Applying for a visa for the first time? Here are 5 best practices to keep in mind

While Philippine passport holders can travel to 64 visa-free destinations as of January 2026, many countries still require Filipinos to undergo the visa application process, such as in Japan and South Korea.

According to VFS Global, some of the most popular destinations among travelers from the Philippines in 2025 — Australia, Germany, Greece, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom — require a visa.

As one of the global leaders in visa processing, VFS Global shared five best practices to help ensure smooth visa processing, especially for first-time applicants.

1. Apply early.

To avoid the last-minute rush, travelers are advised to apply for a visa as soon as flights and accommodations are booked.

Pro-tip: Most countries accept visa applications up to 180 days (6 months) before the intended date of travel.

2. Ensure your Information match.

Applicants should carefully review all details on their application forms, particularly your name spelling, passport numbers, and dates of birth. All information must exactly match official documents.

3. Abide by correct photo format.

Photos submitted must meet the specific format requirements of the destination country.

And just because you already have photo on hand from having applied for a visa of one country doesn't mean you can use that to apply for a visa to another country. Remember: One country's visa photo requirements may differ from another country's visa photo requirements,   

4. Submit complete documentation.

Applicants should refer to destination-specific checklists available on VFS Global or embassy websites, as missing documents may render an application incomplete.

5. Authenticate bank statements.

For destinations that require bank statements, applicants must ensure these documents are properly authenticated, as specified by the requirements.

During a press conference on Tuesday, VFS Global North Asia head Atul Lall said the Philippines recorded an around 8% increase in visa application volume in 2025.

“This healthy rise in visa applications from the Philippines last year indicates that travelers’ confidence has been restored and people [are] exploring their favorite global destinations again,” Lall told members of the press.

VFS Global has a network of 61 visa application centers in the Philippines, located in Batangas City, Cebu, Davao, Makati, Paranaque, Pasay, Quezon City, and Taguig. — LA, GMA Integrated News