As a Philippine passport holder, having an Australian visa opens up exciting opportunities for you to explore beyond the Land Down Under. With the privilege of holding an Australian visa, you gain access to various countries with ease. Let’s dive into the countries you can visit with your Australian visa, and the incredible experiences that await you.
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Types of Australian Visa
The Australian government provides six types of visitor visas, namely:
- Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
- eVisitor (subclass 651)
- Transit Visa (subclass 771)
- Visitor (subclass 600)
- Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
- Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417).
The eligibility of these visas depends on the eligibility of the country, and the Philippines is eligible to apply for the Visitor Visa.
Places to Visit with an Australian Visa
Here is a list of places that Philippine passport holders with an Australian visa can visit:
Georgia
Tourists with a valid Australian visa can enter the country visa-free. Entry to Georgia is allowed for 90 days within a 180-day period.
Discover Georgia
Georgia sits between Europe and Asia and is a favorite holiday destination for those living in Eastern Europe and neighboring countries. The country offers stunning views of the Caucasus Mountain Range, Black Sea coastline, and UNESCO Heritage sites.
Georgia has numerous churches, especially in the mountains and valleys, as it was one of the first countries in the world to adopt Christianity. Each church boasts of treasures and mosaics.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the various wines that the country offers. With each sip, you can taste different flavors and experience its unique tastes. It’s even said that drinking Georgian wine does not cause hangovers.
The country is home to diverse wildlife, and when you visit, you can enjoy boating on the freshwater in the Balkans, where you can see various bird species and other animals. While touring the lake, you’ll also be able to see the Karst Mountains.
Address of the Embassy of Georgia in the State of Qatar
- West Bay District, Zone 66, Street 835, Villa 9 St., Doha
- Telephone number: +974 4473 94 99
- Email address: doha.emb@mfa.gov.ge
Montenegro
Holders of a valid Australian visa can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days.
Discover Montenegro
Montenegro is located in the west-central Balkans and is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with its majestic mountains, clear lakes, and elegant beach resorts. It is also home to the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Additionally, you can go on a boat ride to reach Our Lady of the Rocks, a famous island church believed to be created in 1484. Numerous boat tours are available to visit the church.
Moreover, hiking in Kotor is a great option. From the trail, you can admire natural landscapes and lush forests. Don’t forget to visit the Castle of San Giovanni, where you can enjoy a nice view of Kotor Bay.
Get a glimpse of the country by watching this video:
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the vlogger shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the vlogger by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.
Embassy of Montenegro in United Arab Emirates
- Address: Villa 1. Building 69, Rabdan St. 29, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
- Phone: +974 244 18901
- Email address: montenegrouae@mfa.gov.me
Panama
Philippine passport holders with a multiple-entry visa from Australia can visit Panama for up to 30 days.
Discover Panama
Panama is located in Central America, near Colombia and Costa Rica, and offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Given Panama’s strategic location, guests can choose from a variety of water activities. Start with Bocas del Toro, where your visit will involve admiring the flora and fauna while experiencing the culture of the Bocas people.
Adding Panama City to your itinerary is a must. The country’s capital is home to the Panama Canal, one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world. While in the city, make sure to try its best restaurants. Additionally, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the Metropolitan Natural Park, a unique tropical rainforest located within the city.
Embassy of Panama in Qatar
- Address: Villa #4 Street 534, Zone 66, West Bay, Doha
- Telephone: +974 4483 7740
Safety Tips When Traveling Abroad
While it can be fun and exciting to visit foreign countries, you should also be aware of some safety tips. This is an important reminder, especially if the host country has a different culture and language than yours.
However, it doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself in exploring the country. Instead, these tips should guide you so you can enjoy your travels:
- Do not announce your travel plans to strangers
- As much as possible, travel during the daytime
- Do not accept rides from strangers
- Stay away from “seedier” areas of the places you visit, especially if you have to go there are night
- Ask for the hotel manager’s recommendation on which places are safe to go
- Always carry the contact details of the Philippine embassy. If there is no Philippine embassy, find out which country’s embassy can assist you.
Customs Restrictions of Foreign Destinations
Depending on which country you visit, you should be aware that some of them have restrictions on what you cannot take out with you. Here are some examples, as listed on the U.S. Department of State website:
- Currency
- Gold and other precious metals
- Precious and semi-precious stones
- Electronic equipment not declared on arrival
- Firearms and ammunitions
- Antiques
- Animal skins
- Religious artifacts and literature
- Ivory and certain other wildlife parts and products
You might enjoy picking up souvenirs and other items during your travels. But you should also be mindful that there are some items that are prohibited from leaving the country. Take the time to know what these are so you will not encounter any problems when you depart. Surely, you want your trip to be full of happy memories; you don’t want them to be tainted with memories of being in trouble with authorities.
Conclusion
With an Australian visa in hand, Filipinos can embark on unforgettable adventures to neighboring countries. From the stunning landscapes of Georgia to the cultural treasures of Montenegro and Panama, there’s a world of diverse experiences waiting to be explored. So, pack your bags and get ready to venture beyond Australia. The world is your oyster, and with your Australian visa, you can seize the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
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