[VISA] Belarus (Single Entry)

Belarus has no consular representation in the Philippines. Their embassy that has jurisdiction over Filipinos citizens is the one in Jakarta. The good thing about this embassy is that they have a VERY detailed website regarding visa application. They even have separate pages explaining how to send your documents, how much you are going to pay and how, as well as the requirements necessary for almost every type of visit you can imagine. As such, it’s not really that hard to get that visa!

[VISA] Armenia (eVisa)

I wasn’t really planning on applying for an eVisa for Armenia. I mean, Philippine passport holders can go there and get a visa on arrival at the airport. But I’ve had my fair share of these visa-on-arrival nightmares before. Remember India and Cuba? The good thing about Armenia is they give you the option to apply for an eVisa instead. They also allow you to choose between a 120-day visa which costs USD30 (~PHP1,500) and a shorter one valid for 21 days which is way cheaper at just USD6 (~PHP300). Second option for me!

[VISA] Russia (Single Entry)

There are two venues for Russian visa applications in Manila. The first one is at the embassy itself inside Dasmariñas Village. Rumor has it that you can apply there ONLY by invitation, and there are a lot of anecdotes on how strict that village is granting entry to outsiders. For us ordinary mortals, we have to go to their office at Rada near Greenbelt. Applications can be lodged MWF from 10 AM to 12 PM. You don’t need to schedule an appointment. Just walk in with your requirements.

[BISHKEK] Budget and Itinerary

ESTIMATES

Student Visa (1 Month) - 5,000.00
Avia (Dushanbe - Bishkek) - 14,850.00
London School (Registration Fee) - 1,650.00
London School (Russian Course x 75 hours) - 34,500.00
London School (Single Room/1 Month) - 16,900.00
Food Allowance (750 x 27 days) - 20,250.00

KGS93,150.00

[BISHKEK] Ala-Too Square

Bishkek has been on my radar for quite some time now not because I wanted to see the place, but rather because I find the Russian language learning opportunities to be quite attractive. A quick research of affordable intensive courses will lead you to London School, a reputable Russian-teaching institute in Kyrgyzstan whose claim to fame is its one-on-one classes. It has its pros and cons, but the school has been a popular choice for many Russian language learners around the world. So I thought hey why not?

[VISA] Kyrgyzstan (On Arrival)

I must confess that I’ve been a jerk to that lady at the visa-on-arrival counter, but then again the only way to assure that someone will help you is to make sure that your problem becomes hers. Kyrgyzstan offers visa-on-arrival for Philippine passport holders, and we are one of the several countries that can just fly there without even having a letter of invitation. The thing is, you need to have some cash at hand. I did not have cash. I know they don’t accept credit cards, but I took a chance.

[DUSHANBE] Budget and Itinerary

FRIDAY: 2 June 2017

E-Visa (Tajikistan) - 440.00
FlyDubai (Dubai - Dushanbe) - 1,780.00
Airbnb (2 Nights) - 240.00

TJS2,460.00

[DUSHANBE] The Big Dushe

I could have saved money if I just flew directly from Dubai to Bishkek. But where’s the fun in that? Besides, do you really think I’d let this chance to up my country count pass me by when the opportunity is already there? In any case, to those who are wondering how you can reach Central Asia WITHOUT transiting in Russia or the Chinese far west, you can always hop on a FlyDubai plane to many cities in the tan-tans. I think only Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are not covered by their flight network.

[VISA] Tajikistan (eVisa)

Philippine passport holders can apply for an eVisa for Tajikistan via their website at http://evisa.tj. Just click on START and fill in all the necessary information. The ones highlighted with a red asterisk can’t be left blank. A GBAO permit is necessary if you are visiting some restricted areas. Just click on YES if you plan on doing so. I don’t remember uploading a copy of my passport, but you will have to provide some basic passport information anyway so make sure you have it while filling out the form.

[ABU DHABI] Budget and Itinerary

THURSDAY: 1 June 2017

Rayna Tours (7-Day Visa) - 330.00
Singapore Airlines (Manila - Singapore - Dubai) - 805.00
Airbnb (1 Night) - 45.00
Metro Red (Terminal 1 - Ibn Battuta) - 10.50
Nol Card (Card + Top-up) - 35.00
Taxi (Main Bus Station - Al Khalidiya) - 30.00

AED1,255.50