Trip to Manila

[aplummer2 0]

I'll be going to Manila on April 26 until May 16 to meet my gf for the first time. I'm staying less than 21 days, so I won't need a visa right? Also, how will i prove this when I arrive at Manila airport? Can I just show my itinerary or will I already have a return ticket? Thanks!

[X Factor 1,110]

You don't need a visa. Just have a return ticket. Make sure you read the K-1 visa forum. When I visited my gf for the first time this past January, I took some paper work with me such as the G-325 for her to fill out and sign. And we took passport size pictures. Save all your boarding passes, ticket receipts, hotel bills and take pictures of both of you etc, etc.

[aplummer2 0]

Yes, I plan on taking the G-325A and the Letter of Intent for her to sign. And we already talked about getting the passport size pics done while I am there. I'm saving all of the boarding passes, ticket receipts and hotel bills and pictures. I've been reading this forum for over 4 months now, and I have seen a lot of good advice, especially on the RFE forum. Thanks for your reply!

You don't need a visa. Just have a return ticket. Make sure you read the K-1 visa forum. When I visited my gf for the first time this past January, I took some paper work with me such as the G-325 for her to fill out and sign. And we took passport size pictures. Save all your boarding passes, ticket receipts, hotel bills and take pictures of both of you etc, etc.

[X Factor 1,110]

I found that my gf and her family and extended family appreciated small gifts of candy. I took quite a bit of chocolates such as Reeces Pieces, M & M's etc. They loved it. And the kids could split up the bags of M & M's.

[aplummer2 0]

Already have a box of Godiva ready to go

By the way, I noticed your from Hackensack.. I'm actually not far from you. Maybe about 30 minutes.

Edited April 8, 2012 by Art Plummer

[Grant PDX 183]

I took half a suitcase full of snicker minis and hersheys kisses (kisses seem to be the biggest thing in my experience). Simple things are the best. Kisses and snickers and m&ms. Since easter is tomorrow, I bet Monday you can find great deals on easter candies that were left over. Pick up as much as you can fit in your luggage.

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

You will get a 21day visa on ARRIVAL to NAIA airport. IF you over stay the visa, which I did one time it's a $75 fee. But do have itenary in hand when you go through customs, just in case they ask for it.

[reya 0]

they're all right, since its less than 21 days, you'll just be needing a return ticket...

and yeah, kids would love the candies. My fiance got them in the mall here in Manila

only to realize he should've bought there instead because of the price difference

Anyway, goodluck to your trip here and have fun in the summer heat lol.

[thekfc 26]

I took half a suitcase full of snicker minis and hersheys kisses (kisses seem to be the biggest thing in my experience). Simple things are the best. Kisses and snickers and m&ms. Since easter is tomorrow, I bet Monday you can find great deals on easter candies that were left over. Pick up as much as you can fit in your luggage.

I did the same thing 2 years ago - almost half a suitcase of a wide variety of chocolate (a sample of most of the brands).

I will be sending a air cargo package soon & I am waiting on Target and a few other stores to markdown their Easter collection.

[miki2011 0]

I'll be going to Manila on April 26 until May 16 to meet my gf for the first time. I'm staying less than 21 days, so I won't need a visa right? Also, how will i prove this when I arrive at Manila airport? Can I just show my itinerary or will I already have a return ticket? Thanks!

Tourists from 166 countries can now avail of the expanded 30-day free visa upon arrival and six months for retirees as part of the government efforts to prove “It is more fun in the Philippines”.

[A and T 82]

bring candy from home that they dont have here. Bring Reese Pieces, Junior Mints, York peppermint patty, starbursts!

[GaryKO 49]

bring candy from home that they dont have here. Bring Reese Pieces, Junior Mints, York peppermint patty, starbursts!

That's ok for the kids, but the adults think if you don't give them Toblerone bars your cheap.

[Hank_ 9,173]

Tourists from 166 countries can now avail of the expanded 30-day free visa upon arrival and six months for retirees as part of the government efforts to prove "It is more fun in the Philippines".

Its only 21 days (unless something changed since last week), then you need to get a visa extension. I just extended my visa here the other day as I won't be flying back until May.

[Calypso 464]

I'll be going to Manila on April 26 until May 16 to meet my gf for the first time. I'm staying less than 21 days, so I won't need a visa right? Also, how will i prove this when I arrive at Manila airport? Can I just show my itinerary or will I already have a return ticket? Thanks!

Yes, I plan on taking the G-325A and the Letter of Intent for her to sign. And we already talked about getting the passport size pics done while I am there. I'm saving all of the boarding passes, ticket receipts and hotel bills and pictures. I've been reading this forum for over 4 months now, and I have seen a lot of good advice, especially on the RFE forum. Thanks for your reply!

I know some people who proposed to their girlfriend after meeting only once and they still have a great marriage presently, but I find it strange that you are already intending to prepare an I-129F petition for your "gf" when you haven't even met her yet.

I suggest that you spend your 21 days getting to know her well and consider every picture you take as a token of great memories rather than a "proof of relationship."

And I hope you don't come back in this forum like a few people do for the sake of whining and asking for a refund.

Travel safely.

Edited April 9, 2012 by Calypso