Tag Archives: travel

3-Day Turkey Itinerary With Cost Breakdown | From My Turkey-Russia Solo Trip

By DAN FORTEZA

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

When I got that cheap flight tickets of Manila-Dubai round-trip last year, I know that Dubai will never be my final destination. That’s why I never wasted my time booking another flight bound to another dream city of mine – Istanbul! Being the city that sits between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a paradise for a geography geek like myself. And I’m sure you’ll also enjoy Istanbul as much as I did. To help you with your Turkey itinerary, I’ll be sharing my actual day-to-day itinerary in this blog including the breakdown of cost during my trip to Turkey. Aside from Istanbul, I also went to the city of Bursa, 150 km south of Istanbul.

NOTE: Before returning to the Philippines, I flew to Russia after Turkey and spent a few days in the Russian cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Feel free to read my other article about my 4-day itinerary in Russia with cost breakdown.

The stunning Bosporus Strait in Istanbul
The stunning Bosporus Strait in Istanbul | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

NOTE: For Philippine Passport holders, visiting Turkey requires a visa. If you are just on your way to getting your Turkish visa, read my blog on how to get your Turkish Tourist Visa (click HERE).

Here are my flight ticket details with costs for this Turkey itinerary:

  • Manila (MNL) to Dubai (DXB) via Cebu Pacific – 6,499 PHP
  • Dubai (DXB) to Istanbul (SAW) via Pegasus Airlines – 8,904 PHP
  • Istanbul (SAW) to Moscow (DME) via Pegasus Airlines – 6,072 PHP
  • Moscow (SVO) to Dubai (DXB) via Aeroflot – 10,914 PHP
  • Dubai (DXB) to Manila (MNL) via Cebu Pacific – 2,160 PHP

FLIGHT TICKETS TOTAL: 34,549 PHP = 665 USD

NOTE: For Philippine Passport holders who will go through flight transfer at Dubai International airport (DXB), you DO NOT need any sort of UAE visa as long as you stay within the airside area of the airport. Even if your next flight is on another terminal, you can transfer with ease using DXB’s terminal-to-terminal transport buses.

It was almost a 9-hour flight from Manila to Dubai. I arrived at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 1 at around 9:40 PM. I just need to transfer to DXB’s Terminal 2 for my next flight bound to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) at 4:20 AM (the next day). There is a dedicated transfer desk at Terminal 1 so I’ve transferred to Terminal 2 with ease by utilizing one of the airport’s transport buses. If you have check-in baggage with you, unfortunately there is a subjected fee for transferring check-in baggage. In my case, I only have a carry-on backpack with me and so the transfer was hassle-free.

Passengers waiting for their flights at Dubai International Airport
Passengers waiting for their flights at Dubai International Airport | Dantravels.org

TURKEY 🇹🇷

Language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY, TL)
Exchange rate: 1 USD = 5.72 TL
Prefer mode of transportation: Tram / Subway / Trains
Int’l Airports in this trip: Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)
Time Zone: GMT + 3

After a restless night of flights and transfer, ISTANBUL has finally come to a reality! A city that straddles between two continents of Asia and Europe, definitely a dream come true seeing it with my own eyes!

I arrived at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport at around 8:10 AM as per schedule. It was almost a 5-hour flight from DXB airport. The first thing I looked for at the airport was an ATM to withdraw cash and then looked for a sim card (for internet connection) right after. See Day 1 expenses below to see sim card cost.

TIP: Some backpackers do not appreciate buying a sim card. But I always recommend buying one even if you’re just staying for a few days. Googling every thing is a life saver!

The exact moment I crossed the bridge in Istanbul linking Europe & Asia
DAY 1: The exact moment I crossed the bridge in Istanbul linking Europe & Asia | Dantravels.org

MY 4D/3N TURKEY ITINERARY with COST BREAKDOWN

DAY 1 Photo Gallery

Havabus at Sabiha Goken Airport Turkey itinerary
Day 1: Havabus at Sabiha Goken Airport | Dantravels.org
Day 1: The Taksim Square
Day 1: The Taksim Square | Dantravels.org
Inside of an old tram Turkey itinerary
Day 1: What the Inside of an old tram looks like | Dantravels.org
Istanbul Kart
Day 1: Istanbul Kart | Dantravels.org
Galata Tower Turkey Itinerary
Day 1: Galata Tower behind me | Dantravels.org
Dikilitas Turkey Itinerary
DAY 1: At Dikilitas | Dantravels.org
Hagia Sophia Turkey itinerary
Day 1: Hagia Sophia behind me | Dantravels.org
Yeni Cami Sultanahmet Mosque Turkey Itinerary
DAY 1: Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) | Dantravels.org
Istanbul University Turkey itinerary
Day 1: At Istanbul University | Dantravels.org
Stunning ceiling design at Suleymaniye Mosque Turkey Itinerary
Day 1: Stunning ceiling design at Suleymaniye Mosque | Dantravels.org
Grand Bazaar
Day 1: At the Grand Bazaar | Dantravels.org
Waiting for Ferry going to Uskudar
Day 1: Waiting for Ferry going to Uskudar | Dantravels.org
Meet Zuhtu - my Turkish friend and guide
Day 1: Meet Zuhtu – my Turkish friend and guide. This is at Camlica Hill | Dantravels.org
A glimpse at Istanbul's Subway
Day 1: A glimpse at Istanbul’s Subway | Dantravels.org

DAY 1 TURKEY ITINERARY:

  • Transport from Airport to Hostel. The Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian side and the journey can take around 90 minutes to downtown Istanbul. From the airport, I took the Havataş Bus going to Taksim Square. The bus operates from 4 AM to 1 AM. My hostel is about 6-10 min walk from Taksim Square or Taksim metro station.
    • Hostel name: Chambers of the Boheme (click HERE to book)
    • Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Hostel rate: Refer to Day 1 expenses below.

TIP: When booking your hotel/hostel, look it up on Google Maps first and ensure that it is not too far from a subway/train station.

Book AGODA here

Book BOOKING.com here

Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

  • Tour around Istanbul with a Turkish friend. I was restless but definitely ready to see and explore Istanbul on my first day. I met Zuhtu (he’s Turkish) from Couchsurfing. He intended to tour me around the city when I arrived at my hostel. I was with him the whole day and he helped me explore Istanbul like a local. Zuhtu doesn’t speak English much and so I had to use Google Translate to communicate with him sometimes. If we still could not understand each other, we just both laugh it off!
    • Taksim Square. We started off the tour at Taksim Square which is a 6-minute walk from my hostel. It is a major tourist and leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops, and hotels.
    • Galata Tower. We took an old tram (also called nostaljik tramvay) from Taksim to Karaköy tram stop and then headed to the Galata Tower. The tower is one of Istanbul’s most iconic symbols.

NOTE: Zuhtu even bought me an Istanbul Kart, it is an all-around public transportation boarding pass in Istanbul. I just need to top it up once empty. The card costs 10 TL which already has a 4 TL load (so the card itself is only 6TL).

    • Dikilitas. We visited the Dikilitas park situated within Sultanahmet district. We took the metro train to get here from Sishane station.
    • Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). From the heart of Sultanahmet district, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey!
    • Hagia Sophia. Just across the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is regarded as the eighth wonder of the World, the Hagia Sophia (or Ayasofya) in Sultanahmet is surely one of Istanbul’s most impressive sights.
    • Istanbul University. Founded in 1453, this is the oldest university in Turkey! From Sultanahmet train station, we traveled to Beyazit train station to get here.
    • Suleymaniye Mosque. Another incredible mosque in Istanbul! From Istanbul University, we took a stroll toward Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosque is situated in some elevation and thus there’s a spot here where you can see a scenic view of the Bosphorus Strait! This strait forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia.
    • Grand Bazaar. Our walking tour continued here at Grand Bazaar. This is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. We had hamburgers here and it was Zuhtu’s treat! Afterward, we strolled along Eminönü Pier to catch the ferry going to Uskudar district. So we were technically crossing the Bosphorus Strait to get to the Asian side of Istanbul.
    • View of Istanbul from Camlica Hill. Zuhtu said he wanted to show me this amazing place on top of a hill where I could see the entire Istanbul! It’s in Camlica Hill. From Uskudar, we took a bus to Camlica and continued moving on foot until we reached the top of the hill. Being tired and restless that I was, I had no regrets. The place was truly beautiful and with a scenic night view of both the Asian and European parts of Istanbul in one scene! There are also restaurants and cafes at Camlica Hill. It was around 10:00 PM when we left the place.
    • Back home to Taksim Square. We both took a bus to get back to the European side of Istanbul and then took a metro train to get us home. I don’t remember which train station he got off but what I do remember is that Zuhtu was one of the nicest and most accommodating persons I’ve ever met. I got off at Taksim train station.

