Philippine Passport: Places to Visit w/o Visa Requirements

With Filipinos now becoming more active as tourists and with Budget Airline Carriers such as Cebu Pacific reaching destinations that go further out, there is a lot of talk about which countries can Filipinos go to without the need to apply for a Visa. Below is a compiled list of those particular countries. Though some may still require a certain fee to be paid upon arrival for a visa but unlike most that is all that you would need to do in order to be granted access into their country.

Africa

Burkina Faso 3-month visa issued upon arrival for XOF10,000
Burundi Burundi visa issued upon arrival
Cape Verde Cape Verde visa issued upon arrival
Comoros visa issued upon arrival
Djibouti 10-day visa issued upon arrival for DJF3,000; 1-month visa issued upon arrival for DJF5,000
Egypt (South Sinai only) 14-day visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Kenya 3-month visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Madagascar 90-day visa issued upon arrival for MGA28,000
Morocco 3 months
Mozambique 30-day visa issued upon arrival for US$25
Niger 1-month visa issued upon arrival for XOF25,000
Saint Helena visa issued upon arrival
Seychelles 1 month
Tanzania visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Togo 7-day visa issued upon arrival
Uganda 6-month visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Zambia visa issued upon arrival for US$25 (single), US$40 (double), and US$80 (multiple)

Asia

ASEAN
Brunei Darussalam 14 days
Cambodia 21 days
Indonesia 30 days
Laos 30 days
Malaysia 1 month
Singapore 30 days
Thailand 30 days
Vietnam 21 days

Non-ASEAN
Bangladesh 90-day visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Hong Kong 14 days
Iran 17-day visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Israel 3 months
South Korea (Jeju Island only) 30 days
Macau 30 days
Maldives 30-day visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Mongolia 21 days
Nepal 60-day visa issued upon arrival for US$30
Sri Lanka 30 days
Timor-Leste 30-day visa issued upon arrival for US$30

Europe

Armenia 21-day visa issued upon arrival for US$30
Azerbaijan 30-day visa issued upon arrival for US$100
Georgia 3 month visa issued on arrival for US$10 ~ US$200

Oceania

Cook Islands 31 days
Fiji 6-month Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Marshall Islands 30-day visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Federated States of Micronesia 30 days
Niue 30 days
Palau 30-day visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Samoa 60-day Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Tuvalu 1-month visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)
Vanuatu 30 days

North America

Bermuda 6 months
Costa Rica 30 days
Dominica 21 days
Haiti 3 months
Saint Kitts and Nevis 14 days
Saint Lucia 6-week visa issued upon arrival for US$50
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1 month
Turks and Caicos Islands 30 days

South America

Bolivia 59 days
Brazil 90 days
Colombia 90 days
Ecuador 90 days
Peru 90 days
Suriname 120 days

The Philippines' economy has become highly progressive in the past couple of years and still continues to be, allowing our citizens to become more active as tourists. It is pretty good to know that we have these particular countries that we can go to without having to go through the headache of having to prepare tons of documents just to get a travel visa approved. All of these countries are on my lists of places to visit in my lifetime and hopefully we all get to see them :) 

PS. This list is going to be needing updates every now and then, if there is anything that needs to be removed or edited please do inform me. TY

Till Next Time...

-Metz- 

Dubai Visa Requirements for Tourists and Work

With Cebu Pacific now currently flying to Dubai starting on Oct 7, 2013 there are many that are asking if it one needs to apply for a visa to get to Dubai. Detailed below are the list of things one would have to take note of and do in order for you to get to travel to Dubai. 

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION

Citizens of the following Countries will get their visa upon arrival to the UAE airports, if the duration of stay is less than one (1) month and they hold visas in their passports or entry stamps from other countries:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom (except the British overseas citizens), United States, Vatican

For all other nationalities, a visa must be applied for before the visitor enters the country either through their respective embassy, a local UAE sponsor or a local hotel.

GCC NATIONALS

Visa requirements for entering Dubai vary greatly between different nationalities and it is always advised to check regulations before traveling. Currently, every nationality entering the UAE needs a visa except citizens of GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council: 

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) expatriate residents of the GCC (certain nationalities and professions) and British citizens with the right of abode in the UK, who will be granted a visa on arrival in the UAE.

