My girlfriend is coming to see me on a visitors visa this year but trying to get a passport is turning out to be a farce.Anybody else had problems with this and could suggest how to move things along.
David are you referring to her Philippine passport? It should not be particularly hard for her to get her passport.
What type of problem? First, it can be getting appointment. You need to look for a city (or sm mall) that has 'good reputation' in relation getting timely appointment. (I heard that it is the main problem now - appointments are sold to travel agency weeks in advance, or she should find a 'reputable' travel agency that will provide assistance for a fee). Next - she needs to provide proof of identity by providing 2 valid ID. You can get a lot of ID quickly but the trusted one are PRC, driver's license and SSS or GSIS. Or you can provide 3 or 4 secondary IDs like postal ID, philhealth ID even company ID (or school ID). Lastly a NSO copy of her birth certificate (which you can order onnline and delivered to her place). Fill up the form, show up the day of appointment and pay the fee. Urgent processing takes around 2 weeks. It will be difficult if she doesnt have a birth certificate or has problems between that and all ID. You might need court stuff with that. Its not easy but doable just takes time.
She has all the necessary ID but they just keep putting her off with different excuses.eg we thought you were going to Norway ? Why do they need to know where she's going? One of her friends husband works in the middle east, to get his passport quicker he paid a middle man,I don't really want to do this.
We didnt have that problem in Cebu 7 years ago but locations may vary Getting a visitors visa for the UK is a bit of a lotery would suggest you read a few example here
My wife has to travel quite a distance when she got her passport but the application should be straightforward. Don't give up. You will face many hurdles on your way and they will test your love...but remember the pot if gold at the end of the rainbow and that is your future.
What type of ID does she have if you dont mind me asking? And are all her documents match (same name and spelling?) and what are excuses they are saying? I would suggest getting help from a reputable travel agency / typing agency. The services cost less than php1200. And dont get into the picture- dont let them know you are there to support her otherwise charges and requirements will start to appear. Tell her she wants to go to hong kong or nearby countries by availing of the 'piso fare' but never mention UK in the conversation. In the end, she needs to put her feet down. Dont talk to anyone in the DFA office except the staff. She needs to tell them in their faces that she has all the requirements and if they dont process it, she would file a complain.
