schengen tourist visa requirements philippines

How To Apply for Schengen Visa: An Ultimate Guide for Philippine Passport Holders

Out of 175,703 Schengen visa applications in 2018 from the Philippines, 14,449 (8.2%) were rejected . France may have received the highest number of applications in the world at more than 4 million, but it also ranks as one with the highest rejections at a rate of 15.7%.

Based on the data above, the probability of your application being approved is 91.4%. It’s now your understanding of the application process that will make or break your chances of getting a visa.

In this article, I’ll show you a Do-It-Yourself guide to getting a Schengen visa focusing on tourism as a purpose of the trip; discuss the different documents needed to support your application; walk you through the different stages of the application process, and provide you tips and warnings based on my personal experience. Your most frequently asked questions are also answered.

Table of Contents

What is a schengen visa and what are the countries covered under the visa, 1. a completely filled out and duly signed application form, 2. travel document, 3. passport photo, 4. biometrics identifiers (photo and fingerprint collection), a. proof of your financial means, b. proof of travel, c. proof of will to return, d. proof of occupation, e. if traveling with spouse and/or children, f. for non-filipino applicants who have valid residence status in the philippines, g. for minors, h. documents to be submitted depending on the purpose of travel, 6. medical insurance, 7. visa fee, 1. decide which consulate you are going to lodge your application, steps in applying for a french schengen visa, steps in applying for a german schengen visa, steps in applying for a dutch schengen visa, steps in applying for an italian schengen visa, 1. do not book a confirmed flight when applying for a visa, 2. for accommodation, book a place that you can cancel once a visa is issued, 3. in building your day-to-day itinerary, please ensure details are consistent with your airline reservation ticket and hotel reservations, 4. if you are traveling to multiple cities, you do not need to submit proof of transfer within the schengen areas (bus tickets or airline booking from one city to another)., 5. changing plans after getting the visa is okay, 6. in case your visa gets denied, visa fee and service fee to third-party service providers are not refundable., 7. when buying insurance, make sure that the coverage is not less than eur 30,000., 8. when filling out the online form, have your passport, itinerary, accommodation and other documents with you ready, 9. be sure to read your appointment letter and take note of the time and date of your appointment as well as the address of the chosen centre (e.g. vfs global), 10. if you miss bringing a passport photo or photocopies of your documents, vfs has additional services to cater to this, 1. when can i submit my application, 2. when will the consulate decide on my application, 3. what is the validity of my visa how long can i stay in the schengen area on the basis of my visa, 4. how can i get 6 months to 5-year multiple-entry schengen visa, 5. do i need to submit a cover letter in my visa application, 6. how much money do i need to have in my bank account to prove i have sufficient means, 7. i have a scheduled trip next month. does the embassy keep my passport during the visa application processing, 8. i have a one-year multiple-entry visa. can i stay in the schengen area for more than 90 days in one given period, 9. can i go to the united kingdom or ireland using my schengen visa, 10. are there non-eu countries i can travel using my schengen visa, 11. can i apply for an extension of my schengen visa while in europe, 12. what are the grounds for the refusal of a schengen visa, 13. what should i do if my schengen visa application is denied does a visa application refusal lead to an automatic denial of subsequent application.

Schengen visa is a short stay visa allowing its holder to travel in the Schengen area.

The Schengen area covers 26 countries without border controls between them. These countries are:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

Short stay means transit through or an intended stay in the above countries for a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

For purposes of this article, I will provide information on how to get a Schengen visa from the top 3 countries that received the highest number of applications, namely, France, Germany, and Italy . I will also discuss the process in the Netherlands where I applied twice and was granted a 1-year multiple entry visa on my recent application.

Applying for another tourist visa? Read our application guides for an Australian visa , US visa , Korean visa , and Japan visa . 

What Are the Schengen Visa Requirements?

Listed below are the elements of a visa application in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code) . These documents and requirements are common to all regardless of which Schengen country you lodge your application.

