Cancelled Holiday to Australia
By Curlann
@annierose (21977)
United States
April 25, 2016 6:42am CST
I felt hopeless after I received the refusal notification from the Australian Embassy for my application for a tourist visa. It was the second time that I applied and it was still denied despite the additional proof I gave to them that I have my family here in the Philippines, I have my stable job and I also have my personal savings. I do not know what was wrong as I think I provided all necessary documents to prove that I am a genuine tourist.
My boyfriend already told me that if they did not accept my application, then we will no longer visit Australia. He said there are still many pretty countries. I do agree with him. Although I feel a bit unhappy, I will just think that God has a plan why my visa was denied. Perhaps visiting Australia is not the best country for me to see this year. As of now, I am thinking of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, or even Malaysia. I would love to visit Japan, China, Korea and India. But those countries require visas from Filipino people. I hope someday I can still visit those countries and visa will no longer be a problem for me.
19 people like this
18 responses
@toniganzon (77288)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
My friend lives in Australia now and he got his visa pretty easily. The only thing he had was an invitation from another friend residing there. So he told me, if i ever want to visit Australia, I just have to ask him for an invite.
4 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
I received a lot of suggestions that it is easier get a visa if there is a sponsor from that country. In my case, I do not have any sponsor. I will travel there on my own so maybe it is a red flag to them. However, I do not know what was really wrong that they denied still my application despite the fact I also have a letter from my mom as a proof that I will return in the Philippines.
3 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@toniganzon Perhaps it is better that I travel first on visa free countries. I only visited Singapore and it was all I have in my passport.
@toniganzon (77288)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
@annierose Yeah it's really sad. Don't know about that, all i know is that it's easier to get a student visa, or having an invite when you're going there as a tourist.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
New Zealand would be a good alternative. It's clean and beautiful and there lots of places to see. We went there last year and our daughters paid for our airfare. We had problems too with our return flight via Australia and we had to extend our stay in new Zealand for 10 days. There are now direct flights to Auckland via PAL and in December, Air New Zealand will also have direct flights to the Philippines. You will have your money's worth if you visit New Zealand instead.
3 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
I think it going to New Zealand means I need to apply again for a tourist visa? It is also in my bucket list but I feel somewhat afraid of getting a visa after they denied me twice. I do not know why they are so strict with Filipinos but when it comes other nationalities, it is easy. Is it because Philippines belong to Third World Countries?
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
@annierose Try going over the internet for New Zealand travel. You can just download the forms, fill it up, pay the minimal fees, call the call center and wait for their response.
2 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@sunrisefan Thanks for the tip. Maybe I will just consider New Zealand by next year. A big amount of money was wasted because of my plan to travel to Australia and I think New Zealand is also an expensive country. So, perhaps it is better to save first for New Zealand trip.
2 people like this
@youless (114117)
• Guangzhou, China
25 Apr 16
I am so sorry to hear that. I totally understand how disappointed it is. Besides, the application of the visa to Australia is expensive. I also feel that sometimes it is not easy to apply for a visa from the developed country. When I visit your country, I also have to apply for the visa. But at least that it is easier compare to Australia. If you visit Hong Kong, you don't have to get a visa. You can stay there within 7 days.
2 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Yes, I am looking for cheap flights to another country. I still hope that I can still go on a vacation this summer. This will be my only turn to unwind. I did not join the outings in my offline jobs just because I want to finish all the tasks given to me. Although it is summer vacation here, I do not feel it at all that is why I really want to have at least a break even once.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19701)
• India
25 Apr 16
@annierose I think for the moment just visit one of the visa free countries and enjoy.Next year you can go and visit New Zealand.Hope you have a good vacation.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Hi silvermist! Are you from New Zealand? Yes, I hope so I can go there. I am fond of those countries that end in "land."
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
@silvermist Thanks. I got a full pack schedule in my jobs offline so going on a vacation next month seems to be out of reach. I hope I can still find time to visit another country maybe on other months.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19701)
• India
26 Apr 16
@annierose No,I am from India.Then may be you should visit Thailand.
1 person likes this
@vickyrose (2236)
• Cooma, Australia
25 Apr 16
Australian Immigration is very strict with Filipino passport holders due to negative experience in the past. If it's your first overseas travel, maybe it's a good idea to visit those visa free countries first. Good luck
2 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
I think so they are too strict. I already have my trip in Singapore last year. That was the only stamp I have in my passport. I am thinking of visiting just another country which does not cost much.
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@miniam Yes, it is one of the expensive countries in the world. But even if it is an expensive country, with thorough research I find out that I can do many things which will not cost me a lot when I stay there. My itinerary was full of sight seeings and coastal and city walks. My only expenses will be the foods and tickets for the Featherdale Zoo and Blue Mountains.
@miniam (9151)
• Bern, Switzerland
25 Apr 16
@annierose
From what i have read online,Australia is not exactly cheap.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15504)
• United Kingdom
25 Apr 16
Did they not give you a reason for denying your application?
