O. R. SalahudeenHere we explain to you in detail travel to the Philippines from Nigeria step by step guide to enable travellers from this side of the world to have a trouble-free trip and stay in the Philippines with peace of mind.
Travel to the Philippines from Nigeria Step by step guide
Where is the Philippines located?
The Philippines, a Southeastern Asian country located in the western Pacific Ocean is an archipelago comprising about 7000 islands. The Capital city is Manila and the seat of the government is Metro Manila while Quezon City is the most populous in the entire Philippines. The Philippines islands are popular Tourists destinations from all over the world, year-round.
Is The Philippines a visa-free country for Nigerians?
Currently, the Philippines is not a visa-free country for Nigerians, for anyone intending to travel to the Philippines from Nigeria obtaining a Visa is an important prerequisite. However, getting the Philippines different visas is not difficult to obtain if you need it because their requirements are not draconian. Importantly, there is no much demand for a Philippines visa in Nigeria, except for those professionals in Nursing who are choosing the Philippines to write the US organized approved examinations, there are not many Nigerians travelling to the Philippines.
TRAVEL TO PHILIPPINES FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE- HOW TO PROCESS THE PHILIPPINES VISA
1. Download the visa application form
2. Carefully complete the form and append your signature.
3. Attach the following documents:
1. Your International passport with at least 6 months validity with at least 3 unused pages.
2. Photocopy of the data page of your passport.
3. Two recently taken passport-sized photographs (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm) with a light-coloured background.
4. Photocopies of previous visas (if any)
5. Police clearance certificate, authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
6. Health certificate. Including the COVID-19 clearance certificate or proof of vaccination
7. Evidence of hotel or hostel reservation.
8. Evidence of flight booking.
9. Your bank account statement for the last 6 months is duly endorsed by the Bank.
10. Evidence of your place of residence in Nigeria, such as a National identity card, driver’s licence or voter’s card.
11. If you’re an employee, a letter from your employer stating your designation and leave letter must be provided.
12. An applicant going on visiting must provide a letter of invitation from the person inviting him or her.
13. A Photocopy of your National Identity Card
14. If you’re going on a business trip it’s mandatory to provide:
1. An original letter of invitation from your business partner which must be on the company’s letterheaded paper.
2. Photocopy of the company’s certificate of incorporation
Proof of your recent business dealings with the company.
Additional requirements for anyone going for medical reasons.
1. Medical appointment from a hospital in the Philippines
2. An official letter stating that the Hospital is ready and capable of performing the medical treatment the person is searching for.
3. A written report from your doctor in Nigeria analysing the importance of urgent medical treatment.
4. Proof of advanced payment, accommodation and health insurance coverage.
5. Before going for a visa interview endeavour to get a clearance/medical certificate from the Philippines embassy dedicated to a hospital in Nigeria.
6. When you secure a medical visa, before booking your flight ticket you must obtain another clearance certificate from the Airline’s home headquarters. Apply for it at the Airline office in Lagos or Abuja via email. The clearance certificate is regarded as the authority to board a plane. Your chosen Airline will upload it into your email. Please note that without showing it the Airline may disallow you from boarding.
Additional requirements for the applicant going to write professional examinations in the Philippines
Over time Manila, the capital of the Philippines has been an approved centre for professional examinations such as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in addition to the general requirements you have to present the original copies of the documents you need to take the examinations.
Secondly, you must show proof of how long you need to write the examinations in Manila.
SUBMISSION OF VISA APPLICATION
1. After the compilation of the required documents, you have to book an appointment for the submission of your application.
2. On the appointment day, you have to appear personally to do the submission
At the point of submission you have to:
1. Pay the visa application processing fee and other charges as required by the embassy
2. Enquire about the possible date of interview (if any)
3. If there is an interview, ensure you arrive early to avoid postponement.
4. Finally, ask for the date of passport collection.
ADDRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES EMBASSY IN NIGERIA
No. 5, Vattern Street,
Off Amazon Street,
Maitama, FCT,
Abuja, Nigeria.
Telephone number: +234 81025 41252 (Consular)
+234 90532 44916 (ATN)
Email address: [email protected]
TYPES OF VISAS YOU CAN OBTAIN AT THE PHILIPPINES EMBASSY IN NIGERIA
1. Temporary visitor’s visa
2. Transient’s visa
3. Seamen’s visa
4. Diplomatic visa
5. Students visa
6. Investors visa
7. Pre-arranged employment visa
HOW TO GET TO THE PHILIPPINES FROM NIGERIA
There are different flights options you can use to get to Manila, Philippines, from Lagos Nigeria, all of them with the number of stopovers however our research shows that going through Doha, Qatar is a better option.
It is better not to dream of cheap prices when you’re considering purchasing tickets to Manila because it is not a nearby country, we advise you to prepare very well. All you can do is to book well ahead of your trip. Search multiple sites for tickets booking, importantly pick the best day that offers cheaper tickets.
The round trip ticket for Manila hovered around USD2,008.
STILL ON TRAVEL TO PHILIPPINES FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE
THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE DEPARTING FOR THE PHILIPPINES.
1. Never travel before the due date
2. On your day of departure be sure you arrive early at the Airport, before the commencement of the Airline’s check inactivity.
