IMMIGRATION CONVENIENCE. The Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) new online platform, eServices, was launched on Wednesday (July 12, 2023). BI’s eServices provides convenient application and payment options to foreign nationals wanting to visit the country. (Screengrab)
MANILA – To further help boost the country's tourism industry, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially launched on Wednesday an end-to-end electronic service (eServices) for foreign travelers.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the platform would streamline procedures for foreigners wanting to come to the Philippines.
“Our eServices (platform) allows our visitors to comply with their immigration requirements from the comfort of their own homes, hotels, or even by the beach. This would definitely aid in boosting tourism, which is one of the main thrusts of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.),” he said.
Through the platform, foreign nationals may access applications and payment services with convenience.
This would grant them access to several options, including the annual report, Republic Act 9225 dual citizenship principal application, emigration clearance certificate, visa waiver, waiver of exclusion grounds, and tourist visa extension features.
“Visa extension is really one of the highlights of our eServices, given its impact on Philippine tourism. We all know that the Department of Tourism has recently launched the country’s new slogan. That’s why, we are finding ways to make it easy for everyone to love our country more,” Tansingco added.
Foreign nationals may try these features by simply logging in using an existing account or creating a new one at e-services.immigration.gov.ph.
Once directed, applicants may then click the desired application feature to fill up online forms.
Once completed, the succeeding step will show a wide range of payment options.
An email from [email protected] will also be received for the confirmation of the application together with the transaction's official receipt.
The eServices platform was soft-launched in December 2022 under Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.
The BI earlier pledged to launch more system advancements using technology to improve its services to local and foreign nationals, as well as ensure protection from illicit border schemes of human traffickers. (PNA)
