immigration Office: Go to the nearest BI office to submit your extension application.
  2. Pay Fees: Pay the required visa extension fees.
  3. Receive Receipt: Obtain a receipt for your payment and application.
• Extension Period:
  • Tourist visa extensions are typically granted in increments of 1, 2, or 6 months, depending on your request and eligibility.

For Other Visa Types:

• Special Visa Types:
  • If you hold a different type of visa (e.g., student, work visa), follow the specific extension process for that visa type.
  • Contact the Bureau of Immigration or your visa sponsor for detailed instructions.

3. Important Tips

• Visa Validity: Always check the validity of your visa and ensure you apply for an extension before it expires to avoid overstaying penalties.
• Consultation: For complex cases or long-term stays, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or specialist.
• Travel Insurance: It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers visa issues and emergencies.

4. Bureau of Immigration Office in Davao City

• Location: Bureau of Immigration Davao Extension Office
  • Address: 2nd Floor, Damosa Complex, J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
  • Contact: +63 82 235 5522