Hostel Photo Gallery

Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org
Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org
Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org
Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org
Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org
Chambers of the Boheme Istanbul
Chambers of the Boheme Hostel in Istanbul | Dantravels.org

Previous | Next

DAY 1 EXPENSES:

  • Sim card with internet (Turk Telekom) – 100 TL
  • Havabus ticket to Taksim Square – 15 TL
  • Bottled juice drink and bread – 6.15 TL
  • Room accommodation fee (3-night stay) – 133.5 TL
  • Food (rice and chicken and chocolate) – 16 TL
  • Top up Istanbul Kart – 10 TL

DAY 1 TOTAL: 280.65 TL = 49 USD

DAY 2 Photo Gallery

Sultanahmet station Turkey itinerary
Day 2: Sultanahmet Train Station | Dantravels.org
At Divanyulo street Turkey itinerary
Day 2: At Divanyulo street | Dantravels.org
The Marco Polo Tours at Divanyulo street Turkey itinerary
Day 2: The Marco Polo Tours at Divanyolu street | Dantravels.org
The Çemberlitaş Sütunu (Column of Constantine) Turkey Itinerary
Day 2: The Çemberlitaş Sütunu (Column of Constantine) | Dantravels.org
Day 2: The Blue Mosque at Sultanahmet
Day 2: The Blue Mosque at Sultanahmet | Dantravels.org
The other side of Hagia Sophia Turkey Itinerary
Day 2: The other side of Hagia Sophia | Dantravels.org
Cart selling Simit Turkey itinerary
Day 2: Cart selling Simit | Dantravels.org
The crowd at Eminönü Pier Turkey itinerary
Day 2: The crowd at Eminönü Pier | Dantravels.org
Galata Bridge (Karakoy-Eminonu) Bridge Turkey Itinerary
Day 2: Man fishing at Galata Bridge (Karakoy-Eminonu Bridge) | Dantravels.org
Ferry at Galata Bridge Turkey itinerary
Day 2: Ferry at Galata Bridge | Dantravels.org
Dinner Turkey itinerary
Day 2: My 16.5-TRY dinner – Chicken , rice, salad, choco, water | Dantravels.org

Previous | Next

DAY 2 TURKEY ITINERARY:

  • Take a rest in the morning. I needed this after the tiring day yesterday!
  • Create a Do-it-Yourself Walk Tour in the afternoon. I wanted to re-explore Istanbul on my own so I created this simple DIY walking tour. Google Maps definitely helped me a lot where to locate places and deciding where to start. From Taksim train station, I headed to Sultanahmet area to again see the iconic Hagia Sophia and explore more of Sultanahmet and Eminönü.
    • Divanyolu street. After getting off Sultanahmet station, I took a stroll along this road.
    • Çemberlitaş Sütunu (Column of Constantine). This is also known as the Burnt Stone or the Burnt Pillar.
    • Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). I really wouldn’t mind seeing this mosque again!
    • Hagia Sophia. And this one, too!
    • Topkapi Palace Museum. This palace is just a few blocks from Hagia Sophia.
      • Istanbul Archeology Museum
      • Museum of Ancient Orient
      • Gulhane Park
      • Column of the Goths
    • Eminönü Pier. Right after Sultanahmet area, I moved to Eminonu Pier.
    • Galata Bridge – Just 10 minutes from the Pier, I took a walk across Galata bridge.

DAY 2 EXPENSES:

  • Nescafe drink and biscuit – 6.50 TL
  • Bursa Tour ticket – 190 TL
  • Ice cream – 9 TL
  • Istanbul kart top-up – 20 TL
  • Food (chicken, rice, choco, veggies, spaghetti, bottled water) – 21.5 TL
  • Istanbul kart top up – 10 TL
  • Bottled water 1.5 TL
  • Food (chicken, rice, salad, choco, water) – 16.5 TL

DAY 2 TOTAL: 275 TL = 48 USD

DAY 3 Photo Gallery

Inside the tour bus going to Bursa Turkey Itinerary
Day 3: Inside the tour bus going to Bursa | Dantravels.org
Ferry heading to Bursa Pier is loaded with our tour bus Turkey itinerary
Day 3: This Ferry heading to Bursa Pier is loaded with our tour bus | Dantravels.org
The Bursa sign at the Green Mosque Turkey itinerary
Day 3: The Bursa sign at the Green Mosque | Dantravels.org

Previous | Next

DAY 3 TURKEY ITINERARY:

  • Bursa Day Tour. Bursa is regarded as the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire.

NOTE: We arrived back to Istanbul at 10:00 PM

DAY 3 EXPENSES:

  • Simit (bread) – 1.5 TL
  • Bottled water – 1 TL
  • Coffee & Bread – 10 TL
  • Toilet fee – 1 TL
  • Open Cable Car ride – 30 TL
  • Ice cream – 5 TL
  • Two Bottled water – 3 TL

NOTE: Lunch is included in the tour.

DAY 3 TOTAL: 51.5 TL = 9 USD

DAY 4 Photo Gallery

Nohutlu Pilav in Istanbul Turkey itinerary
Day 4: I love this Nohutlu Pilav! | Dantravels.org
Flight tickets to Moscow turkey itinerary
Day 4: My boarding pass to Moscow | Dantravels.org

Previous | Next

DAY 4 TURKEY ITINERARY:

  • Fly to Moscow. I left downtown Istanbul at around 7:00 AM to catch my flight to Moscow.

DAY 4 EXPENSES:

  • Food (2 x fried rice with chicken strip or Nohutlu Pilav) – 10 TL
  • Havabus ticket to Airport – 15 TL
  • Souvenirs (keychains) – 55 TL

DAY 4 TOTAL: 80 TL = 14 USD

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel
    • Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com.
    • Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms!
  • Flights
    • TRIP. All of my flight bookings are all from TRIP.
  • Istanbul Package Tours
    • Viator. Viator is the world’s leading resource for researching, finding and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.
    • Bursa Tour – I booked at Marco Polo Tourism & Travel agency located at Divanyolu Street, Istanbul.

More Tours Here

The trip was absolutely quick! I’m sure you’d think that a three-and-a-half-day stay in Turkey is not enough. You’re right, but I did enjoy every second of it. No doubt.

It would be worth mentioning also that visiting Istanbul ticks the ‘Visit Europe continent’ in my travel bucket list because I was technically on the European soils!

If you’re just planning to visit Istanbul, go ahead and make it a reality! I hope that by the help of this Turkey itinerary blog will make your travel easy and convenient. Safe travels!

How I Quit My Job to Travel (Filipino Digital Nomad Guide 2026)

🌏 Introduction

I’m a licensed engineer from the Philippines who made a decision most people only dream about:

My workstation as a corporate engineer
My workstation as a corporate engineer

👉 I quit my job to travel.

No rich background. No guaranteed income. No perfect plan.

Just enough savings, some preparation, and the willingness to take a risk.

This was my life before I decided to take that leap.

Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu in Peru

If you’re thinking of doing the same, this guide will walk you through:

  • What I did before quitting
  • How I made money
  • The real challenges I faced
  • And how you can start too

🤔 Can You Really Quit Your Job to Travel?

Yes — but not blindly.

Quitting your job to travel is possible if you:

  • Prepare financially
  • Start building income streams early
  • Understand that uncertainty is part of the journey

👉 This isn’t about escaping work.
👉 It’s about building a lifestyle that supports travel.

✅ Steps I Took Before Quitting My Job

💸 1. I Saved Money

Before resigning, I made sure I had savings to support myself.

  • Cover basic expenses
  • Give me time to adjust

👉 Your savings will be your safety net.

✈️ 2. I Built Travel Experience

I started with budget trips and DIY itineraries to learn how to travel cheaply and avoid mistakes.

🌐 3. I Started a Blog

I created a travel blog to document my journey and eventually earn online. At first, it made nothing—but it grew over time.

💻 4. I Tested Online Income Streams

I explored different ways to earn remotely before quitting.

💡 Want to start earning online while traveling?

When I was starting out, I tried beginner-friendly platforms to get my first online income. This is where I got some of my first online income:

👉 Try GoTranscript – transcription work I personally used to earn online

👉 Try SproutGigs – simple online tasks to earn extra money

These platforms helped me get started while I was still figuring things out, and they can be a good first step if you’re new to earning online.

Read also: My blog on how to sign up to GoTranscript.

These are not “get rich quick,” but they are a practical way to start earning while building bigger income streams.

