REQUIREMENTS FOR TAIWAN TOURIST OR BUSINESS VISA

If you are a Filipino who’s planning to visit Taiwan for travel or tour, there are important documents you must prepare.

1. Philippine Passport

The passport should be valid at least 6 months. If it is an old passport, it must be showing your previous travels. Remember that your passport must be signed.

To apply, you may click DFA Passport

2. E- Visa Application Form

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of China (Taiwan) has started its online visa application among Filipino visa applicants since October 7, 2016. This simplified visa policy will save the applicant’s time and cost of traveling to the office. This means that the applicant doesn’t need to have a physical appearance in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines to get and fill this form in. 

To apply, click E-visa.

3. Photo

Your photo must appear alone and face forward. It should have a standard size of 1.5 inches x 2 inches with white background without any border, designs, objects, and shading. The applicant wearing headbands, caps, eyeglasses, etc. are not accepted. Your facial expressions in photos must have general expressions not exaggerated and don’t let your hair obscure your facial features. Then the photo must be taken within 3 months.

4. Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate must be issued by Philippine Statistics (PSA) Office.

To apply, please click PSA Birth Certificate

5. Marriage Certificate

This has to be provided if female applicant is married.

6. Financial statements of the applicant or guardian

You can provide the copy of your or your guardian’s bank book or bank statements.

7. Certificate of Employment

If the applicant is under 18 years old, he or she must submit an evidence of enrollment at school.

8. Traveling on Business

If you are traveling on business, please provide the following:

- Certificate of business name registration and SEC registration (if you are the owner of the company)

- Invitation letter from Taiwan company / organization

- Request letter from applicant’s company

- Certificate of employment

9. Other Supporting Documents

Provide other documents if required such as your Transcript of Record (TOR), Diploma, Year Book, etc.

10. Schedule of Interview

If required, you will be provided a schedule for an interview in the office.

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

* All documents that will be submitted to the office should be original and with 1 photocopy. Furthermore, the information on your eVisa should fully match the information on your travel document. If not, your eVisa is invalid in this case and you must re-apply and obtain a new eVisa.

* Each traveler must obtain his or her own eVisa.

* Applicants over 60 years old for tourist purpose may waive the documents #6 and #7.

* Please prepare your travel plan or itinerary in Taiwan for it is needed in your eVisa application. If your itinerary changes, you have to re-apply for a new eVisa.

* Once eVisa is approved, you have to check your email and download the file and print it. You are required to present this at the immigration checkpoint for verification by the National Immigration Agency upon arrival in Taiwan.

* This visa application does not apply to family or group application for eVisa.

* You are only allowed 30 minutes to complete filling in each page of the form. If the applicant is not able to save the draft, the filling-in process will stop automatically. Then you have to start the process once more.

Visa Fee

Visa Types                           Application Fee       Rush Handling Fee

Visitor (Single Entry)             P 2,400                      P 1,200

Visitor (Multiple Entry)          P 4,800                       P 2,400

Resident (Single Entry)        P 3,100                       P 1,550

Processing Timeframe:

Visitor Visa                            3 working days

Expedite Processing             1 working day

Resident Visa                        4 working days

Expedite Processing              2 working days

Resident Visa for Missionaries 2 to 4 weeks

Filling and Releasing Time

Filling Time                           M – F, 08:45 am – 11:45 am

Releasing Time                    M – F, 01:45 pm – 04:45 pm

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

* The office reserves the right to withhold the reason for the disapproval of any visa application.

* If in case the application was declined after the review, the fees charged are NOT REFUNDABLE.

* Visa fees should be paid using credit card from either MasterCard or Visa only.  

Office Address

41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza

6819 Ayala Avenue

Makati City 1200,

Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact No.

Telephone: 632-887-6688

Fax: 632-887-7679

Note: 

The information above can be found in the website and for further information, you may click Taipei Economic and Cultural Office

REQUIREMENTS FOR SOUTH KOREA TOURIST OR BUSINESS VISA

If you are a Filipino employee who’s planning to visit South Korea for travel or tour, there are important documents you must prepare to obtain a tourist or business visa.