In France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, you can fill out the form online, print the completely filled-out form and physically submit it to the third-party service provider of the Consulate of the country you intend to visit.

Passport which

• must be valid for at least 3 months from the date on which you leave the Schengen area
• must have at least 2 blank pages

It must meet the specifications of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), that is,

• 45mm by 35 mm
• must not have been taken more than 6 months

Check-out the detailed photo specifications here .

Biometric identifiers shall consist of your photograph and your 10 fingerprints taken flat and collected digitally.

Your biometrics data shall be collected at the time you submit your application at the Consulate of the country you intend to visit. In the case of France, Germany and the Netherlands, it will be collected by VFS Global and in the case of Italy, it will be collected by the VIA Centre – both are third party service providers.

5. Supporting documents

Under Annex III of the Commission Implementing Decision of 3.9.2014 , below are the harmonized list of supporting documents that you need to present when submitting your application.

Note that this is a harmonized list agreed by the local Schengen cooperation in the Philippines (it means these are the same requirements throughout Schengen countries with consular offices in the Philippines).

• Bank certification, bank books
• Personal bank statements, credit card statements or balance covering the last six months
• For minors: Proof of economic means of parents or legal guardian (cf. the above)
• Copy of the roundtrip airline reservation with Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number) and travel itinerary
• Copy of employment contract or social security contributions (if relevant)
• Copy of real estate property – title-deed (if relevant)
• Proof of family ties in the Philippines (e.g. marriage certificate )
• If employed: Certificate of employment , Certificate of leave absence
• If self-employed: Department of Trade Industry (DTI) / Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) registration of the business , Income Tax Return, Business Financial Statement
• If a student: Proof of enrolment, Certificate of leave absence if traveling during the school year
• Marriage contract certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Birth certificates of children certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO)
• Copy of Alien Certificate Registration (ACR) 3, Re-entry permit
• Affidavit of support & consent of parents (especially of the non-traveling parent) or legal guardian
• Copy of passport of parents or legal guardian, Birth certificate of the minor certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clearance
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel confirmation or hotel voucher
• Detailed day-to-day itinerary of the planned trip

Family or friends visit

• Proof of sponsorship
• Letter of guarantee, invitation letter or hotel reservation
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• A photocopy of the biodata page of the passport and/or travel history of the sponsor in case of non-formalized relationship (boyfriend/girlfriend)

Note that a checklist enumerating the above requirements will be provided to you by France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. What you’ll need to do is to arrange the documents and submit them in the order prescribed in their checklist.

The insurance should be valid throughout the Schengen area, and for the duration of your stay. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000.

The visa fee shall be paid during the submission of your application in the amount as follows

• Twelve years old and above – EUR 60
• Children from 6 years old to below 12 years old – EUR 35
• Children below 6 years old – free

In addition to the visa fee, an additional service fee shall be charged to you by external service providers facilitating your application. In the case of France, Germany, and the Netherlands, VFS Global charges a service fee of Php 901 while for Italy, the service fee is Php 1,350 per applicant (visa application lodgment & biometric service, inclusive of return courier & all applicable taxes)

UPDATED VISA POLICY In May 2018, the European Commission adopted a proposal on the revision of the Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code). Changes to the Visa Code will be discussed throughout the article. Increased fees for visa applications : Effective 2 February 2020, from €60 per application, visa fee will now be €80, and from €35, it will now be €40 . Children aged 0 to 6 remain exempt from the visa fees.

How To Apply for a Schengen Visa in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Given there are 26 countries in the Schengen area, the first thing to do is to decide which country you should lodge your application. Here are the rules:

a. If your travel destination is only one Schengen country (e.g., only France), your application must be lodged in the Consulate of that country.

b. If you intend to travel to more than one Schengen country , you must lodge your application in the country of your main destination.

The main destination means a country where you will stay the longest.

