Australia: Visa Application

Most of the advise online is still to get a visa first before buying a ticket.  But what can I do if the fares are on sale?!

I bought my 5J ticket on 28-Oct-2014 during the Peek-a-BOOK Piso Sale for 7,060 php base fare RT. Now, how will I get the visa?

• Created an account at http://www.border.gov.au/immiaccount
• Applied for Visitor Visa (600), filled-up the form and submitted the following documents:

2013 Oct: Visa Application for Beijing, China

My last trip in China was in Shanghai on 2010. After 3 years, we'll be going back and this time to Beijing. Since personal visa application in the embassy is not a convenient experience (read my first time Chinese Visa application), we decided to get the travel agency service for this requirement.

I initially inquire at Reli Tours in SM Southmall Las Pinas and they quote me with a shocking 5000 service fee and a deposit of 1000 for the list of requirements. How come it is overpriced? Probably, because they are a partner agency of Japanese Embassy and not China. If I say yes, that would mean my roundtrip ticket is equivalent to the visa service fee and that will not be a smart traveler decision.

Thank you to pinoyexchange.com for recommending Asia Pacific Travel in Escolta, Manila. 

Asia Pacific Travel
G/F AIC Center Bldg., Escolta St., Brgy 291, Zone 027., Binondo, Manila
Tel #:3533127/3533729/3533697
Also, open on Saturdays: 8:0am - 12:00n

Going there: By commuting take a jeepney going to Divisoria.  This will pass Jones Bridge, AIC building is the first building on your right side.  

For private cars, you can take the street parking in front of the office/building. On your way back, since Jones Bridge is one-way, take the street going to Santa Cruz and take the Mac Arthur Bridge to reach Lawton area.

What are the requirements for second-timer applicants:
1. Passport with your old China visa.  
2. Photocopy of the identification page of the passport and old China Visa
3. Photo (2by2) with white background that should be paste (not stapled) on the form
4. Filled-up application form (available on web and in the office)
5. Itinerary can be attached (but also asked in the application form)
6. Others would say they need Invitation Letter (But I only prepared: round trip tickets and hotel reservations)

I prepared Certificate of Employment and Bank Statements (but these were not required for second-timer applicants).  After submitting all the documents, we only paid 1600Php, 1400Php for the actual visa fee and 200Php for the travel agency service fee.  After 4 working days, it is already available in their office. I was able to get my passport and visa (30-day stay) the following weekend and all transactions went well.  Thank you very much Asia Pacific Travel for making this easy for us.

How to apply for Japanese Tourist Visa

Applied: 2012 November
Tourist Visa Application for an Employee

Unlike other embassy (Asian countries) here in the Philippines, tourist applicants in Manila are not allowed to personally get into the consul office.  The Japanese Embassy has accredited agencies on where you can apply to, visit this link for the list.

Agency	Service Fee (Php)	Link
Raja Travel Corporation	1500	http://www.rajahtravel.com/images/Tourist_Visa_Requirements.pdf
Reli Tours	1200	http://www.relitours.ph/en-visa.html
Attic Tours	1,500+ 12%	http://www.attictours.asia/visatypesDistantRelatives.php
Friendship Tours	1200	http://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com/

The one I chose to apply to is Reli Tours due to its price and location.  I submitted the requirements on a Saturday (one month before my flight) and I got SMS confirmation that I can get back the passport with its approved VISA stamped by Monday afternoon. Cool, I can’t believe it’s done after one working day only. 

Who said it is hard to apply for a Japan VISA?  If you’re main purpose is just for tourist, then you should be able to prove that you can fund your stay there and you know where you are going.