1. Philippine Passport

The passport should be valid at least 6 months.
To apply, please click DFA Passport

2. Application Form

This form can be downloaded in the website. Please provide the necessary information.

To download the pdf file, you may click 

Sample Application Form courtesy of Korean Embassy

3. Photo

Provide 1 copy of your photo. You must appear alone and face forward. It should have a standard size of 35 mm x 45 mm with white or off-white background without any border, designs, objects, and shading. The applicant wearing headbands, caps, eyeglasses, etc. are not accepted. Your facial expressions in photos must have general expressions not exaggerated and don’t let your hair obscure your facial features. Then the photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

4. Bank Statement

Please provide an original or certified true copy of your bank statements or passbook for the last 3 months.

5. Certificate of Employment

You have to submit the original copy of your certificate of employment which includes important details such as the applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number (mobile number is not allowed), and HR e-mail address.

6. Personal Bank Certificate

Please provide an original copy of your personal bank certificate which includes vital details including account type, current balance, account opening date, and ADB.

7. Passport Bio-page

You must photocopy and submit the bio-page that can be found on the second page of your passport.

8. Income Tax Return

Ready your ITR specifically Form 2316 and have it photocopied.

9. PRC or IBP copy

Provide the copy of your PRC or IBP if applicable.
To apply for PRC ID, click PRC ID Renewal

10.  Visa and Arrival Stamps

Please provide the original and photocopy of valid visa(s) or arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years if applicable only.

If personally invited by Korean

1.    Invitation Letter

2.    Photocopy of Invitor’s Passport or Identification Card (authentication is not mandatory)

If invited by a company in Korea

3.    Invitation Letter

4.    Photocopy of Korean Company Business Permit (authentication is not mandatory)

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

* Visa validity is only 3 months from the date of issue.

* It is advisable not to apply more than 3 months prior to your date of travel.

* For family application, submitting the necessary documents must be at the same window and at the same time. Representative may file the visa applications of all family members. For this kind of application please provide a proof of relationship like marriage contract and birth certificate.

* Frequent travelers who have traveled as tourist to Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) member countries within 5 years are exempted from submitting ITR.

* Fill the application in with correct and complete details. You have to write block letters either in English or Korean.

Visa Fee

Visa Types                           Application Fee      

59 days or less stay             Gratis or free of charge                      

60 to 90 days                        P 1,800         

Processing Time Frame

* Visitor who have been to OECD member             3 working days

countries w/in 5 years as tourist

* Visitor who have NOT been to OECD member    5 working days

Countries w/in 5 years as tourist

Reminder:

First-time travelers                                                   5 working days

Frequent travelers                                                    3 working days    

Filling and Releasing Time at the Consular’s Office

Filling Time                           M – F, 08:30 am – 11:00 am

Releasing Time                    M – F, 01:30 pm – 03:00 pm

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

* There is no expedite process

* Apply for your visa before purchasing your airline tickets since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.

* Applicants arriving after 10:30 am may not be accommodated. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR JAPAN TOURIST VISA

If you are a Filipino who’s planning to visit Japan for travel or tour, there are things you have to consider. And if the arrangement or filing the documents in Japan Embassy will be made by you, here are the essential requirements you have to prepare:

1. Philippine Passport

Your passport must be signed and must have at least 2 blank visa pages. Broken passport is not accepted.
To apply, you may click DFA Passport

2. Visa Application Form

This applicant form has to be filled in correctly. Write N/A if the item is not applicable because the embassy may not accept the application with blank item. In addition, your application may be denied if you don’t have the signature and date or the application form is filled out incorrectly or with wrong information.

You can avail this form at the entrance of the embassy, in any of the accredited travel agencies, or in the embassy website.

To download the pdf file, you may click the link below.

Application Form

Photos courtesy of Japan Embassy

3. Photo

Your photo must appear alone and face forward. It should have a standard size of 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm with white background without any border, designs, objects, and shading. The applicant wearing headbands, caps, eyeglasses, etc. are not accepted. Your facial expressions in photos must have general expressions not exaggerated and don’t let your hair obscure your facial features. Then the photo must be taken within 6 months. Remember to write your name and birthdate at the back of your photo, and paste it on the application form.

4. Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate must be issued within a year from Philippine Statistics (PSA) Office or Serbilis Outlet Center available nationwide.
To apply, you may click PSA Birth Certificate

* If unreadable or with incomplete information

Submit the birth certificate issued by PSA together with a birth certificate issued by the Local Registrar.

* If late registration

Submit a baptismal certificate, a school record (Form 137) from elementary school or high school, and a school yearbook (if possible)

5. Marriage Certificate

If the applicant is married, he or she has to provide this document. It must be issued within one year from PSA or Serbilis Outlet Center.

* If there is no record

Submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” form from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from the Local Civil Registrar.

6. Daily Schedule in Japan

Daily schedule is similar to your travel plan or itinerary in Japan, also known Taizai Yoteihyo in Japanese. This form is also downloadable in Japan Embassy website.

To download the pdf file, you may click the link below.

Schedule of Stay

Photo courtesy of Japan Embassy

The following document should be provided if the applicant will shoulder a part or all of his/her travel expenses

7. Bank Certificate

Just remember that your bank certificate’s validity should be 3 months from the date of issue.

8. Applicant’s Income Tax Return

Provide the latest photocopy of your ITR specifically Form 2316.

The following document should be provided if the applicant’s travel expenses (a part or all) will be shouldered by a Guarantor who lives in the Philippines

9. Guarantee Letter

10. Proof of Relationship

The proof of relationship between the applicant and the guarantor should be provided such as Birth Certificates, etc.

11. Guarantor’s Bank Certificate

Please provide the guarantor’s original copy of bank certificate.

12. Guarantor’s Income Tax Return

Please provide a clear photocopy of the guarantor’s ITR specifically Form 2316

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

* The size of document for the application must be A4 only. If documents are in other size, adjust them in A4 size from its original size without stapling or pasting the pages.

* Please write or write in block letter on the application form.

* Paste your photo but not staple it.

* You are exempted from providing documents such as #4 and #5 indicated above if you can submit an old and valid passport with used Japan visa.

* It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements to grant your visa. You are encouraged to submit any documents not mentioned above to to support your application. For instance,

- Applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines

- Urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation

Visa Fee

- Temporary visitor visa for Filipinos is free of charge. For the list of nationalities who are required to pay for their visa, you may click the link below.

Consular fees 

Office Hours

M – F (except holidays)

08:30 am – 12:30 pm

01:30 pm - 05:15 pm

Address

2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1300

Trunk Line

(02) 551-5710

Visa / Consular Matters

Filipino:            (02) 834-7514

Japanese:       (02) 834-7508

Note: All of these details can be found in their website. You may click the link below for further information.

Japan Embassy

HOW TO APPLY FOR A COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE ONLINE

Thanks for making most of our government services more convenient and fast for the people. I remember how time-consuming it was when getting a copy of your birth certificate in NSO's main office few years back. Imagine it always took me more than four hours just to apply for this particular request, not including the day to claim for the copy. But now, I'm glad that most things are being transacted at your own convenience and obtaining your request without leaving your house. 

On this page, you are able to know on how to apply for your birth certificate online using very simple steps.

Step 1

Before you fill in the real application form online, you have to read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS page.

Then click I ACCEPT bar after understanding this part of application.

You may now proceed to the contact and delivery information

Step 2

CONTACT AND DELIVERY INFORMATION

- Please key in the following details:

Requester’s Name

                Last Name

                First Name

                Middle Initial

Delivery Address

`               Country

                Province

                City

                House Number, Street Name (please indicate the landmark)

                Barangay / Subdivision / Village / District Name (please indicate the landmark)

                Zip Code

Telephone No./Mobile No.

E-mail Address

Tax Identification No (TIN) (this part is optional)

Reminder:

Delivery schedule is from 8am to 5pm from Mondays to Fridays (except holidays)

Tip:

- If you provided the necessary details, you can now click NEXT. A copy of your details will be shown on the screen. It’s advisable to double-check the details before you click the CONFIRM bar.

