Early mornings, long lines, people from different places, they are all lined up at the barangay hall of Magallanes (Makati) for their Qatar visa stamping. Some said they were already there since late evening of the other day since they are coming from the provinces. And since the acceptance of application is only from 8:30am – 11:00am (if I remember it right), they’d rather come early than loose the chance. I even have a friend who frequently visits Qatar saying he’d usually go to the barangay hall to enlist at around 10pm and come back 6am the next day (very cunning, or was it a smart move?).
But when you come, a list of names will be passed on to you until you hand it over to the one who will arrive next. And when the time comes that the embassy opens, some volunteers would just initiate to ask everyone to fall in line as per their number until they reach, marching on, from the barangay hall to the back entrance of the embassy. It’s a fun experience though – when you see all these things happen.
The other requirement is that you have to pay via a VISA card that is under the bearer’s name (just like in all government offices in Qatar – NO CASH PAYMENT). The processing fee to be debited from the card is about Php350 only. Otherwise, those who have no card will have to run, as fast as they can, to the nearest LBC Express in Evangelista, Pasay City for an express Visa Debit Card.
However, this will not be the case now. Families of OFWs in Qatar will have an easier way to go about their visa stamping in Manila since Wide Wide World Express Corporation (WWWExpress) formerly known as DHL Philippines is now accepting the requirements. Processing takes approximately 3-4 days and will be delivered straight to your home address. Processing fee is around P750.
I happened to be unaware of these changes when I processed my son’s visa stamping last April 2016. To my surprise, no one was in the barangay hall and not even a guard was at the embassy gate. I thought I overheard it somewhere on my way for my vacation but the idea did not sink in well in me. So I was there, only to find out from the postings on the wall that the change has already been implemented.
For Personal/ Business/ Visit/ Tourist/ Family Personal Visas:
- Visa notice – printout from MOI website
- Valid Original Passport more than 6 months
- Letter of Invitation from the Sponsor or copy (NOT REQUIRED)
- 2-pcs. 2×2 size pictures with white background. Photo must be clear, sharp and in focus, also it must show both edges on the face clearly and photos must show a full front view of face and shoulders. – some DHL offices would already screen the photos as some of the applications are delayed since photos are not acceptable. Basic requirement is that hair for the ladies must be pulled back, and the head would pass the size requirement (as in US Visa). Upon submission of another photo that another 3-4 days count will start. So be sure that there is ample time before the flight.
Special note also when expecting a WWWExpress delivery, make sure to have someone to receive it from your delivery address since they will not leave it to other people (passport delivery is stricter unlike the regular deliveries). But just like the usual courier delivery procedure, they cannot tell the exact time of delivery but it will definitely be within the office hours. Just be patient for when they said they’ll deliver, they will do so. Otherwise, you can always make a follow-up call from their call center number.
Here’s the link for other related information: http://www.wwwexpress.com.ph/qatar-requirements.php
Click here for the nearest WWW Express outlet in your area: http://www.wwwexpress.com.ph/outlets-rnc.php