Travel Tips

Daunted by the document requirements for Visa's? Here are a list of common Visa requirements that you can prepare for in advance, ensure to have on hand at all times, and bring during your travel for immigration purposes. We also have tips on how to get each on easy, with the least effort

Requirement Document/ID Required Tip
Travel Identification Document Passport Ensure that the passport is valid 8-9 months on the start date of travel. Travel agents may not be able to purchase tickets if your passports are near the expiry date. 
For Philippine passport holders, book passport renewal schedules way in advance, 12-11 months before expiry date
Proof of previous travel and return back to country Colored copies of all passport pages with stamps Ensure you keep old passports
Scan and keep copies online of old and current passport coverpage, and pages with stamps and visas. 
Supplementary Identification Government Issued ID's While not usually required, may  be needed for claiming of Visa and processing of other documents while passport may be with embassy or travel agency for visa application
Specific ID's may be : Unified Multi-Purpose ID, Driver's License, PRC License, Digitized Pag-Ibig, Philhealth & BIR ID's, Voter's ID, Postal ID, NBI Clearance
Ensure the address in the ID matches the address you declare in your application
Proof of Income & Assets Most Recent Income Tax Return Whether you're employed or a business owner, the most recent submitted Income Tax Return (ITR) is required. You may get a copy of this from your HR Department (if Employed) or Finance & Accounting Team for Business Owners. 
Bank Certificate & Bank Statement Bank Certificate which shows the current balance. For those employed, ensure that you obtain this when funds from payroll are replenished if you do not have a personal bank account; declare as many bank accounts that you have which have significant monies. 
To avoid long lines at the bank
> For employees traveling on business, have your finance or HR call the bank and set a slot or prepare the document
> For personal travelers, the best time to go to the bank is first think in the morning, 15-20 minutes before opening, or at the last banking hour (3 or 4PM)
> Avoid Pay dates and a day or 2 before and after as lines tend to be longer
Bank statements are usually only for 3-4 months. Plan early and you may also need to go to the bank twice, however they usually accept what the bank issues
Usual Fees are Php 300 for the bank certificate, and Php 50-100 pesos per page for the Bank statement
Certificate of Employment & Payslips Request for a standard Certificate of Employment from your Human Resources Department. You may need to declare your travel details, depending on company policy. 
Print payslip copies
Credit Card Statements Share copies of your most recent credit card statements as a supplement that shows a significant unused credit limit and regular payments
Business License Business owner? Ensure you have a copy of the Business License as proof of Business Ownership. This should tie up and complement the company Income Tax Returns (ITR)
Investment Documents Provide certificates of investment values as additional proof of income and sources of funds. You may request this online or from your financial adviser. 
Property Documents Provide copies of land or condominium property as additional proof of strong financials and the ability to pay for travel expenses. 
Proof of Person Passport and  Visa Photo's Have on hand 1x1, 2x2 and passport size copies of your headshot for Visa and passport applications. 
Ask the photo studio for a soft copy of your photo, via USB or CD, so that when you need photos next, you just need to reprint the photo. 
No need to wear blazers or coats during the photo taking. The photo studies can edit your clothing, clothing color and background. 

Accreditations