Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

adventure of challenging airport and border immigration interrogation for Pinoy global dream 

Revisiting Japan for 3 Consecutive Year (May 2013, Aug. 2014, Feb. 2015)

1st Europe Solo Trip; Arriving in Paris, France (Oct. 2013), Departing in Rome, Italy (Nov. 2013)
Visiting United Kingdom using the same Multiple Entry Visa in 3 seasons (Jun. 2014, Oct. 2014, Dec. 2014)
3rd Europe Solo Trip; 14 Countries in 23 Days including non-Euro members (2015) 

NOTE: Tips on how to react properly in dealing with Airport and Crossborder Immigration Officers abroad (based on my more than 100 airports and crossborders combined visit). This pointers are essential especially if its your first time doing leisure travel outside Philippines. Please read also query comments of our Kababayan's case experience (very important!).

Memorandum Circular 036: Guidelines on Departure Formalities for International Passengers

The following are my personal rate of experience (solo travels mostly) on Immigration Officer encounters in airports and crossborder checkpoints abroad. I rate it on scale of 1 to 5, [1 - VERY RELAX (typical inspection & zero interrogation) to 5 - STRICTEST (rigid inspection & extensive interrogation)]:

All Southeast Asian Nations are very relax so far  [Singapore(2011), Malaysia border(2011), Ho Chi Minh(2011), Cambodia border(2011), Laos border(2011), Kota Kinabalu(2013), Yangon(2014)-1, Bangkok(2014), Bali(2014), Kuala Lumpur(2015), Bandar Seri Begawan(2016)];-1 Incheon(2011)-1; New Delhi(2012)-1; Beirut(2012)-1; Cairo(2012)-1; Yerevan(2013)-1, Shanghai,Hongkong(2013)-1; Osaka(2013)-1; Czech Republic border(2013)-1; Rome(2013)-1; Tbilisi(2014)-1; Colombo(2014)-1; Marrakesh(2014)-1; Istanbul(2014)-1; Nairobi(2014)-1; Tanzania border(2014)-1; Nagoya(2014)-1; Beijing(2015)-1; Ulaanbaatar(2015)-1; Croatia border(2015)-1; Bulgaria border(2015)-1; Copenhagen(2015)-1; Kathmandu(2015)-1; London(2014)-2; Dubai(2013)-2; Slovenia border(2015)-2; Paris(2013)-3; Palestine border(2013)-3; Gibraltar(2014)-3; Male(2014)-4; Manila(2014)-4; Frankfurt(2015)-4;  Hungary border(2015)-4; Iran border(2015)-4; Switzerland border(2013)-4.5; Tel-Aviv(2013)-5.

Immigration Officers, IO's (known also as Passport Control Officers) play an extremely important role in the security and safety of any countries. At all times, he/she may arrest any person that he has a reasonable suspicion of committing an indictable offense using the "any person powers" (also known as citizen's arrest). In Philippines, many Filipino's today are open-minded in terms of leisure travel. All are dreaming of going abroad just to tour and experience of being there. Therefore, planning how to go is vital especially if travelling on tight budget basis. One of the process along the way is having interviewed by an Immigration Officer. The role of Immigration Officers are to ensure that immigration legislation is enforced. This can cover the rules of entry for Visa applicants, foreign nationals, those seeking asylum or pursuing those in breach of immigration and criminal laws. 

South East Asia visa-on-arrival (VOA) stamps (2010-2011)

Visa on Arrival / E-Visa Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

Pinoy travel addict mode on global scale as of October 2024

Philippine Passport holders have visa-on-arrival / e-visa privileges in more than 70 UN-recognized countries. Additional 9 countries if working as professional in Middle East (GCC) states and more than 20 countries/territories if holder of valid visa on Schengen, United Kingdom, Canada or the United States. These countries do not require to visit/have an appointment to Embassy for Filipinos with Philippine passport, either just go straight to the country or apply the visa online at home. On the other hand, the Republic of the Philippines granted visa-free privilege to Nationals from 157 countries for a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less.

To know more about the latest visa policies of different countries for Filipino travelers or Philippine Passport Holders, use the following keywords in web search engines;

* search "visa policy of (country you like to visit)" or "(country you like to visit) mfa"
* https://www.passportindex.org/comparebyPassport.php?p1=ph&fl=&s=yes
* https://visalist.io/philippines/all-visas
* http://visados.com/en/

the new Philippine e-passport

How to Apply for Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

Quest to visit all Countries of South America in 2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with a Philippine passport only, with WORK FROM HOME JOB (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and NO BUSINESS. I provided proof of enough savings, investments and insurance.

TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS:  will be given to those who wish to join the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for recreation, health, or activities that do not involve compensation or profit, such as cultural, artistic, scientific, sports, contact with companies public or private sector, or journalism for special events. 

1. Valid Passport (more than 6 months validity) - I provided a copy of the bio-page and the original passport (1 page)

2. Properly filled out application form (typewritten) - I printed out then signed (2 pages)

3. Two (2) 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm latest pictures, colored, white background, no computerized alterations (do not staple or scan picture) - I provided latest copy with a white background

4. Airline tickets with entry and exit dates - I provided unpaid booking via 3rd party booking website

5. Documents providing adequate funds to support the travel: Bank Certification, Employment Certificate, Real Estate, Commercial - I provided copies of my house title, condominium unit titles, and insurance investments, BDO online statement of account, and copy of Debit/Credit Card (6 pages) 

6. Bank Certificate reflecting three (3) months average maintaining balance must be addressed to the Consular Section of this Embassy - I provided a copy given by BDO where my savings account is deposited

7. If employed, Employment Certificate and other pertinent documents - I provided a copy of Certficate of Employment

8. If not employed or a student, an Affidavit of Support is required - N/A

9. Original and photocopy of Filipino Identification Cards, Residency, or Certificate issued by the authorities - I provided scanned copies of all government-issued IDs

10. Original Certificate of Domicile issued by the Police Station nearest to the place of residency or authority - I provided copy of the National Police Clearance

11. International Certificate against Yellow Fever, original and photocopy. Required only when traveling to another country before entering Venezuela or once within the national territory, you travel to another country that requests such vaccine and has plans of re-entry to Venezuela - I provided a copy of the yellow fever vaccine certificate

12. Personal Interview - to follow after approval of online submission

13. Visa Fee is US$50.00 (Payment is deposited in our bank account on the same day all complete documents are submitted to the Embassy)

Total No. of Document Page print submitted: 30 print-outs mostly in color pages

Note: 

• Processing of visa will take 3 to 4 working days UPON PAYMENT

• All documents must be original with photocopy

• In certain cases, additional documents may be requested

Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (1 year multiple entry 2024-2025)

How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* The process is almost the same with online Australia Tourist Visa application

* Visa duration is up to 10 years from the date of grant and must not work while inside Canada
* Length of Stay is 6 month(s) from the date of each arrival, multiple entries

* Tourist / Visitor Visa is called as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

​My first visa on my freshly renewed passport (2023-2033) surprisingly. I thought the Embassy ignored my application, processing took almost THREE YEARS (countless email follow-ups have been made). 

Delay Reason: internal issues, my application was approved immediately, no further queries. 

Update as of June 2023: Eligible travellers from Philippines or Philippine Passport Holders (and other 12 more countries) are now qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travellers MUST have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. ETA only costs $7 CAD and applied online. To apply, you must have a valid passport, a credit or a debit card, an email address, and answer a few questions in the online application.

APPLYING FOR CANADA TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES  

https://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/Philippines/

visa fee:

PHP 6,755 (185 CAD)

requirements:

1. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to apply online using IRCC GCKey.
2. Filled-up Visitor Visa Application Form IMM5257
3. Filled-up Family Information Form IMM5645
4. Certified copy of the biographical page of the current passport
5. One recent passport sized photograph (45 mm x 35 mm)
6. Proof of means of financial support such as Salary Certificate / Bank Statement with stamp
7. Purpose of travel, itinerary for your stay in Canada.
8. Travel history, previous passport stamps
9. Invitation Letter or Hotel Booking

appointment:

- schedule on this link every Monday to Friday – 07:00 – 16:00

- passport submission after visa approval notification doesn't require appointment, walk-in between 1pm to 4pm, Mon to Fri.

address:

Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc.
29th Floor The World Center Bldg 330 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City

Helpline Number: +632-8528-2505

Canada Temporary Resident Visa issued in Philippines (2023-2030)

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa as Philippine Passport holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with a period of stay of under 90 days

* If you get a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa Agreement as Philippine Passport holder

How to Apply for Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

 Quest to visit all Countries of Europe in 2023 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as a Filipino Solo Traveller with a Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS. I provided proof of enough savings, investments and previous 3 Schengen visas per below link.

Note:

- Processing time is around 6 to 8 weeks per VFS website (courier included). 

- All required documents to submit should be in A4 paper and in English only.

- Advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.

Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (single entry with 3 months validity)

How to Apply for Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Greece) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS (Dec. 2022). I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and previous 4 Schengen visas per below link.

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Greece) as Philippine Passport Holder (Schengen Visa 2024)

How to Apply for New Zealand Visitor E-Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS. I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and travel history visa stamps to Europe, United States, Japan and Australia. I declared my employment status as "Retired".

* The process is almost the same with Australia Visitor E-Visa (but no biometrics)

* Visa duration is up to 1 year from the date of grant
* Length of Stay is 3 month(s) from the date of each arrival, multiple entries

My New Zealand Visitor Visa Application is the easiest and fastest visa application I ever had, on almost 2 days processing only and with waived visa fee of 211 NZD / 7,200 PHP. 

APPLYING FOR NEW ZEALAND VISITOR VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES  

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/nzl/

Requirements:

1. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to apply online on New Zealand Immigration site.
2. Go to "My Visa" section the "Apply for Visa" then fill out the form

3. Supporting documents to upload are as follows; Passport info page, passport sized photograph, Proof of means of financial support, Purpose of travel, itinerary, Travel history, previous passport stamps

*What I Submitted online: Freshly Renewed Passport copy, Travel Itinerary, Future flight booking (2024), Cover Letter, Local Valid IDs. US Visa 2019-2029, Previous Schengen, Australia, UK and Japan visas, Flight Booking, Passbook Savings Account copy 2022-2023, Hotel bookings, Credit / Debit Cards copy, House Title, Condo Titles, Insurance Investments, Credit Card Statement of Account, BDO Online Savings Account SOA

Processing: 

Visitor visa applications in 20 weekdays, excluding public holidays. On average, visitor visa applications in 8 weekdays. 90% of applications are processed within 39 weekdays (My visa processing took only almost 2 days).

Visa Fee: (courier excluded) 

only 35 NZD (1,230 PHP) for Visitor Levy, tourism. Visa fee is waived (211 NZD / 7,300 PHP)

New Zealand Visitor E-visa 1 Year Multiple Entry 2023-2024

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS (Dec. 2022). I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and previous 3 Schengen visas per below link.

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

How to Apply for Ecuador E-Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

41 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador March 24 to May 04, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Ecuador Summary and Itinerary

ECUADOR E-VISA Approved (Mar. 2021)  

Have difficulties in Bogota and La Paz...  Successful in Lima

“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” - Winston Churchill

1. As of March 2020, Philippine Passport holders are required to apply for Tourist visa before arrival in Ecuador (90 days single entry).

2. Due to Covid19 pandemic, all visa applications are now online via this link https://www.consuladovirtual.gob.ec/en/web/guest/inicio

3. The most expensive and the most hard-to-get E-Visa I had for 450 USD (21,600 PHP), almost three (3) times the amount of Visitors Visa of US, Schengen, Japan, Canada and Australia (around 160 USD on average). 

4. Re-applied for the third time, previous applications in Bogota and La Paz (both applied on February 2021).

PAYMENT: Application Processing Fee (Mar. 11) 50 USD / Visa Fee (Mar. 17) 400 USD Total: 450 USD

Mar. 07, 2021 Sun (Cusco) - lodged my application online again for the 3rd time in Virtual Consulate https://www.consuladovirtual.gob.ec/en/web/guest/inicio. I attached latest BDO 3 months bank statement, BDO debit and credit card copies, NBI record and passport size photo (all files are converted in pdf). These documents are the exact same set of requirements I submitted in Bogota and La Paz. 

Mar. 08, 2021 Mon (Cusco) - Virtual Consulate replied and asked to provide filled out application form and Visa Support Letter (which I did not send on my previous applications because they did not ask). I immediately sent my response action within this day.

Mar. 11, 2021 Thu (Cusco) - I received an email from Virtual Consulate stating that the documents I submitted have been validated. I can now pay the Visa Application Fee 50 USD online in the portal, I paid via credit card within this day. 

Mar. 16, 2021 Tue (Huaraz) - I received 2 emails, from Virtual Consulate and from Ecuador Embassy in Lima stating that I can now schedule my appointment for videocall interview via zoom application. I set the schedule the next day.

Mar. 17, 2021 Wed (Huaraz) - after waiting for almost 2 hours per agreed appointment, I received an email stating that my visa is approved (no videocall happened due the embassy staff was busy). I can now pay the Approved Visa Fee 400 USD online in the portal. I decided to pay in cash via over-the-counter since the bank mentioned is just near the hostel where I checked-in in Huaraz and the website was making an error message when I used my credit card. 

