Michi Photostory

Nestled at the heart of Europe, the Swiss Alps are a quintessential symbol of mountainous grandeur. Switzerland's pristine landscapes, adorned with snow-capped peaks, glittering lakes, and charming alpine villages, are a visual feast for all who venture here. The Jungfrau Region, with its iconic trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, provides an unforgettable panorama. For those seeking adventure, a plethora of outdoor activities await, from skiing and hiking to paragliding. The Switzerland tour package from Chennai can seamlessly transport you to this alpine wonderland. 

Nestled along Norway's western coast, the Norwegian fjords stand as a testament to nature's artistic prowess. These deep, narrow inlets, carved by ancient glaciers, present a mesmerizing spectacle of steep cliffs, emerald-green waters, and cascading waterfalls. One of the most famous fjords, Geirangerfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for cruise enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the Nordic landscape. 

Tucked away in northern Spain, the Picos de Europa is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. This mountain range, characterized by jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and charming villages, provides a tranquil haven for nature lovers. Fuente Dé, a cable car-accessible viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. As you explore the hiking trails and encounter the local wildlife, the Picos de Europa reveals a side of Spain that goes beyond its vibrant cities and sandy beaches. For those seeking a unique adventure, consider booking a Switzerland package from Kerala to further explore the beauty of Europe's diverse landscapes 

In the northwestern corner of the United Kingdom lies a rugged expanse of untamed beauty – the Scottish Highlands. Vast stretches of heather-clad hills, serene lochs, and towering mountains create a landscape that is both majestic and mystical. Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, commands attention, while Glencoe's dramatic glacial valleys offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The Scottish Highlands are a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude amid breathtaking vistas.

Tucked away in the heart of Croatia, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a natural wonderland that seems straight out of a fairytale. Sixteen interconnected lakes, adorned with cascading waterfalls and surrounded by lush greenery, create a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The vibrant colors of the lakes, ranging from azure to emerald, change with the angle of the sun, providing a captivating and ever-changing spectacle. Wooden walkways and hiking trails allow visitors to explore this pristine paradise, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. 

Italy's Amalfi Coast is a celebration of Mediterranean splendor, where towering cliffs adorned with colorful villages plunge into the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Narrow winding roads hug the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the dramatic cliffs. The Amalfi Coast is not just a visual feast; it's a sensory experience that captures the essence of la dolce vita. 

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a geological marvel that defies expectations at every turn. Volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls coexist in a harmonious dance of contrasts. The iconic Golden Circle route showcases the explosive power of geysers at Geysir, the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and the historical significance of Thingvellir National Park. The otherworldly landscapes of black sand beaches and the surreal beauty of the Blue Lagoon add to Iceland's allure, making it a destination that appeals to both adventure seekers and those seeking tranquility. 

Stretching across Central and Eastern Europe, the Carpathian Mountains are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diverse ecosystems, dense forests, and alpine meadows create a landscape that feels enchanted and untouched. Romania's Transfagarasan Highway winds through these mountains, offering breathtaking views of valleys and medieval castles. The Carpathians are not just a feast for the eyes; they are also home to a rich array of flora and fauna, making them a haven for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. 

The rugged cliffs of the Ligurian coastline cradle the five colorful villages of Cinque Terre, creating a coastal masterpiece that seems straight out of a cinematic dream. Each village, perched precariously on the cliffs, is a mosaic of pastel-colored buildings, vibrant vineyards, and azure waters. Hiking trails connect the villages, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the terraced landscapes. Cinque Terre is a testament to human ingenuity, as generations have carved a sustainable existence into the steep hillsides. 

Nestled in the southern part of Germany, the Bavarian Alps are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, perched atop a hill, overlooks the picturesque landscapes of the region. The Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, offers panoramic views that extend into Austria and Switzerland. From charming alpine villages to pristine lakes, the Bavarian Alps provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

As of this writing, Australia is the third visa country that we applied for as a family. My husband has other business visas but for our own family trip, we only experienced Japan Visa and Schengen Visa.  

When my husband purchased our Manila - Sydney- Manila flight during the Great Mabuhay Miles Getaway Promotion, I started reading blogs and articles regarding the Australian Visa Tourist Application. In my mind, everything is easy because I can do it online but I spoke too soon because… 

1. I was surprised when I needed to answer 20 pages. 

2. We are applying as a family but we need individual applications. I can only create a group to inform them that this is a group process. 

3. Biometric and Health Assessments are needed. Good thing that we only need biometrics. 

4. I need to scan all the entry/exit stamps of our expired and current passports plus visa documentation. Sa ibang countries kasi, current passport lang ang need. 

And because of this, it took me two days to finish our application forms, including the scanning, uploading, and attaching of documents. It was kinda stressful because I only had limited time. We need to submit our applications and schedule our biometrics before my husband’s business trip. I am just thankful that we don’t need to submit our passports. 

