The Bureau of Immigration is the sole government agency of the Philippines that exclusively facilitates the entry of all foreigners, both restricted and non-restricted nationals, into the country.

The Bureau of Immigration was one of the departments of the Bureau of Customs in 1899, which had undergone a lot of transfers, change of names and even functions. Consequently, President Corazon Aquino signed the Executive Order No. 292, which is also known as the Administrative Code of 1987, renaming the office’s name to its original name, BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION. Although the immigration office reacquired its original name, its functions and powers were retained until today.

On 3^rd February 2009 the Bureau of Immigration together with the Public Attorney’s Office, launched the Public Information and Assistance Unit (PIAU) in accordance with Republic Act No. 9485, known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which orders all government agencies to ensure the speedy delivery of basic services to the public. The PIAU also serves the following functions and purposes:

- Provides assistance for both foreigners and Filipinos who have queries or complaints regarding the functions and operations of the bureau, including the behaviour of immigration employees and officers

- Provides assistance to Filipinos and dual citizens who require legal and notarial aid with matters relating to immigration

- Offers legal services to Filipinos that have complaints against foreigners who may have violated immigration laws or any existing laws

- Grants free legal assistance for foreigners who are detained at the Bicutan Immigration prison and who are subject to deportation that can not afford private lawyers

Currently, the Bureau of Immigration’s main office is located in Intramuros, Manila. It has approximately 50 branch offices in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which process all visa-related documents like the issuance of tourist visa, visa extension and other visas and permits for foreigners in the country, execute immigration rules and laws, and administer deportation orders within their respective jurisdictions.

Below is the complete contact information of the Bureau of Immigration main office and branch offices which can be found in major destinations in the Philippines.