Added: 01/21/2006 |
Planning ahead your trip to PhilippinesThe Philippines consists of 7107 islands. Most of the islands are very small. Many of these small islands as well as the bigger islands, have a lot to offer to tourists. There are many possibilities for typical "sun, sea and beach holidays" and for specific adventure holidays if you are traveling to Philippines. You can even meet the whale sharks and swim close to them. For tourists who want to discover geographically interesting landscapes or who want to meet mountain tribes, the Philippines has it all!
Traveling to Philippines can be extremely exciting and exhausting for the everyday traveler. For the wheeler to enjoy your stay, it can be even more so.
Planning ahead and being prepared can make a world of difference in your stay. So... Here are a few ideas and helpful suggestions you might want to consider before making your trip to Philippines. There is a bit of special information you should know and be ready for before going. The trip is very possible, but planning ahead is vital for a wheeler to fully enjoy their trip.
On entering the country you automatically get a free 3 tourist week visa. If intending on staying longer you should apply for a visa extension. Each visa extension is valid for 59 days, except the first which is 38 days. Unfortunately, the process is quite difficult due to ongoing problems at the Manila immigration office, such as fire damage and daily computer failure. So, if applying in person you will need to queue for 2 hours to hand in your documentation. Then due to computer problems you will have to wait in-excess of 4 hours for a receipt to be printed.
To avoid all the hassle, before traveling get the longer visa from the embassy (or a consulate), as this saves you a couple of days hassle during your holiday.
Visitors with valid passports may stay 21 days without a visa. Hong Kong and Taiwan passport holders require a special permit, obtainable from Philippine embassies and consulates.
Visitors with passports valid at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside of the Philippines, are allowed entry without a visa for up to 21 days. For visits longer than 21 days, a temporary visitor's visa must be secured from the Embassy Philippines or consulate in your country. Holders of Certificates of Identity, Travel Documents, Documents of Identity, Taiwanese Passports and all stateless persons do require visas. All children of Filipino nationality must hold individual passports. Applicants should apply at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) at least two weeks in advance. Time required to issue visa is 2 days in average. The cost of a visa is following: Temporary Visitor is £22 (3 month single-entry); £43 (6 month multiple-entry) or £65 (1 year multiple-entry). Pre-arranged Employment: costs £286.
You will require a passport to go to Philippines. If you don't already have one, or yours has expired, please visit your local post office or government office for an application. Processing may take a month or longer-especially during the summer. There are ways to obtain your passport faster, however extra charges will be added.
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