My first earning from GoTranscript
My first earning from GoTranscript

👉 You don’t need a perfect income system — you just need to start somewhere.

🛂 5. I Learned About Visas

Understanding visa rules, entry requirements, and stay limits is essential for smooth travel.

📦 6. I Explored Other Income Options

I also tried e-commerce and other online opportunities to learn what works.

💰 How Much Money Did I Have?

When I quit:

  • I had savings
  • I had small online income streams
  • My blog was earning around $200+ per month

💡 In my first month of monetizing my blog, I earned around $200 — enough to cover my basic expenses.

👉 It wasn’t stable — but it was enough to keep going.

🌍 The Reality of Being a Digital Nomad

⚠️ Challenges

  • Unstable income
  • Uncertainty
  • Travel fatigue
  • Moments of doubt
Long layover flights in Kuala Lumpur with my two carry-on bags!
Long layover flights in Kuala Lumpur with my two carry-on bags!

There were times I questioned my decision.

👍 Benefits

  • Freedom over time
  • Exploring new places
  • Personal growth

👉 It’s not perfect — but it’s meaningful.

💻 How I Make Money While Traveling

  • Blogging (ads and content)
  • Online work and gigs
  • Side income streams

💡 If you’re starting with zero experience:

Focus on simple income first.

Platforms like GoTranscript and SproutGigs can help you begin,
while you build more sustainable income streams like blogging or freelancing.

👉 Multiple income streams = more stability

🧠 What I Would Do Differently

  • Build income before quitting
  • Focus on one income stream first
  • Grow my blog earlier

🚀 Should You Quit Your Job to Travel?

  • Do I have savings?
  • Do I have a way to earn online?
  • Am I ready for uncertainty?

If yes — you can do it.
If not — prepare first.

The snowy mountains in Almaty, Kazakhstan
The snowy mountains in Almaty, Kazakhstan

💬 Final Thoughts

Quitting my job to travel was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken.

It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t perfect.

But it gave me freedom, growth, and experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.

👉 You don’t need to be rich to start.
👉 You just need to be prepared.

How To Apply For A US Tourist Visa With Your Philippine Passport

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

Get your US Tourist B1/B2 Visa ready because you’re going to see what the United States has to offer! Though I understand US visa is probably one of the hardest visas in the world to get but it is all worth it. In this post, I’ll be giving you a step-by-step guide, a list of the requirements, my experience throughout the whole application process, interview questions, and other tips to help you get your US tourist visa!

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash | Dantravels.org

Read also: My US Visa Interview And How I Answered The Questions

But again, just like in other visa application blogs I’ve written, no one can give you the guarantee of your US tourist visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer!

I know you must have heard tons of horror stories from people regarding their denied US visa applications. Because of the huge number of Filipino illegal immigrants, the US Government is very strict about its immigration laws.

It’s alright to feel nervous. I was nervous, too! But for now, let’s set aside those negative thoughts. Let’s be positive so that that positive energy will radiate to the people around you.. even to the interviewer! =)

Anyway, enough of that and let’s get started!

US VISA B1/B2 FOR TOURISTS

The B1/B2 visitors visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B2)

  • B1 visa is for attending business conventions and educational conferences
  • B2 visa is for tourism, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment

To be granted a US tourist visa, you must be able to prove that:

  • your visit is only temporary
  • you have enough money to cover all your expenses during your stay
  • you have binding ties that ensure your return to your country

WHEN AND WHERE TO APPLY

WHEN: Application shall be made at least 2 months prior to your intended departure. But since I was on a hurry, I did it all in a month! =) Here is my application timeline:

  • Day 1: Read Blogs
  • Day 5: Book Hostel Accommodations (I need this information prior to submitting the Application form online).
  • Day 6: Get myself an ID picture both digital and hardcopy
  • Day 8: Pay for the Visa Fee
  • Day 9: Submit Application Form Online (I am rushing, I know!)
  • Day 9: Schedule Interview Appointment. Note that I chose the earliest available date which is 21 days away!
  • Day 30: Day of Interview. On this day, you’ll immediately know whether you’re approved or not.

WHERE: Application and personal appearance interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines at 1201 Roxas Boulevard Manila, Philippines 1000. Please be at the Embassy gate 30 minutes prior to your interview

GET YOUR US TOURIST VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: PAY THE VISA FEE

There are 2 ways to pay US Visa Application Fee:

  • Online via BPI website or Bancnet website
  • Directly at the BPI Bank Branches

In my case, I chose to pay it directly to the BPI Bank Branches.

  • Go to the visa info page of the US Embassy website. As of April 2019, the visa fee is USD160. This is the costliest visa fee I’ve ever paid!
  • Then go to this page. Download and print your $160-deposit slip. Or click HERE to download directly the slip.
US Tourist Visa Bank Option Payment
US Tourist Visa Cash at Bank Payment Option | Dantravels.org

NOTE: There is an expiration date on the deposit slip. Ensure that you pay it before it expires!

US Tourist Visa Bank Deposit Slip
US Tourist Visa Bank Deposit Slip | Dantravels.org

NOTE: Visa Fee are non-refundable & non-transferable. After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

STEP 2: FILL UP THE VISA APPLICATION (DS-160) FORM

If you are a solo backpacker like me, you need to book first your room accommodation. You will need this information to answer the form of where you’ll be staying.

TIP: I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

To start filling up your own form, click this link (DS-160 Form). You can access a DS-160 form sample in this link as your reference.

NOTE: Prepare also your 2″x2″ digital photo. This will be uploaded on your application form.

US Tourist Visa DS-160 Form | Dantravels.org

TIP: Be brutally honest when filling up the application form. The interviewer will base his/her questions on your filled up form. So when he/she caught you lying from something that you wrote in the form, you’re dead! =(

The confirmation number generated after filling up the form is needed to set up appointment. Shown below is my confirmation page, please print this as you’ll be needing this during the day of your appointment.

Confirmation Page | Dantravels.org

STEP 3. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

After making payment (step 1) and completing the DS-160 Form (step 2), you can now schedule your appointment. Prepare these 3 info: Passport Number, Paid Receipt Number, and Confirmation Number. Go to this SITE to schedule your appointment.

US Visa Appointment Site | Dantravels.org

Once done, save and print you appointment letter. The appointment letter should look like this – see below.

US Tourist Visa Appointment Letter

STEP 4. PREPARE OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Once you’re done setting up your appointment online and while waiting for your appointment day, you need to prepare supporting documents. In order to support your answer during the interview, the interviewer will most likely ask for proof of documents. Here are the set of documents I’ve prepared:

  • Old Passport – To prove your travel history. Your travel history will most likely be asked during your interview like ‘Have you traveled before?, Where and When?’.
  • Hostel Booking – I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. They have free cancellation options.

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

  • Itinerary of planned tourism activities

I can provide you a copy of mine if you like. Just leave a reply on the comment section below.

  • Latest Income Tax Return (ITR), Certificate of Employment, Payslips, Bank Passbook / Bank Certificate.
  • Travel Insurance – I highly recommend getting travel insurance from World Nomads.

STEP 5: GO TO THE EMBASSY AND KILL THE INTERVIEW!

Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your interview. Bring a printed copy of your Appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation page, One recent 2″x2″ photo ID, and all passports. NOTE: Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

There are also things NOT allowed inside the Embassy such as mobile phones. Interview proper is next. I created a separated blog post from experience during the interview. Click HERE to read.

After the interview, you’ll know immediately if your visa is approved or denied. By the way, I was approved and got my 10-year multiple entry US visa after 3 days! So I wish you all the best! =)

My US Visa | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

  • Visa Type: B1/B2 (Business/Tourism)
  • Visa Validity: 10 Years
  • Entry type: Multiple Entry
  • Visa Fee: USD160.00

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your U.S. itinerary:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel: Booking.com – ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
  • Airbnb: Sign up with my link to get up to 42 USD off your first stay.
  • Flights: KAYAK – usually offers cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

My US Visa Interview With Tips To Get A 10-Year Valid Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa

By Dan Forteza

I entered the US Embassy building at 9:55 AM and left at 11:00 AM with a visa-approved look on my face! My interview ended up going very well.

Read also: Requirements on How To Apply For a US Tourist Visa

My interview happened this morning (March 19th). My schedule was for 9:45 AM, and by 9:30 AM, I was already in the waiting hall. At 9:55 AM, we were directed inside for the three stages of the application:

  1. Pre-screening
  2. Fingerprint Scanning
  3. The Interview

The most interesting part is the INTERVIEW. I kept telling myself, “You got this, Daniel!” As I moved closer to the windows, a Filipino couple let me go ahead of them. I later realized they were avoiding the interviewer on the leftmost side—she was loud, dominant, and had just rejected the lady in front of her. That’s when I got really nervous!

