Turkish Visa Application for Filipino Passport Holder in UAE

Holiday Season is just around the corner and air fares skyrocketed inevitably. I was planning to go home, Philippines, but the fare is ridiculous for a week vacation so I booked a flight to neighboring Turkey instead. I am just being practical.  

My Flights and Hostel has been booked and Turkey Visa Requirements were relaxed. I checked the Turkish Consulate website to fill out the Application Form however, I was told that I need to book an appointment which confused me. I checked on line for the possible reason of the error and found out that the Turkish Consulate and Embassy is now using VFS Global for Short Term Visa Application as well – meaning, another fees. 

Application Steps:

First, fill out the application form over the Turkish Website. Make sure that you have the soft copies of the requirements needed since you need to attached them on your application. Also, check keenly the photo requirements. Once done, download the form and have it printed.

Second, go to the VFS Global Website and schedule for an appointment. Application Number is required for you to proceed. After entering all the details,  the available appointment dates then will appear, select your desired date and time then proceed for the payment. Make sure to print the Appointment Letter too before going to  VFS Global.

Secure all requirements before heading to VFS Global Office.

How was my application?

It was horrible. I went 15 minutes before my scheduled appointment but I was entertained after 30 minutes. There was an error with my Application Form since my the photo I uploaded didn't match the required photo so I ended up getting an photo within the vicinity for 25.00 AED. They said I need to resubmit my application with the correct photo but I don't have the means to do it since I need to attached soft copies of the documents. The lady then offered that they can do it for 50.00 AED. I ended up paying 471.00 AED total just to apply for my Visa. 

On the brighter side, the SMS and email system was up to date informing the processes and I received my visa after 7 days. So if you are applying too, read carefully the instructions to avoid paying extra. 

One Day Joined in Group Tour in Georgia

So I found a Filipino Travel and Tour Agency in Georgia. It's a 12 Hour Join In Group Tour for a Day cost 130.00 AED. I contacted the person in charged thru whatssap and reserved my slot for the date I wanted - no other info needed. Autumn was about to end its magical season as Snow started to fall specially in the mountainous part of Caucasus Region when I visited Georgia. As soon as I arrived in Tbilisi, I reconfirmed my reservation and was advised that they will pick me up at 9 am the next morning. Sitting at the reception area of my hostel, a Georgian Local came in looking for me - I was surprised cause I thought all staff were Filipino. I got a bit cocky when I found out that I was the first person to be picked up however it took an hour to pick all the passengers up. 

Ananuri Fortress

We officially left the city at 10 am and head to Ananuri Fortress. It's a combined castle and fortress that sits along the Georgian Military Highway included in the UNESCO List of Heritage Sites. We wander the area for an hour then stopped at the nearby dam, the Zhinvali Reservoir for a snap of its amazing view. Roads were often blocked by flocks of sheep crossing the road but who wouldn't admire these creatures? 

Georgian Military Road

Zhinvali Reservoir

We reached the Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument which is between the ski resort town of Gudauri and the Jvari pass after an hour and had our lunch at the only restaurant beside the monument. We ordered the Khachapuri, the Georgian Pizza and Pork Barbecue. Though it took a while for the food to be served, trust me, it was all worth the wait. The pizza was huge and served fresh from the oven and the pork was so tender and juicy. 

Russia–Georgia Friendship Monument

After lunch,we went to Gudauri Ski Resort for those who booked the paragliding. We picked the gliding instructors up from their camp and went to the actual resort. We were waiting for them to finish assembling the glides as we play in the deep pile of snow when our guide got into an argument with one of the gliders regarding the schedule, it turned out that another company booked them first and we will get our turn after 2 hours. Our guide cancelled the paragliding and head on with our schedule. We left Gudauri and went back to the monument instead and after that we went to our last attraction which was the Gergeti Trinity Church and Stepantsminda in Kazbegi. It was starting to get dark with we reached the town of Stepantsminda in Kazbegi and  were told that we cannot head on to the  Gergeti Trinity Church anymore since we don't have time. Also, the region doesn't have street lights and its hard for the driver to navigate the road if we would stay longer. We stayed in the forest like area of Stepantsminda and took some photos then we went back to Tbilisi. 