I think it may have been they thought you'd overstay your visa as it happens a lot here with tourist/student visas and I expect it happens in Australia too.
It's unfortunate that some people ruin things for genuine tourists/students.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
They just mentioned in their letter that I do not have enough proof that I will return to my home country. I do not know what else do they want or may it be because I just travelled once to another country. But I have read that some people were able to go to Australia even that is the first country they are going to visit. I also think my savings are more than enough for me to stay in Sydney for 1 week. I even gave them my return ticket and my hotel reservation as additional proof that I am a genuine tourist.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
@Mike197602 It is on a promo so I think it is impossible to get a refund. What is your place Mike? I hope the ticket there is not expensive and your country won't require me for a visa.
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15504)
• United Kingdom
25 Apr 16
@annierose So you'd bought a return ticket before getting a visa?
Can you get a refund on that?
I'm quite surprised after you've shown the return ticket proof that you were declined.
Hey...maybe come over here for a visit?
There is a lot to see and do here.
1 person likes this
i havent tried those offers although theyre tempting.
well anyway, hope to hear a story from you finally travelling somewhere Sydney-like or better.@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@MGjhaud Thanks Joy. It is my dream to visit one country a year. It seems like I get more inspired and motivated in my jobs whenever I think I will travel.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Thanks Joy. Being not able to go to Australia next month does not mean I cannot go to other countries. There are visa free countries that I would like to see too. It was just that Cebu Pacific that time offered a seat sale from Manila to Sydney so I got tempted to book on it without thinking I need a visa too.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
25 Apr 16
I think they process only a certain number of visa applications a day.
If they approve only 100 visa applications a day, and your form is after the 100th application form, you will not get the visa.
I think you can write in to them for approval.
1 person likes this
It sounds unfair.@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@scheng1 I understand. The fault of one person becomes the fault of many. Sad thing but true.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
25 Apr 16
@annierose It happens a lot.
I think the stupid candidate that wants to run for President also plays a part.
He says he should be the first to rape the beautiful Australia missionary.
I think Australia embassy is not going to allow Filipinos to visit Australia until the whole thing cools over.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
I attached the return ticket too that is why I do not know what was wrong really. 
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
@allknowing I am not sure. Only the Immigration Case Officer knows the real reason.
@allknowing (153529)
• India
26 Apr 16
@annierose Your age could be the reason. They think you will stay back and work.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
Japan requires visa as well. And there are some cases that they denied applicants. The only good thing in Japan is that it asks lower visa fee compared to Australia.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
It is okay. I spent so much time and money to comply with all the requirements but nothing happened. I think going to Australia this year is not meant for me.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
@gudheart True, indees. But I cannot do anythinf about it now. That is their decision.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
If only there is no visa needed for it
1 person likes this
@brokenbee (11937)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
I am sorry to hear that. Hmmmm Maybe you can try again for the third time, or for the fourth.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
It is only possible if I am rich.
The visa fee cost an arm and leg. I do not want to apply again this year. I am just thinking of visiting it once I already have many stamps in my passport just to show I really go on trips.
The visa fee cost an arm and leg. I do not want to apply again this year. I am just thinking of visiting it once I already have many stamps in my passport just to show I really go on trips.1 person likes this
@brokenbee (11937)
• Philippines
25 Apr 16
@annierose oh, okay.. Maybe you can just try other countries that don't require visa.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Thailand is also in my bucket list and I hope I can find a cheap flight from here going to Thailand. I hope I still have enough time to make a budget itinerary to wherever I will go.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
26 Apr 16
@miniam Yes. Thanks for cheering me up. I hope I can still find time to have a vacation this year.
1 person likes this
@miniam (9151)
• Bern, Switzerland
25 Apr 16
@annierose
Hotels and food is quite cheap in Thailand, little money go along way so dont be sad about Australia
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85923)
• Valdosta, Georgia
25 Apr 16
I'm so sorry your application was denied, I am sure that was a disappointment for you. =( I hope you find another country that you will love even more than Australia! 
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Thanks Jennifer. I still love Australia. My boyfriend hates Australia now because they do not want me to go there. My boyfriend is lucky because he does not need to go on the rough process to be able to go to Australia. His country is a developed one.
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Thanks Anna.. That is what I am going to do now. If I will be able to visit a visa free country, I will post it here again. I accepted it already that I will not be able to go to Sydney this vacation.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Thanks Jabo. I think it is really not that easy being a Philippine passport holder. We cannot go from one country to another as easy as other nationalities can do. But I do hope that after my visit to other visa free countries, I can see other countries that I have been dreaming of even it requires a visa.
1 person likes this
@ida123 (6206)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
25 Apr 16
Don't lost hope when you want to travel to another country, I think God won't allow you to visit Australia and I know He has a purpose on this. Try another country if you really want to travel, there are lots of countries that don't need visas.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
25 Apr 16
Yes, it is true. I am thinking of exploring South East Asian countries by this time. Perhaps I need more stamps in my passport to make them believe that I am a genuine tourist. Thanks a lot.
