Singapore is only 3 hours away from the Philippines by airplane and both countries share the same time zone.
I am a Filipina and have planned to travel together with my Japanese boyfriend. We chose to stay in Singapore for about 4 days and 3 nights to celebrate our 1st Anniversary as a couple. It was not only my first time to travel by plane but also it was my first time to travel to a foreign country.You might be wondering how I made it as a first-timer. Believe me, It wasn’t that easy.
I was with my boyfriend when we proceeded to the Philippine Immigration and I thought that we will be on the same interview since we were together but it didn’t even matter. We had to take it separately unless if we’re married then we can go on the same interview. It took him a minute to finish the interview but mine was a horrifying 20-minute one.
I felt scared and thought of What Ifs. What if I failed? What if they disapprove? What if my requirements were not enough? These were the questions that bothered me.
Well, at least in the end I made it and I want you guys to make it as well.
Here are the things you need to prepare and what questions to expect from the Philippine Immigration Officer ( especially for a Filipino like me ) based on my personal experience.
Note: All Philippine passport holders can be issued Visas upon arrival in Changi Airport, Singapore.
Dress to impress
I believe in making a good impression so look neat and dress formally. They’re going to look at how you present your self since you are traveling to an extremely strict country like Singapore.
During my interview and flight, I wore a dress with long sleeves and a close shoes. The good news is that I made a good first impression.
Prepare the Requirements
The only key to this is to prepare your requirements ahead before the flight. Make sure you have extra copies (online or hard copy) of everything. That’s just in case.
- Passport
- Immigration Fill-up Form
- Airplane Ticket (Round Trip)
- Travel Itinerary for Singapore
- Travel Insurance from the Airline
- Confirmed Hotel Booking
- Company and Government IDs
- Company Leave Form
- Picture with your Company logo as background (proof of employment)
- Picture with partner (proof of relationship)
Take note: For short-stay tourists, Philippine Immigration will not be requiring any Statement of Account from your banks or any Show money if traveling to Singapore.
Stay Online
There is a high possibility that during the interview they may ask you to show any pictures as proofs so keep your mobile data or pocket wifi active just in case if you need to check your social media accounts or emails.
Wear your Confidence
After presenting all the documents needed, make sure you are ready for the Q & A .
Be confident in the way you answer but don’t forget to be polite as well since they will be testing your manners and behavior during the interview.
Answer the Questions
Don’t be nervous. These questions are normal. All you have to do is answer it honestly and correctly.
- How long are you going to stay in Singapore?
- Do you have any plans of going back to the Philippines?
- What’s the purpose of this travel?
- Is it your first time traveling to a foreign country?
- Do you have any booked accommodation there?
- How old are you?
- Who are you with?
- Are you employed?
- What’s the name of your company?
- What’s the nature of its business?
- How long have you been working there?
- What’s your position?
- How long the company has been running?
- Do you have any company photos (with logo) that you can show me?
The problem I encountered
That unforgettable 20-minute interview in the immigration challenged me.
At that time of my experience, I didn’t have any Company ID, Company Leave form and Company photo with Logo ( as what specified above ). I wasn’t a regular employee so I only asked for a COE & Letter of Approval for Leave of Absence from the management. However, these were still unconsidered. What saved me then?
The immigration officer gave me a chance and asked me to show some pictures that proved my employment. I, then showed our Company page online ( facebook & instagram ) and its website. Good thing I had a picture on a certain company event.
They finally approved my entry to the country.
If you are wondering what does a Company photo (with logo) meant, there you go. Notice that we both wore the same clothes. What are the odds!
Passing the Immigration interview from Philippines to Singapore is one thing that must be taken seriously and politely. If you got your documents ( as specified above ) ready and you are confident enough to answer the following questions then there’s no doubt you’ll get approved as to my piece of advice.
Good Luck on your Singapore Trip!
How was your Immigration experience to Singapore? Let me know your thoughts.
Iba din! Lumalavan! Thanks for such an informative blog. 🙂
Thank you for reading 😉