Viewing Deck

Gudauri 

Jvari

Kazbegi 

Indeed it was a fun filled day spent making new unforgettable lifetime memories. The only thing i regret was my tour company - I was disappointed. I trusted that they run tours well  after reading the reviews plus we were of the same country so i was  confident but my expectation went down the drain. Don't get me wrong, I don't know when they started their tour company but they were unorganized to the point that people who booked the paragliding missed their chance and for the entire group to missed the last attraction in Kazbegi. However, Georgia was a treasure, all the places we've visited was astoundingly wonderful. It was a lovely experience and surely I will be back.

Crossing Borders - Armenia to Georgia by Road

Marshrutka or the Mini Vans are the best way of transport if you are travelling on a  budget within the Caucaus Region. My Hostel Reception booked a taxi for me in Yeveran, Armenia for I can get scammed by the Taxi Drivers if I just hail one on the road. Since most of driver's don't speak English, I have the photo and the name of the bus station on my phone ready and showed it to him which made my life easier. I paid 600 AMD fare since the station was pretty close from the city centre. 

Kilikia Central Bus Station is the main bus station of Yerevan in Armenia. Majority of the schedules are in the morning since it takes roughly 6 hours to get  to Tblisi, Georgia. It's a small station with the main office sitting at the centre surrounded by Marshrutkas where the Ticketing Offices, Food Stalls, Cafeteria's and Toilets are located. There's no need to buy a ticket nor look for the next van available for Marshrutkas, Drivers and Conductors flocked the area waiting for passengers and payments in Armenian Dram were made before you hopped into the van. It's a 12 seater van with a first come, first serve basis, no seat reservation and leave as soon as it gets full.

Bus Schedules: 8:00am and 10:00am
Marshrutka or the Mini Vans: 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am and 11:0m am
Marshrutka Fare: 6000 AMD

Since it is a mountainous region, majority of the time we were running  beside ridges and edges but it was a very scenic drive on a fine zig zaggy road. We made a 15 minute toilet break after 3 hours then reached the Bagratashen Border in Armenia after an hour. The get off the van to immigration while the driver waited for us at the Immigration Exit. 

After an hour, we then again hopped off the van for the Georgia Immigration at Sadakhlo Border, this time carrying our luggage for scanning. We were dropped off at the Georgia Central Bus Station where I hailed a taxi going to my hostel. Georgia's capital city, Tbilisi is much active and busy compared to Yeveran, Armenia and traffic was a bit congested. 

There's a lot of options if you want to cross both countries but since I am travelling on a budget, Marshrutka was perfect for me. Don't stress about safety and convenience for I had  a smooth journey and reached my destination on time. 

Overnight Camping at Jebel Jais

Who wouldn’t love public holidays? I actually have the list of the Holidays for the entire year with the things I want to do.  However, don’t let your excitement eat you up, just what happened to our overnight camping trip in Jebel Jais.

Jebel Jais (Map) is a rocky mountain located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the tallest peak in the UAE.

It was a quite sunny Thursday afternoon and the UAE was  observing the Arafat Day. We left Dubai at 4 pm in a sedan packed with our camping equipments. There’s no traffic not until we enter the Sharjah Emirate and everything went slow. We candidly made fun of all the cars that we might all end up on the same place and indeed we were right. 

Parts of the main road of Sharjah and RAK were under construction and cars were everywhere trying to overtake which caused a lot of collision made the traffic horrible. We reached the base of the mountain at 6 pm -  It was like a parade of cars. While driving towards the peak, we noticed that people already patched their tents on the base of the mountain which alarmed us - meaning the peak is already full but still we proceed. 

The winding road was perfectly made for the adventurous adding  the astonishing rock formations and the breathtaking views of the mountain as the sun set which gave more life and color to the sky  - I felt like we teleport to Mars. 

Halfway through, cars were all parked on both sides of the road and campers just settle on every space available specially on the View Deck. Music were so loud and people started to dance on the street which made it so difficult to proceed. Though Police were visible, it was so hard for them to control the crowd.  The road heading to the actual peak was blocked from the Main Observation Deck so we decided to look for a place to camp but it was hopeless. People started to fight for a parking space. I went out of the car to look for a space since we cannot move. I luckily found one and waited for  our car to drive in.  We camped adjacent to the car beside the road. It was a very rough, hard and rocky site but we don't have a choice so we settled and patched our tent. 

Jebel Jais View Deck has food trucks and portable toilets with running water. My friend insisted to do some barbecues - camping is not complete without fires and barbecues, he said.  We managed to do it but it took roughly an hour for we had difficulty making fire. Good thing we have some cooked food ready. With few drinks, we called it a day and hit the sack. I was wearing a pull over and still awaken by the cold temperature from time to time. 3 am when we were awaken by a very loud music. We checked what was going on and saw people dancing again in the middle of the road - seems like Bollywood was transferred to Jebel Jais right there and then. 

