Where to relax in the Philippines and what are the rules for entering the country

The Philippines is an archipelago comprising over 7,000 islands, attracting tourists with its beaches, nature parks, and diving opportunities. Ukrainians need a tourist visa to enter the country, which can be extended once there. Learn more about visa requirements, the best time to visit, and what makes a vacation in the Philippines special

The Republic of the Philippines is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It includes more than 7 thousand islands in Southeast Asia. The capital city of Manila is known for its waterfront and the centuries-old history of Binondo Chinatown. On the territory of the islands, there are volcanoes that are active. The people of the Philippines speak predominantly English. Therefore, the country is considered the most Europeanized of all in Asia.

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Travel to the Philippines and tourism in the country

Entry to the Philippines is carried out after obtaining a visa. If you plan to visit the islands for a vacation for a period of not more than 30 days, then a tourist visa will suit you.

To apply for a tourist visa, you must submit the following documents to the Philippine Consulate in your country:

• Visa application form;
• Valid international passport;
• 2 photos 3.5x4.5 cm, white background;
• Civil passport and its copy;
• Certificate of employment on company letterhead with seal and signature;
• Bank statement (minimum 1000$ on the account).

In the vast majority of cases, traveling to the Philippines can be done by plane. Therefore, upon arrival at the airport, you must have with you:

• international passport (expiration date more than 6 months)
• return tickets (or to another country)
• bank statement (not always)
• COVID-19 vaccination certificate
• medical insurance

After that, you need to fill out a migration card and get a stamp in your international passport indicating the date of departure.

You can enter the Philippines with certain baggage restrictions: no more than 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages, no more than 400 cigarettes (or 250 g of tobacco, or 50 cigars). It is forbidden to import drugs, ammunition, food, vaccines, animals, insects, and snakes.

The amount of cash that can be imported without a declaration must not exceed $3,000 USD. Bigger amounts must be declared.

In the future, the visa can be extended to the Philippines. To do this, contact the Immigration Bureau a week before the last permitted day of stay.

To extend a visa, you must provide:

• international passport;
• color photography;
• a completed application form.

This can be done immediately after arrival at the airport and applying for a visa for 59 days instead of 30. The cost of extending a tourist visa is $50 USD.

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Where to relax in the Philippines?

The best time to visit the islands is from November to April. There will be great weather on any of the islands. The rest depends on your preferences and financial capabilities.

For the rest of the year it is best to go to the islands of Mindoro, Bohol, Boracay. There will be no heavy rains here, and typhoons will bypass them.

There are more than 2,000 high-level hotels on the islands. Therefore, comfortable living will not be a problem.

Holidays in the Philippines can usually be divided into 2 categories:

1) swim and sunbathe on the beaches near their hotels with rare excursions around the area

2) not to book accommodation for a long time, but to move around the islands in search of adventure and new experiences.

The first category is more suitable for couples with children. And the second way of rest is often chosen by companies of young boys and girls.

The Philippines is rich in natural wonders: the Chocolate Hills of Bogol, Puerto Princesa National Park, and many beautiful dive sites. And for lovers of civilization, there are modern megacities.

Thus, if you want to plunge into the world of Asian nature, feel harmony with nature, emotions from the beauties of the sea coasts and underwater depths, then the Republic of the Philippines is an ideal place for a comfortable vacation and travel.

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