BI records 23.6% increase in revenues from tourist visa extensions in 2023
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) recorded a 23.6 percent increase in revenues generated from tourist visa extensions in 2023.
BI Tourist Visa Section Chief Raymond Remigio said the bureau collected P1,426,076,164 in 2023 compared to P1,153,748,535.50 in 2022.
Remigio attributed the increase to the revived interest in international travel following the pandemic.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that the data reflects the BI’s efforts to make compliance with regulations easier by opening new offices and setting up their online services for the convenience of the transacting public.
“We are one with the Department of Tourism in its campaign to reinvigorate international travel and tourism in the country,” Tansingco said.
“Faster and easier immigration service is our contribution to the national government’s efforts,” he added.
Visa-free nationals are given an initial stay of 30 days. They can extend their stay by applying in any of the BI’s offices nationwide or via the bureau’s online platform at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.