The website of the Embassy of Japan has its complete requirements and procedure here: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

I have submitted the following:

• Passport – valid for more than 6 months
• Visa Application – photo is pasted, indicate “N/A” for all those “not applicable”
• Birth Certificate – the release date should be the same year of your application.  If you are too busy to visit the closest NSO Office in your area, you can request it online with higher fee at https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Default.aspx
• Employment Certificate - includes the start date, position and annual income
• DailySchedule in Japan – this is a detailed documentation on how are you transferring from the Airport to your accommodation.  If you have indicated there the Hotel Name, better if you can also provide the Hotel Booking Form.  If you have indicated there a relative/friend’s place, then make sure that you are able to provide the resident’s certificate of that person.  If there is a day that you will be joining a guided tour, make sure that you also provide the reservation form. Sample: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/requirements/schedule%20of%20stay.doc
• Bank Certificate – submit the amount that is feasible and can fund the type of accommodation or destinations you have provided in your Daily Schedule.  Most banks would also ask the reason and whom to address the letter: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, 2627, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines 1300 
• Income Tax Return (ITR) – this is also certifies your financial status, that you can fund your travel and that you are going back to the Philippines
• Airline Round-trip Tickets
• Hotel Reservation
• Guided Tour Booking (http://www.japanican.com/index.aspx)

If you are submitting a passport without any previous travel stamps, just make sure that your bank statement and ITR values certify that you can finance for your own travel and you are definitely going back in the Philippines.  Photocopy of old passports with old visas on other countries are not required.

If you follow the requirements the embassy needs and you have submitted it with whole honesty, then you should not worry.  They just wanted to check that you have enough money, you are not staying there for work, and that you are definitely going back in your home country.

I don’t see the point on asking forum members if the consul will approve your visa or not, but just in case you are interested to read other stories of Japan visa application, you can go to Japan Visa Help: http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421690

Applied: 2014 April

• Daily Schedule in Japan (2014 May Osaka Sample Schedule)

Applied: 2017 April
Tourist Visa Application for Unemployed Adult

I've been on IT for a decade and currently had an expired visa for my both used 3-year multiple entry for Korea and Japan.

Here are the items I have submitted:

• Philippine Passport (decent photo part and with blank pages and signature; I have submitted the old passport with single entry Japan visa and current passport with about to expire 3-year multiple entry visa.)
• Visa Application form (Download the PDF which is an editable copy.  For a decent submission, fill-up the PDF and print as PDF to have a better version.  Make sure to state "N/A" or "None" for those that are not applicable to you. How to fill-up the form - Guide from Reli Tours)
• 2x2 photo, with white back ground (To be more presentable, if you can use a top with collar.  Write in your name and birthday before pasting it to the form.  Paste only the side part, do not place paste/glue in the middle of the photo.)
• Birth Certificate (Released by NSO within the year;  If you have previous Japan Visa, birth certificate is no longer needed).
• Daily Schedule in Japan (The sample template would only define which prefecture you are heading.  However, I remember that I used to have detailed itinerary for this, including: specific places to go.) 
• Bank Certificate (Make sure you can pay your expenses for yourself.  Save-up as you have to maintain decent bank account status when applying for visa not just for Japan.  Refrain for making an account with quick money, with like an instant huge amount of deposit on the day you have requested the certificate.  I now include to mention the Average Daily Balance/Yr, for the embassy to know that it is not an instant savings account.)
• Income Tax Return (I'm still able to use 2016 copy, applied April 8.)
• For those who are equity traders, you can check this entry on how to request certificate from COLfinancial.

If you are not financially ready:

• refrain from travelling countries with visa
• save-up first to an account which you will not touch to be your default “bank certificate” account when applying visas
• have a guarantor (which could be your parent, sibling or an adult child) who can submit his bank statement and ITR, on your behalf; a guarantee letter, relationship proof (birth certificate, marriage contract).

I did not bother to submit for multiple entry request form, since I have to renew my passport by end of the year as well. Submitted mine on Reli Tours and Travel Agency SM Southmall (556-1447), for 950 php service fee, last Saturday April 08.  I called them Holy Wednesday (April 12), and it’s ready for pick-up.  I got it today (Saturday, April 15) with 5 year multiple visit and 30 days duration.

I asked the officer in Reli Tours, that in case I renew my passport, do I have to apply again a visa? They told me to just bring the old passport with valid visa, together with new passport to the immigration officer.

