Flying for my Indian Wedding!
This was the first time I am flying outside Philippines with my family and not just for vacation, but for my own wedding! We left Cebu afternoon of October 10, 2016, spent several hours ( money, and fun) at Changi Airport for our flight to New Delhi. We arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport afternoon of the next day. Being able to land in the country where I just heard from my High School Asian History class and saw some news on TV, it was some sort of Magic. The feeling of amusement is always there when you are in new place and India is totally something different in so many Ways ( You will find out WHY in my next write ups).
My fiance picked us up and instead going to his City, he arranged the trip accordingly before we get so busy with the wedding preps.
We went immediately to Agra to spend few days there and visit the WORLD’s Famous TAJ MAHAL.
India is not India without Taj Mahal. As a foreigner, this is definitely the TOP on the list!
I admit that It was not that easy for me to secure all the paper works considering the fact that this is not a very common destination for someone who is from Philippines. Unlike USA and most of the countries in Europe, Visa assistance for India in Philippines is a sort of “Suntok sa Buwan” { Punching the Moon}moment. I asked help from Agencies but all they gave me was something I can also search on google. I did not get a very clear explanation of the Step by step process, though I really had to pay $140 for one of the agencies in Cebu whom I thought would process everything for me. But the ending was, they just compiled the requirements I myself prepared,from photos of me and my fiance, Invitation Letters from my fiance and from his parents, Plane Tickets and all the possible requirements the Embassy might ask. Worst part is, they don’t have anyone in Manila to assist me. They just advised me the Schedule of the Embassies. ( which again I can search on google).
As a concern mamamayang Pilipino, I would like to share my experiences in obtaining eTV and Regular Visa so Filipinos who want to travel India, but feeling hesitant to visit, will be guided as well. Whether it is for a month or for good.
Applying for Indian Visa
There are two types of Visa that I applied last October 2016. eTV and Regular Visa.
eTV ( Electronic Visa)– A visa that a Filipino can apply when visiting India for recreation/sightseeing less than a month. It is valid for 30 days from date of entry. I applied eTV for my family. Our departure date was October 10, 2016 and they depart from India last November 02, 2016. This is way easier than how it sounds.
I have provided step by step explaination on a seprate blog , for getting an etv. You may click on the link below to read it