THE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT

ME: Good morning, Ma’am. (I handed over my passport)

INTERVIEWER: Good morning. (Looking at her computer) What will you do in Los Angeles?

ME: Vacation, Ma’am. Sightseeing, backpacking style.

INTERVIEWER: What do you intend to see?

ME: Hollywood… Hollywood Walk of Fame… (I went blank for a second) Ro-rodeo Drive, Venice Canals—the famous ones.

INTERVIEWER: (Sees my Turkish visa) Oh, you went to Turkey. What did you do there?

ME: I went backpacking, Ma’am. I have been to 21 countries before.

INTERVIEWER: How do you fund your travels?

ME: I have a job here in the Philippines, Ma’am.

INTERVIEWER: What kind of company?

ME: I work as a Mechanical Engineer for an engineering firm.

INTERVIEWER: But what does your company actually do?

ME: (Blank again!) We buy equipment… basically, we’re a contractor and a middleman between the client and the vendor to build power plants. It’s in the Oil and Gas industry.

INTERVIEWER: Alright. What other countries have you been to?

ME: Recently, I went to South America—

INTERVIEWER: (Cuts me off) Yeah, you have a Peru stamp. Where did you go in Peru?

ME: I went to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

INTERVIEWER: What college degree did you finish?

ME: Mechanical Engineering at Sorsogon State College.

INTERVIEWER: SORso-what?

ME: SORSOGON State College.

INTERVIEWER: When did you graduate?

ME: April 2011.

INTERVIEWER: How do you travel so much despite your work?

ME: I normally file leave for 4 days to a week. For South America, I used 2 weeks because I sacrificed my Christmas vacation for it.

INTERVIEWER: Who do you live with? Where is your family?

ME: I live alone in a rented room. My family is in my hometown, Sorsogon. It’s about 600km from here.

INTERVIEWER: Backpacking in Los Angeles. Interesting. How do you do backpacking?

ME: It’s a low-cost style of travel, for example, staying at hostels.

INTERVIEWER: Do you have relatives in the US?

ME: No, Ma’am.

INTERVIEWER: Your visa is approved. You’ll have it in one week.

ME: Thank you so much!

*Phewww*

Yep! She did not ask for any documents. The interview was 5-8 minutes long I think. It went fast. But I must admit the first minute of the interview, I was nervous and shaky.

I know you’re nervous, too. And it’s okay. But just like myself, you’re gonna rock this!!! Just be true to your intentions but also make sure you established your rootedness to the Philippines. You need to convey to them that you will return after your touristic trip. That is very important. Like in my case, I have to come back to work after my trip.

💡 TOP 3 TIPS TO NAIL YOUR INTERVIEW

  1. Be Brutally Honest & Consistent: The interviewer already has your DS-160 data on their screen. If you wrote “backpacking,” stick to it! Don’t try to sound like a luxury traveler if you aren’t one. Like I did, it’s okay to admit you’re staying in hostels—they value consistency over “rich” stories.
  2. Prove Your “Rootedness”: This is the most important part! You need to show them you have every reason to come back to the Philippines. Mention your job, your family in the province (like my 600km connection to Sorsogon), or your rental commitments. They need to know you aren’t going there to stay illegally.
  3. Keep Your Composure (Even if you blank out!): I went blank twice during my interview—once about the places in L.A. and once about my own job description! It happens. Just stay calm, smile, and explain it simply. You don’t need a perfect “script”; you just need to be a real person.

Bonus Tip: Don’t let the “loud” interviewers at the other windows scare you. Focus on your own window and your own story!

Feel free to read a separate blog I made on How To Apply A US Visa With Your Philippine Passport HERE. It is a step-by-step guide to apply for your US Visa.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a reply below. I will respond as soon as I can to help you somehow. That’s a promise.

BI/B2 US Visa!!!
My US Visa!!!

How To Get Australian Tourist Visa Easily via ImmiAccount (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

Visiting Australia is one of the most memorable trips of my life. The Bondi beach, the Opera House, the scenic Harbor bridge area, the 12 Apostles, etc. Without a doubt, Australia is definitely worth visiting! If you’re here looking for a guide on how to apply for your Australian Tourist Visa or what commonly known as the ‘Visitor Visa’ (subclass 600), then you’re in the right place.

Read also: My 7-Day Itinerary in Australia with Cost Breakdown.

Sydney Harbor Australian Tourist Visa
Sydney Harbor Bridge and I | Dantravels.org

But before I give you the details, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Australian visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Australian tourist visa. =)

WAYS TO GET YOUR AUSTRALIAN TOURIST VISA

Now, there are two ways to get your Australian tourist visa:

  1. via VFS Global
  2. via ImmiAccount (Australia’s Department of Home Affairs’s online services).

VFS Global is a third party agency that handles visa application for Australia and other countries. However, I do not find applying to VFS Global convenient as you will be paying their Service Fee on top of the actual visa fee. You also need to submit printed copies of your documents.

In this blog, I will only be particular on applying directly ONLINE via ImmiAccount. If your visa is approved, your visa will be sent to you via email as a letter-sized paper. It can either be 3-month or 1-year valid. I got mine with 1-year validity and with multiple entry as well.

Anyway, enough of that and let’s get started!

WHEN TO APPLY via IMMIACCOUNT

I suggest you apply at least 6 weeks before your intended flight. The processing time could be up to 4 weeks after submittal! Some have gotten their results as early as 2 days (wow!). I got mine 16 days after submitting my application.

GET YOUR AUSTRALIAN TOURIST VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: CREATE AN IMMIACCOUNT

Go to this link . Click the ‘Create ImmiAccount’ button at the left bottom corner to start creating your account.

Immiaccount Australian Tourist Visa

STEP 2: CREATE NEW APPLICATION

Once you have created your account and you’re logged in, simply click NEW APPLICATION, and then look for VISITOR VISA (600).

Immiaccount Australian Tourist Visa

It will direct you to the online form application. You need answer it truthfully. Put N/A if the item is NOT applicable to you.

Immiaccount Australian Tourist Visa

STEP 3: UPLOAD THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Next stage of the application is attaching and uploading the documents. There are two sections – REQUIRED and RECOMMENDED. Sometimes, the required and recommended documents can vary from one applicant to another. So you gotta really pay attention to what is required and recommended for you.

REQUIRED:

1. Photo – A passport size photo, save it as jpg format.

2. Travel Document – This is basically just a scanned page of your passport’s bio page. Save it as pdf format.

3. Evidence of applicant’s previous travels – scanned pages of your passport with stamps to show your travel history; include also your old passport if you have one. Save it as pdf format.

RECOMMENDED:

4. Family register and composition form – We Filipinos do not have this one but it is recommended to attach the NSO birth certificate.

You can request an original copy of this through online via PSA website. I got mine home-delivered after three (3) working days. Click HERE for the link.

5. Evidence of planned tourism activities in Australia – I included my day-to-day itinerary, confirmed flight tickets, and hostel bookings.

I can also share my day-to-day itinerary template, just leave a comment below and I can send it via email.

TIP: I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com .

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD off your first stay. Click this link .

NOTE: I also included travel insurance.

Go to this link to get your World Nomads travel insurance.

6. Evidence of financial status and funding for visit – attach Bank Certificates, passbooks, ITR, insurances, investments, etc.

7. Evidence of current employment or self employment – attach your COE, payslips, ID, business permit, SEC or DTI registration.

8. Exceptional reasons for extended stay in Australia – ignore this if you’re not staying more than 12 months.

Australian Tourist Visa requirements for upload

TIP: Use CAMSCANNER app if you don’t own a scanner.

STEP 4: PAY THE VISA FEE

Review your application form and attached documents thoroughly. Then pay the visa fee of AUD 140 via Credit Card or Paypal.

STEP 5: WAIT AND PRAY!

Once you’re done with uploading and payment, it is time for the waiting game. Result of your visa application will be emailed to you.

MY EXPERIENCE:

Waiting for my visa got me so frustrated. Imagine I have to wait up to a month without certainty whether it is approved or not.

On the 16th day from the day I submitted my application online, I finally received an email visa notification.

My application status is GRANTED!

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Visitor Visa (600)
Visa Validity: 1 Year
Entry Type: Multiple Entry
Visa Fee: 140 AUD

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours in Australia, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator .

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel
    • Booking.com – cheap hostels to luxury hotels. booking.com

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% cashback after your stay. Click here .