Last Updated: 2017 April

2012 March: South Korea: Embassy Rules

In addition to my previous post for Visa Application in South Korea, here are some additional pointers to keep you prepared on your visit to the embassy.

Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency from July 1, 2018 [new policy]

Embassy Rules

• No food and drinks inside the embassy.
• No picture taking in the embassy.
• Please observe proper manner and courtesy while waiting outside/inside the embassy.
• Do not use your mobile phone (for making calls) inside the embassy.  Please put it on silent mode.
• Electronic devices like ipod, laptop, psp, etc. are not allowed inside the embassy.
• Do not chew gum while talking to the officer at the window or during interview.
• Observe silence.
• Sit properly, do not slouch or lie down.
• Wear decent attire.
• Remove caps, hats, sun glasses or shades.

To All Visa Applicants:

• Sign your visa application forms and fill out all of the information in the application form (write n/a if not applicable).
• Remove covers, jacket of your passport.  Remove paper clips, rubber bands, envelop, etc.
• Arrange your documents accordingly: visa application form at the top, photocopy of the passport and visa issued from other countries, then supporting documents.

 

This will be my third visit at the embassy, after getting my approved visa last June 2011 and Nov 2011.  So that is the purpose of getting the number for VISA3 window.  Make sure to photocopy your previous approved visa before getting to the embassy.  Although there is a photocopier inside, it run out of ink during that day and I have to request my sister to go to their office just to photocopy my passport and get back to me at the embassy.  Some went to MarketMarket as the next photocopier shop is really far from the place.

 

 

Who are allowed to apply in VISA3 window?

• Applicant with previous travel to any OECD member countries (in the past 5 years except Korea) [Closest to the Philippines apart from South Korea, would be Japan.]
• Applicant with valid visa to any OECD member countries 
• Applicant who has been to Korea two times within the past 5 years on tourism or business purpose

Are you getting worried about getting a denied visa application?  Read further on this link.

How to Apply for Visa: Guide and Tips for South Korea Trip

Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency from July 1, 2018 [New Policy.  Also, starting Sept 2019, it is encourage to submit your application to designated agencies 2-3 months prior to your flight due to high volume of tourists especially on the upcoming autumn season]

Tips and Guides on Korean Visa Application

How to search the results of your visa application online
Releasing procedure and reasons for denied Korean Visa


Visa Requirements

The office is located in:

South Korea Embassy, Philippines

122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines 1634
Phone: +63-2-856-9210 

2010 June: Shanghai: Visa Preparations

Visa Application: China

Visa is required in any parts of China for Filipino travellers. We first need to prepare the long list of requirements before we can continue our Shanghai dreams.

Here are the requirements as of June 2010:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport picture or 2x2 (white background)
• SSS Contribution History (You can print what is posted in your contributions in http://www.sss.gov.ph/)
• 2 valid IDs (Should be with photo and signature; this could be a driver’s license, SSS id or Company ID)
• Employment Certificate (Get this from your Company HR, take note that this will take 3 – 7 days processing)
• ITR (A photocopy of your recent ITR will do.)
• NBI Clearance (should specify that this is FOR TRAVEL PURPOSES. You can get this from NBI or other NBI authorized stalls, there is one in Park Square Makati or Megamall)
• Round trip plane ticket- Tour/Hotel Voucher- Bank Certificate dated at the same month that you are applying for the visa (range of 75-100k as a minimum will do. Bring your bank passbook if possible.)
• Application Form (You will get this from the Embassy Guard for free)
  

For full details of the visa application you can go to this link: http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/lsfw/hzqz/t171818.htm

Once you’re ready, wake-up early on the day you are submitting the requirements. You should be at the venue like 6am or earlier. I’m telling you that the queue is too long. Following is the location of the Chinese Embassy Consul Office in Makati.

