Visa Free Countries for Filipinos / Philippine Citizens

There are several countries who allow visa on arrival privileges or visa free travel to Filipinos / Philippine Citizens. Below is an edited list of these countries along with the allowable length of stay in the stated region.

1. Bolivia - 60 days
2. Brazil - 90 days (for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports, visa-free for (a) duration of tour of duty or (b) 180 days for official business or tourism)
3. Brunei - 14 days
4. Burundi - Visa issued upon arrival
5. Cambodia - 21 days
6. Colombia - 90 days
7. Cook Islands - 31 days
8. Costa Rica - 30 days
9. Ecuador - 90 days
10. Haiti - 90 days
11. Hong Kong SAR - 14 days
12. India - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days (limited only to New Delhi and Mumbai airports)
13. Indonesia - 30 days
14. Israel - visa-free for tourists (no. of days of stay will depend on Immigration); visa-free for holders of diplomatic and official passports; visa required for business)
15. Kenya - 90 days
16. Kosovo - 90 days
17. Laos - 30 days
18. Madagascar - Visa issued upon arrival for MGA 140,000
19. Malaysia - 30 days
20. Maldives -  30 days 
21. Mali - Visa issued upon arrival
22. Morocco - 90 days
23. Mozambique - Visa upon arrival valid for 30 days
24. Palau - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)
25. Peru - 183 days
26. Pitcairn Islands - 14 days - with entry fee
27. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
28. Samoa - 60 days - free entry permit on arrival
29. Seychelles - 30 days
30. Singapore - 30 days
31. Sri Lanka - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return/onward plane ticket)
32. Suriname - 90 days
33. Thailand - 30 days
34. Turks and Caicos - 30 days
35. Tuvalu - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return /onward plane ticket)
36. Vanuatu - 30 days, visa upon arrival (provided that the Filipino national has a return / onward plane ticket)
37. Vietnam - 21 days
38. Zambia - visa upon arrival; 3 months for tourism, 1 month for business

Source: Wikipedia , gmanetwork.com

*
Japan - Contrary to some reports, a Visa is still required for Filipino citizens. On the other hand, multiple entry visas will now be issued those who meet the requirements. For further information kindly visit the Japanese Embassy in Manila Website.

For destinations where you intend to extend beyond the allowable number of days, kindly contact the embassy as a visa/extension may be needed.

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Visas for Filipinos : Schengen Visa Requirements for Filipinos: Information and Tips

A Schengen Visa is required for Filipinos who want to travel to countries under the Schengen agreement in Europe. The agreement guarantees free movement across their respective countries. This means that "Any person, irrespective of nationality, may cross the internal borders without being subjected to border checks. However, the competent national authorities can carry out police checks also at the internal borders and in border areas, provided that such checks are not equivalent to border checks." 

When planning your European vacation, check whether your destination is included in the following list, and prepare your documents accordingly.

List of Schengen Countries:

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. Luxembourg
16. Malta
17. Netherlands
18. Norway
19. Poland
20. Portugal
21. Slovakia
22. Slovenia
23. Spain
24. Sweden
25. Switzerland

Below is a list of requirements for the Schengen Visa for Filipinos (Tourist Visa) :(Info taken from the Netherlands Embassy - Phil)

List of required documentsA Schengen visa issued by an Embassy or Consulate of one of the Schengen countries allows the holder to travel freely in these countries. However, please note that a holder of a Schengen visa is still subject to immigration control and that entry into any of the Schengen countries is not necessarily guaranteed; a visa in itself is not a right to enter a country. Applications have to be submitted well in advance as processing the application takes a minimum of 14 calendar days for Philippine national passportholders.The visa application procedure can be started 3 months prior to your departure date.Requirements to apply for a Schengen Visa when applying at the Netherlands embassy in Manila or at the Honorary Consulate in Cebu.
Purpose of Tourism:

• A passport, valid until at least three months after completion of the intended journey.

• One fully, correctly and clearly completed application form, duly dated and signed.

• Two recent* passport-size (3.5 by 4.5 cm) photograph, against light (e.g. white) background.

• All previous passports.

• Non-Philippine citizens have to present: Philippine visa or residence permit + registration valid 3 months after scheduled return.

• For employees: An original letter from your employer or company, approving your leave of absence. Proof of employment: a recent employer’s’ statement that should mention salary, date of entry and duration of absence.

• For private businessmen: a photocopy of SEC or DTI business registration of your company, Mayor’s business permit + tax-paying certificate "ITR" and a photo copy of your bank statements of the last three months.

• For students: registration from a school or university and if travelling during study period, certificate from school or university with permission of absence.

