Absent of any easily searchable memo or guidelines pertaining to getting an authenticated invitation letter, many Pinoys here in Singapore are left scratching their heads out of frustration as this new rule is making its way through. As many of you know by now, Pinoys traveling abroad (from the Philippines) as tourists are now being required to produce this ‘authenticated’ invitation letter.
For those of you who are not aware, it is a piece of document that basically states the traveler’s name and his/her sponsor’s details (the one ‘inviting’ the traveler). This document is ‘authenticated’ by the Philippine Embassy in the country of destination (in our case, Singapore) and must be sent to the traveler in the Philippines in its original form (no scan, photocopy, fax, etc). This is what he/she will then show to the Philippine Immigration officers before he/she is allowed to leave the country.
Now the problem with this new rule is that apparently, it is not being consistently implemented. Sometimes, they look for this and sometimes, they don’t. What?! Yes, onli in da pilipins. Sad thing is if they looked for it and you don’t have it, you can bid goodbye to your fun-filled weekend at Universal Studios Singapore along with your hard earned cash that you used to buy your airline ticket as most of the time, it is not refundable.
Ok, so you decided to just get this ‘authenticated’ invitation letter (even if you think it is a total nonsense) just to avoid any possible hassle and ask your friend in Singapore the favor of going to the embassy, paying $42.50 fee for the document, traveling from the embassy to Lucky Plaza to have it couriered and paying another $15 for LBC (coz you need to have the original), what does this document actually say? It helps to know so you and your friend will not run afoul with the law.
There is a template available at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and it helps to have this information ready as it will save you time and will make your visit smoother (or less stressful, depends on how you look at it). Here’s how it reads:
SAMPLE INVITATION LETTER
I, Juan Dela Cruz, 30 years old, born on 1 January 1980 in Makati City, Filipino, Single, presently residing at Blk 100 Singapore Road #01-01, after being duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and say:
- That I am a holder of Philippine Passport No. AA1234567 issued in DFA Manila on 1 December 2009
- That I am employed with ABC Company Pte. Ltd as IT Engineer
- That I am inviting Maria Clara (name of invitee), 30 years old, my friend, for a visit here in Singapore
- That I will be responsible for all the expenses and accommodation of Maria Clara while she is in Singapore
- That I guarantee that she will not violate any laws of the Republic of Singapore
- That her visit is for tourism purposes only and she will not seek employment in Singapore and;
- That my address in the Philippines is 100 Daang Mapayapa St. Pasig City.
IN WITNESS HEREOF, I hereunto set my signature at the Embassy of the Philippines, Singapore, this (date)
Affiant’s Signature
TIPS YOU CAN USE
Come early. Before 9am is good. Embassy opens at 9am but queue starts way earlier than that. You can come at around 8:30am to avoid long queue. If you see lots of people outside, don’t worry; the queue for authentication letters is different and usually shorter in the morning. Embassy is closed Friday and Saturday.
Bring coins. Lots of it. At the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, photocopying machine is like a vendo. You wanna photocopy, you insert 30cents. Doesn’t accept bills though so make sure you have lots of coins, just in case you need it.
Bring a pen. There’s none provided at the Embassy so it would be best if you bring your own pen.
Bring your passport (original and photocopy). Last time we checked, they only require an applicant to show a valid passport to get an authenticated invitation letter. Just to be sure, bring your IC as well. Have it photocopied before going there. It saves you 1 less queuing time (in the photocopying machine).
Bring cash. They don’t accept NETS or Credit Card. They only accept cash. Fee is $42.50. Make sure you have enough with you.
Bring an iPod or newspaper or anything that can use to fight boredom. Getting any document from the Embassy definitely involves waiting, it just depends how long. Bring anything that can help you fight boredom.
TYPICAL PROCESS
- Upon arrival at the Embassy, proceed to Window 5 (Notarials and Authentication)
- They will give you the blank Affidavit and you will have to fill it up with necessary details (sample above). Other than the names and addresses, rest of the things can’t be changed like your guarantee that your friend will not seek employment, etc.
- Once completed, go back to Window 5 and together with the photocopy of your passport, have it checked. They will then ask you to proceed to the cashier.
- Pay $42.50 at the Cashier (cash)
- Get the receipt and go back to Window 5.
- They will ask you to wait as they do the ‘authentication’ process. They will sign, dry seal and record your document.
- Wait for your name to be called (this is where your iPod or magazine is useful)
- Once your name is called, get the document. You’re done!
- Leave the embassy and have it couriered to your friend.
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