  • Flights
    • KAYAK – one of the world’s leading travel search engines.

I suggest you check KAYAK ( HERE ) for cheap fares.

  • Travel Insurance
    • World Nomads – highly recommended for travelers.

Go to this link to get your World Nomads travel insurance.

How To Apply For A Turkish Tourist Visa With Your Philippine Passport

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

So you wanna go to Turkey? That’s right. Turkish tourist visa is the first thing you need to be concerned about in order to set your foot on the Turkish land.

Read also: My Turkish Tourist Visa Interview and How I Answered The Questions.

Istanbul and its Bosporus Strait
Istanbul and its Bosporus Strait | Dantravels.org

In this blog, I will show you the step-by-step guide on how to get your tourist visa based on my experience. If you want to know the questions thrown at me during the interview, I created a separate blog post about that.

Click HERE to read the post so you’ll get an idea of what questions you’ll be facing during your interview.

Please note that I will only be discussing here the tourist visa, so if you’re looking for another type of visa other than the tourist visa, then this blog is not the right one for you.

But first, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Turkish visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Turkish visa.

So let’s get started.

Read also: My 3-Day Itinerary in Turkey with Cost Breakdown

TWO WAYS TO GET A TURKISH TOURIST VISA

There are two (2) ways to get a Turkish Tourist visa.

(1) If you have a valid visa or residence permit from any one of the Schengen countries, or you have a valid US, UK or Ireland visa, then you may course your application online at www.evisa.gov.tr . This is the E-Turkish Visa.

The time I applied for my Turkish Visa, I have none of the above and thus I was not eligible, so what I will explain further in this blog is the “long process”.

(2) If you are NOT eligible with (1), then you should prepare your requirements, apply for pre-application via Turkish Consular website, schedule your appointment, personally go to the Turkish embassy and return on the release date of your passport/visa. That is why I call this the “long process” and I have personally experienced this. More details of this application process will be discussed below.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR REGULAR TURKISH TOURIST VISA

PART I: Pre-Visa Application And Scheduling An Appointment

(1) Gather all your documents and scan them. Group them into seven (7).

1 – 2”x2” Biometric photo with white background scanned in jpg;

2 – Proof of Income scanned in pdf, I included ITR, Bank Certificate, and Passbook copies;

3 – Flight reservation scanned in pdf; (you may search Trip below for cheap flights in and out of Turkey)

4 – Hotel Booking scanned in pdf;

NOTE: I booked all my hostel accommodation at booking.com .

Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

5 – Proof of commitment to return. Certificate of Employment will do just fine.

6 – Passport Copy scanned in pdf. I also included my old passport.

I included not only my passport bio page but also all the passport pages that have stamps

7 – NSO Birth Certificate – NSO original scanned copy in pdf.

You can request an original copy of this through online via PSA website. I got mine which was home delivered after three (3) working days. Click HERE for the link.

Requirements of Turkish tourist visa
Here is the snapshot from the Turkish embassy website informing applicants that they should have those required documents prepared first before continuing with the pre-application online. | Dantravels.org

(2) Go to visa.gov.tr . Complete ALL the required fields on Nationality and Visa Details, Personal Info, Contact Info, and Travel Info. There is a portion there that will send the reference number to your personal email. Just follow through and when done, proceed to the document upload.

Website - Turkish tourist visa
From the visa.gov.tr website | Dantravels.org

(3) Upload those seven files. Woo hoo! By the way, ensure that each file is 2MB or less! Then proceed!

Requirements - Turkish tourist visa
How I grouped my files | Dantravels.org
Files to be uploaded - Turkish tourist visa
This is how it looks when you successfully uploaded your files | Dantravels.org

(4) Review your info first, download your pre-application form, and click submit.

My Turkish tourist visa application form
The e-file version of my application form | Dantravels.org

Then you will be prompted to make an appointment.

IMPORTANT: You can expect that the earliest available appointment date is one month after your pre-application date! (At least per my experience.)

(5) You’re done! Screenshot and print your appointment details and show it to the guard on duty on your date of appointment.

Appointment details
Snapshot of my appointment details | Dantravels.org

After one month…

PART II: Document Filing And Interview At The Turkish Embassy

WHERE: 2268 Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village
Makati City, Metro Manila 1222
Philippines

CONTACT NUMBERS: (+632) 843 9705 / (+632) 843 9707 / (+632) 887 6373 / (+632) 888 5699

OFFICE HOURS: Mondays – Fridays; 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (morning only for visa application)

(1) Make sure that you have printed all the required documents prior to your Interview at the Turkish Embassy, including your passport, a copy of your passport’s data page, and two pieces of 2″x2″ ID photo. Otherwise, your documents will be rejected and you’ll be asked to come back once your documents are complete.

Print out also your day-to-day itinerary in case you were asked by the interviewer. I can send you mine — just let me know in the comment section below.

Printed copies of my application documents
Printed copies of my application documents | Dantravels.org

IMPORTANT: Bring also a copy of your travel insurance. Please make sure to get one because this is often asked by the interviewer on top of your basic requirements. I bought one from World Nomads where most travelers get their travel insurance.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

UPDATE: World Nomads is no longer covering residents of the Philippines and the link above was now looped to another travel insurance in the Philippines. Although I was told by World Nomads that they are working their best to get the insurance back in the country, I would suggest for now to go for Safety Wing (this is now my insurance while traveling abroad.) Click here .

(2) Your documents will be collected by the Consular Officer, and he/she may ask you a few questions regarding your trip and financial capacity.

I created a separate blog about my experience during the day of my appointment and interview at the Turkish Embassy.

Click HERE so you’ll know what questions were thrown at me during the interview and how I answered them.

After this, you may pay the visa fee which is 60 USD for a single-entry tourist visa.

NOTE: Please have an exact amount of 60 USD for your payment. Paying in PHP is not accepted.

(3) Then you will be given a claim stub with the date of your passport/visa release. Just wait for it and claim your passport on the scheduled date. This usually takes one to four weeks.

(4) You need to return on the date of your passport release. I do hope by that time, you have a Turkish visa sticker on your Philippine Passport!

WHAT DOES A TURKISH VISA LOOK LIKE?

Here is a single-entry Turkish tourist visa. VISA APPROVED!

My Turkish Tourist Visa
My Turkish Tourist Visa | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist
Visa Validity: One (1) month
Entry Type: Single Entry
Visa Fee: 60 USD (USD cash only is accepted)

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to justify your tourism activity in Turkey for visa purposes, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Turkey itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

(you may choose one or more tours that suit your travel needs)

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel
    • Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com . Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels.
    • Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

  • Flights
    • TRIP. All of my flight bookings are from TRIP. Trip is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Trip.com (click HERE ) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

  • Travel Insurance
    • World Nomads. Please make sure to get travel insurance because this is often asked by the interviewer on top of your basic requirements. I bought one from World Nomads where most travelers get their travel insurance.

Go to this link to get your World Nomads travel insurance.

UPDATE: World Nomads is no longer covering residents of the Philippines. Although I was told by World Nomads that they are working their best to get the insurance back in the country this year, I would suggest for now to go for Safety Wing (this is now my insurance while traveling abroad.)

My Turkish Visa Interview With Tips To Get Your Tourist Visa Approved

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

The Turkish Embassy is located at Dasmariñas Village (Dasma for short), Makati City. It is an exclusive village so you need to go to Dasma Village front gate (near Magallanes MRT Station) and wait for the shuttle going to the Embassy. Look for the guard on duty, show you appointment details, and he would require you first to log in on the logbook as it is a ‘first-log first-ride-to-shuttle basis’! Then I keep asking myself – ‘am I ready for my Turkish visa interview?’

Your first stop is the Dasma Village Office Hall where you’ll pay 150 pesos for the shuttle fee.

Please note that it is not allowed to bring bag or mobile phones inside the embassy building. Leave it to the guard station once you arrived. Once you’re inside the building (yeah that building in the below photo!), you’ll be logging in again.

Read also: My 3-Day Itinerary in Turkey with Cost Breakdown

The Turkish Embassy Building | Dantravels.org

So wait for your turn to be called.

On my appointment day, there was only one Consular Officer (a Turkish guy) so it took me a while to wait! Also, the AC is down inside the building so bear with the heat!

When I was called, I greeted the Consular Officer and gave him the hardcopies of my pre-application documents. Here’s an excerpt of how the interview went on:

INTERVIEWER: Purpose?

ME: I’ll be traveling to Istanbul. Here is my day-to-day itinerary. (*handed over to him a piece of paper*). *Blah blah blah*…*Also mentioned going to Russia after Istanbul*

INTERVIEWER: You’re staying for 4 days. Ok. What is your work?

