How I Dealt With My First Tourist Visa Rejection

I was overjoyed ever since I got my first tourist visa (Taiwan Visa) three years ago. For those who didn't know, the Philippine passport is not the strongest or weakest in the world - just right in the middle. After my first trip to Taiwan, I went to Japan, Korea, and Australia without encountering any problems with my visa applications. These countries granted me a multiple-entry visa in less than a week! With that, I grew complacent. Around November last year, I booked a roundtrip ticket from Davao to Toronto via Manila without securing a valid tourist visa first. I took the risk, but I still believe it won't be that hard since I already did this from my previous trips to Japan and Australia.

Little did I know that my overconfidence almost burned my upcoming Canadian trip to smithereens.

How To Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Australia is an emerging travel destination for Filipinos. With more options available, visiting the famed Land Down Under is finally within our reach. One can enjoy the stunning views of Byron Bay, bask under the heat of the sun at Bondi Beach, or even experience the Australian outback adventure - the choices are actually endless! But before entering Oz, one has to secure a valid tourist visa.

Here are the four easy steps on how to apply and successfully obtain an Australian tourist visa.

How to Apply for Korea Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Ah, South Korea. The land of kimchi, samgyeupsal, soju, celebrity hajimas and ahjushis, and KPop. Ever since their soap operas and music became a part of our pop culture, Korea has become a popular tourist destination for Filipinos. But the thing is, we are required to have a valid visa before entering Kpoplandia.

Here are the steps and a few reminders on how to obtain a Korean visa successfully:

How to Apply for Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Japan is the home country of Godzilla, Hachiko, Maria Ozawa, Doraemon, and Son Goku. It's also a great gastronomic destination. No wonder why Japan is one of the most sought after destinations among Asians, particularly Filipinos. Apparently, there's one thing that keeps us from visiting this country. Unlike our neighbors in Southeast Asia who only require a valid Philippine passport, Japan requires Filipinos to have a valid visa before entering their territory.

Here are the steps and a few reminders on how to successfully obtain a Japanese tourist visa.

How To Apply for Taiwan Tourist Visa

Taiwan is an island country off the northern coast of the Philippines. It is only an hour and a half away by plane from Manila but unlike other Asian countries, Taiwan (Republic of China) requires Filipinos to have a valid visa before entering their territory.