How to Go to the Calapan Immigration Office from Puerto Galera is pretty simple.
If you’re looking to extend your stay in the Philippines and require a visa waiver or visa extension then at some point you will need to go to an immigration office. If you’re in PG, then this is how to go to the Calapan Immigration Office from Puerto Galera.
NOTE: This is only about how to get to the Calapan Immigration Office from Puerto Galera. We do not consult or advise on immigration-related issues or questions. For that, you will need to see an officer at an immigration office or visit the immigration website.
How to Go to the Calapan Immigration Office From Puerto Galera
Getting to the Calapan Immigration Office from Puerto Galera only takes about 1.5 hours, depending on how you travel. You have several options to go to Calapan from Puerto Galera.
- Drive Yourself
- Hire a Car
- Hire a Trike (yes some will really drive you there)
- Ride a Jeepney
- Ride a Shared Van
Depending on your goals for the trip and how much you want to spend will determine which is the best option for you. Read on to find a little more about each option on how to go to the Calapan Immigration Office from Puerto Galera.
Drive Yourself
If you’re driving yourself, then this is pretty straightforward. However, I will give you a few tips on riding to Calapan.
Things to keep an eye out for are:
- oncoming traffic in your lane
- people walking on the side of the road
- motorbikes or cars entering the road and not looking or expecting you to slow down
- construction sites
Pro Tip: Below is a video I made of a trip to Calapan on a motorcycle. You will see first hand the views as well as some of the obstacles you may face on the way.
Hire a Car
This will require you to ask around for anyone who knows of someone who will drive you to Calapan. If you’re staying at one of our resorts, we may be able to find someone who will drive you. You can count on at least a half a day to hire the car as driving time alone should be 3-4 hours.
The great thing about this is not only will you be able to enjoy the scenery on the way to and from, but you can also visit some places on the way back if you go early enough like:
Pro Tip: If you do this then it’s best to just hire the car and driver for the full day.
Departs From: Your location
Returns From: Your choosing, better to keep all-day
Cost: Depends, you will need to inquire.
Hire a Trike
Believe it or not, there are trikes that have offered to take me to Calapan. I don’t know if they were serious, but if you would like to try that route then you could ask around. I don’t know the price, so you will have to ask.
Same applies here in terms of visiting some places on the way back mentioned above.
Pro Tip: Just hire the trike for the day and have them take you to these places.
Departs From: Your location
Returns From: Your choosing, better to keep all-day
Cost: Depends, you will need to inquire.
Ride a Jeepney
If you’ve ever ridden a Jeepney, then you know the kind of ride you’re in for. It can be crowded and hot.
Once you get to Calapan, you can get off anywhere and jump on a trike and have them take you to the Immigration Office.
Pro Tip: If you can, plan to go early and come back early if you’re using a Jeepney. The reason for this is if you come back between 3 and 4:30 pm in the afternoon, the Jeepney bringing you back will stop several times to pick up school children which will add a lot more time to your return journey.
Departs From: Puerto Galera Jeepney Terminal
Returns From: Calapan Jeepney Terminal
Cost: P80 each way
Ride a Shared Van
Riding in a shared van to me only has one benefit and that’s aircon. If you don’t get the front seat, then the seating space through the rest of the van can be pretty cramped if the van is full. If you don’t mind your legs being in a 90-45 degree sitting angle for 90 minutes, then that may not be a problem for you.
Pro Tip: If you need more space, just buy another seat next to you.
Departs From: Puerto Galera Jeepney Terminal
Returns From: Calapan Jeepney Terminal
Cost: P100 each way
Calapan Immigration Office Address
Below you will find the immigration office address according to the Bureau of Immigration of Philippines website.
CALAPAN IMMIGRATION FIELD OFFICE
ACO: JERGENA L. VALENZUELA
Direct Line(s): (043) 288-2245; (043) 287-3570
Facsimile Numbers(s): (043) 287-3570
E-mail Addresses: calapan_do@immigration.gov.ph
Office Address: Provincial Capitol Complex, Brgy. Camilmil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
If you enter in through this gate above off of the main road JP Rizal, you will have to walk all the way to the back of the compound. The immigration office is currently in the main Provincial Government Building (below). To enter into the building, you will want to walk around to the right side of the building.
Once you’re inside, walk straight in, walk to the left corridor and the first right and you’ll see a sign on a door that says immigration office (as of 16 Nov 2016). You will walk just pass this area below:
and the office will be on your right-hand side after passing this.
How Long is the Renewal Process
I’ve seen the process take as short as 15 minutes, but could take much longer depending on if you come prepared and how many people are in line ahead of you. It also depends on the answers to their questions if they have any for you.
Pro Tip: Be there exactly when they open around 8:30 am and you will probably not find anybody else there. If you can download the form ahead of time from their website and have it filled out do that. Bring a passport type photo with you.
Staying Overnight in Calapan
There is very little to do in Calapan, but if you go later in the day then it might make sense to stick around overnight. You can find a few hotels online. I’ve never stayed overnight there so I don’t have one to recommend.
You can grab something to eat while you’re there at one of the many restaurants throughout the city, go to Xentro Mall and watch a movie at the cinema, and explore around the city. Here is a TripAdvisor List of Things to do in Calapan.
Cheers,
Sean
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