• For minors travelling without both parents: DSWD Travel Clearance.

• For unemployed or retired citizens: a photo copy of your bank statements of the last three months.

• A flight-reservation upon submission of your application. Do not purchase your ticket before your visa application has been approved!

• Confirmed hotel reservation for the whole travel period, including all other countries that you are going to visit, to be faxed by the hotel directly to the embassy (fax no +63 2 7866644).

• Travelinsurance for the whole duration of stay.

• Income of applicant: As available means an applicant should have €34,-- per day to spent when he or she will provide own expenses for the trip

Mandatory Schengen Travel Insurance: In March 2004 the EU Council in Brussels decided to implement as of June 1st, 2004 a mandatory travel insurance as a precondition for visa issuing. In principle this means that a visa applicant has to submit, together with his visa application for a short stay in the Schengen member states, proof of a valid personal or collective travel insurance covering expenses for repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care and/or urgent medical treatment in a hospital. The minimum value of the mandatory travel policy is determined at Euro 30,000.-*recent= not older than three months

VISA APPLICATION TIPS:

1. Prepare your documents and arrange them according to their order on the requirements list. (esp. France)
2. Photocopy all original documents prior to your appointment.
3. Don't Panic.
4. Be prepared.
5. Look the part. Don't overdress and don't underdress. It's best to wear simple, classy clothes. 
6. Apply for a Visa at the embassy of your main destination - where you'll stay the longest.

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Visas for Filipinos: Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos

UPDATE: June 27, 2013 - Great news! The Japanese Embassy will now issue multiple entry visas (3 years valid) to Filipino citizens who meet their requirements starting July 1, 2013.

Japan has always been one of the most requested travel packages here at Summit Travels International. This has led to various questions regarding budget travel packages for Tokyo and Osaka, most especially regarding Travel Tips: Japan visa requirements for Filipinos.

Cherry Blossom Viewing or "Hanami" in Ueno Park, Tokyo

The requirements for Japan visa application can be found below :
(All information below are from the Japanese Embassy website - )

1.Philippine Passport
		•	Broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have signature and have at least two (2) blank pages.
	2.  Visa Application Form
		•	Also available at the entrance of Embassy or through accredited agency.
	3.   Photo
		•	Specs: 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background
		•	Photo must be pasted on the application form.
	4.  Birth Certificate of applicant
	5. Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)
			(4 and 5 must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year.)  In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.)
			EXEMPTION OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES & MARRIAGE CONTRACT If the applicant is has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese visa
	6. Daily Schedule in Japan (TAIZAI NITTEIHYO ）
	7. (if visiting friend) Documents or photos etc. to prove relationship
	8. Invitation Letter from Guarantor in Japan
		•	(Must have handwritten signature) (not applicable if package tour)
	9.  Bank Certificate
	10.   Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy
		•	[9. and 10. are only applicable if he/her or his/her supporter has deposit in bank or income tax return]
			Exemption of 9, 10 If the applicant is eligible for Multiple Entry
	11. Residence Certificate (JUMINHYO)
			[11. is only applicable if Guarantor is a Japanese ]
	12. Foreign Registration Certificate from City Hall
		[ 12. is only applicable if Guarantor is not a Japanese . ]
		<< If Guarantor in Japan Shoulders Any Part of Travel / Living Expenses >>
	1-A.  Guarantee Letter  (MIMOTO HOSHOSHO )
		•	Format also available at the Embassy website, entrance of the Embassy or accredited ageny.
	1-B   Income Certificate (from City Hall) (SHOTOKU SHOMEISHO) from City Hall, Tax return certificate (NOUZEISHOMEISHO: form2) from Tax office, KAKUTEISHINKOKUSHO HIKAE or Bank Certificate (YOKIN ZANDAKA SHOMEISHO)
		•	“Gensen-Choshu-Hyo” is not accepted.
	Please note: It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa.  Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged (e.g. applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines, urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation).   Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa. Validity of Documents is three (3) month from the date of issue (unless otherwise stated). FOR INQUIRIES ( Contact number of Japanese Embassy in Manila) MANILA ENGLISH/ TAGALOG ( 02 ) 834-7514  JAPANESE (+ 63-2 ) 834-7508 CEBU (+ 63-32 ) 231-7321 / 7322 DAVAO (+ 63-82 ) 221-3100 / 3200 Website: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm FAX service by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo 03-5501-8490(44010#) E-mail Inquiries ryoji@ma.mofa.go.jp

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Visas for Filipinos : 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.

Visit the Great Wall of China
Photo Credit: Summit Travels International

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.

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