Mar. 19, 2021 Fri (Huaraz) - received an email from Ecuador Embassy for the payment confirmation and embassy visit appointment for passport and documents submission on Monday. 

Mar. 22, 2021 Mon (Lima) - arrived 830am and submitted the printout documents but was allowed to go inside embassy at 11am. Ecuador E-Visa application successful, copy was sent in email by the Virtual Consulate. Ecuador E-Visa has 3 months validity from Mar. 22, 2021 with multiple entry. 

How to Apply for Ecuador E-Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

How to Apply for Ukraine C-06 Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* visa applied in the middle of 2nd wave of Covid19 pandemic
* 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days, multiple entry
* Ukraine’s MFA begins issuing e-Visas to Filipino starting from August 14, 2020
* Important link for Visa Applicants https://visitukraine.today/
* VFS Global is an authorized outsourced partner of accepting and processing visa applications.

Ukraine C-06 Multiple Visit Visa for 6 months (Sep. 2020 to Mar. 2021)

Visa on Arrival Countries for UAE-based Professional Expats

Pinoy travel addict mode on global scale updated as of July 2020

Countries (around the globe) not Requiring a Pre-arranged Visa for Philippine Passport Travelers

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates) expatriate residents with usual profession like Engineers, Lawyers, Judges & Members of Public Prosecution, University Teachers, Press & Media Staff, Pilots, System Analysts & Computer Programmers, Company Managers, Businessmen, Diplomatic Corps, Auditors / Accountants, Doctors, Nurses, or employees working in the public sector, their family members, drivers and servants sponsored by them.

The list below is applicable to Professional Expats only with valid United Arab Emirates resident visa (more than 6 months validity before visa application / travel date).

(1) Kuwait - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Kuwait E-Visa before travel (visa costs 3 KWD)

(2) Bahrain - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Bahrain E-visa before travel (visa costs 29 BHD)

(3) Qatar - Visa on arrival costs 100 QAR (paid via debit / credit card, not cash)

(4) Oman - Visa on arrival / recommended to apply for Oman E-Visa before travel (visa costs 5 OMR)
(5) Saudia Arabia - holders of US, UK or Schengen visa are eligible for a Saudi eVisa upon arrival and only permissible through airlines based in Saudi Arabia, such as Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal and SaudiGulf Airlines

(6) Lebanon - Visa on arrival costs $20 (paid in cash, requires UAE Visa photocopy)

(7) Georgia - Visa on arrival free of charge

(8) Tunisia - Visa on arrival costs 60 TND (paid in cash, requires UAE Visa photocopy)

(9) Azerbaijan - Visa on arrival costs $26 (paid in cash)

United Arab Emirates Residence Visa (2019 - 2022)

How to Apply for United States B2 Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* B2 visa type is for or general pleasure, visit to friends and relatives, medical treatment, and amateur/unpaid participants in cultural or sports events.

* A US visitor visa is customarily granted a validity period of a minimum of three (3) months to a maximum period of ten (10) years. Every visit is however, limited to a maximum stay of six (6) months.

* The issuance of a visa is not a sure-fire guarantee that the applicant will be allowed entry in the US since said holders are still subject to the scrutiny of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials who are likewise empowered to deny entry even to valid tourist visa holders.

* The secret to an almost guaranteed approval of a US tourist visa is to BE BRIEF!
* As long as the applicant proves that his intended stay in the US is temporary, then the chances of approval of the visa application are high. Furthermore, applicants must establish the truthfulness of the following circumstances, in order to prove his intention of returning to his country of origin:
    · That he maintains a residence outside the US which he has no intention of abandoning and has social and economic ties in his country of origin
    · That he has means to financially support himself while in the country and will depart at the end of his authorized stay

http://www.manilavisa.com/us-visa/us-tourist-visa/

United States B-2 visa approved (2019-2029)

APPLYING FOR B-2 UNITED STATES VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visaapply.asp

requirements:

1. DS-160 ONLINE NONIMMIGRANT VISA ELECTRONIC APPLICATION

2. PASSPORT – must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended departure from the United States.

3.  PHOTO - 1 pc. 2" x 2" standard photo.  The photo must be in color, taken within the last 6 months

4. Confirmation and Instruction page printed from the website
5. PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP (if applying with/for dependent/s) - Original marriage certificate printed on Philippine National Statistics Office security paper, if applicable (if applying with a spouse and/or child) and original birth certificate printed on Philippine National Statistics Office security paper (for dependent/s).