Example: You will travel to the Netherlands for 5 days to attend a friend’s wedding. You also decide to explore the region and wants to travel to Belgium for 3 days, in France for 4 days and Germany for another 3 days. You should lodge your application in the Consulate of the Netherlands because you are staying in the country the longest.

c. If your main destination can not be determined , you should apply in the country where you will first arrive (or cross).

Example: You booked a round trip ticket from Manila to Amsterdam and plans to travel in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France for 5 equal days each. You may lodge your application in the Consulate of the Netherlands as it is the country where you’ll arrive first.

2. Start the application process at the applicable Consulate

Basically, there are two stages of visa application regardless of where you lodge your application.

The first stage is when you successfully lodge your application at the third party service provider of the Consulate of the country you are going to. Two things you need to ensure:

• You book an appointment
• You submit all required documents stated in the checklist (see “What are the Schengen visa requirements” above)

If you meet all the requirements, you applications is considered admitted. Once admitted, your documents will be forwarded to the Consulate for examination.

You enter the second stage when you pass the scrutiny of the consulate . To ensure success in this stage, make sure:

• Your travel documents are authentic (not false or counterfeit)
• Your purpose of stay is justified (e.g. tourism and not illegal immigration)
• You have sufficient means to fund your travel
• Don’t give the examiner doubts as to the authenticity, veracity, and reliability of your supporting documents as well as to your intention to leave the Schengen area before the expiry of the visa applied for.

Now that you have a general idea of the application process, let’s now proceed to the country-specific Schengen visa guides.

a. Access the website France – Visas , the official visa website for France.

b. Click on the ‘Start your visa application”, you will be directed to create an account.

c. Once an account is created, fill-out the online form. It is composed of 5 sections, namely:

• Your travel plans
• Your personal information
• Your previous visas
• Your contacts

d. Once complete, print the online application form and affix your signature.

(Note that your visa application form will be automatically filled in with the information provided)

e. Schedule an appointment at theVFS Global Manila website. Here’s how to schedule an appointment at the VFS Global page:

• If it is your first time using VFS, you will be asked to create an account by clicking the “New User” button. Otherwise, you will be asked to log-in
• Click on the “Schedule Appointment”, choose which centre you will submit your application (either Makati or Cebu), click “continue”
• Click “Add applicant” and fill out the details requested in the form and click “continue”
• On the next page, you will be asked to choose a date and time where you can submit your application. Once a date and time is chosen, click “confirm”
• Your Appointment Letter will then be emailed to you. You need to print the letter and bring it with you on appointment day so you will be allowed access to the VFS office

f. On the day of your appointment, bring your appointment letter, signed application form together with the receipt of the application and all supporting documents to the VFS Office.

The checklist of requirements/supporting documents will be given to you during the filling-out of the online application form as the list depends on your response.

Here’s what to expect at the VFS Global Office :

• You will be required to present your appointment letter to allow access to the Centre
• You need to take a token/ticket and be seated in the waiting area You will then be called to the submission counter where your application will be scrutinized by a VFS Global agent. The agent will verify if your documents correspond to the checklist of documents provided by the French consular authority
• If there are missing documents, you have the option to withdraw your application (you can then complete your application and return to VFS on another day. If you opt to continue to submit an incomplete application, you are requested to sign a document that indicates the incompleteness of your application, specifying those lacking)
• Your biometrics information will be taken
• Finally, you will be issued a receipt for the fees and service charges paid as an acknowledgment of your application

g. Track the status of your application here . Just key in your “Reference Number” and last name.

h. Collect your passport at the visa centre or wait for courier delivery. If you choose for your passport to be delivered via courier, a service fee of Php 330 will be collected.

Additional Information/Instruction:

a. You must attend your appointment in person and bring all the required documents, a copy of each document including the passport and its ID pages

b. If your accommodation in France is provided by a host, here are the rules:

• Your host will need to provide Attestation d’ accueil (accommodation certificate) which can be obtained at your host’s local town
• Check out servicepublic.gouv.fr to learn more about this document

a. Access the website VIDEX , the visa application portal of Germany. The site allows you to complete your visa application online.

b. Once you are on the page, fill-out the online form composed of 5 sections, namely:

• Personal details
• Contact data
• Travel data
• Assumption costs

Note : If you are not sure of what information to input, just click on the “launch assistant” icon on the right side of the page and it will guide you with the required input.

c. Once complete, print the online application form and affix your signature.