ADD REQUEST – BIRTH CERTIFICATE

1^st page

- You are required to enter the information asked on this page.

1. You have to choose between YES or NO if there was any correction or amendment (Ex. change or corrections of entries or court proceedings) done to the birth certificate you are applying for. If NONE THEN CLICK NO.

2. If you were able to get a copy of the birth certificate from NSO previously. If YES THEN CLICK YES.

Tip:

- After clicking on these requests, you may click NEXT.

2^nd page

No of copies (click one, two, or other)

Name

                Last Name

                First Name

                Middle Name

Sex

Place of Birth

                Country

                Province

                City / Municipality

Date of Birth

                Month

                Day

                Year

Father’s Name

                Last Name

                First Name

                Middle Name

Mother’s Maiden Name (Your mother’s name when she was not married yet)

                Last Name

                First Name

                Middle Name

Registered Late?

                Yes or No (If not. click NO)

Purpose (Choose only one)

Relationship to the Birth Certificate Owner (If it’s you, then click SELF)

Tip:

- After completing the entries, you may now click SAVE. A Summary of your entries will be shown afterwards. I suggest you to double-check all of your entries to see if there are incorrect or misspelled entries. If you think, they are true and correct, then click CONFIRM. After completing your online application, you will be given a REQUEST REFERENCE NUMBER. You need this reference number when paying for your request in various payment channels available. Read the instructions below on how to pay for your request. The e-Census acknowledgment copy will be sent to your e-mail. Remember to print 2 copies of e-Census Acknowledgment before you go to the bank and pay for your request.

PAYMENT OF YOUR REQUEST

Fees include the processing, delivery, and government taxes.

Delivery within the Philippines

One copy of birth certificate costs P315.00

- Via BDO, click this link

https://www.bdo.com.ph/personal

- Via Unionbank, click this link

https://www.unionbankph.com/

Fill in the payment slip with the following information and present it to the teller with your payment.

Company / Institution Name: E-CENSUS

Client Name                       : Requester’s Name

Subscriber / Reference

Policy / Plan No.               :Request Reference Number when you are paying for a particular                                            request  

Amount                              : Amount Due when paying for a particular request only

Tip:

- You have to write down the exact and correct amount due

- Keep the payment slip with validation of the bank as proof of your payment.  

Delivery to other countries

One copy of birth certificate costs USD20.00

- Via a credit card, you may click this link for further information

https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/PaymentInstructions-OCC.aspx

- Via BDO Remit Subsidiary office and remittance partners abroad offering Kabayan Bills Bayad, you may click this link for further instructions.

https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/PaymentInstructions-BDOR.aspx

- Via Foreign correspondent banks, you may click this link for further instructions.

https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/PaymentInstructions-AFB.aspx

HOW TO APPLY FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT

Many of you are wondering how to get a Philippine passport. Before you register online, here are the important things you must have.

1. Essential documents. Click the link for the updated list of requirements for the new applicants

NEW APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

and for renewal

PASSPORT RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

2. Email address. Only Yahoo and Gmail are recommended by DFA.

If you don’t have any email account, you may click Yahoo Email or Gmail below to create one, so you can retrieve your application code after filling in the form.

Yahoo Email 

Gmail

3. Mobile number to contact the applicant.

If you already have those things mentioned above, you may now start the application by keeping these 3 basic steps in mind.

Step 1

You need to choose the location, the date, and the time

Step 2

Fill in the application form. Then choose the type of application: new or renewal.

Step 3

Lastly, provide all the necessary documents and proceed to your chosen DFA site.

However, the important part of this application process is providing the essential information in DFA’s online application. You may click the link below to start your application.

Passport Appointment

On this page, you can view the terms and conditions. Please read it carefully before clicking the small box below. Once you have read and understood this part, you may click the box. Then click the START INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT.

The whole application contains the following pages that you have to fill in.

* Site Location

* Date & Time

* Personal Information

* Family Information

* Application Information

* Contact Information

SITE LOCATION

Region

Asia Pacific

Europe

North America

South America

Middle East

Tip: If you are applying in the Philippines, click Asia Pacific.

