10 Visa Application Hacks You Might Not Know About

Build your travel history. Grow your assets. Save, save, save! You’ve heard these visa tips before — and yes, money still matters. But in 2025, consuls are looking at more than just your bank account. Visa processing systems, interview protocols, and supporting documents have evolved. So if you’re planning to apply soon, here are the updated visa hacks that Filipino travellers swear by this year.

Also read: Visa Application for Filipinos: Most Common Misconceptions

Time your visit with events

When news broke that Tokyo was going to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, rumours of possible visa-free entry to Japan for Filipinos started to spread like wildfire. This would encourage more international tourists to visit the country, hence receiving more funds, they said.

While that didn’t exactly happen, the Japanese Embassy has been known to be more lenient with visa applications the past months, particularly for Philippine passport holders. Indeed, travellers reported easily receiving multiple-entry visas and getting approved even without meeting certain financial requirements. That said, make it a habit to plan your trips around local events to solidify your purpose of travel.

Prepare itineraries that make sense

You might not realise it, but consuls appreciate applicants who go the extra mile with their preparations. Having a well-thought-out itinerary, for example, shows that you take your travels seriously by doing the one thing that many of us take for granted these days — research. And proper research at that.

Many Filipino travellers have successfully secured visas by presenting realistic itineraries. Group destinations logically (e.g. by region or country), show confirmed accommodation, and include transport details like bus or rail routes. Make sure your itinerary matches your supporting papers — inconsistencies are red flags for consuls.

Focus on getting a US visa first

On top of your passport, one of the most powerful travel documents you can have as a Filipino traveller is a US visa. Specifically, one that allows you multiple entries for 10 years. With a valid one, you can travel to at least 30 more countries visa-free, including Mexico and some parts of Europe. That’s on top of the current list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Filipinos.

Having a valid US visa still boosts your travel credibility. It allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 30 countries, including Mexico, Panama, and some European territories. Moreover, being granted a US visa shows strong ties and travel intent, which can make getting Japanese, Korean, or Schengen visas easier.

Check if there’s an e-visa option

More destinations now issue electronic visas or Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) for Filipinos, including Turkey, India, and South Korea (through K-ETA for Jeju). These are faster, cheaper, and don’t require physical visits to the embassy. Always apply only through official government portals to avoid scams.

Take advantage of bank deals

Going back to one of my first points, saving or growing your bank account can significantly help you with your visa applications. That said, a few banks in the Philippines actually allow you to easily secure tourist visas if you qualify for one of their credit card programmes.

While South Korea no longer offers automatic visa exemptions for certain cardholders, some banks and travel agencies now partner with embassies for priority handling. For example, BDO and BPI have exclusive arrangements for Japan visa assistance, while RCBC offers travel concierge services for Schengen applications. Check your card benefits page — many include travel insurance and document assistance that make your visa process easier.

Reserve your tickets, don’t buy

Most embassies still accept flight reservations instead of confirmed tickets. You can get these through travel agencies that offer temporary holds or through sites like Qatar Airways’ “Hold My Booking.” These are valid for a few days and save you from losing money if your visa is denied.

Apply with parents, or get a sponsor or guarantor

Some embassies will reject your visa application just for planning to travel solo or with someone you’re not related to by blood. It’s not always fair. And as much as I hate to say it, that’s simply how it is.

For students or first-time travellers, having a financial sponsor helps establish credibility. Make sure your sponsor’s financial documents are recent, and include a notarised affidavit of support and proof of relationship. If you’re travelling with a partner, prepare additional documents like joint bank statements or proof of shared residence to strengthen your case.

Maximise free company trips

One of the perks of travel writing or working for a travel company is getting invited to all-expenses-paid trips. And that’s true for us here at TripZilla. My co-writer Danielle previously went on a media trip to two visa-required countries and enjoyed that very privilege. “Tourism boards, airlines and other travel-related businesses invite us to cover various destinations. We went to China and Japan for a cruise, and the organisers processed our visas for us, which helped with the approval”, she shares.

But that is not to say that it’s the only way for you to enjoy the same perk. These days, some companies will take you on free company trips for either leisure or work, and you don’t have to break a sweat for it. If the destination happens to be a visa-required place, say yes at all costs! Not only will you get to enjoy travel privileges most people only dream of, but you’ll also be enjoying visa application assistance from your company. Given you’re already travelling with a group of people, the outcome is almost always favourable.

Attend cultural programmes and conferences

Scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and youth exchanges are valid travel purposes recognised by most embassies. Programmes like AIESEC, Erasmus+, and Japan’s JENESYS regularly invite Filipinos and assist with visa applications. These not only improve your chances but also expand your international exposure.

Do know that most of these programmes are not free. Some will, in fact, cost you much more than applying for a visa the traditional way. But more often than not, they come with complimentary visa assistance courtesy of the organisers. “Even if you pay some fee, at least you have the backing of an organisation,” shares Regis, our Business Development Executive who previously attended the Global Young Leaders Conference in Europe.

Apply in a different embassy or country

For Schengen applications, processing times and leniency vary by embassy. Frequent travellers recommend applying through the Netherlands, France, or Czech Republic if your itinerary allows. Always apply at the embassy of your main or longest destination, and double-check where you should lodge your documents if you’re applying while abroad.

Furthermore, some countries allow tourists to apply for visas to a third country. Often, the fees are cheaper and the requirements are much simpler than in the Philippines. This is true when applying for an Argentina visa while you’re in other Latin American countries. To know if this applies to the visa you intend on obtaining, you can visit the local website of the concerned embassy. Or, if you’re travelling long-term like Mike, just go straight to the nearest embassy for updated information.

Also read: 3 Flight Booking Hacks Filipino Travellers Should Know

Do these visa application hacks seem doable enough for you? As always, some of these tips still work on a case-to-case basis, so I recommend doing additional research before going any further with your visa application.

As for flights, be sure to join Flight Deals – Philippines or visit our Travel Deals section for foolproof booking tips and cheap fare updates. If you have anything to add to this list, send us a message or leave a note in the comments section!