We woke up at 5 am to catch the sunrise. People were starting to leave since its going to be hot if the sun is up already. We went for a short hike to watch the sun rises and to capture the amazing  view rising right in front of our naked eyes. We waited until majority of the cars left then we packed up. The place become so quite as the people slowly leave the peak however the mountain was left literally full of trash from top to bottom.  We occasionally stop to take pictures and then head to Emirate of  Fujairah for a road trip and for a quick dip on Fujairah's lovely cost. 

Filipino Passport Holder Schengen Visa Application via Czech Republic in Dubai

I hate applying for a Visa - not because I am lazy processing requirements but I am scared I might be denied. Paranoid? Nah, I think its just normal specially if you are an expat from a third world country, you know what I mean. (I've been held for questioning in an immigration office twice on 2 different occasions so I think I have a valid reason to be paranoid.) 

I took the privilege of my country being an ASEAN Member then availed the VOA to the countries I am qualified but pity my passport only has a handful of countries to visit. 

So there, to cut the story short, I booked a multi city flight arriving Budapest, Hungary and departing Prague, Czech Republic via Sky Scanner. Yes, I know its risky but I booked my flights  first since its cheaper to book  ahead. 

Tip: You can apply for a Schengen Visa thru your country of entry or from the country where you will stay the most. 

Embassies in the United Arab Emirates are located in Abu Dhabi though some has their respective consulates in Dubai however, Schengen Countries direct all short term visa applicants to a service provider which is  VFS Global http://www.vfsglobal.com/

The good thing about service provider is that you don't need to travel all the way to Abu Dhabi for the application and no need to Schedule for an Appointment, just simply walk in to VFS Global located at Wafi Mall in Oud Metha, Dubai from 09:00 till 15:00 working days however, you need to pay extra AED 109.00 for the service fee on top of the AED 261.00 Visa Fee. 

Tip: Payments must be in CASH 

The website has everything if you have patient enough to browse and follow the links but here are the important ones -  Visa Fees, Documents Required and Application Form  but for quick answer, give their hotline a ring. 

Before dropping your application, make sure that you fully accomplished all the necessary documents. 

How did my process my requirements?

Between Hungary and Czech Republic, Czech has the feasible requirements. I stated the countries I am covering  and the dates of my travels on my NOC Letter. The cheapest travel insurance I found over the web that fits the criteria was with AXA Insurance. My bank details, I personally went to the bank and requested for the statements, you can also request for it over the phone but it will take 3 days to be delivered, Bank Statement cost AED 25.00. It is not true that you need to have AED 5K on your account for the application, as long as you have a salary coming in every month, you will be fine. I booked  my Free Cancellation and No Payment Required Hostel Reservations thru Booking.com. and for the train and bus tickets, I searched thru GoEuro.com. Train Tickets are expensive so most of the transportation I booked was with buses. I thoroughly checked and compared the prices and its really better to book ahead and that's what I did. Since I am aiming for a Multiple Entry, I was advised to attached a Letter of Application with my detailed travel plan including my Tour Reservations. 

How was my application experience?

So, I have all my requirements ready. I went to drop it as early as possible since VFS caters to all  Short Term Schengen Visa Countries. Expect that security will be tight. Fall in line at the reception, they will ask for the country you are going to apply for the visa and the purpose then they will give you a number that also indicates the Zone you need to proceed. When my number was called, I informed the lady that scanned my requirements that I am applying for a Multiple Visa and show her my Letter of Application but she said that its not a guarantee. Well. I paid a total of AED 418.00 including the Courier Fee and the SMS Fee. I was told that it will take 2 weeks for the Visa to be released. After that, I proceed to the Biometric Data Collection. It was just a quick and hassle free application. I then received an SMS that my application has been received and the next day a message saying that its been under process at the Abu Dhabi Embassy. However, those are the only messages I received from the SMS Service. I tried checking my application thru the website's track my application but no updates. Excalty after 10 days from the day it was processed in Abu Dhabi, a parcel came to the office with my passport - I was so excited and tense at the same time - I opened my passport and saw a Schengen Visa pasted on its page however I was only given a single entry and strictly with the days of my travel. That was disappointing, I even attached my next trip's ticket after this one but still, they didn't allow it, however, its still a Schengen Visa and I got my first one. It an accomplishment. 