Despite the stress that I experienced, I can still say that applying for an Australian Tourist Visa is not hard as long as you are not in a hurry. 

Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is a tourist visa stream that allows you to visit Australia as a tourist, go on a cruise, or visit your family or friends. They can grant you a stay of 3, 6, or 12 months. Tourist needs to be outside Australia when applying for this type of visa. 

1. Create an ImmiAccount 

Just like our Schengen Visa application, I only create one online account and use it for all our applications. For Australia, you need to create an Immi Account, it is where I fill out forms, attach documents, pay the visa fee, and check the status of our applications. 

You need to fill in 20 pages but there is no time limit so you can take your time in answering don’t forget to save the form if you are not ready to submit it yet. 

You can attach up to 60 documents for each person. The site accepts .jpg, .png, .pdf and other type of files. Just make sure that the file is not encrypted or secured PDF files. Also, the file should not be over 5 MB.

Dito ako nastress sa 5MB kasi nascan ko na lahat ng passports ni hubby, ending I can’t attach it because the file is over 5MB so I have to repeat it again. I reduced the pixels and I scanned per passport na lang.

Documents may vary depending if you are employed, unemployed, a student etc. You can see the required and recommended documents after you fill out the form. We just submitted the documents that we have. 

Passport Profile Page 

Entry and exit of expired passport 

Entry and exit of current passport 

Visa documentation 

Birth Certificate 

Passport 

Photo ID of Parent’s showing signature 

Form 54 

Birth Certificate 

Marriage Certificate 

Itinerary 

Flight Ticket 

Certificate of Enrollment (Dito ko na lang nilagay sa may others) 

Bank Certificate 

Bank Statement (3 months) 

Title Deed 

Latest Credit Card Statement 

Travel Insurance 

Income Tax Return 

Payslip 

Payslip 

Certificate of Employment 

Evidence of Leave 

I uploaded JPG and PDF files only. The site knows if you attach encrypted files or secured files, I experienced this when I attached our travel insurance, nag-error yung file so I had to print and scan our travel insurance so I could attach it. 

The “Other Documents” option will appear after you paid your visa. So just in case there are documents you want to add or if they are requesting more documents, you can attach them here. 

Note: It is not advisable to purchase your plane ticket and travel insurance before applying for your visa. Actually, first time namin itong ginawa, we just took a risk kasi sayang ang sale. Pero ayaw ko na ulitin kasi super worry naman ako habang naghihintay ng decision, natatakot ako na masayang ang pera kung hindi granted. 

You can pay per application or group application. I chose the latter so I paid AUD570 + AUD7.98 = AUD577.98. The amount may vary depending on the foreign exchange, PHP21,982.54 is the amount posted on our credit card. 

After payment, we received our receipt and instructions about biometrics. 

To schedule your biometric, visit the VFS Global site. I am glad that I can book a group appointment. You only have two weeks to finish your biometric. 

1. Electronic or printed copy of the appointment letter as proof of your appointment date. 

2. Passport 

3. Electronic or printed copy of the Biometric letter issued by the Department of Home Affairs, Australia showing your personal details and a Visa Lodgement Number (VLN) to enable enrolment of your Biometric. 

4. Biometric Service fee 

Biometric Collection fee: PHP 892 (per person) 

Modes of payment: Cash 

Cebu Monday to Friday 07:00 - 16:00 

Manila Monday to Friday 07:00 - 21:00 

Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Building, 2305, 

Don Chino Roces Ave Extension, 

Makati City 1231, 

Manila, Philippines 

The schedule that we got is already evening. Once you arrive at the VFS office, the staff will check your appointment and will give you a number. If I remember it right, there are seven booths so mabilis naman and natapos kami in 40 minutes.

After Biometric, I clicked the “I confirmed I have provided information as requested” and our application changed to “Further Assessment” status. 

The global processing time for Australian Tourist Visa (600) is about a month and according to their website, you need to apply at least 4 months before your intended travel date. So it is better to apply as early as possible because you cannot predict how early or late they will finalize your visa applications. 

25% of applications: 3 Days 

50% of applications: 7 Days 

75% of applications: 13 Days 

90% of applications: 22 Days 

Some people are lucky that they got their visa, minutes or hours after their biometrics but based on our experience, we got our visas on Day 13. Fortunately, we all received the visa grants email on the same day at a few-minute intervals. Some people even though they applied as a group, they received the visa decisions at different times. 

We did not apply for multiple entry but we got multiple entry for one year with 3 months stay per visit. Yey!

Day 1 (Friday)- Submit/Lodge the Application Form 

Pay the Visa Fee 

Book Biometric Appointment 

Day 4 (Monday) - Biometric Appointment 

Day 13 (Thursday) - Visa Granted - Multiple Entry for 1 year - 3 Months Stay