Nobody likes lining up at embassies. NO BODY. Waiting in a queue for someone to tell you that…read moreyou're probably not a terrorist and mark it down on your passport just isn't very enjoyable, but it's a necessary inconvenience for everyone in the Philippines. Unfortunately our passports don't carry much cache and someone has to vouch that we aren't traveling with anthrax in our pockets. To make things even more complicated, different VISA centers operate a little different. Some are better than others, even though they mean the same thing. Those applying for Schengen visas have the choice of any country they are visiting, and choosing the best one is essential to save time. The Italian visa center (shared with New Zealand) is about average. The queues are long, but they do have family lanes for large groups. The waiting area is small and it can get a little tight during peak seasons, but the place is well air conditioned. It's still going to take you the entire day, but this is a little better than others.

Oh my goodness. Looking back on my time here brings back a very strong wave of nostalgia mixed with…read moredread. My experience at the French Embassy wasn't particularly pleasant. I may have given the consul the wrong impression at the get-go as I wasn't able to print out photocopies of my previous visas furnished by other countries. I found the consul to be rude, degrading and just thoroughly unpleasant. I answered all of her questions with politeness and respect knowing that showing attitude wouldn't work in my favor. I find that there's much to be done in terms of improvement for the way that they talk to people. Thank God I was issued my visa and the French people showed me nothing of the rudeness that their embassy did. Note that the lady who interviewed me was a Filipina!

When I applied to become an exchange student to France before, I worked closely with Alliance…read moreFrance plus the the French Embassy in order to speed up the process of my student visa. A lot of my friends who applied for visas before me has told me that it's quite to get a Schengen visa through the French embassy. I guess you really have to show all the required supported documents. During the time I had to apply, I really made sure I submitted all documents. They are very quick when it comes to checking your documents. The line was organized as the applicants were given numbers while waiting for their turn. They ask you the typical questions such as what you intend to do in Europe, etc. Just make sure you're able to answer them and you'll do well in the whole process. Don't make them feel like you're not going to return back to the Philippines. Show to them that you have some what an itinerary!

If you're a Filipino citizen or of any other country that requires a visitor visa to be able to…read moretravel to New Zealand, it's important to be aware of the fact that New Zealand does things a little bit differently in this regard. There are no interviews at the embassy, but rather the process is conducted and applications are lodged via the New Zealand Visa Information and Application Centre. My personal experience was very pleasant. They were extremely efficient at overseeing the application process for me. I simply had to set an appointment, come on time, submit my documents, pay the courier fee, and keep my fingers crossed. Mission accomplished!

12/03/24- 1526 Good…read moreafternoon, My wife had appointment to replace her US Passport. There were some people outside that will collect your personal devices; smart phones, Apple Watch and etc. You have to pay them 300 pesos. Good thing the Security Guard told my wife that she didn't have to that since she's a US citizen po. Thank you po Sir. God bless po ...

Tourists Visas is just a Scam to take your money, your already denied as soon as you apply. They…read morenever look at the invitation letters or reasons to visit.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and I am so blessed to have such a…read moredeeply rooted relationship with this country. Their democracy, beauty, quality of life, and culture is utterly amazing. The embassy of Switzerland in Manila is small but they are well organized and have good relations with the locals and expats alike. There is also a sense of community in their activities and events and its always interesting for me to be up to date with their news and current events as I consider Switzerland my second home and a place I travel to every year. Their relationship with the Philippines aims in bringing together a better understanding of Swiss culture, business, politics, and economics to better bridge the gap that we have in working together. Of course their reputation of being a neutral country is very much prevalent and I find their diplomatic relations to be always admirable and fair. The main embassy itself processes more long term services and the tourist visas are done through an outsourced service provider called TLS Contact, which is also quite an efficient system.

The staff of Greek embassy manila when they used to house the office in SAGE building are extremely…read morerude and annoying. They will give you an appointment but wouldn't honor it. What's the point of waiting? They will asked you to wait downstairs without chairs for hours then when you come up, they still have the nerve to embarrass you. Mga Filipino pa man din. Even that staff named Gina and the annoying guard ( I should have asked his name) but he's in his 30's. I think they only have one guard. May guts pa na pagalitan kami. But when foreigners come, they don't have to wait. Derecho kaagad sa loob.One foreigner even told the applicants that the four cornered embassy room belongs to the greek. Everyone was quiet. What the hell? Nakakairita talaga. I hope the staff of Greek Embassy would read this, Kaya tayo minamaliit ng ibang bansa. They will ask you to speak in English inside the embassy. How about those who are not comfortable speaking in English? I wish they knew that in Greece, people are required to speak the greek language even foreigners. Even in the Philippine embassy in Greece, they will politely speak the language the applicant is comfortable with. Except siguro sa interview. Sana po ayusin naman ninyo ang sistema.

I've been to a lot of embassies - it's part of my job. But so far, one my favorite is the…read moreSingaporean Embassy in Taguig. Nevermind that it's one of the biggest foreign embassies in Manila, or that it's design is so avant garde it tends to be a bit polarizing during dinner parties that the Ambassador loves throwing. The best part about the embassy is its people. The Ambassador here is one of the best people you can ever hope to work with in the diplomatic corps. None of the ego and power-tripping everyone in my field has come to expect from embassy officials. Even the staff are amazing, which is saying something. THIS is what the diplomatic corps should be.