Ready for the your application? Just follow the requirements and you will be fine. Good luck! 

Hatta Day Trip

If you’re up for an awesome road trip adventure for a day in the UAE, then Hatta is one of the best place to visit. Hatta is an inland enclave which is 115 KM from Dubai relatively high in the Hajar Mountains bordering Oman .

Important: The closest exit from Dubai is the Al Madam-Hatta Diversion E44 however the Exit is only exclusive to UAE Locals and Omanis.

Expat Route to Hatta: Turn left to the Al Madam roundabout and get onto the E55 heading to Al Malaiha and turn to Sharjah - Kalba Road then right turn to Hatta onto E44.  

It was the Islamic New Year when we head to Hatta leaving Dubai at 0730 and took the E44 Route relying our lives to Google Maps ( MapHere ) but when we reached the border, we were instructed to turn back and take the Sharjah/Kalba Road instead which took us an additional hour to get to Hatta but it was all worth it. UAE Roads are one of the finest I've ever seen so far. My eyes were filled with the picturesque landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, fine cunning desert and camels along the way.

After 2 and a half hours of driving with few stops for photo ops, we reached our first destination - the Hatta Dam. Yes, it is man-made but it’s a master piece. The artificial lake is perfectly tailored filled with stunning turquoise water surrounded by rocky bare mountains. Be ready for a steep drive to reach the view point. There are limited parking areas and there's no toilets available. Dubai Police are visible within the area, just follow the rules and regulations and you will be fine.

Hatta Mountain Conservation Area 

Apart from sight seeing and picnic,  Kayak and Pedal Boat Rentals are also available but if you are not up for it or simply scared you'll get roasted, you can still stay and sit for free while admiring the amazing view. (Another Dam is under construction which is  5 minutes away). Visit www.hattakayak.com for more info. 

View Deck

Hatta Kayak Entrance 

Next stop - Hatta Heritage Village. With just 5 minutes drive from Hatta Dam is the Heritage Village. Travel back in time and know more about the culture and discover how the Emirati Village was like centuries ago. Entrance is Free. To know more, visit www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Hatta Fort

Hill Park Entrance

Third Stop was the Hatta Hill Park - its 5 minutes drive from Hatta Heritage Village and is a popular spot for picnics and barbeques. Entrance is Fee. If you don't have food, just like us, there's a grocery store beside the mosque after the roundabout going to the Hill Park, you can stop to shop then go. Parking Area shouldn't be a problem - there's a lot of spaces available. Though it was quite  tough going up the hill but the green scenery from the cottages with the cool breeze was very rewarding. The cottages has a barbeque area and trash bins. The area was very relaxing but be careful with the bees and other instincts flying and crawling around that may sting anytime. 

We then decided to head to Hatta Pool, we're not actually prepared for it and as per my research it was already in the territory of Oman, but then we still tried to go since its just 15 minutes drive from Hill Park. When we reached the border, we were advised that we can't cross ( perhaps if we have a visa) so the officer suggested some places that we can go and gave instructions using our maps. We were thinking of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi but since we can't cross the E44 border, we then decided to drive to Kalba, Fujairah via Rugaylat Road/ E99. It was a 51.5 km awesome drive with breathtaking views on an unbelievable road. With the Kalba Flag Pole as our destination, which is beside a corniche, we immediately took a rest - literally just lay on the grass and sleep. The Kalba Corniche is so clean and has well maintained rest rooms. Too bad we were not ready for some picnic but the nap on the grass was enough. We wander over Kalba's Beaches before hitting the road again back to Dubai and stopped for some quick affordable bites on a resto along the road. 

Rugaylat Road/ E99

Kalba Beach, Fujairah

So, thinking of hitting the road? then go drive to Hatta for an awesome road trip. 

1 Day Joined In Group Tour in Armenia

I wish I had the luxury of time exploring these 2 great and beautiful countries, Armenia and Georgia but I only had 5 days to spent and I want to squeeze everything I want to do and places I want to see in just 1 full day without exceeding my budget, thus I started researching and comparing the best travel agencies that has join in group tour that caters both and I was lucky to find one – Hyur Service.

Note: The Regular Day Tours in Armenia follows a schedule which depends on the days of the week so make sure to align your travels plans accordingly if you want to explore Armenia on a budget though you can always do a private tailored tour anytime.