(Note that your visa application form will be automatically filled in with the information provided).

d. Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global website . You can schedule an appointment here .

e. Submit your signed application form together with all your supporting documents at the VFS Centre. Here is a checklist of requirements for the German Embassy.

Important Reminder: The procedure for booking an appointment at the VFS office; what to do and what to bring on your appointment date; what to expect while inside the office; how to track your application; and how to collect your visa are the same as when you are applying for France so just check the process discussed above.

b. An additional document called “Declaration according to § 54 Aufenthalts” , fully completed and signed by your own hand needs to be submitted as well. This document is included in the checklist

c. If someone is sponsoring your trip to Germany, your host will need to send you the “Declaration of Formal Obligation” which you need to submit at the Consular Section of the German Embassy. Further information on the Declaration of Formal Obligation is found here .

a. Access the website Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Services . This is the portal where you can apply for several consular services including applying for a Schengen visa and completing the online application form.

b. Click on the “Schengen Visa” and choose “Short Stay Visa (less than 90 days).

c. On the next page, click on “Start Visa Application”.

d. Fill-out the online form composed of 7 sections, namely:

• Application
• Destination

Note : the questions are straightforward and can be readily be answered. If you do not understand the question, just click the question mark (?) next to the field to know what information is being asked.

e. Once complete, print the online application form and affix your signature.

f. Schedule an appointment at the VFS Global website . You can schedule an appointment here .

g. Submit your signed application form together with all your supporting documents at the VFS Centre. Here is a checklist of requirements for the Dutch Embassy.

Important Reminder:  The procedure for booking an appointment at the VFS office; what to do and what to bring on your appointment date; what to expect while inside the office; how to track your application; and how to collect your visa are the same as when you are applying for France so just check the process discussed above.

Note that if the purpose of your trip is to visit friends or family, there is a form that needs to be filled out by your host and must be signed in the presence of an authorized municipal officer. Here is the link to the form .

In the case of a non-formalized relationship (boyfriend/girlfriend), the latter’s photocopy of the biodata page of the passport and/or travel history needs to be submitted as well. Both of these requirements are indicated in the checklist.

a. Access the website VIA Centre . This is the visa application guide for Italy.

b. Click on “Start the application”.

c. On the Visa Application form, click “Short term”.

d. On the next page, fill out the online application form for short term visa. It is composed of 10 sections, namely:

• Passport Information
• Applicant Information
• Residence Information
• Entry Information
• Schengen Information
• Fingerprint Information
• Arrival and Departure
• Member’s information
• Family Data

f. Submit your completed visa application form and all required supporting documents at the VIA Centre at the address below:

• If applying in Makati – 3rd Flr Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines
• If applying in Cebu – 1004, Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

VIA Centre accepts visa applications from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

Note that you can go directly to the VIA Centre to submit your application even without an appointment (walk-in). Setting up an appointment is optional.

Here is a checklist of requirements for the Italian Embassy that you need to bring.

g. At the VIA Centre, your biometrics will be collected.

h. Pay the visa fee and collect the receipts.

i. Wait for the result and claim your passport and visa.

a. Per instruction in the VIA website, you need to bring the following:

• Original copies and photocopies of all required documents
• Your original old and most recently issued passport
• Photocopies of the first page and last page of both the old passport and most recently issued passport
• Photocopies of previous visas and immigration stamps from countries previously visited

b. Your application must be arranged in the following order upon the time of submission:

• Application form with picture
• Introduction letter
• If invited by friends/relatives: a. Invitation letter, b. Copy of proof of identity, c. Proof of relationship
• Or if staying in a hotel: a. Hotel Booking, b. Copy of Passport, visas and immigration stamps
• Proof of occupation
• Proof of economic means
• Travel health insurance
• NSO documentation
• Flight booking

Tips and Warnings

There’s no guarantee that your visa will be granted. Also, plans and travel dates do change.

