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Summit Travels International is a travel consultancy business with offices located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City and in Cainta, Rizal

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

US Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Another one of the most asked questions at Summit Travels International is regarding US Visa Requirements for Filipinos . We will attempt to answer this question in this post :) 


All information below are from the official US embassy website


Most frequently applied for type of US VISA in the Philippines: 

"The vast majority of nonimmigrant visa applications received at the U.S. Embassy in Manila are for tourism or business travel.
B-1 visas are for business, including such things as a need to consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, buy goods or materials, settle an estate, appear in a court trial, and participate in business or professional conventions or conferences; or, where an applicant will be traveling to the United States on behalf of a foreign employer for training or meetings. The individual may not receive payment (except for incidental expenses) from a United States source while on a B-1 visa. 
B-2 visas are issued for general pleasure/tourist travel, such as touring, visits to friends and relatives, visits for rest or medical treatment, social or fraternal conventions and conferences, and amateur/unpaid participants in cultural or sports events.
In most instances, consuls will issue a combined B-1/B-2 visa, recognizing that most business travelers may also wish to travel for tourist purposes."
-----


What are the documents  that I need to prepare for my US Visa?
All basic documentary requirements must be ready BEFORE an appointment can be made. Additional documents may be required, so please read the information below carefully.
The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents BEFORE the interview except for Treaty Trader (E1) and Treaty Investor (E2) visa applications. Any documents received will not be returned and will be destroyed (except the passport).
Basic Requirements:
1.  DS-160 ONLINE NONIMMIGRANT VISA ELECTRONIC APPLICATION – All applicants must complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application. Applicants can access the DS-160 from the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
In order to avoid delays in processing visa applications, visa applicants or their representatives must ensure that the following information is correctly provided: Applicant’s Complete Name (required format is Surname, First Name(s), Middle Name), Applicant’s Passport Information (the passport used in filling out the form must be the same passport presented on the day of the interview), Other Names (for married female applicants, type your complete maiden name), Purpose of Trip (if the answer falls under “Other,” specify the purpose of travel in the blank provided), Primary Occupation (if the answer falls under “Other,” specify the occupation in the blank provided), Contact Person and Contact Address in the United StatesFather’s Complete Name,and Mother’s Complete Maiden Name.

2.  PASSPORT – Signed passports must be valid for at least six monthsfrom the date of intended departure from the United States. The passport must be in good condition, i.e., photo lamination is undamaged, and all passport pages are intact.
Applicants must also present all previously issued passports or notarized affidavits of loss, if applicable.
Taiwanese passport holders who do not have Taiwan personal identification numbers listed above the date of birth on the biographic data page in their passports must present their original Philippine residency permit.
3.  PHOTO
One 2" x 2" standard photo.  The photo must be:
  • In color
  • Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details.
  • Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
  • Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
  • Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
  • With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
  • Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis
    • Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
    • Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
    • Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
    • If you normally wear glasses (without tinted lenses), a hearing device, or similar articles, they may be worn in your photo.
    • Dark glasses or glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable.
    • Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.
Please click here for additional information on photo specifications.
Please ensure that your photo meets the requirements stated above.  Failure to provide the correct photo will delay your visa processing.
4.  EXTENSION OF STAY/CHANGE OF STATUS – Please bring copies of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approvals of extension of stay or change of status, if applicable.
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)
  • Original birth certificate printed on Philippine National Statistics Office security paper (for dependent/s)
Other documents may also be requested by the officer during your interview :) 
Should you need US visa assistance services, kindly contact us at 661-3917 or email us at summittravels08[at]gmail.com

Happy Travels!

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Travel Tips: China Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists

Travel Tips - Posts for travelers in need!

We have  a lot of passengers who want to go to Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen, and would want to know the China Visa Requirements for Filipino Tourists.So to make it easier for them and anyone who wants to travel to China as a tourist, please see the info posted below.

We can also assist you in getting your China Visa so do not hesitate to contact us through Facebook- just search for Summit Travels International and "like" our page!

Tourist /Family visit Visa (L)
L Visa is issued to a person who comes to China for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or private matters. Documents to be included with application:
1.          Applicant's passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity left before expiration.
2.          A truly and completely filled application form affixed with one passport-size or 2x2 colored photo, with white background, full-face front view, and no hat.  Photo must be glued on the application form. Stapled pictures will not be accepted. Scanned photos will also not be accepted.
             U.S. passport holders must submit two application forms with two photos.
3.          A copy of the round-trip plane ticket
4.          Hotel reservation / invitation letter with a copy of the inviter's valid chinese residence visa and passport information page of inviter's or Chinese national identity card.
5.          Previously used China visa in old or new passport (Only visa stickers will be accepted.  Those with stamped visas must submit additional documents for first time China visa applicants. Please refer to the list below.)
6.           For first time applicants to China (Philippine passport holders, 18 years old and above), they are required to provide the following:                          
              a) original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad
              b)  original bank certificate with receipt or original passbook, updated within the month that you are applying or....
                                 - If a company will sponsor the trip, provide the company's bank certificate, sponsorship letter from the company and the company's business registration. 
                              - If an individual will sponsor the trip, provide his bank certificate, sponsorship and invitation letter, copy of sponsor's valid residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national ID.
             c) for employed persons, also provide an employment certificate, company ID, SSS ID and contributions, TIN ID and latest ITR
             d) for students, provide school ID
             e) for businessmen, provide business registration of company, TIN ID and latest ITR
             f)  Personal appearance is required for those who are 16-21 years old.
7.  The emergency contact information page in the applicant's passport should be filled out and photocopied.
8. Other documents required by the visa officers if necessary.

