Job Discussion Forums

skunk_booty · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Taipei

Yes, its that time of the month again, when I try in vain to obtain a 60 day toursit Visa. Does anybody know where to find out the opening times/ days of the Visa office in the Philippines?

Where is it?
I hear its a better option that Hong Kong as they are not so strict. Is this the case?
I just found a pretty sweet deal with the aid of my Taiwanese room-mate for 5000 NT including 3 day stay at a hotel!

anyway.. thanks as always!!!

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

skunk_booty · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Taipei

Thanks Aristotle,

Thats exactly what I needed.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Pleasure to be of service.
One more bit of advice, don't drink the MOJO!

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

interesting that you say that you hear that they aren't as strict as hong kong.

heard they were even moreso.

haven't been to manila myself, though, for a visa run.

killian · Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 10:58 pm Post subject:

been there, tried it, gave up.

manila processes many more apps. than HK. they only accept apps. before noon. there is a five business day lag after submission before pick-up. turn in on tuesday morning? you can pick it up monday morning.

things can be expedited for a fee down to three days. the PI is great and all but if you are gonna go there for a visa run make sure you have the time to spare. HK's half-day service simply outpaces manila's overburdened, military style rigamorale.

skunk_booty · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Taipei

Thanks for that... maybe I should look again. I pray I don't have to spend another night in HK airport again

Rice Paddy Daddy · Joined: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 425 Location: Japan

go and apply for the visa in Manila.

then spend 5 days in Boracay until it's ready!

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

Wonder · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 109

Killian and Rice Paddy are both right. I have been to the Phils several times and twice to get a visa. If you plan on going there, be prepared to wait a long time to be "processed" because the Filipinos see it as a free for all.

I waited in line, but most of the Filipinos just butt in and don't give a damn about anyone else. Sorry, but that's the way it is.

Also, don't wait for five days. Pay the extra $30 or whatever and get your visa the same week. But again, bring a book or something! They make you wait hours unless you are there right after lunch: Pick-up visa in the pm, apply for visa in the am. No exceptions. Dumb, because the overworked girl at the pick-up booth is the ONLY gal working in the pm and she handles almost everything.

Wear a shirt and shoes. No sandles.

Also, even though Boracay sounds good, and it is, but not at this time of the year. Unless you go with a sweetie, it's practically deserted believe it or not. Try Puerto Galera, and then visit Sabang. It's only two hours from Manila and less than $10 to get there. Ask any hotel in Manila about it.

But be warned, it is extremely difficult to get a 60-day "tourist" visa for Taiwan from anywhere except your home country. I tried twice in P.I. and was only given a 30-day non extendable visitor's visa both times. Even though the second time I had a written letter from my employer and all my other work papers in order, didn't matter a damn.

If I were you i would just stay in Manila for a week and visit the bars in Ermita. The L.A. Cafe is full of beautiful young women who just love western boys, so try it out.

Cheers. Cool

skunk_booty · Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Taipei

Thanks all for that.

I've changed my plans in light of what you've all told me, but hey the Philippines sounds like a good destination if I get some vacation time.

Thanks a lot!!