Instead, get the required reservation ticket. You can buy reservation tickets at travel agencies. I bought mine from a travel agency and it cost me Php 1,000 for a round trip ticket.

You may book a confirmed flight provided that you can cancel the bookings for free later on.

Again, you are not sure if your visa will be granted and by experience, plans change often. For booking accommodations that can be canceled, I usually choose Booking.com. They offer free cancellations.

If you are traveling to multiple cities, you need to provide all hotel bookings for all the places you are visiting. You also need to ensure all the days of your itinerary are covered with accommodation. I noted that this is what the agent at the VFS Centre is checking. Again, just book accommodation that you can cancel for free.

The harmonized list of supporting documents only requires proof of outward and return tickets. It does not require proof of transfers . I did not provide such document when I applied for a Dutch Schengen visa and I had no problem.

In your actual trip, you don’t have to follow the itinerary you submitted. No one is going to check if you decided to ride a gondola in Venice instead of taking a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam.

In my application, I only applied for a three-week itinerary and only indicated 4 Schengen countries to visit with the Netherlands as the country of arrival. In my actual trip, I ended up traveling to 12 Schengen countries for 89 days with Greece as the first country of arrival. I did not encounter any problems doing this.

Insufficient insurance is a ground for rejection of your application. I bought insurance from Pacific Cross and Chubb and had no issues.

It’s easier to fill out the form if you have these documents readily available.

I made the mistake of not paying attention to the address of VFS Global and went to a different address instead. This caused me to miss my appointment. If you miss your appointment, you can just book again. Booking an appointment in VFS is free.

However, the fees are expensive (photocopy service – Php 5; photograph service – Php 150) so be sure to have everything photocopied before going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Atty. Kareen Lucero

in Juander How , Travel and Leisure

Atty. Kareen Lucero

Kareen Lucero is a lawyer previously doing litigation before working for different agencies in the government and for a multinational corporation. She has traveled to 52+ countries including a 3-month solo backpacking in South East Asia and more than 1 year of solo traveling across four continents in the world. As part of giving back, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge of law and travel. She is currently doing consulting work for a government agency. For inquiries, you may reach her via Facebook Messenger (https://m.me/kareen.lucero.77) or email ( [email protected] ).

Browse all articles written by Atty. Kareen Lucero

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Applying for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands in the Philippines

If you will be visiting the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days – for a holiday, to do business or to see family, for example – you can apply for a Schengen visa. Follow the steps below to apply in the Philippines.

Step 1: Check before applying  

Before starting your application, check whether you need a visa for the Netherlands and, if so, where you can apply for it.

Do I need a visa?

Not everyone needs a visa to visit the Netherlands. If you’re unsure what applies to you, check whether you need a visa to visit the Netherlands .

If you plan on applying for a Schengen visa for Latvia, check with the embassy of Latvia to find out what visa requirements apply to you.

Don’t need a visa?

If you don’t need a visa for the Netherlands, see what documents you do need to travel to the Netherlands.

Check what you need to travel to the Netherlands

Diplomatic, service or official passport?

If you have a diplomatic, service or official passport, you usually need a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands. Even if you don't need a Schengen visa for another Schengen country (such as Sweden or Switzerland) due to the principle of reciprocity.

Where can I apply for a visa?

To apply for a Schengen visa in the Philippines, go to the VFS Global application centre in Cebu or Makati. You can only submit an application there if you live in:

• the Philippines
• the Marshall Islands

If you live somewhere else, go to the page Applying for a Schengen visa and select the country where you live to find out where to submit your application. If you still want to submit your application in the Philippines, first check if that’s possible.

