Do Albanian citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
Yes, Albanian nationals are required to obtain a tourist visa (9a) to enter the Philippines. This visa allows them to stay for up to 30 days for various non-immigrant purposes, including tourism, sports, short-term studies, business activities, and family visits.
Important details:
• Entry requirement: A tourist visa does not guarantee automatic entry; immigration officers will determine final admission upon arrival.
• Purpose of visit: Applicants must clearly state the non-immigrant reason for their visit in their visa application.
• Visa presentation: With a valid visa, travelers can present their documents at any port of entry, provided they meet immigration requirements.
eTravel card for Albanians traveling to the Philippines
Albanian nationals must complete an eTravel card registration before arriving in the Philippines. This digital form facilitates smoother arrivals and strengthens security measures.
Important points to note:
• Registration timeframe: Complete the registration within 72 hours before your scheduled departure.
• How to register: Visit the official eTravel website and fill out your personal and travel information.
• Proof of registration: After submission, you will receive a QR code. Ensure you save or screenshot this code, as it will be required at immigration.
The eTravel card ensures a quick and seamless arrival process, reducing waiting time at immigration checkpoints.
How can Albanian citizens apply for a tourist visa to the Philippines?
The process for Albanian nationals to apply for a tourist visa is as follows:
1. Visit a Philippine embassy or consulate: Applications must be submitted in person at the nearest Philippine diplomatic mission.
2. Prepare required documents: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of purpose, financial capacity, and travel plans.
3. Complete the application form: Accurately fill out the visa application form. Minors must have their applications submitted by a parent or guardian, and minors (except infants) must attend an interview.
4. Attend an interview: If required, attend the visa interview and provide additional information about your application.
5. Pay visa fees: Pay the visa fee as specified by the embassy or consulate.
6. Wait for processing: The embassy or consulate will process the application and notify you once the visa is approved.
Following these steps ensures a smooth application process for citizens from Albania.
Documents required for a tourist visa to the Philippines for citizens from Albania
To apply for a tourist visa to the Philippines, Albanian citizens must submit the following documents:
• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
• Completed visa application form: Sign and ensure all details are correct.
• Passport-sized photos: Provide two recent photos that meet Philippine visa requirements.
• Proof of purpose of visit: This can be an invitation letter, hotel reservations, or an itinerary.
• Return or onward ticket: A confirmed flight ticket showing your departure from the Philippines.
• Visa fee payment: The required payment for the visa application.
These documents help ensure a smooth visa application process for travelers from Albania.
Health insurance recommendations for Albanians visiting the Philippines
Although health insurance is not compulsory for Albanian nationals visiting the Philippines, it is strongly advised. Travel insurance should ideally cover medical emergencies, including hospitalization and emergency evacuation, as well as trip cancellations or delays. The minimum recommended coverage is USD 35,000, providing ample protection in case of unforeseen medical or travel issues. Having this insurance guarantees peace of mind while enjoying your time in the Philippines.
What is the cost of a tourist visa to the Philippines for Albanians?
The typical cost for a tourist visa to the Philippines is between USD 30-40. However, fees may vary depending on the specific embassy or consulate where the application is submitted, and additional administrative charges might apply.
What is the processing time for a tourist visa to the Philippines?
The usual processing time for a Philippine tourist visa is approximately 5-10 business days.
What are additional requirements for citizens from Albania traveling to the Philippines?
In addition to the visa application, Albanian citizens must ensure they meet the following requirements:
1. Valid passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
2. Immigration procedures: Present all required documents to immigration officers upon arrival and answer any questions truthfully.
3. eTravel card: Ensure that the eTravel QR code is registered and available upon entry to the Philippines.
These requirements help ensure a smooth arrival for travelers from Albania.
Microchip for pets
Your dog or cat must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, which consists of 15 digits and is not encrypted.
Vaccination
Your dog or cat must have a rabies certificate that will show a current rabies vaccination given between 30 days and 12 months before entry into the Philippines. Your dog should also be vaccinated against distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, adenovirus type 2, and your cat should be vaccinated against herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia.
Import permit
You must obtain a sanitary and phytosanitary import permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry before your pet arrives. This permit is valid for 3 pets and 2 months. The permit application must be submitted online or in person. All dogs and cats import permits require an application, a proforma invoice (for cargo only), and any other permits (such as CITES or local permits). If you are a Filipino importing a pet, you must also submit a notarized declaration of the undertaking. If you are a foreign animal owner or agent importing an animal into the Philippines, you will need to submit an Undertaking for Foreign Importer form. In any case, it is necessary to provide all information about the health and identification of the animal.
Rabies test
The Philippines does not require rabies titration (RNATT) for pets imported from any country.
Veterinary certificate
Within 30 days of entering the country, the Philippine Veterinary Certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian in your country and certified by the USDA or CFIA if you are entering the Philippines from the US or Canada. If you are coming to the Philippines from another country, your veterinarian can advise you on the approval process.
The health certificate and import permit must be presented to the quarantine officer on duty upon arrival at the Manila airport; a fee is charged for issuing a permit.
Internal and external parasites
Treatment for ticks and tapeworms must be done within 48 hours of entering the Philippines. Cats are not treated for tapeworms.
Entering the Philippines by air
Pets can arrive in the Philippines in the cabin of an aircraft or as checked baggage or air cargo at the international airport in Manila or Cebu City. A thirty-day home quarantine is required. If you import more than 5 animals, a housing inspection is required. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of signs of human-transmissible disease when inspected at the port of entry into the Philippines. If your dog or cat is clearly unwell, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.
Puppies and kittens
In the Philippines, puppies, and kittens are required to be 4 months old and vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the country.
Export of domestic animals living in the Philippines
A veterinary health certificate approved by the National Veterinary Quarantine Service (NVQS) must be provided before an export permit can be issued. Your pet can be examined at this facility or a health certificate can be issued by a private veterinarian.
The certificate can be issued by a private veterinarian no earlier than 3 days after the NVQS visit. Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 1/2 - 4 months old before exportation. They must be vaccinated against rabies at least 14 days before export or according to the regulations of the country of destination. Dogs must have proof of vaccination against distemper, hepaabovespirosis, and parvovirus; and cats should be vaccinated against feline panleukopenia.
All necessary permits and certificates for the importing country must be provided. For domestic transportation, your dog or cat must be at least 3 1/2 months old if vaccinated against rabies at 91 days of age. When applying for a permit, you will need a certificate of vaccination against rabies in the period from 14 days to 12 months from the moment of transportation.
Other animals
For transportation of other pets, a written request must be submitted containing the following information: species and breed of animal, sex, age and number of animals, expected date of arrival, country of origin, address, phone, email address and contact details of the importer. The letter must be submitted in person to the Animal Health Division. CITES certificate/permit (if applicable) must be submitted. If you import more than 5 animals, it is necessary to inspect the premises for home quarantine.
CITES
Unless your animal is a dog, cat, or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should make sure that it is not under the protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In this case, you need to apply for additional permission, if this is the case. More than 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES rules.