SRRV or Tourist Visa... that is the question!

Hi Icd, as posted many times here and on their (PRA) website the SRRV is open again for over 50's and the bonus never available before is starting the ball rolling within your own country. For current updates visit their site.

https://pra.gov.ph/

I'm sure red and green listed countries will fall into the equation with the ease or difficulty accomplishing this type of visa. As for tourism opening? Lots of conjecture but what I see and only my opinion is going to be a year if not 2 for things to get back to normal, sadly.
Good luck Jim and scour the PRA websites, chat with them and watch the expat sites for info.

Cheers, Steve.

emvaningen wrote:

Hi Jim,

1. No, the programme is not on hold, but you can only apply if you are 50+.

2. People have to apply from within the Philippines, but can get a 9a tourist visa with a special approval (EED) from DFA if they intent to apply for SRRV. Help for obtaining an EED (which is a requirement for getting  a tourist visa) is available from PRA marketers, who should not charge for this service. An EED, if approved, is issued free of charge.

3. The deposit is not 50k, but 10k or 20k, dependent of whether or not there is a pension, or even as low as USD1500, for former US military and some other lucky people.

Good info emv, my take in this though is that if you apply offshore (not available until recently) that you need to pay your application fees and deposit through your offshore consulate, god only knows how a bank account and fees are submitted to the Philippines but from what I've read/garnered it can be done, once fees are paid etc you apply for an EED which enables you to secure a visitor visor through your consulate and once landed in PH. the rest of the paperwork is accomplished onshore.

I may stand corrected and always looking for wiser input, as we all are. Best info will come from your local Philippines consulate within your home country.

OMO.

Good luck.

Cheers, Steve.

Hi Big,

Partly correct.

SRRV application fee and deposit are not paid via a consulate, but directly into designated PRA bank accounts.

PRA or a good marketer can facilitate this process, and as I said without charging fees (over and above what the Government charges) for this assistance, provided that the incumbent proceeds with the same marketer for the filing of the SRRV application.

I think I am not allowed to mention names here, but privately  I can provide references.

emvaningen wrote:

Hi Big,

Partly correct.

SRRV application fee and deposit are not paid via a consulate, but directly into designated PRA bank accounts.

PRA or a good marketer can facilitate this process, and as I said without charging fees (over and above what the Government charges) for this assistance, provided that the incumbent proceeds with the same marketer for the filing of the SRRV application.

I think I am not allowed to mention names here, but privately  I can provide references.

Semantics emv, the fees and deposit have to be paid/accomplished from outside the Philippines via ones relevant consulate to the PRA's approved deposit accounts well prior to obtaining an EED, I think in reality it's called commitment (yes sir I wish to accomplish), and you know what? Rightly so. Honestly emv this is a great opportunity for those with little or no hope of returning to the Philippines in any near future to secure their aims but with commitment. Red and green countries I have no idea.

All aside from not mentioning PRA marketeers names emv, if and when it comes my turn for a marketeer, I will send you a private msg, the fool in Baguio thinks his sh#t don't stink but I told him in no uncertain terms that his farts gave him away and guess what? He threatened to have me deported, go figure, I reminded him that the 12 or 14 email exchanges between us would follow any legal pursuit and if he valued his position, perhaps could be more cordial,,,,,,,,,, followed by "you are my friend" and "we can make this happen" and "all my clients are friends"....... B/S and more B/S from a dude that thought he was the king pin.

I set him straight that with his rhetoric and postulations after 20 years as a government employee (he claimed) in that position that it may be short lived and assumed power comes to an end,,,,,,,, You know what the fool said to me? He told me that I have to deal with him and he would make it hard, my response? Pi#s off wanker and no correspondence since. That was several months ago and no deportation yet, emails saved. Perhaps your source doesn't like him either?

Back on topic there appears to be no tourist visas to date, only Balakbayan, 13a, SIRV maybe and SRRV maybe, not read or seen anything on returnees on the later two. Tough yes but for a reason.

Only my 2 bobs worth and as always OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Wow Steve, (see pm after I complete this)

My contact has processed a number of EED requests, 8 have been approved and two of them are already here on 9a visa and finalizing their SRRV application.

Thanks guys sending this info to my friend in PI. Will check the links, I fit all the boxes, retired USN, over 50, will be single in January. Only question is I thought there were no? tourist visa at all. JIM

Looked at link for pra, I could not find anywhere where a foreigner can apply for a 9a tourist visa. Thanks JIM

ill send you a link in private.