Follow us on Twitter : SummitTravels for updates!
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Cheap Travel Package: Bangkok Budget Packages

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Friday, September 3, 2010

The Summit Jeepney: Hong Kong

Q: Where is the Summit Jeepney?
A: At the 2010 ITE and MICE Travel Expo in Hong Kong and HK Ocean Park

HK ITE and MICE - Travel Expo 2010


The Philippine Travel Booth - HK ITE and MICE Travel Expo


HK Ocean Park, Tai Shue Wan Entrance



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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Cheap Travel Package: Beijing Budget Hotels


Avail of our Bejing Budget Hotels + Tour Packages
4D3N from $95/person


Visit our Official Website: Budget Travel Deals
Follow us on twitter for News and Updates : SummitTravels
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Travel Tips: Seoul, South Korea with Sample On-Your-Own Itinerary


Most people that inquire about Korean Tour Packages/ Airfare and Hotel Rates usually ask us these follow up questions:


"What can we do there?"
"Are things expensive in Korea?"
"What mode of transportation should we use?"

So to make it more convenient for YOU, our clients, we decided to do this blog post.  This will address the said questions plus bonus information to make it easier for YOU to enjoy and see Seoul!

Question 1: "What can we do there?"

A. Visit Historical Sites 

Korea is filled with cultural treasures! They've got several UNESCO heritage sites to satiate history buffs. The Jongno Area, specifically, is one of the most convenient destinations for cultural tourism as it has the Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung Palaces. Plus, you can also visit Insadong-gil , where you can buy cheap souvenirs and eat Korean ice cream!

For Changdeokgung/Changgyeonggung - Take the LINE 3 Metro and get off at Anguk station, Exit 3
For Gyeongbokgung/National Palace Museum - Take the LINE 3 Metro and get off at Gwanghamun station, Exit 5
For Insadong- Gil - Take the LINE 3, Anguk Station, Exit 6 OR You may take the LINE 1 Train and get off at Jongno 3 (sam)-ga, Exit 1

Changdeokgung Palace 
Korea Travel Tip: There are free English Tours in the most popular palaces - be sure to check out their website prior to your visit!

Insadong - Tourist Area
Korea Travel Tip: You can buy cheaper souvenirs along Insadong- Gil than in the big malls. (Coex etc)

B. Taste the Local Cuisine!

Korean food is well known all over the world for their spicy - vegetable centered cuisine! You can try out different Korean dishes like Sam Gye Tang (Chicken and Ginseng Soup) , Jajangmyun (Black Noodles), Odeng (Flat "Fishballs") , Tteokppokgi (Rice Dumplings in Chili Sauce) etc. 


Tteokppokgi - Rice dumplings in chili sauce & Rolled Fish Cakes
Korean Travel Tip: You can see these type of food everywhere in Korean, but to be safe, you can buy from the Myeong-dong shopping area stalls.




C. Go to Korean Drama Shooting Locations

For Korean Drama fans, you can always take Korean Drama tours! Jewel in the Palace, Boys over Flowers, Full House and Princess Hours all have dedicated tours. Choose one and geek out!

Question 2: "Are things expensive in Korea?"

When comparing Korean and Philippine prices, YES, things in Seoul are more expensive than in the Philippines. That said, you can ALWAYS find relatively cheap food and finds there. For example, Namdaemun market is cheap - it's like the Korean version of Divisoria. Shops in Dongdaemun also sell trendy shirts/dresses which may cost more here in our country.

Korean Won (KRW)
Korean Travel Tip: 1,000 KRW is roughly equivalent to 38 PHP or .90 USD , You can round up the numbers, just to be sure.
1,000 KRW = 40 PHP / 1 USD

Question #3: "What mode of transportation should we use?"

The Korean Metro + Your feet = Cheap Transportation. But if you have a lot of luggage and want to feel secure, you can always book your transfers with us - You only need to go out to the airport's arrival hall and our Korean Representative will be there with a sign bearing your name, he/she will then bring you to your hotel and help you check in.


Seoul Metro Map

Here's a sample on-your-own 4D3N itinerary:

Day 1:  Arrive Korea, Transfer to Hotel, Go to COEX Mall/ Myeong-Dong Shopping Area
Day 2:  City Tour in the morning and Korean Drama tour in the afternoon. Korean Karaoke in the PM
Day 3:  Free day for shopping / Watch shows (Fantasticks / Nanta Theater) 
Day 4:  Check out early,visit local parks/ shop and wait for your airport transfers.

TRAVEL TIPS and REMINDERS: 
1. Koreans are very helpful, though older citizens might not be able to converse in English, the best option would be to ask younger Koreans - Elem. students/ College students.

2. Subway/Metro Signs are in English; But, above ground is a different matter. Most street signs, off the tourist areas, do not have English translations. 

3. Always be careful/mindful of your belongings. There are robbers in ALL countries, no exceptions.


Want to check out Seoul Hassle-Free? Call us about our Affordable Travel Packages to KOREA - with airfare, tours, meals and insurance!

If you have other questions and concerns, you may call our office at 6613917 or follow us on Twitter for Updated rates 



 
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