Oceania composes of the Land down under and the islands in the Pacific Ocean. Though not as popular as other continents like Asia or Europe, Oceania has its quirks and uniqueness plus it’s just a few hours away from the Philippines.

Honestly, the countries I only know in Oceania are Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Some of these countries, I just knew as I wrote this article. Most of these places here are off-beaten tracks or have only a few visitors per year, but it doesn’t mean it’s dull or ugly because of that.

Oceania is a beautiful continent; most countries are archipelago like the Philippines, so we could relate to the locals on how hard and time-consuming it is going from island to island.

There are numerous diving sports, and marine life is abundant here. I would visit all of these places not only because of my goal to travel to all countries in the world; but because each will give me a unique experience; of culture and scenic views.

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There are 14 Countries in Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, and Tonga. We’ll be discussing their visa requirements, flight routes from the Philippines, and tips for enjoying this lovely continent.

FLIGHTS TO OCEANIA

This summary will help you with how to get to Oceania from the Philippines:

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There are only direct flights from the Philippines to eVisa or VOA - Palau, Papua New Guinea, visa required - Australia, and New Zealand. Other countries, most will need a transit visa from Australia to arrive there, so it’s better if you get a tourist visa in Australia, travel there and then go to the other countries. Trickiest places to go are Kiribati and Tuvalu because you need to stop by Fiji. But to make it more fun, you could travel to Fiji then you could proceed to the next destination: Kiribati or Tuvalu!

VISA FREE COUNTRIES FOR FILIPINOS

Fiji

An archipelago filled with 333 islands, Fiji is paradise filled with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for honeymooners, divers, and people who want to get away with nature.
Stay: 4 months
Points of Interest: Yasawa Islands, Manta Ray Island, Pacific Harbour, Garden of the Sleeping Giant, Sun Coast

Micronesia

Another vast seascape, Micronesia, you can choose where to go in 607 islands. Micronesia is also home to the world’s most magnificent coral reefs and the best pelagic fisheries; scuba diving is a must!
Stay: 30 days
Points of Interest: Chuuk Lagoon, Kepirohi Waterfall, Utwe-Walung Marine Park, Lelu Ruins, Yela Ka Forest

Vanuatu

With 83 islands, this country not only offers scuba diving to see beautiful coral reefs and world war wrecks but also has 9 active volcanoes (7 on land and two beneath the sea) which you could see on tour!
Stay: 30 days
Points of Interest: Mt. Yasur, Chief Roi Mata Domain, Champagne Beach, Mele Cascades, SS President Coolidge

VISA ON ARRIVAL

Marshall Islands

Though one of the least visited countries, Marshall Island consist of two island chains of 30 atolls (ring-shaped reefs) and 1,152 islands, of low coral limestone and sand. Former U.S. nuclear test sites are Enewetak and Bikini; Kwajalein, the iconic battleground of World War II, is now used as a missile test range.
Stay: 30 days
Departure Fee: $20
Additional Requirement: Police record and health clearance (proof of being free from HIV/AIDS and TB)
Points of Interest: Bikini Atoll, Ebeye Island, Arno Atoll, Alele Museum, Kalalin Pass

Palau

Want to swim with Jellyfishes and Sharks? Palau is your place to go! Known as one a paradise for divers, Palau has marine life everywhere!
Stay: 30 days
VOA Fee: US $50.00
Points of Interest: Jellyfish Lake, Rock Islands, Milky Way, Ngardmau Falls, Palau Shark Sanctuary

Papua New Guinea

Filled with cultural and biological diversity, Papua New Guinea definitely offers “A million different journeys.” From coral reefs to active volcanoes, to tribal villages, PNG should be in your bucket list!
Stay: 60 days
VOA Fee: Free
Points of Interest: Mt. Wilhelm, Alotau, Port Moresby Nature Park, Kama Village, Mt. Hagen

Samoa

Another beautiful tropical island, Samoa is composed of 2 two large islands of Upolu and Savai'i and eight small islets. You should try to see a Fia Fia night where you can feast on traditional Samoan food, and see Samoan warriors perform, dancers, musicians, and story-tellers.
Stay: 60 days
VOA Fee: Free
Points of Interest: To Sua Trench, Piula Cave Pools, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Afu Aau Waterfalls, Alofaaga Blowholes

Tuvalu

Composed of 3 actual islands and six coral atolls, Tuvalu is probably an unknown tropical destination. Tuvalu however, is not only full of legends but endless beaches and crystal blue sea.
Stay: 1 month
VOA Fee: US$ 200.00
Additional Requirements: Confirmed Return or Onward Ticket
Points of Interest: Nanumea, Funafuti Marine Conservation Area, Niulakita, Fongafale, Vaitupu

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VISA REQUIRED COUNTRIES

Australia

Australia is the land down under full of jaw-dropping views, remarkable wildlife, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and a mesmerizing night sky!
Visa Guide: Apply online, submit a complete application and upload all supporting documents (Passport Copy, Employment Certificate/Business Tax Return, Bank Certificate and Bank Statement)
Nearest Embassy: Australian Embassy The Philippines, Level 23 tower, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, 6819 Ayala Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila
Visa Fee: AU$ 365.00, 3 months
Points of Interest: Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef, Esperance, Rottnest Island, Royal Botanic Gardens