GCC nationals can stay more or less as long they like. British citizens can stay for a month and then apply for a visa for a further two months.

Please note that Israelis and travelers whose passports bear Israeli stamps will be denied a visa.

VISAS THROUGH HOTELS

Tourists can get a visa from a tourist company or a hotel by first making a reservation for at least one night. They must fax/courier the hotel a copy of their passport along with the reason for the visit (tourism is an acceptable reason) and their arrival date. You must also make sure that the hotel faxes you a copy of the visa when it is ready. Airlines may require confirmation (preferably a fax copy of the document) that a visa is held before check-in at the airport. The original is held at Dubai Airport for collection before passport control.

SERVICE VISA ENTRY APPLIED THROUGH A HOTEL:

Standard process of application, but please check with your hotel first.

The visa is valid for 14 days from the date of issue and 14 days from the date of entry. The visa fees and security deposit will vary from country to country. The security deposit is also required per person and will be refunded once the visa holder leaves the country. It is advisable to contact your nearest Dubai Embassy or the hotel for more details.

Please be aware that once the visa is applied for, charges for the cost of the visa will not be refunded in such cases as Expiration, Booking cancellation, Rejection.

For the visa to be processed by the hotel, the visitor must remain a guest in that hotel for the entrire duration of their stay. Port of entry and exit of the visitor must be Dubai only. Three working days are needed to process the visa excluding, Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays.

Documents required:

Visa Charges and Security Deposit. An authorisation letter with the signature of the cardholder, as well as a copy of the credit card used (front and back side). Passport copies of card holder and visitors.

Please note all document copies, passport copies and credit card copies must be scanned clearly and with colour when sent, otherwise they will be rejected by Dubai Immigration.

TOURIST VISA

This visa is issued through tourist companies and it is valid for 30 days. You cannot renew it or extend it. If the Visa holder of the tourist visa stays more than the 30 days, that person has to pay a fine per day plus some charges for an out pass.

VISIT VISA

This Visa is issued through DNRD. It is stamped for 30 days validity but it is valid for 60 days and can be extended for 30 more days by paying an extra amount. The extension needs to be done before the 60th day. If the visitor stays more than 60 days or more than 90 days (after the extension) they will have to pay a fine per day plus some charges for an out pass.

Certain passport holders can enter the UAE without obtaining a visit visa prior to arrival and stay up to 30 days.

Documents required:

1. Photocopy of the visitor's passport
2. Visit Visa Application form, completed and signed by the sponsoring company.
3. Photocopy of the trade license of the company
4. A Guarantee letter from the company stating its responsibility of the visitor during his visit.

WORK VISA

These visas are issued for people who want to work or do business in UAE. It is valid for 60 days only, during this the work residence visa has to be processed. If the person delays in stamping the residence he will pay 25 AED fine for each day.

There are different types of Work visas:

Private companies or Establishments employees (Issued from labor Office)

1. Servants
2. Partners
3. Investors
4. Governmental institutions and Ministries (Issued from DNRD) and the person can only work in governmental institutions

We suggest that you check with your nearest UAE consulate or embassy whether you require a visa to be issued in your passport prior to flying to the UAE.

Cebu Pacific's rates going to Dubai are very cheap and it is definitely going to be tempting to go to Dubai. Even with their regular fees they still will most likely be the airline of choice as none of its international competitors comes close to what they are offering. Dubai though is definitely a must visit for me as it would bring me back to a place that was once my childhood home. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Travel Special: China Visa Requirements

We have just recently returned from our trip to Shanghai and Beijing which I am so excited to talk about here on Sidestrip within the week. For today I would like to share the requirements that we had to submit to get our visa from the Chinese Embassy here in Manila. Please take note that there are still some other things that you would have to prepare for prior to going to China which I shall try to highlight after but one thing I would like to point out is that it is really worth the effort to go. 

Basic Requirements Apply to All Types of Chinese Visa Application:

If you are applying to work or study in the PRC, or if someone else travelling with you shares the same passport, or if you are applying for a visa in a country or territory other than the country of your current nationality, you also should fill out the Supplementary Visa Application Form besides the Visa Application Form.

1. Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration. And a copy of its information page and emergency contact page. 
2. The truly and completely filled Visa Application Form.
3. Glue a color photo in 48mm x 33mm size to the application form. Stapled/taped/clipped/detached photos are not be acceptable.  
4. For first-time applicant whose former nationality was Chinese, or who was born in the PRC (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), are required to provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of its information page, and pages of extension (if any). 
5. Previous Chinese visa if any. If the Chinese visa is in the old passport, copies of passport's information page and Chinese visa page(Visa sticker with immigration stamps) are needed. 
6. Name Change Certificate if name in the new passport differs from that in the old one. The documents (e.g. birth certificate or marriage certificate) for name change issued by the authority are required.
7. For non-Philippines passport holders, they are required to provide valid proof of residency, work or study in Philippines. 

 Special Requirements for Different Types of Chinese visa:
 Tourist/Family Visit Visa (L)
L Visa is issued to a person who comes to the PRC for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:

1. An invitation letter issued by Authorized Travel Agency, or from other travel agencies or individuals. Otherwise, you must provide a copy of return ticket and hotel reservation. 
2. If visiting PRC for the first time, BIR-Stamped income tax return form, recent 6 months bank statement and original bank receipt are required. For students, please provide student ID, sponsorship letter and the bank statement of sponsor instead. BTW, if applicants have invitation letter from an Authorized Travel Agency, both income tax return form and bank statement are not required.
3. If visiting Tibet, please contact a travel agency to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the Tourism Administration of the Tibet Autonomous Region in advance.

 Business Visa (F)
F Visa is issued to a person who is invited by Chinese authorities authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (M.F.A) to come to China for a visit, investigations, giving lectures, doing business, carrying out scientific, technical and cultural exchanges, pursuing short-term advanced studies or doing short-term fieldwork, for a period of less than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:

1. Invitation Letter of Authorized Chinese Unit, or a Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by an Authorized Chinese Unit, or an Invitation Letter issued by the Chinese companies, corporations and institutions other than above-mentioned Authorized Chinese Unit. 
2. If applying for study in the PRC for less than 6 months, the original and copy of the Admission Notice, Form JW-201/JW-202 Visa Application for Study in the PRC are required. 
3. If visiting the RPC for the first time, BIR-Stamped income tax return form, recent 6 months bank statement and original bank receipt are required. For students, please provide student ID, sponsorship letter and the bank statement of sponsor instead. BTW, if applicants have invitation letter said above, income tax return form and bank statement are not required.

 Employment Visa and Dependent Visa (Z)
Z Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for a post or employment and to the person's accompanying family members. It is also issued to a person who comes to China for commercial entertainment performance. Documents to be included with application:

1. Employment/Work Permit for Foreigners issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
2. Original and copy of Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by an authorized unit in China.
Accompanying family dependents should also provide an original and copy of Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by the authorized Chinese unit, or proof of kinship, e.g. original NSO birth certificate or marriage contract. Besides, the copies of relative's Chinese Z visa and residence permit are required.
3. Physical Examination Record for Foreigner from a hospital appointed by Chinese embassy/consulate. The list of the appointed hospitals is available at visa counter.
4. Supplementary Visa Application Form is required.

 Student Visa (X)
Student Visa is divided into X Visa and F Visa. X Visa is issued to a person who comes to China to study, engage in advanced studies, or do fieldwork, for a period of more than 6 months. Documents to be included with application:

1. Original and copy of Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Study in China JW-201 or Form JW-202. 
2. Physical Examination Record for Foreigner from a hospital appointed by Chinese embassy/consulate. The list of the appointed hospitals is available at visa counter.
3. Supplementary Visa Application Form is required.

 Transit Visa (G)
G Visa is issued to a transit traveler. It is also issued to Filipino seaman who comes to China to onboard vessel.

A valid visa to final destination country/region and an onward air ticket on an international flight. For crew members who come to China to board, they are required to provide an original and copy of Invitation Letter and their Crew ID.

Note: Passengers are exempted from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold an onward ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.

Now what I wanted to highlight that wasn't explained here is that they will look at your Bank Statements and those that get approved pretty quickly and without any hassle are those that have a bank account with an average daily balance of 100k. If you have friends or family members in China they can also send to you a signed letter of invitation to China. They can also vouch for your living expenses  as well if you find that your funds a bit low. 

The Cost of the Visa processing can vary depending on the number of days you'll need to have the passport visa released. Usually we go with 3 days. 

Personally, I prefer going through an agency as they'll already tell you if your documents are enough and the approval rate is mostly higher through them. 