After browsing the tour packages and itineraries, I checked on the places to see how it looks like and to know more of its history for comparison. I was lucky enough that the tour where the most places I was interested in falls on a Wednesday which was my 2^nd day in Armenia before crossing Georgia so I immediately sent an email to the agency thru their website but I didn't get a response. After a week, I sent an email via contact@hyurservice.com and got a response immediately informing that the web email was not working and to confirm my reservation, they asked for a soft copy of my passport and contact number to be forwarded to their accounting department. 

Before my flight, I sent an email informing about my flight schedule and confirming that I will be paying the tour a day before the tour itself in their office as per the  agency policy. Upon arrival, the agency called me which I missed so I immediately sent an email giving them my ETA in their office for the payment. After doing some DIY City Tour exploring Republic Square, I head straight to the office and pay the tour. I asked if they do pick up which they politely advised that they don't - I informed that that I got lost on my way to their office and that I might be late tomorrow if that's the case, so the lady called her manager and asked if I can be picked up which the manager agreed. #feelingblessed

The tour itinerary are as follows: 
Date: October 26, 2016 - Wednesday
ETD: 9:00 am at Hyur Service Head Office (96, Nalbandyan street) 
Particulars: Noravank, Tatev (Ropeway), Karahunj (Zorats Karer) 
Time: 13 Hours Tour
Price: AMD 18,000.00 ( $38.00) Payment in Cash AMD Only

The price includes:

-Transportation expenses

-Driver service

-Professional guide service (speaking Armenian, Russian, English)

-Snacks
-Tatev Ropeway ticket

-Insurance of the vehicle and the passengers

Children's Park along Movses Khorenatsi Street

On the tour itself, I woke up very early since I was anticipating a long toilet queue, the struggle of every backpacker on a hostel. I went out for some walk on the nearest park, the Children's Park and on the long Movses Khorenatsi Street savoring the cold chilly weather of Armenia while the entire city was still fast asleep. Armenia is quite laid back with business hours from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm. the guy from Hyur Services knocked 15 minutes before 9:00 am to pick us up. The Tourist Bus was a modern 35 seater, equipped with AC/Heater, TV and Toilet – very comfortable. We left the city at 9:30 am heading on the tour's first stop which located far south about 122 km of Yerevan - The Noravank Monastery.  Though it was starting to rain, the weather was just manageable with 15 degrees Celsius. The Tour Guide was on point giving information and history of the places we are passing thru. I was lost with the beauty of the scenery and it took me some time to notice d that snow was falling - I was witnessing my first snow! The guide informed us that snow started to fall on the country side weeks earlier than the usual. 

The Noravank Monastery is a 13th century monastery situated deep within the Noravank Canyon. The breath taking view left me in awe as we enter the shallow uphill road to the entrace. The Noravank Complex includes the 1339 St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”) sepulchre-church, St. Stepanos Nakhavka and Gavit, St. Grigor Church and Stepanos Orbelian Sepulchre - the remains of medieval chapels and residential quarters and a modern office and hall.

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Next destination was the Tatev Monastery which is 150 KM from Noravank Monastery. It is an 18th century monastery located in the Syunik Province. The entire province was covered with snow by the time we reached the area. We went straight to a restaurant which served authentic Armenian Dish and we were given 40 mins to relax and enjoy the place before heading to the monastery. 

The tour guide gave us our ticket to the Ropeway or Wings of Tatev, which is an aerial tram, yes, the easiest and best way to reach the monastery. It was the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. It was 12 minute ride with the most stunning and picturesque view. 

And to the last destination, Karahunj (Zorats Karer) or the the Armenian Stonehenge which is 50 Km away from Tatev Monastery is. It was almost past 6 pm when we reached  Karahunj and the temperature dropped to negative.  A miniture of Karahunj was built near the main road for it takes 10 minutes’ walk to reach the actual site. Our guide took us to the miniature stones as she share the history and other related stories about the stones and the site. Since we want to see the actual stone, we were given 30 minutes to explore. Running along the slippery ground road covered with snow, I actually didn’t recognized that it was the actually area since I was expecting something big as the London Stonehenge. It seems like a pagan ritual site to me, to be honest or maybe because it was covered with snow. 

We head back to Yerevan with a 15 minute stop for toilet break and reached the City at 9pm dropping us all at the Yerevan Square. Good thing was some restaurants were still open for to dine and bond with friends I made during this tour. Indeed, it was a day well spent. As a female solo and budget traveller -  I highly recommend this tour.