Country

- It will show the countries where Philippine passport can be made.

Tip:

- Click Philippines

Site

- The sites are in alphabetical order

Angeles

Bacolod

Baguio

Butuan

Cagayan De Oro

Calasiao

Cebu

Cotabato

DFA Manila (ASEANA)

DFA NCR East (Megamall)

DFA NCR North (Robinson’s Novaliches)

DFA NCR North East (Ali Mall)

DFA NCR South (Alabang)

DFA NCR West (SM Manila)

Davao

Dumaguete

General Santos

Iloilo

La Union

Legazpi

Lipa

Lucena

Pampanga

Puerto Princesa

Tacloban

Tuguegarao

Zamboanga

Tip:

- If you are an applicant in a rush residing anywhere in Metro Manila, I advise you to choose DFA in Angeles. When I made an appointment there last November 2016, the earliest available schedule was on the second week of December compared to other sites which can accommodate applicants by January or February the other year. Although it took me two hours to travel from Las Pinas City, it only took me 45 minutes to accomplish my appointment in DFA Angeles. The applicants were few, and the entire process was fast.

- When you click the site, automatically, the page will show the office address and the contact #. Please take note of these important details.

Angeles

Office Address: 3F Marquee Mall, Pulung Maragul, Angeles City

Contact #: (045)-304-0194

After choosing the site, click NEXT

DATE & TIME

- Time varies according to the site

These are the available time in Angeles

09:30 – 10:00

10:00 – 11:00

11:00 – 12:00

12:00 – 01:00

01:00 – 02:00

02:00 – 03:00

03:00 – 04:00

Tip:

- Give yourself sufficient time to travel before your appointment time. I I would suggest you to choose the schedule in the afternoon. After deciding for the time, click NEXT.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Phone # (Type 632 then your telephone number. If you don’t have a phone number, then don’t force yourself to have one. This part is optional)

Mobile # (Type 63 then your mobile number)

Email add

Last Name

First Name

Middle Name

Date of Birth

Gender

Civil Status

Birth Legitimacy

Country of Birth

Province (Just key in Metro Manila)

City / Municipality

Tip:

- All entries are required except the phone number. After putting all the details, click NEXT.

FAMILY INFORMATION

* Father’s Information

Last Name

First Name

Middle Name

Country Citizenship

* Mother’s Information

Maiden’s Last Name (Her last name when she was not married yet)

First Name

Middle Name

Country Citizenship

Tip:

- After filling in the necessary details, click NEXT.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application Type (Choose one)

            New

            Renewal (If renewal, you to provide these information.)

                        Old Passport #

                        Date of Issue

                        Issuing Authority (What DFA site you had your passport)

Basis of Philippine Citizenship (You just choose one)

            Birth

            Election

            Marriage

            Naturalization

            RA 9225

            Others

Foreign Passport Holder (Yes or No)

Emergency Contact Person

Contact #

Tip:

- If you provided all the necessary information, click NEXT.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Complete Address

City

Province

Occupation

Office #

Office Address

Tip:

- All entries are optional except for the office # and address. If you think all details are provided, then click NEXT.

INFORMATION REVIEW

- Don’t ignore this part. You need to double-check all of your entries before clicking the confirmation button. If you think, all information is true and correct, click the agreement box and finally click CONFIRM. Don’t forget to click I’M NOT A ROBOT box. You may now view your appointment.

To View Your Appointment

- You must open your email to know your appointment code that you’ll need to open your application in the website. Please click HERE written in blue in your email and remember the appointment code. Next, key in the appointment code and your email in the website to download your application. Click DOWNLOAD box to get the pdf file of your application and have it printed in A4 size. You should bring the printout in your personal appointment in DFA site. Remember, you have to confirm your application within 120 hours, or else your provisional appointment will be automatically cancelled. Click the link below to view your appointment.

View Appointment

Reminders:

* Do not sign the application form yet. This should be done at the site with the presence of the passport officer.

* You have to be at the site at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

* You have at least 3 days to CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT. If you fail to do this, you may have problems in your future applications.

For more information and updates, you may visit their website by clicking the link below.

https://www.passport.gov.ph/