6. The following supporting documents may or may not be requested from the applicant and are only required at the discretion of the consular officer (must be originals):

   - Bank statements for the last three (3) months and both current and former bank account passbooks

    - Employment certification including salary, tenure and position / Form W-2

    - Income tax return with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or bank stamp / Audited financial statement with BIR or bank stamp

    - Pay slips for the last three (3) months / Credit card statements for the prior three months

    - Vehicle registration with official receipt / Land titles (no certified copies please)

    - Pictures of family, home or business / Wedding photos

    - For students, certificate of school registration

    - Certification of membership to legitimate organization(s)

How to Apply for Chile Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* single or multiple entry of 90 days maximum for $60 (payment in local Embassy)
* visa processing will take up to four weeks (apply two months in advance)
* application is a mixed of online and local embassy visit processing

APPLYING FOR CHILE TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES

https://chile.gob.cl/filipinas/en/

Visa Application Process:

1. Contact embajada.filipinas@minrel.gob.cl with full name, nationality, residence and visit purpose. The Embassy will reply with the instructions and application form.

2. After having the list of requirements per above, proceed to Chile online application (complete the 6 different pages, and upload all necessary documents). When finished, system will generate registration number.

3. After the application was received, local embassy visa specialist will advise further instructions for missing information / documents. An appointment will then be scheduled if all documents are correct.

4. Payment will be done through bank deposit in case visa is approved.

Chile Multiple Entry Tourist Visa 2019

How to Apply for Uruguay Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* multiple entry of 90 days maximum for $40 (payment in local Embassy)
* visa processing will take up to four weeks (apply two months in advance)
* application is a mixed of online and local embassy visit processing

APPLYING FOR URUGUAY TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES

Visa Application Process:

1. Contact uruguayconsulate.philippines@gmail.com with full name, nationality, residence and visit purpose. The Embassy will reply with the instructions and application form.

2. After the application was received, local embassy visa specialist will advise further instructions for missing information / documents. An appointment will then be scheduled if all documents are correct.

3. Payment will be done in cash upon appointment when visa is approved.

Uruguay Tourist Visa issued in UAE as Philippine Passport Holder

How to Apply for Central Asia Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

general info:
* Central Asia 5 "Stan Countries" are the most challenging to visit due to visa requirement and flight availability
* Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan still requires the Letter of Invitation (LOI)
* Kazakhstan (most beautiful among 5 "Stan Countries") requires Tourist Registration if stay is 5 days or longer.
* Uzbekistan has the cheapest visa fee and has the quickest way to apply

* Kyrgyzstan - visa upon arrival (30/90 days single entry for $50/$100), No LOI required

* Tajikistan - eligible to apply for E-Visa (45 days single entry for $50), No LOI required
* Uzbekistan - eligible to apply for E-Visa (30 days single entry for $20), No LOI required

* Kazakhstan - As of Sept. 2019, visa upon arrival (30 days single entry), No LOI required
* Turkmenistan - applied for Transit Visa only (3 days single entry for $10), No LOI required

Central Asia Countries completed as Philippine Passport Holder (souvenir fridge magnets)

How to Apply for Kazakhstan B12 Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

general info:

* as of Sept. 2019, Philippine passport holders are now eligible for visa on arrival with visa fee free of charge

* single entry with 30 days maximum duration.

* Tourist Registration is needed if will stay 5 days or longer.

APPLYING FOR KAZAKHSTAN B12 TOURIST E-VISA 

1. To acquire electronic visa you must have Letter of Invitation (LOI) with invitation code from Kazakhstan side. I took mine on this website that costs $110, the cheapest I can searched online and the only agency that offers LOI for self-guided DIY tour.

2. After some e-mail discussions and payment per item #2, I received my LOI after 7 working days.

3. Sign up for the e-visa site, select and fill in the e-petition.

4. Enter the Letter of Invitation Registration Number, and other details. Wait for the server as it will take time searching your LOI Registration Number.

5. Once the website found your LOI, it will show the details you have and will ask you to pay $60.

6. After some minutes, your e-visa status is approved. You can now readily download your e-visa.

Kazakhstan Approved E-Visa 2019 

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Spain) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days
* Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time.

* 26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

* A “Schengen visa” is required to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business only, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.
* If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Schengen States visa I applied in Spain Embassy of Abu Dhabi, UAE (August to September 2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in France Embassy (2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Germany Embassy (2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Spain Embassy (2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Norway Embassy (2023)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Greece Embassy (2024)