Check whether you can apply for a visa outside your country of residence

I want to visit more than one Schengen country

If you want to visit another Schengen country besides the Netherlands, check whether you should apply for a visa for the Netherlands or the other country.

Find out which Schengen country you should apply for a visa for

Step 2: Gather the documents you need

You need several documents to apply for a Schengen visa. Which ones you need depends on your purpose of travel.

Which documents do I need?

On the VFS Global website you’ll find a checklist with the documents you need based on your purpose of travel.

Find out which documents you need

Family member of an EU/EEA national or Swiss national?

If you are travelling with a family member who is a national of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, or you’re travelling to visit that family member, you may be eligible for free Schengen visa facilitation.

Find out whether you are eligible for visa facilitation

Step 3: Make an appointment

Once you have all the documents you need for your Schengen visa application, make an appointment at VFS Global. You can apply for your visa up to 6 months ahead of your trip. Apply no later than 45 days before your trip.

If you are crew on a seafaring vessel, you can apply for your visa up to 9 months before your trip.

How do I make an appointment?

Make an appointment online at VFS Global in the Philippines

• Making an appointment is free of charge. Do not make an appointment with an intermediary because they will charge you money.
• If you are applying for visas for multiple people, make a separate appointment for each person.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

You must appear in person at your appointment to submit your application, even if you’re under 18.

You don’t need to appear in person to submit your application if:

• you have applied in person for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years (59 months), and:
• you submitted a photo with that application, and:
• your fingerprints were taken for that application (only applies if you are 12 or older).

If you meet all 3 conditions, you can have someone else submit your application for you. The appointment must be under the name of the person submitting your application.

If you are not certain whether VFS Global has your fingerprints on record, you should submit your application in person. VFS Global cannot check this for you.

How can I change or cancel my appointment?

To change or cancel your appointment, contact VFS Global in the Philippines .

Step 4: Go to your appointment

Go to your appointment at VFS Global, and bring all the documents on your checklist from step 2 with you, plus the checklist itself.

See the address of VFS Global in Manila

What happens at my appointment?

At your appointment you:

• submit the documents that are on your checklist, together with your passport
• provide your fingerprints (only if you are 12 or older)
• answer questions about your trip
• pay the visa fees
• indicate whether you want to collect your passport (with visa affixed) or have it sent to you
• receive a reference number to track the status of your application

How much does a visa cost?

See the overview of consular fees in the Philippines to find out how much a visa costs and what forms of payment are accepted. In some situations you are not required to pay.

Find out in which situations you do not need to pay the visa fee

You will always need to pay service costs to VFS Global.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

You’ll usually find out within 15 calendar days whether your application was successful. Sometimes it can take longer and may take up to 45 calendar days.

Find out more about processing times for a visa application

How can I track the status of my application?

When you submit your application you’ll receive a reference number from VFS Global that you can use to track the status of your application online .

Step 5: Collect your passport or have it sent to you

You will receive an email once your application has been processed. The email won’t say whether your application was successful. You can collect your passport or have it sent to you. If your application was approved, the visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Having your passport sent to you

If you choose to have your passport sent to you, you’ll discuss at your appointment how to arrange this.

Collecting your passport

If you choose to collect your passport, you’ll discuss at your appointment when you can collect it. You can also have someone else collect your passport for you.

If you collect your passport yourself, bring the following with you:

• a valid form of ID
• the proof of payment provided by VFS Global

If someone else collects your passport for you, they must bring the following with them:

• a signed letter from you authorising them to collect your passport

Check the information on your visa

Check whether the information on your visa is correct. Your name and the visa’s validity period, for example.

Find out more about the information on your visa

If any of the information is incorrect or you can’t use the visa, for example because the period of validity is later than the dates of the plane tickets in your application, contact the Netherlands embassy in Manila.

Email the Netherlands embassy

What if my application was refused?

If your application wasn’t approved, you’ll receive a letter stating why. If you disagree with this decision, you have several options.