Here are a few more things to take note of:

Visa Fees (peso)

Philippine Passport
Single Entry: 1400
Double Entry: 2100
6-Month Multiple Entry: 2800
12-Month Multiple Entry: 4200

US Passport
Visa: 6500

Other Country Passport
Single Entry: 1700
Double Entry: 2550
6-Month Multiple Entry: 3400
12-Month Multiple Entry: 5100

Hong Kong Visa: 1600
Express Service: 1100 (3 working days)
Rush Service: 1700 (2 working days)

Expedited Service Fee per Person 

The regular processing time is 4 working days. For urgent cases, expedited service is available. Moreover, additional fees will be paid as following: 

2 working days processing	1,700 Peso
3 working days processing	1,100 Peso

Note: Please pay visa fees when collecting passport. Only cash is accepted now as means of payment.

Note: 
1. The regular processing time is 4 working days;
2. You may come to the Consular office of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Philippines to submit the application; or you may send someone else or a travel agent to act on your behalf if you cannot come personally. Representatives must present an authorization letter and a company ID. Mailed applications are not acceptable and will be refused.

Visa Application Form 2011A

http://www.chinese-embassy.info/visa-form/2011a.pdf

Visa Application Form 2011B

http://www.chinese-embassy.info/visa-form/2011b.pdf

Visa Exemption

1. According to an agreement between China and the Philippines, nationals of China and the Philippines, who are holders of valid diplomatic or service (official) passports, shall be exempted from visa requirement for entry into, exit from, or transit through the territory of the other Contracting state for a period not exceeding 30(thirty) days.

2. No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from Singapore, Brunei and Japan to visit China for up to 15 days for sightseeing, doing business, visiting relatives and friends or transit.

3. Aliens may be exempt from going through the procedures for obtaining a transit visa if they hold a through ticket and have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport.

4. Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries, who transit through Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport of Shanghai, provided they hold valid passports, visas for the onward countries, final destination tickets and have booked seats, and stay in Shanghai for less than 48 hours: Republic of Korea, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece.

5. Visas are not required of citizens of the following countries, who join group tour to Hainan province, provided they hold valid ordinary passports and stay in Hainan not exceeding 15 days: Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Here are the addresses to go to for the China Visa here in the Philippines:

Address: 4896 Pasay Road, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Tel: +63-2-8443148
Email: chinaemb_ph@mfa.gov.cn 
Website: http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/ 
Office Hours: 08:30-12:00, 14:00-17:00, Monday - Friday (except for public holidays of China and Philippines) 

 Consular Office (Visa, Passport, Notarization & Authentication)
Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Enquiry Tel: +63-2-8482395 (08:30-10:30, during weekdays)
Fax: +63-2-8482386
Email: chinavisamanila@yahoo.com
Office Hour: 09:00 am - 11:00 am, Monday - Friday (except for public holidays of China and Philippines)
Consular Districts: Except for the consular districts of Chinese consulate in Laoag, Cebu 

 Consulate-General of the PRC in CebuAddress: Cebu Fil-Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade Building, Don Julio Llorente Street, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000, Philippines
Tel: +63-32-2563456 
Fax: +63-32-2548727  
Email: chinaconsul_cb_ph@mail.mfa.gov.cn
Website: http://cebu.china-consulate.org/eng/
Consular Districts: Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, Southern Cotabato, North Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Surigao Del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Siquijor, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu 

 Accredited Hospitals for Physical Examination  
Chong Hua Hospital and Cebu Doctors Hospital are two accredited hospitals for foreigner's physical examination by Chinese Consulate in Cebu.

 Consulate of the PRC in LaoagAddress: No.216 National Highway, Brgy 1, San Francisco, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte 2901, Philippines
Tel: +63-77-7721874, 6706355
Fax: +63-77-6706338
Email: chinaconsul_lg_ph@mfa.gov.cn
Website: http://laoag.china-consulate.org/eng/
Consular Districts: Cordillera Administrative Region (Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province), Region 1 (Ilocos Norte, Inocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan) and Region 2 (Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino)

China is truly an amazing country that one must experience. It'll most definitely be a place that'll open your mind a bit more and allow you to see the world outside of what you already know. I know that most people would be wary due to the type of governance that they have but once you step off the plane you'll get to experience a world that is now considered as the 2nd strongest economy and will immediately see why. 