ME: I am a Mechanical Engineer.

INTERVIEWER: What company?

ME: *States the Company*. My employment certificate is right here in these papers. Let me find it. *Give to him my Certificate of Employment*

INTERVIEWER: *Stares at my employment certificate and writes something down on my application form*. Do you have birth certificate?

ME: Yes. *I pointed him to last page of the hardcopies I gave him*

INTERVIEWER: Flight and Hotel reservations are also right here?

ME: Yes. *Blah blah blah*

INTERVIEWER: Do you have 60 dollars?

ME: I do. *hands over to him my 60USD cash*

Phew….

That’s it! Then he gives the claim stub. I was scheduled to return after two weeks.

But wait! There is more!

After 13 days…

A lady phoned me a day before the scheduled release date of my passport/visa. She scheduled another interview prior to the release of my Turkish tourist visa. She did not give me any details. It was unexpected but I hurriedly went to Dasma Makati again to check what’s going on.

You can see my conversation with her below. Her name is Gladdy (not sure if it spells correctly) and she was quite strict. Sabe sa ibang blogs masungit daw siya, so I tried my best to be composed and look confident as possible during my interview with her:

INTERVIEWER: Why Turkey?

ME: Ma’am, I love traveling. I’ve been to 14 countries. And I believe Turkey is one of the best countries to visit next (not sure if that’s the exact words I’ve said).

INTERVIEWER: Are you traveling alone?

ME: Yes.

INTERVIEWER: Wala dito Employment Certificate mo… (she can speak Tagalog, I was told she was half Filipino).

ME: Nandyan Ma’am. Binigay ko kay Sir on the day of my first interview. Pero bigyan na lang po kita copy . Do you need the original copy?

INTERVIEWER: Yes, please. I also need the original copies of your Birth Certificate and Bank Certificate.

ME: Here. *gives the original copies*

INTERVIEWER: Do you have travel insurance?

ME: Yes. *gives the travel insurance copy*

So I guess I gave her a good impression of my intention to travel to Turkey!

I really thought the interview was enough during the day of my submittals because I know I have completed the requirements and I know they should be reviewing the completeness of the documents too prior to filing them. It was the consulate guy (Turkish national) who interviewed me before. Now it turns out one of the documents was missing and it is the lady consulate who’s interviewing me this time. She requested the original copies of some of the documents. Glad I brought them all!

It is also good to note that the interviewer would likely ask for “travel insurance”, I actually have this (thanks to the blogs I have been reading!) and I intend to show this document only when asked.

Thus, I highly recommend you guys to get a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads where most travelers get their travel insurances. Get yours NOW from the below widget.

Or you can also go to the World Nomads link, click HERE .

UPDATE: World Nomads is no longer covering residents of the Philippines and the link above was now looped to another travel insurance in the Philippines. Although I was told by World Nomads that they are working their best to get the insurance back in the country, I would suggest for now to go for Safety Wing (this is now my insurance while traveling abroad.) Click here .

Unfortunately, the release date of my visa has been pushed a week more. 😦

After a week, I came back to the Turkish Embassy and…

VISA APPROVED! The long wait is over! Haha. Got my single-entry Turkish Tourist visa that day! It took me almost 2 months from the day I submitted my pre-application online. Hoorray!

My Turkish Tourist Visa | Dantravels.org

How To Apply for Russian Tourist Visa in the Philippines (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

You should totally go to Russia! Yes, you! See the beautiful Red Square perhaps, explore the downtown Moscow City, or even drink some cold bottles of vodka. I mean why not? Getting a Russian Tourist Visa is not that hard to get, in fact, it is the easiest tourist visa I have applied for.

Moscow City | Dantravels.org
Moscow City | Dantravels.org

Read also: My 4-Day Itinerary in Russia with cost breakdown.

LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA

For us Philippine passport holders, application for Russian tourist VISA application requires only five (5) documents:

  • A. DULY ACCOMPLISHED VISA APPLICATION FORM
  • B. VALID PASSPORT
  • C. ONE PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTO
  • D. TRAVEL VOUCHER / CONFIRMATION
  • E. CONFIRMED FLIGHT TICKETS

This is the shortest list of requirements I’ve ever seen in my entire life!

Although they require the silly ticket reservations, kudos for not requiring the Certificate of Employee, Bank Certificate, Income Tax Return, detailed itinerary..and the list goes on and on. That’s a relief to most of us.

But before I give you the details on how to apply, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Russian tourist visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer!

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Russian tourist visa.

So let’s get started.

GET YOUR RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA IN 4 EASY STEPS!

STEP 1: PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Now that we know the required documents, let’s break them down.

A. Visa Application Form – Go to this link to start your application. Make sure you read all the instructions before proceeding. Fill up the form completely ONLINE. You basically need to fill up your visa details, personal details, passport details, visit details, and your appointment details. When you get to the Visit Details page, you will need to provide the confirmation number on your Travel Voucher/Confirmation. More details on how to get your voucher on section D.

Note: Even your application form is not yet finished, you can save it and retrieve when you’re ready to edit again. Just make sure you save your Application ID code.

Visa Application Form

B. Valid Passport – This is an easy one. Just make sure your passport is valid not less than six months from the date of your departure from Russia.

C. One Passport Sized Photo – This is an easy one, too. This photo will be glued on your printed application form.

D. Travel Voucher / Confirmation – Now, this is probably the trickiest one.

What exactly is a Travel Voucher/Confirmation? This is probably the trickiest item in the list so I look for further explanation on some travel blogs and travel forums around. In simple terms I can put it, this is just a certificate being requested from a certified Russian travel agency in partnership with hotels or any lodging accommodation. It contains the dates of your arrival and departure in Russia, your hotel name and address as well as your personal information.

There are a couple of Russian travel agencies or websites which do offer this and you’ll find them over the web. During my application, I tried one at www.moscow-hotels.net. Good news is it’s FOR FREE! Provided that you’ll either book hotel accommodations at their website (*which I find very expensive by the way*) or at booking.com using only the link from their site. By using the link, the moscow-hotels receives a small commission from Booking.Com due to referrals. I do prefer using booking.com link because I can find a lot of cheaper accommodation there.

Go to this link to get to the page on the snapshot below (please read the full instruction in their page). Just click that circled link and it will lead you to Booking.com. From there, book your hotel/hostel accommodation and pay it in full.

Booking.com via Moscow-Hotels.net
Booking.com via Moscow-Hotels.net

Yes, you have to pay it in FULL, otherwise your voucher will not be processed. After booking your accommodation on Booking.com, you will receive a confirmation email with a booking number. And so by following the next step, you just need to provide your personal and travel information including the booking number to complete your visa support request from Moscow-Hostels.

I submitted my voucher request at 1:00 PM then at around 9:00 PM on the same day, I got an email with my travel voucher attached. Woo hoo!!

Russian Confirmation / Travel Voucher
Russian Confirmation / Travel Voucher | Dantravels.org

E. Flight Tickets – Yes, this should be booked prior to your application. The dates (arrival and departure) here should be the same as in the confirmation and application form. This will also be the date of validity on your visa if approved. (You may search Kayak below to find the cheapest flight in and out of Russia.)

STEP 2: SUBMIT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DOCUMENTS TO THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY

Please print the documents and head to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Philippines to submit your Russian tourist visa application.

Where: Room 402 A, 4 fl., RCI Building, 105 Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

Working hours: Monday – 08:00 AM – 5:00, Tuesday, and Friday – 08:00AM – 4:00PM

Take note: The application typically opens at 10:00AM until 1:00PM. So please get there in the morning. Get there as EARLY as 6:30AM if you want to be the first in line. It is a ‘first-log-in, first served’ basis.

RCI Building with my Application
RCI Building with my Application | Dantravels.org Documents

STEP 3: PAY FOR THE VISA FEE

Once done submitting, you’ll be given a deposit slip to be paid at UCPB. The Embassy does not accept cash. The nearest UCPB branch is Herrera branch shown below.

Regular processing fee costs PhP3,612.00 in two weeks time to claim.

Once payment is done, you need to come back to the Embassy to get your Claim Slip.

Paying Russian Visa fee at UCBP Herrera Branch
Paying Russian Visa fee at UCBP Herrera Branch | Dantravels.org

STEP 4: WAIT. RETURN. CLAIM YOUR PASSPORT/VISA

Typically, the Embassy will schedule you to come back in 2 weeks time after your application. The Embassy will give you a claim slip when you finished the application process.