Consular Office, Chinese Embassy in Manila, Philippines (Visa, Passport, Notarization & Authentication)
Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63-2-8482396, 8482395

We arrived at around 7:30am on the day we are submitting the requirements, first queue will be combination of all the travellers (Filipino or Chinese). Upon entering the office (at 8am), a customer number will be distributed between: New Visa Applicants, Claiming of Visa, and Passport Application/Renewal (for Chinese). After getting the application form from the Guard’s Desk, we filled the necessary information and waited for almost 3 hours. We were served at around 11:30 and they finally accepted our requirements.

Rules in the Embassy:

• follow your line,
• be attentive on your turn,
• keep your voice low,
• do not take photos; and
• do not make or accept mobile calls.

Single entry at normal processing costs 1400php. A slip will be given to you on your return date (normally, after 3-4 days) on when to claim your visa. Again, the same way, be there the earliest possible time to avoid the long queue and long waiting.

Or if you don’t want to go through this tedious process of visa application, why not go through travel agencies. But here expect a more expensive price of visa processing.

2009 Oct: Taiwan: Planning and Requirements

2016 Update from Cebu Pacific: Good news for Philippine passport holders! There’s no need to apply for a Taiwanese visa if you have: 1) a valid entry visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, any of the Schengen countries or the United States; or 2) a Taiwanese visa that has expired less than 10 years prior to your date of arrival in Taiwan. You just need to sign up and print out the Travel Authorization Certificate here. Best of all, it’s absolutely FREE! 

I just got back from my quirky trip in Taipei. And as a thank you to those who helped me, I’m sharing this journey with all of you.

Keep it cheap! Wait for a seat sale, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific now offers cheap flights going to Taiwan.

What are your available flights? At the beginning of my plan (March 2009), CP still offers flights going to Kaohsiung. Then I decided, that I’ll take MNL-KHH-TPE-MNL route. However, came July 2009, they already stop going to KHH. Thus, I have removed it from my plan as well. But if you insist in going to KHH, you can take a High Speed Rail Transit from Taipei for 2 hours at about 1260-1265NT, which depends on the ticket reservation and on the departure time. Just be careful, as some say that crime rate in KHH is high. I can’t say anything on this since I have not visited the place.

Know your purpose! Are you a certified addict of TW Series? If yes, then you must study where is the Car Restaurant that was used in Meteor Garden, the name of the Farm used in Lavender or the Mall in Why Why Love. How to get the featured places in Wish To See You Again like, Taipei 101 or National Museum, just to name a few.

Limit your target! How many days are you planning to spend on our trip? Can you cover all the main tourist spots from North (Taipei), East (Hualien), South (Kaoshiung), West (Sun Moon Lake) and Central (Alishan Mountains) areas?

Are you joining a guided tour? Clarify that you wanted an English guide and not the one speaking a local language. Do not schedule it on the first nor second day after your arrival, you might encounter flight schedule issues that might also affect your schedule with the tour agency.

And the most important, do you have a VISA? This would be my first trip which will require a VISA, and I’m happy cause the Consulate marked mine as APPROVED. Some travelers worked on VISA before buying a ticket. But in my case, I bought a ticket and booked a hostel before applying for a VISA -- yes, it is risky!

Applying for a Visa

Download the Visa Application form from the Bureau of Consulate Affairs (BOCA) site ( http://www.boca.gov.tw/lp.asp?ctNode=92&CtUnit=58&BaseDSD=7&mp=2 ). Fill-in the necessary details.

Prepare the Visitor Visa Requirements listed in Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) site ( http://www.roc-taiwan.org/PH/ct.asp?xItem=54268&ctNode=4712&mp=272 ).

You can apply the NSO copy of your birth certificate online through these links: https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/frmIndex.asp or http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/nso .

When applying for Bank Certificate or Certificate of Employment, prepare the addressee which would be: THE COUNSULAR DIVISION, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, 41st Floor, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

When can you apply for a visa? It would be within a month before your departure date. In the morning, it is the application time, try to get in to their office early. I arrived at 8:45am, and I’m already client #66 and the counter is still serving customer #4. I was able to submit my application by 10:30am.

Afternoon is their releasing schedule, I got my single entry VISA after 3 processing days for 2400Php.

Since all is set, you are really flying to Taiwan!