So when Cebu Pacific had a Beijing ticket sale, I took it! I paid only 4,000 Php for my round trip ticket to Beijing. Traveling to mainland China, however, is not visa free for Filipinos, and I had to get a Chinese visa.
I applied for my Chinese visa myself. I was a first time applicant. But there is an option of using a travel agency, as you do not need to appear personally in getting a Chinese visa. Since I live in walking distance to the Chinese embassy, I applied for it myself. 🙂 Applying for the Chinese visa was one of the easiest visas I applied for.
- Prepare your requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Important: Bring your old passports. (They are strict about this. I don’t know if this is a new rule, but many travel agents were asked to come back since they brought only 1 passport)
- Photocopy your passport information page
- Passport sized picture (2 pieces)
- Filled up application form: now, this should be types, and everything should be in Capital letters. Write N/A in the blanks if not applicable. I don’t know the consequence of not doing this, but a possibility would be that your application will not be accepted. Which is a hassle, so just comply! 😉 Do not forget to sign the last page of the application form!
- Plane ticket to China
- Hotel Booking
- Certificate of employment
- Bank certificate (Ah, again there’s a travel agent with 30 visa applications infront me, only 1 was accepted because of incomplete requirements. so please make sure that you have complete requirements)
- Go to the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines consulate which is found at Sen Gil Puyat Avenue The World Center near Jupiter street (There is no need for an appointment, first come, first served). Coming from Buendia, this is around 2 corners from Ayala RCBC. Visa applications are from 9 am until 11 am. I arrived at the World Center 8:30 am, I was asked to leave an ID before proceeding to the Chinese embassy which was at the second floor. Once I got there, they gave me number 44. (They were just starting with accommodating number 1). They will call your number and once your application is accepted, they will give you a slip to claim your passport after 4 working days.
- Once you arrive again at the embassy for claiming your passport, you will be given a number at the entrance. You will pay for your visa fee once your number is called. The visa fee for a single entry tourist visa is 1,400 Php. Other types of visa would be priced differently, of course.
- After paying for your visa, you now will proceed to another queue, wherein you claim your passport. (There are 2 queues, that was the shocker to me)
Have fun and enjoy China!
Xx, Gayle
When she gets lost 