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

You should totally go to Russia! Yes, you! See the beautiful Red Square perhaps, explore the downtown Moscow City, or even drink some cold bottles of vodka. I mean why not? Getting a Russian Tourist Visa is not that hard to get, in fact, it is the easiest tourist visa I have applied for.

Moscow City | Dantravels.org
Moscow City | Dantravels.org

Read also: My 4-Day Itinerary in Russia with cost breakdown.

LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA

For us Philippine passport holders, application for Russian tourist VISA application requires only five (5) documents:

A. DULY ACCOMPLISHED VISA APPLICATION FORM

B. VALID PASSPORT

C. ONE PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTO

D. TRAVEL VOUCHER / CONFIRMATION

E. CONFIRMED FLIGHT TICKETS

This is the shortest list of requirements I’ve ever seen in my entire life!

Although they require the silly ticket reservations, kudos for not requiring the Certificate of Employee, Bank Certificate, Income Tax Return, detailed itinerary..and the list goes on and on. That’s a relief to most of us.

But before I give you the details on how to apply, I’d like to start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Russian tourist visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer!

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Russian tourist visa.

So let’s get started. 

GET YOUR RUSSIAN TOURIST VISA IN 4 EASY STEPS!

STEP 1: PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Now that we know the required documents, let’s break them down.

A. Visa Application Form – Go to this link to start your application. Make sure you read all the instructions before proceeding. Fill up the form completely ONLINE. You basically need to fill up your visa details, personal details, passport details, visit details, and your appointment details. When you get to the Visit Details page, you will need to provide the confirmation number on your Travel Voucher/Confirmation. More details on how to get your voucher on section D.

Note: Even your application form is not yet finished, you can save it and retrieve when you’re ready to edit again. Just make sure you save your Application ID code.

B. Valid Passport – This is an easy one. Just make sure your passport is valid not less than six months from the date of your departure from Russia.

C. One Passport Sized Photo – This is an easy one, too. This photo will be glued on your printed application form.

D. Travel Voucher / Confirmation – Now, this is probably the trickiest one. 

What exactly is a Travel Voucher/Confirmation? This is probably the trickiest item in the list so I look for further explanation on some travel blogs and travel forums around. In simple terms I can put it, this is just a certificate being requested from a certified Russian travel agency in partnership with hotels or any lodging accommodation. It contains the dates of your arrival and departure in Russia, your hotel name and address as well as your personal information.

There are a couple of Russian travel agencies or websites which do offer this and you’ll find them over the web. During my application, I tried one at www.moscow-hotels.net. Good news is it’s FOR FREE! Provided that you’ll either book hotel accommodations at their website (*which I find very expensive by the way*) or at booking.com using only the link from their site. By using the link, the moscow-hotels receives a small commission from Booking.Com due to referrals. I do prefer using booking.com link because I can find a lot of cheaper accommodation there.

Go to this link to get to the page on the snapshot below (please read the full instruction in their page). Just click that circled link and it will lead you to Booking.com. From there, book your hotel/hostel accommodation and pay it in full.

Booking,com via Moscow-Hotels.net
Booking,com via Moscow-Hotels.net

Yes, you have to pay it in FULL, otherwise your voucher will not be processed. After booking your accommodation on Booking.com, you will receive a confirmation email with a booking number. And so by following the next step, you just need to provide your personal and travel information including the booking number to complete your visa support request from Moscow-Hostels.

I submitted my voucher request at 1:00 PM then at around 9:00 PM on the same day, I got an email with my travel voucher attached. Woo hoo!!

Russian Confirmation / Travel Voucher
Russian Confirmation / Travel Voucher | Dantravels.org

E. Flight Tickets – Yes, this should be booked prior to your application. The dates (arrival and departure) here should be the same as in the confirmation and application form. This will also be the date of validity on your visa if approved. (You may search Kayak below to find the cheapest flight in and out of Russia.)

STEP 2: SUBMIT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DOCUMENTS TO THE RUSSIAN EMBASSY

Please print the documents and head to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Philippines to submit your Russian tourist visa application.

Where: Room 402 A, 4 fl., RCI Building, 105 Rada Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

Working hours: Monday – 08:00 AM – 5:00, Tuesday, and Friday – 08:00AM – 4:00PM

Take note: The application typically opens at 10:00AM until 1:00PM. So please get there in the morning. Get there as EARLY as 6:30AM if you want to be the first in line. It is a ‘first-log-in, first served’ basis.

RCI Building with my Application
RCI Building with my Application | Dantravels.org Documents

STEP 3: PAY FOR THE VISA FEE

Once done submitting, you’ll be given a deposit slip to be paid at UCPB. The Embassy does not accept cash. The nearest UCPB branch is Herrera branch shown below.

Regular processing fee costs PhP3,612.00 in two weeks time to claim.

Once payment is done, you need to come back to the Embassy to get your Claim Slip.

Paying Russian Visa fee at UCBP Herrera Branch
Paying Russian Visa fee at UCBP Herrera Branch | Dantravels.org

STEP 4: WAIT. RETURN. CLAIM YOUR PASSPORT/VISA

Typically, the Embassy will schedule you to come back in 2 weeks time after your application. The Embassy will give you a claim slip when you finished the application process.

My PAID Claim Slip is shown below.

My Russian Visa Claim Slip
My Russian Visa Claim Slip | Dantravels.org

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

I must say that reading blogs really helped a lot from the very start of my application. After getting all my document ready and printed, time to head to the Embassy! I was guided by the blogs that I need to go the Russian Embassy Consular Office EARLY in order to log on to the applicants’ list as it is a ‘first log, first serve’ basis.

By the way, do not be confused with the Russian Embassy Main Office at Dasmariñas Village, Makati. All visa application shall be made at 4th Fl., RCI bldg. in Rada St, Legaspi Village, Makati – the Consular Section is located here. So I walked about 15 minutes from Ayala MRT station to the location. Google map is always a friend you can depend on!

I arrived at the Russian Embassy Consular Office at around 6:30AM and I am the second person to log. The Office opens at 10:00AM, so imagine how much time you need to wait. Patience is the key! You can tambay muna sa 7-11 store (back of the RCI building) if you want.

At about 9:15am, we were told by the guard to proceed to the 4th floor and wait. The waiting room is small with about 15 seats only. But it was not that crowded, see photo below. The time the window opens at 10:25 AM, the guard orderly organized the queue. Releasing first then Application next.

Waiting Area for Visa Applicants
Waiting Area for Visa Applicants | Dantravels.org

When it was my turn, I just handed over my documents to the Consular officer at the transaction window. He checks them then asks me if ‘Regular’ or ‘Fast’. ‘Regular’ processing costs P3,612.00 in two weeks time to claim. I choose ‘Regular ‘ and he gives me the claim stub that needs to be paid to the UCBP bank – the Herrera branch which is a few blocks away. Once paid, I returned to the Consular office and show the ‘paid’ stamped slip. The slip is yours for claiming so keep it! Finally, I was done at around 11:30AM.

Moreover, I was told by one applicant there (I think she works in a tour agency since she has these tons of passports and other documents with her) that Releasing is only done in the morning and so is the Application. The Consular office is closed normally in the afternoon, she added. Again, important to take note of: the Consular office is only open M-Tu-F as they have different working days!

Then after two weeks…

I returned to the Embassy. Same process as before: RELEASING process first then APPLICATION process next. I patiently waited till my passport is handed over to me. When my name was called, the Consular guy happily gave me my passport with an APPROVED VISA!

Woo hoo! Again, I believe as long as you have completed the requirements, you have a big chance of approval!

My Passport with Russian Visa Sticker
My Passport with Russian Visa Sticker | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa

Visa Validity: Per confirmed travel dates and flight tickets

Entry type: Single Entry

Visa Fee: PhP3,612.00 (Regular Processing)

RECOMMENDED PACKAGE TOURS

In case you’re also looking for package tours to justify your tourism activity in Russia for either visa purposes or simply jumpstarting your actual itinerary, I highly recommend booking tours through Viator which is perfect for your Russian itinerary. See tours and packages I personally handpicked for you:

(you may choose one or more tours that suit your travel needs)

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel
    • Moscow-hotels.net via Booking.com. Use the link I shared above to book your hostel.
  • Flights
    • KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

  • Travel Insurance
    • World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Ural mountains or wandering the streets of Moscow, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world. Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations; Property Loss – luggage and their contents; Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

How To Apply For Chinese Tourist Visa in the Philippines (Updated)

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

It is a dream of mine to personally see of ALL of the New 7 Wonders of the World before I die. China’s Great Wall is one of them. If you have that kind of dream too, then let’s make that happen! I will guide you on how to get your Chinese Tourist Visa as well as share my experience during my tourist visa application.

