4 Types of Visas Every Pinoy Traveler Needs to Know

Denied US visa… again?  We know it could be truly disappointing to be told you are not permitted to leave for a US state and without telling you why.  But take heart, there are a lot of other countries you can tour that are visa-free or have visa-on-arrival policies.

We have the latest list of Asian countries that you can visit without the need for a visa but have a number of days when a tourist can stay.  During my recent trip to Hong Kong last December, I was given a total of 13 days by the Hong Kong Immigration; I stayed for four.

But before we feature the list, let us first share with you the different types of visas that Pinoys need to secure when traveling abroad.  Actually, it should only be counted as three, as the first entry is ‘visa-free’; but based on my experience in Hong Kong last month, I would like to count the visa-free as well since I was only given a particular number of days to stay in the country.

So here it is:

1. Visa-free

These are countries that do not require a visa but you may only be given a certain number of days to tour the place.  Your ticket must have a return date on it, and you must have a valid booking at a hotel and enough cash to sustain your visit.  Of the three, it is your ticket that the Immigration might scrutinize the most so have it handy all the time.

2. Visa-on-arrival

There are no pre-application (of visa) required to land at these country’s airports.  You will be granted your visa upon appearing before an immigration officer and after you have duly settled any associated visa fees.

3. Visa-required

These countries require that you apply for and are granted a visa in the country’s embassy, consulate, or approved travel partner.  The requirements for visa application may vary and may include your financial records and history, medical records, employment documents, and proofs of your previous travels abroad.

4. e-Visa

Visa applications are done online and should your application be approved, your e-visa shall be linked or electronically associated with your passport number.

In Philippine Star’s latest feature news, the following Asian countries are visa-free for Filipinos, with the corresponding number of days’ stay for tourists:

1. Brunei – 20-day stay
2. Cambodia – 21-day stay
3. Hong Kong – 14-day stay
4. Indonesia – 30-day stay
5. Laos – 30-day stay
6. Macao – 30-day stay
7. Malaysia – 30-day stay
8. Mongolia – 21-day stay
9. Myanmar – 14-day stay
10. Singapore – 30-day stay
11. Taiwan – 14-day stay Taiwan will be visa-free until July 31, 2019)
12. Thailand – 30-day stay
13. Vietnam – 21-day stay

These countries follow a visa-on-arrival policy and or e-Visa for Pinoy tourists

1. Kyrgyzstan – 30-day stay
2. Maldives – 30-day stay
3. Sri Lanka – 30-day stay
4. Timor-Leste – 30-day stay

So where do you plan to travel this year?  Share your stories with us!

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