Are you a traveler from India planning to visit the beautiful country of the Philippines? If yes, then this article is for you! As an Indian citizen, you need a visa to enter the Philippines for tourism purposes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Philippines tourist visa from India.
What is a Philippines Tourist Visa?
A Philippines tourist visa is a document that allows Indian citizens to enter the Philippines for tourism purposes. This visa is granted to individuals who are traveling for leisure, sightseeing, and visiting friends or relatives. The visa is typically valid for 30 days but can be extended for an additional 29 days while in the Philippines.
It is important to note that a Philippines tourist visa cannot be used for employment or any other business-related activities. If you plan to work in the Philippines, you will need to obtain a different type of visa.
How to Apply for a Philippines Tourist Visa from India
The process of obtaining a Philippines tourist visa from India is relatively simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Before you apply for a Philippines tourist visa, you need to gather the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of departure
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A copy of your flight itinerary
- A copy of hotel reservations or a letter of invitation if you are staying with friends or relatives
- Bank statements from the past three months to prove that you have sufficient funds for your trip
- Copy of income tax returns for the past three years
Make sure that all the documents are in English or have an English translation.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you need to submit your application and pay the visa fee. You can submit your application in person at the Philippines Embassy in New Delhi or at the Consulate General in Mumbai.
You can also submit your application through an accredited travel agency. The travel agency will charge an additional fee for their services.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
After you have submitted your application, you need to wait for the processing time. The processing time for a Philippines tourist visa from India is typically 7-10 working days.
Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the Philippines Embassy or Consulate General or have it delivered to your address.
Visa Fees
The visa fee for a Philippines tourist visa from India is INR 3,400. This fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
Visa Extension
If you wish to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension. You can apply for a visa extension at the Bureau of Immigration in the Philippines. The cost of a visa extension is PHP 3,030 for the first 29 days and PHP 500 for every succeeding month.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Philippines tourist visa from India is a simple and straightforward process. Make sure that you gather all the required documents and submit your application on time. With a tourist visa in hand, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich culture of the Philippines.
