So, you’ve been working abroad for a few years and decided to return to the Philippines and stay for good. Before you start a new life, new business or work, you thought of going on vacation first to some countries. But, unfortunately, that country requires Filipino tourists to obtain a visa first. What will you do?

Are you scared because you’re a Balikbayan or an OFW and you don’t have your complete documents with you? Don’t worry, this article is written to help people like you.

As a traveler, it is a hassle to go through visa applications, but if your dream country requires a visa, we shouldn’t feel discouraged because getting one isn’t impossible. It’s relatively easy for some. However, the key to getting most visas approved is by submitting proper and complete documents. So I’ll tell you the details about that.

Here are some documents a Former OFW can submit for visa application:

Before leaving your jobs abroad to return home to the Philippines, make sure you'd be able to gather some of these important documents:

Work Contract / Contract Termination Agreement
Photocopy of your Residence Permit (all of them)
Entry/ Exit Stamps to the Country Where You Work
Work Certificate that shows the start and end date of your work contract
Salary Certificate
6 Months Bank Statement (esp. before you close the bank account to return home)
Company ID and any proof of your residency abroad

Other than that, below are some more important documents that you have to prepare:

Documents usually needed in a Tourist Visa Application

1. Valid Passport

Check your passport if it is valid depending on the country you are applying to, most of them need it to be valid for at least six (6) months and should have at least one or two blank pages. If it is damaged; detached or is missing its cover, has watermarks, some pages are torn, or the bio-page has unnecessary markings then it is considered invalid.

You can renew your passport at any DFA office; you can read this article on how to apply.

2. Visa Application Form

Be consistent and honest with your application; for how many days you are planning to travel, your work, your address, everything. Always make sure that they are the same, and your documents are not fake. Remember, you are dealing with people in authority, and they know what’s bogus or not.

Passport-sized Photos

Submit the correct size of your photo, and it must be taken within 6 months before your application.

Proof of Financial Capacity

You need to have enough money to support yourself during your trip or you can choose to have a sponsor who will shoulder all your expenses.

3. Bank Certificate or Statements

Here is a guide on how much show money you need.

If you are an OFW or a balikbayan without a bank account here in the Philippines but have one abroad which doesn’t have a branch in the Philippines; then you can ask a letter from them certifying that the bank statements you have printed are true and authentic. You can ask for help from your bank with this.

If you don’t have a bank account, then don’t worry, here are the tips on how to apply for a visa without having a bank account (article 31).

4. Business or Employment

Another proof of financial capacity will be a Certificate of Employment. If you weren’t able to get the documents before you arrive in the Philippines, then check if you have a soft copy of your Job Order / Contract or Overseas Employment Certificate.

I think OFWs usually have their POEA/PESO-database issued E-receipt or OEC as it is a travel requirement. However, for Balikbayans, bringing contracts is rare so you can write a Letter of Explanation. You can also attach pictures for proof.

5. Income Tax Returns

It is also a common document needed for the Visa Application, so it is better to write a Cover Letter if you don’t have it esp. if you worked in the Middle East. If you need help, Jonathan offers a Cover Letter Writing Service which you can use for several Visa Applications (you just have to edit it).

6. Flight Reservation or Itinerary

A Flight reservation containing the date, flight numbers, entry, and exit area is sometimes needed in your application (it depends on the country). Sometimes, you don’t need to pay for the whole ticket, just a reservation is enough.

Your flight reservation can be a roundtrip ticket (PH - the country you’re visiting - PH). And for additional proof, you can also attach your ticket from the Philippines back to the country you’re working for, and an onward ticket from the country you have visited. For example, you are an OFW of UAE and you’re traveling to Japan; so PH to JP to UAE or PH to JP to PH then from the PH back to UAE.

A travel itinerary is required depending on the country; you can make a bullet-type one so it will look neat and easy to understand. Make it as detailed as possible and also highlight the places you’re planning to visit or the tours you would be getting. You may need hotel reservations or an invitation letter or tour tickets.

7. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance gives us protection in case of unforeseen events; from medical emergencies, vehicular accidents, flight delays, or losing personal belongings. Some countries will need this in your application, but during travels, I always recommend getting one as we don’t know what will happen. You can get yours here.

Application Process

This will vary from the country you are applying to. Just like regular Filipino citizens, you should follow the same process. Please check my Visa Application Guides for Filipinos for the specific steps. The usual steps are:

Gather Documents
Make an Online Appointment or Pass the Documents
Pay the Fee
Get your Visa

Here are additional tips that could help you in your Visa application

Make a Cover Letter

A Cover letter or a Letter of Explanation may help you with your Visa Application. You can state in that letter your explanation as to why you lack requirements; that you are an OFW or a Balikbayan and want to travel, but you don’t have an ITR, or you have a bank account abroad but not in the Philippines.

Make sure your cover letter is in English and is grammatically correct and that the message you want to convey to the embassy will be explained thoroughly. If they get your point, they may approve your visa, however, if they get confused they may deny it. If you need help, Jonathan offers a Cover Letter Writing Service which you can use for several Visa Applications (you just have to edit it).

Date of Application

If for example you plan to go to Japan on October 1 and you arrive in the Philippines on September 25, giving you not enough time to process your visa, then it might be better to apply in the country you are working at. If it’s a bit hassle, then, just change your departure date to give you ample time for visa processing.

Most visas are valid for 3 months from the date of issuance, make sure to travel before its expiration as you will need another one when it expires.

Soft Copies

It is better to save soft copies of your documents if ever you will travel. Some things might not go as planned (like traveling), and you don’t want to miss out because your visa got denied. So this is for those circumstances.

Tourist Visa Application Guide for Balikbayan or OFWs who just returned to the Philippines.jpg

I hope that this Tourist Visa Tips for OFWs and Balikbayans will give you confidence and will help you with your visa application. If you need a little more help, just let me know! I can personally train you for interview questions and go through your requirements one by one. We’ll both work hard for you to get that visa you’re dreaming of! Set an appointment now :)