Kiribati

Kiribati is another less traveled tropical country with 30 plus coral islands separated into three: the Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix. 21 Out of 33 islands are not occupied with people.
Visa Requirements: Valid Passport, Complete Application Form, Itinerary, Passport Size Photo, Confirmation of Accommodation booking
Nearest Embassy: Consulate of the Republic of Kiribati, Lower Ground Floor, Quadrillion Mansion Condominium, #151, M. Paterno, corner N. Domingo Streets, San Juan, 1500 Metro Manila
Visa Fee: US$40 (Single Entry), 3 months
Points of Interest: Banaba Island, Abemama, Enderybury Island, Nikumaroro, Kanapali Beach

Nauru

The world's tiniest independent nation is Nauru; a tropical paradise that has roads that circle the island so you could travel the whole of it in less than a day!
Flights: direct flight from Brisbane, AU
Visa Requirements: You can apply via email (visa@narugov.nr); a copy of you Valid passport, Completed visa application form, passport flight bookings (can be done online at Nauru Airlines), the hotel reservation and proof of your employment
Nearest Embassy: Nauruan Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Visa Fee: AU$ 50, 1 month
Points of Interest: Buada Lagoon, Anibare Bay, Central Plateau, Command Ridge, Drive along Nauru

New Zealand

NZ is a gorgeous country in the South Pacific with diverse natural beauty; from stunning lakes, crystal clear water to picturesque mountains! The pictures alone would make you want to go to this place ASAP!
Visa Guide: Apply online, submit documents: valid passport, passport size photo, government-issued ID, proof of employment, bank certificate/statement, flight booking, police certificate
Nearest Embassy: New Zealand Embassy, 35th Floor Zuellig Building, Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City 1225, Manila
Visa Fee: NZ$246, 3 months
Points of Interest: Lake Wanaka, Cathedral Cove, Hobbiton, Sky Tower, Mt. Cook

Solomon Islands

Solomon Island got its name from King Solomon and the biblical land of gold. Another nation filled with many islands, SI also has World War II sites.
Visa Requirements: You can apply thru email (Owen.Rove@commerce.gov.sb), copy of passport (bio-page), completed Application Form, one recent passport photo, itinerary, state purpose of travel and copy of round trip airline tickets
Nearest Embassy: Solomon Honorary Consulate in Manila, 5th Floor, Citibank-Frabelle Bldg., 1100 Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Manila
Visa Fee: SBD 800, 90 days
Points of Interest: Kennedy Island, Skyline Ridge, Tavanipupu, Roviana Lagoon, Bonegi I and II

Tonga

Mostly unspoiled and gorgeous, Tonga has about 170 islands. They are also known as “Friendship Islands” because they on 1773, they welcomed Captain James Cook warmly.
Visa Requirements: You may apply online (tongapermit@gmail.com) Copy of your Valid passport (all pages), filled up Visa Application Form, bank statement and copy of round trip airline tickets
Nearest Embassy: Tongan Honorary Consulate in Manila, 10/F 1 E-Com Center, Pasay City, Manila
Visa Fee: TOP69, 30 days
Points of Interest: Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes, Ene’io Botanical Garden, Swimming with whales at Ha’apai, The Hideaway, Fafa Island

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR YOUR TRAVELS TO OCEANIA:

Since most are tropical countries, you need to wear light clothing and prepare your swimwear. Though most are beside beaches, please be respectful and cover-up when strolling around the town.
Prepare your sunscreens as it will be hot.
Might as well bring your gopro or waterproof cases to avoid your gadgets getting damaged.
Check if each country would accept credit cards or have ATMs, if not, you may withdraw money before traveling to such places
Some places have only a few flights and might get delayed or canceled during emergencies, so prepare extra money or have extra patience when visiting

MY OCEANIA TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

With Philippine Passport, the most accessible places to visit are Palau and Papua New Guinea since they only need Visa on Arrival and have direct flights from Manila.

Although Fiji, Micronesia, and Vanuatu don’t require a visa, there’s no direct flight from Manila, and you need a transit visa from Australia, New Zealand or Guam to visit.

Australia and New Zealand are great places to go, and getting a VISA is totally worth it! Aside from having direct flights from Manila, there are countless things to do in these countries. You could also go to the rest of Oceania from those mentioned above two.

Oceania is one of the less-traveled Continents but has many things to offer. The ocean is so tempting and striking; you would probably swim or get wet every day. I’ll probably shop a dozen swimsuits, and sundresses when I hop from country to country.

As a Philippine Passport Holder, you should put them in your bucket list as the applications are easy. Though getting documents for the tourist-required countries is quite a hassle, and sometimes we get scared of rejection, I think it’s worth-it because Australia was gorgeous and I want to go there again. Philippine beaches are stunning, how much more these untouched, less touristy places; Oceania will feel like paradise on Earth.