If you want to know more about Traveling to China Check out China Travel Agency.  They have pretty amazing tour packages and fast facts about China that can prove to be quite useful once you decide to go there. 

Happy Trip.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Travel Special: Visa Requirements for Filipinos Going to Saudi Arabia

I have a friend that has been asking how to apply for a visa to go to my country of origin - Saudi Arabia. Just to help her out and many others that are thinking of paying the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a visit as a tourist, for work or for Hajj, I have made a compilation of requirements to help you out. 

WORKING VISA

• Visa application form
• Valid passport at least two years.
• Two pictures (4x6 cm. with white background)
• A certified & notarized copy of the university degree/diploma & transcript of record certified by the CHED, (Commission on Higher Education), DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and Consulate of Saudi Embassy or PRC License for all professional work.
• NBI Clearance
• Medical Certificate sealed by a hospital accredited by Saudi Embassy.
• Training Certificate for the skilled workers
• OMA Certificate for all Muslim workers
• Valid Driving License for all Drivers
• Original Copy of visa authority & a copy visa
• If the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a release letter.
• Payments are made to be cash through Equitable PCI Bank in Paseo de Roxas Branch, which cost P850.00 for every working visa stamped.

BUSINESS VISA

• Visa application form
• Valid passport at least 6 months.
• Two pictures (4x6 cm. with white background)
• An original covering letter from a registered company indicating the name of Saudi Arabian company, the nature of applicants visit & length of stay . The letter must bear the company’s stamp or seal.
• An application from the sponsor in the Kingdom on the applicant’s behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or an Original invitation from the company in Saudi Arabia. This letter must be signed & sealed by the company & stamped by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce.
• Payments are made to be cash through Equitable PCI Bank in Paseo de Roxas Branch, which cost of P3, 500.00 for every Business visit visa stamped.

TRANSIT VISA

• A visa application form and valid passport
• Two pictures (4x6 cm. with white background)
• A confirmed ticket reserved in and out of Saudi Arabia for at most 48 hours.
• A valid visa for the next destination.
• Transit visa gratis.

UMRAH VISA

• Submit an Umrah visa application form accompanied by a recent standard colored passport size photograph.
• Passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months.
• Medical Certificate. Children age three months to twelve years old, parents should consult their primary care doctors.
• A round trip ticket to and from Saudi Arabia with confirmed reservation must also accompany the application.
• A married couple applying for Umrah visas but who have different last names or whose children bear last name from that of their father, should attach copies of their marriage certificate and copy of their children’s birth certificate.
• Umrah visas are granted gratis.

• For those recently embraced Islam and have not previously performed Umrah or Hajj, a Certificate of Conversion to Islam is required.

HAJJ VISA

• Passport Passport or legal travel documents valid for at least 6 months and acceptable both for entry to Saudi Arabia and entry to nest destination. Passport of legal travel documents must have minimum of two blank pages.
• Photos Two recent passport photographs with white background.
• Visa application form for Hajj visas signed & stamped by the travel agency. Original or legible photocopies of the visa application forms are acceptable.
• Airline ticket Each applicant must be in possession of a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations.
• Medical Certificate Children from the age of 3 months to 2 years and above must take a dose of the A/C vaccine.
• Mahram all ladies are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of Mahram must be submitted.  Ladies over the age of 45 can travel without Mahram with an organized group.  She must, however, submit no objection letter from her husband, son or brother, authorizing her travel for Hajj with the named group.  Such letter should be notarized with the notary public.  The Mahram should write his complete information on the application of wife and children, or any other relative whom he is traveling with.  Marriage and birth certificates issued outside of the Philippines should be translated and notarized from a certified translations office.  Male under the legal age will not be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by their family.
• Hajj visa is granted gratis.

For more information feel free to go directly to the Saudi Embassy or contact them via the numbers and email address below.

ADDRESS389 Sen Gil. Puyat Ave., Ext
Makati City, Metro Manila
PhilippinesPHONELOCAL: (02) 890.9735
INTERNATIONAL: +63.2.890.9735

FAXLOCAL: (02) 895.3493
INTERNATIONAL: +63.2.895.3493

EMAILphemb@mofa.gov.sa

Hope this gets to help you out with your Saudi Visa Application.

Till Next Time

-Metz-