I'm only a dummy but I would suggest you talk to your local Philippines consulate with regards to the SRRV program currently offered within your country, I and only what I read and from my perspective appears that a tourist/visitor visa is granted after application fees and deposit secured, followed by:
EED and visitor visa and accomplish your SRRV once landed. Red and Green countries I have no idea on, others can advise.

Good luck Jim.

Cheers, Steve.

lcdrski wrote:

Looked at link for pra, I could not find anywhere where a foreigner can apply for a 9a tourist visa. Thanks JIM

Its not the normal applying for tourist visa,
its applying to SRRV with assistance from PRA, who make so you get a tourist visa so you can get into Phils to apply for the SRRV in place.   If I have understood correct PRA demand the SRRV deposit done before they make so the tourist visa get approved.

Correct.
And this can also be done by PRA accredited marketers.
Some (few) do this without charging above the official government application fees.

What ever an expat does here in the Philippines will depend on the choice of partner he makes.  Do not rush into relationships.

Thanks for the link will check it out. JIM

A quick note - emvaningen you have as before demonstrated you know the ropes, now understand your wife is a marketer,

I would encourage people to use marketers as I believe they get paid by PRA and they can be huge help, especially now. I used a lawyer as did not know better 6 years ago and he took forever as had done one before and decided he could advise vs. tell me he was not needed what I needed was a Marketer.

I would also say as bad as it was for SRRV holders over the last year..I think because of the massive under 50 (like average age in their 30's) Chinese that were tied to internet gaming but claiming not to work....we CAN now get into Phil and Tourists can't and if/when there a surge at any time that can happen again even if lifted.  I don't see them changing the rules for SRRV, the exit permission is all about being Chinese, otherwise think until that dies down, yes will have to get "permission" to leave but done quick and apologetically by the PRA as its not their idea.

So I would vote for the SRRV especially if older as amount way down and if military, heck this only place outside of the USA that has a VA facility at the embassy (somebody w/knowledge can confirm).

Hi all and thanks still not aware of who what why or how someone can get a Tourist visa when all the PI sites are saying no tourist visas, Thanks JIM

lcdrski wrote:

Hi all and thanks still not aware of who what why or how someone can get a Tourist visa when all the PI sites are saying no tourist visas, Thanks JIM

Then you havent read my post from 21 october enough      
Tourist visa can only be got to get SRRV.

And all the other posts coach, multiple sites. Wife/children. I can't see the forest for the trees. Regardless this is a new and great opportunity for those considering the SRRV to return to or retire to the Philippines and though a long and difficult process does/can grant one security in retirement and can now be achieved from ones home country through the PRA, not available before. It does appear there are those trying to take advantage and recently squashed with no refunds, well done Philippines. Commit and do it properly.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

To all, the military extended srrv was the option that i chose in 2016.  Much less required deposit, $1500 with BDO branch in makati.  Plus the normal application fees.  I used one of the local marketers named Maria.  Very helpful and did not cost anything.  The only thing needed to do after receiving it was to renew it.  At first used the 3 year renewal.  This last year due to covid they would only renew annually?  Not sure why.  However for me it has been much less hassle and worry free than any other type of visa. Also used it to get return to the Philippines last month.  Rules changed and did not need an entrance waiver either, since that was waived in july 2021.  Going through customs was simple took less than 30 minutes, quarantine 5 days since fully vacinated and then home.  Hope this is helpful to people wondering about visas.

Correct and thank you for mentioning the name of my partner. Something I can't do haha.

You’re welcome.  She was very professional and helpful obtaining  the srrv for me.  Greatly appreciated.

Thanks but this was in 2016. Who has applied this year for Military SRR visa? Im sorry folks but it was suspended? 2016 not the same sorry. JIM

Sorry to beat dead horse, but Are you saying an SRR visa can be issued as of October 2021?  All the official sites say NO. Please be specific? Thanks so much.

Yes Jim, check the previous posts.

Since May 2021 the issuing of SRRV has resumed for people 50+ .

The application has to be finalised in The Philippines, but can be started outside with the issuance of a convertible tourist visa under special conditions.

For this process PRA and its marketers can assist. Be aware that some charge outrageous fees for this service. Contact me if you need information about reliable free services [read recent posts above].

Military SRRV as such does not exist. There are more groups that get discounts.