The Great Wall of China | Dantravels.org
The Great Wall of China | Dantravels.org

But first, let me start off by saying that no one can give you the guarantee of your Chinese visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that Chinese Tourist Visa.

So let’s get started.

GET YOUR CHINESE TOURIST VISA IN 3 EASY STEPS!

STEP 1: PREPARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

  1. Duly Accomplished Visa Application Form – Please download the application form here . Fill it up completely. Put N/A if the question is not applicable to you. Handwritten is NO LONGER acceptable!
  2. Passport – Original passport that is valid for at least another 6 months with at least one blank visa page, a photocopy of the passport’s information/photo page and emergency contact page. The previous old passport, if available, is required to be submitted; if the old passport is lost, or the applicant never holds a passport before, please make a clear statement in item 3.7 of the Visa Application Form
  3. Photo – Please provide 2 colored photos and affix one of the photos on the Application Form. The photo should be recent (within 6 months), front view, white background, in 48mm x 33mm size without head covering. (For specific photo requirements, click here.) Stapled/taped/clipped/detached photos will not be accepted.
  4. Plane ticket reservations – Yes, this is necessary! I usually booked my flight tickets at Skyscanner or Kayak.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

  1. Hotel reservations – Yes, you gotta need this. You can book your hostel or hotel reservations at booking.com.

Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Or try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

  1. Travel itinerary – Just list down the places you would want to visit in China on a day-to-day basis. Basically, the embassy just needs to see this to have an idea of your tourism activities while you’re in China.

I can share to you my itinerary template, just leave a reply in the comment section below.

You also need to provide financial documents such as:

  1. Bank Certificate including 6-month bank statement
  2. BIR Income Tax Return (ITR)
  3. Certificate of Employment (CoE) – For employed applicants, your CoE should state your salary and length of employment. For Businessmen, you can provide your business papers instead.
  4. Professional ID, student ID when applicable
  5. All other relevant documents you can think of that could prove your financial capability to support your travel to China.
My printed application forms for Chinese Tourist Visa
My printed application forms | Dantravels.org

STEP 2: SUBMIT & FILE YOUR DOCUMENTS TO THE EMBASSY

Note: Applicant may submit his/her visa application in person or entrust someone (with authorization letter) or a travel agency to submit on his or her behalf.

When: You can obtain your Chinese Tourist Visa in 4 working days* after the day of your submission. So applying a week before your intended flight is possible, though I would not recommend it. You should apply at least 2-3 weeks before your flight.

Where: MANILA – Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, 2F, The World Center 330 Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

No appointment is required!

Office hours: 09:00 am to 11:00 am Monday to Friday. However, the Embassy is closed during Chinese holidays so better you check their website directly for info.

Visa fee:

  • Single Entry 1400 pesos
  • Double Entry 2100
  • 6mo Multiple Entry 2800
  • 1yr Multiple Entry 4200

*Regular processing time is 4 working days. For expedited application, additional fee will be collected. Visa payment is made during passport collection. Only cash payment will be accepted.

STEP 3: GET YOUR PICK UP FORM. WAIT. RETURN & CLAIM YOUR PASSPORT WITH VISA (hopefully!)

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

I followed most of the blogs with regards to the required documents to be submitted. However, at 9:00AM, the time I presented my documents to the security guard at the Embassy, I was told I need to redo my application form as handwritten is no longer accepted. This is a LESSON LEARNED for me and you, too, as future applicants.

At 9:15AM, I have to walk few blocks from the Embassy to get to the nearest computer shop to fix my application form. Thank God it’s just 5-10 minutes walk. I was also with other visa applicants who have the same problem as mine.

At 10:00AM, I was already coursing back to the Embassy to again file my application. It went smoothly. Then, I paid the visa fee. And was given a Pick up form for the visa release. I was done after an hour.

I was scheduled to pick up my passport/visa after 4 working days. It is the release date of the passport/visa for regular processing, but you can also choose for an expedited release to two days or three. You should bring with you the Pick up form!

On the scheduled day, I arrived at the Chinese Embassy in Buendia Avenue, Makati City at around 7:00AM. And oh boy! There’s a long queue already for the “releasing” and “filing” on the ground floor of the building.

For the releasing which I was there for, the guard at the entrance gave me a pink stub with number. And again, don’t you forget to bring your the pick up form.

Numbered stub and Pickup form for my Chinese Tourist Visa
Numbered stub and Pickup form | Dantravels.org

At around 9:30AM, I was already sitting at the claiming area… waiting and wishing for an approved tourist visa.

Waiting Area at the Chinese Embassy in Manila
Waiting Area | Dantravels.org

Finally! After waiting patiently for about 2 hours, I got my L-type (Tourist) Chinese Visa on that day.

My Chinese Visa | Dantravels.org
My Chinese Visa | Dantravels.org

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist (Category L)

Visa Validity: Valid within 3 months, but 14 days only after the entry date

Entry Type: Single Entry

Visa Fee: PhP1,400.00

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

  • Hotel / Hostel
    • Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com . Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

  • Airbnb
    • Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

  • Flights
    • KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

  • Travel Insurance
    • World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Tibetan mountains or wandering the streets of Shanghai, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world. Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following: Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations; Property Loss – luggage and their contents; Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses. Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

Indian e-Visa for Filipinos: Step-by-Step Guide (2026 Update)

By Dan Forteza

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Think of it as buying a cup of coffee for me on someone else. Thanks & enjoy!

India is so much more than just the Taj Mahal. India to me is a mix of everything. It is astonishing and fascinating; it is loud and crowded. It is INCREDIBLE and always calls for an adventure! Now, if you’re planning to visit India and looking for a guide on how to apply for an Indian e Visa (or Indian Tourist Visa), then you’re in the right place.

Red Fort in Delhi
Red Fort in Delhi | Dantravels.org

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get the Indian e-Visa (formerly called ETA). This is the best visa option if your purpose is tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term stays.

The term “ETA” is now rarely used. The system is officially called “e-Visa”.

WHAT IS THE INDIAN E-VISA?

The Indian e-Visa was introduced in 2014 and has expanded significantly over the years. It now includes categories such as e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, and e-Conference visas.

As of 2026, most travelers (including Filipinos) apply under the e-Tourist Visa, which is available in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year validity options.

Getting an e-Visa is fast and straightforward. In many cases, approval comes within a few days.

Processing usually takes up to 72 hours, but it’s best to apply at least 4–7 days before your travel date.

But just like any visa application, approval is never guaranteed. Be careful of anyone claiming guaranteed approval—it’s most likely a scam.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You are eligible for an Indian e-Visa if:

  • Your purpose is tourism, visiting friends/family, short yoga programs, or short-term business/medical visits.
  • You have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
  • You have a return or onward ticket.
  • You have sufficient funds for your stay.

Activities such as employment, journalism, or long-term study are NOT allowed under e-Visa.

You must also enter India through designated airports or seaports.

The list of entry points is regularly updated, so always verify from the official e-Visa website before your trip.

If you meet all requirements, then you’re good to proceed!

HOW TO APPLY FOR INDIAN E-VISA (STEP-BY-STEP)

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR DOCUMENTS

  • Passport (Bio Page) – Save as PDF (recommended under 300KB–500KB)
  • Recent Photo – White background, JPEG format (under 1MB)
  • Accommodation Details – Hotel or hostel booking

Blurry photos or incorrect sizes are one of the most common reasons for delays or rejection.

TIP: You can scan documents using mobile apps like CamScanner, Adobe Scan, or Microsoft Lens.

You can book your accommodation via Booking.com — from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

STEP 2: APPLY ONLINE

Go to the official Indian e-Visa website and fill out the application form.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Only apply through the official Indian government website. Many fake websites charge extra fees.

Fill in your personal details, travel info, and upload your documents.

STEP 3: PAY THE VISA FEE

After completing the form, you will be asked to pay the visa fee online using a debit or credit card.

As of 2026, Filipino travelers can avail a FREE 30-day Indian e-Tourist Visa (valid for double entry) until July 31, 2026. After this period, regular visa fees will apply depending on the visa type (1-year and 5-year visas are NOT free).

STEP 4: RECEIVE YOUR E-VISA

Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Print a copy and bring it with you when traveling.

Always bring a printed copy and keep a digital copy on your phone for backup.

FINAL TIPS

  • Apply at least one week before your trip
  • Double-check all uploaded documents
  • Avoid third-party visa websites
  • Keep copies of all documents

And that’s it! The process is simple, fast, and very doable even for first-time travelers. India is truly an unforgettable destination—hope this guide helps you get there!