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.