BI Opens New Satellite Office in Siargao to Enhance Immigration Services for Tourists

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has taken a significant step towards enhancing immigration services in key tourist destinations with the opening of a new satellite office on the picturesque island of Siargao. Officially inaugurated on Tuesday, March 12, the new BI office, located at Purok 1 Poblacion in General Luna, aims to provide convenient access to immigration services for foreign nationals visiting the island.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco emphasized the importance of this new office, stating, “The establishment of this office in Siargao is part of our commitment to ensuring that foreign nationals have easy access to immigration services, especially in popular tourist destinations like Siargao.” He highlighted that the office will primarily focus on facilitating visa extensions and providing other essential immigration services for tourists.

With the opening of this office, foreigners visiting Siargao can now process their immigration transactions directly on the island, streamlining their travel experience and reducing the need to travel to main immigration offices in other cities. This move is expected to contribute to the growth of tourism in Siargao and the overall development of the Philippines' tourism sector.

This initiative aligns with the BI's broader strategy to establish immigration offices in various tourist hubs across the country. Earlier plans, as mentioned by Commissioner Tansingco in January, include the establishment of immigration offices in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur, and Sorsogon and Davao del Sur, aiming to provide efficient and accessible immigration services to tourists and expatriates nationwide.

Overall, the opening of the new BI satellite office in Siargao marks a significant milestone in the agency's efforts to enhance immigration services and support tourism development in the Philippines.