For Filipino travelers, the dream of seeing Europe’s sights is a staple on to-visit lists. Many of these nations, however, come with the prerequisite of a Schengen visa, which is attached with copious paperwork, countless bank visits, and trips to embassies or third-party visa service centers.
However, within the European continent, there are some countries that offer entry to their borders without the need for a traditional sticker visa. With scanned documents and a credit or debit card for fees, Philippine passport holders can visit Europe thanks to certain electronic or e-Visas. Ahead, see some of the European countries that offer them–but don’t forget to check with their embassies, too!
LIST: European Countries with e-Visas for Philippine Passport Holders
1. Albania
Located on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, Albania offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and a vibrant culture. With the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, there are beaches for sun-seekers, the rugged Albanian Alps for the outdoor folks, and a bevy of UNESCO World Heritage sites for history enthusiasts like Berat, the City of 1,000 Windows.
Philippine passport holders and tourists can apply for an Albanian short-stay e-Visa, which is valid for a 90 to 180-day stay starting from the day of the first entry. Applications should be within 90 days of their intended date of travel, as the evaluation process usually takes 15 to 30 working days.
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form completed by the applicant online
- Proof of employment from their country of birth or country of residence or sufficient evidence that they will return to their country of birth or country of residence
- Photograph of the applicant with dimensions 47 mm x 36 mm
- For minors: Statement according to the legal provisions, where the consent of the parent or legal guardian is expressed according to the legislation in force for the travel of the minor.
- Documents showing a booking in an accommodation facility, according to the legislation on tourism or invitation from the person, natural or legal, where they will be accommodated
- Documents showing that the applicant has sufficient financial means for living, both for the duration of the stay and for returning to a third country
- Round-trip ticket reservation document or to certify the possibility of personal transport
- Residence permit of more than 12 months, issued from the country of residence, with a validity period of at least 3 additional months than the duration period of the required visa.
- The full bank statement showing the money going in and money leaving your account for the last 12 months
- Photocopy of the valid travel document and previous or current visas (Schengen, USA, UK etc.) or Albanian electronic/sticker visas
Where to apply and read more information: https://e-visa.al/apply
Visa fee: $59
2. Georgia
As a transcontinental country in Eastern Europe and West Asia, Georgia is a jewel of the Caucasus region that peeks at a multifaceted culture. Begin your journey in the charming streets of the capital Tbilisi, where ancient churches, modern architecture, and lively markets converge. Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to the Caucasus Mountains too, with trekking trails, alpine lakes, and the majestic Gergeti Trinity Church perched atop a hilltop.
For tourists with Philippine passports, a short-term e-Visa is tantamount to a sticker visa when entering Georgia’s borders, which will be valid for 120 days with the right to stay in Georgia for up to 30 days during the validity period.
When applying online, have a digital photo and the scanned passport on the ready, alongside valid and accredited travel insurance that’ll cover the stay. However, those who have valid visas for the Schengen states, the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and more are exempt from the Georgia visa and need not apply for one.
Requirements to be presented at the border:
- Passport
- Document proving purpose of travel;
- Proof of accommodation;
- Travel and health insurance
- Document proving sufficient financial means
Where to apply and read more information: https://www.evisa.gov.ge/GeoVisa/en/VisaApp
Visa fee: $20 + 2% service fee
3. Russia
Russia, the largest country on Earth, has vast landscapes, rich history, and cultural diversity. See the imperial city of St. Petersburg, with its opulent palaces and grand cathedrals, or the dynamic capital of Moscow, with the iconic Red Square, the Kremlin, and the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Since 2020, Russia has added the Philippines to its list of 55 countries eligible for an e-Visa. However, some stipulations are included, with e-Visa holders only permitted to enter and exit through specific checkpoints in Russia, as listed on their website. Short-term e-Visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue, with the right to stay for 16 days from the date of entry. Applications should be lodged not later than four calendar days before the intended entry.
Requirements:
- Digital photo of your passport data in JPEG format
- Digital photo of your face in JPEG format that meets the requirements
Where to apply and read more information: https://electronic-visa.kdmid.ru/index_en.html
Visa fee: $52
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