3. If there is a queue, join immediately without engaging in any merriments or photographs with friends.
4. As soon as you checked in your luggage and obtain the boarding pass, move straight to the Airport Immigration departure counters.
5. Lateness arrival at the Immigration and the security services departure counters may result in missing your flight, due to the fact that most major Airlines usually scheduled their flight towards evening hours which automatically creates congestion at the Immigration Service and the Airport authorities security areas, if you arrive early the congestion is usually avoidable.
6. Remember if you missed your flight, rescheduling the flight will attract extra charges from the airline and the Airport authorities.
DISEMBARKATION AT NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
When the Aeroplane touched down at Manila international airport please take note of the following points before reaching the Immigration arrival control area:
1. Make sure that your passport, a scanned photograph, the photocopy of the visa printout, your yellow card, the COVID-19 clearance certificate, return ticket, the contact details of the place you intend to stay and the basic travelling allowance are in your hand luggage, for easy presentation on-demand by security personnel. Putting any of these vital documents in your main luggage will not only cause delay but may lead to refused entry.
2. If you’re a first time traveller to The Philippines, especially if you’re on a short visit never carry large luggage, it may send a wrong signal to the security agents that you intend to relocate permanently in the Philippines and it could lead to refused entry.
3. Do not make or receive phone calls while you are waiting for immigration or security clearance, the distractions may be very costly.
4. Never make friends with a stranger before you conclude the arrival formalities.
5. Finally, do not assist or carry anything for anyone it could be dangerous.
STEPPING OUT OF THE AIRPORT ARRIVAL HALL
After the immigration clearance and you might have concluded the picking of your luggage from the conveyor belt, the next step is to get a vehicle to the place you are heading to.
There are various types of ways you can exist at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the first option is to take a bus which will afford you the opportunity to see the surroundings. The second advantage of taking a bus is that it is the cheapest mode of transportation. The price of day time bus ranges between USD1 – USD4. The night bus is between USD1 – USD2. However, if you choose a Taxi the price is between USD4 – USD5.
Usually, the trip from the Airport to Makati city is about 40 minutes by bus in the daytime and about 50 minutes if you use the night bus. For anyone going to the largest city called Quezon, the trip by bus takes 30 minutes and the cost is around USD1 – USD3. Although going by Taxi is faster, travelling by bus is highly recommended.
STILL ON, TRAVEL TO PHILIPPINES FROM NIGERIA STEP BY STEP GUIDE –
THE ISSUE OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS
Currently, the Philippines like most other Southeast Asia countries is badly affected by the coronavirus ravaging the region and there are various degrees of restrictions in place to combat the pandemic. While you are free to move around, be prepared to observe social distancing of about 1 metre. Please note that the use of face masks is mandatory. Get it and be sure you take it with you wherever you travel.
Furthermore, if you decide to go to the various islands area be ready to do testing or observe quarantine from time to time.
THINGS TO DO IN THE PHILIPPINES
Depends on your reason for travelling to the Philippines, which will determine what activity you will be engaging in or things that will occupy your precious time. For anyone from Africa that comes here purposely to write an examination the best thing to do is to focus your attention on your examinations without engaging in any frivolous activity that may distract you because the Philippines is full of exciting sightseeing places.
If you’re here on holiday and you came alone, the best thing to do is to find other tourists for joint sightseeing tours. It is not only cost-effective but it is the safest option in a strange environment.
WHERE TO STAY
There are choices of accommodation you can use depending on your budget. The best place to stay will be an area that is near to your place of activity.
For any visitor on budget especially young people who don’t have many resources or you want to stay for a while it is advisable you go for hostels. Hostels are everywhere in the Phillippines and not expensive. You don’t have to book in advance or be a member. Provided you don’t care much about privacy because you may need to share some amenities with other tourists. Hostels are highly recommended for tourists with a cheap budget.
WHERE TO EAT FOOD ON BUDGET
For anyone on a budget, you will surely find enough places to eat cheap food in Manila and other big cities in the Philippines. With an average of USD1.8 – USD2 you can get food to certify your hunger. Because the Philippines is not an advanced country therefore you can easily get street food at a cheaper price in the cities. You can be relying on a food park. However, if you’re staying longer the best way is to visit the local markets and buy foodstuff and start preparing your own meals.
DO THE MAJORITY SPEAK ENGLISH IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Yes, English is spoken and understood by almost all the people you may have contact with in the country. Moving around become easy because there’s no language difficulty. The local inhabitants have their indigenous languages, the poplar is called ‘Tagalog’ which is not compulsory for visitors to crack their brain because English is understood by many people.
ARE THE PHILIPPINOS FRIENDLY PEOPLE?
Exactly, the Philippinos are very friendly and accommodating, ever ready to assist a visitor, you will definitely love to visit the island country again. Because there’s no language barrier asking questions and getting the right answers become easy, Likewise all the street signs and restaurants menus are written in English which will make you feel at home.
CAN YOU EXTEND YOUR SHORT TERM VISAS?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of 29 days in the first instance at the Immigration Office, and if you need more days there afterwards you can be given one month or more on application depending on your needs. Be sure you placed in your application a few days before your visa expires.
That’s all for now on travel to the Philippines from Nigeria step by step guide.
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