Find out what you can do if your visa application was refused

Step 6: Prepare for your trip

With your Schengen visa you can travel to the Netherlands or another Schengen country. You must show the visa upon departure and arrival.

Border control may also ask you for other documents. Find out what other documents you need in the checklist for travelling to the Netherlands.

Check what you need for travel to the Netherlands

Do you have a question about making an appointment at VFS Global or about the status of your application?

Contact VFS Global in the Philippines

Do you have a question about something else?

Contact NetherlandsWorldwide

What are you looking for?

Schengen visas.

Schengen Visum, © colourbox

Please note that processing of Schengen visa applications will take approx. 15 calendar days from the day of application.

Your application must be submitted personally at VFS Global in Manila or Cebu . Once you have obtained all necessary documents, please register for an appointment here .

Incomplete applications will be decided by the Embassy on the basis of the documents that were submitted, and may be rejected. The processing time of your visa application will be shorter if your documents are complete upon submission of the application.

Please include one set of copies of your supporting documents with the print-out of your application form, along with the original documents.

Please submit the following documents for your application, one original with one copy of each original in paper format A4:

• Your valid passport. Please note: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return from Germany.
• One print-out of your duly filled and signed application form which must to be downloaded here .
• Two biometrical passport photos, with one glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
• Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP (40 Euro for applicants from 6-11 years; no fees for applicants under 6 years and for spouses or minor children of German or EU nationals)
• Invitation letter
• Proof of the financial coverage of the cost of your stay: Your original bank certificate and bank statements for the last six months or your host’s formal obligation according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG by the local immigration authority = (“Ausländerbehörde”)
• Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines: Work contract and bank account statements showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries (if you are employed), proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months (if you are self-employed) or school certificate / proof of enrollment (if you are a pupil or student). Please submit the original land title, if you own a property. If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates.
• Travel History: If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas
• If you are a first time traveler to Germany, please submit an informal declaration explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?
• Proof of your travel health insurance. For a list of companies which meet the minimum requirements, please see here: Recommended List of Insurance Companies PDF / 110 KB . If you choose a travel insurance from a different company, the insurance documents must show that all the listed requirements are met.

Additional documents for children (minors):

• Personal appearance of the parent(s) having the legal custody, with their passports or identity cards. If a parent with legal custody lives abroad and cannot appear at the Embassy: Written declaration of consent from that parent, with an authentication of his signature by the German Embassy competent for his residence or by a local German authority.
• If the child’s parents were married and one parent is deceased: PSA death certificate
• If the child’s parents were married and if one parent has the sole custody: Divorce or Annulment court order stating the court’s decision concerning the legal custody
• PSA birth certificate of the child

Please note:

Birth certificates must be issued on security paper (SECPA) by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Please visit either PSA Helpline or PSA Serbilis for further information. The birth certificate does not need to be authenticated by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign documents which were neither issued in the Philippines nor in Germany must be legalized or have an apostille.

Documents which are not in German or English language need to be translated by a recognized translator. For details, please see here

Please note that the Embassy can request further documents.

If a child (minor) is travelling without the parent(s) having the legal custody, a travel permit may be necessary. Please contact the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after you receive the visa.

After receiving the visa, please inform yourself regarding possible exit requirements on the part of Philippine authorities and bear in mind that the Embassy can offer neither advice nor support in this matter.

• Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP (no fees for spouses or minor children of German or EU nationals)
• Official invitation letter with letter head of the company in Germany explaining the purpose of your travel
• If you are travelling on behalf of your employer / company: Company letter confirming purpose of business travel. Additionally: if a Philippine company is funding the trip: covering letter with original bank certificate (statements not needed) of the company’s bank account (not the applicants’).

If the inviting German organisation / company is covering the cost: covering letter stating that all costs will be borne by the German company according to § 66-68 AufenthG (German Aliens Act)

• Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines: Confirmation of employment with salary (if you are employed) or proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months on bank paper (if you are self-employed). Please submit the original land title, if you own a property. If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates. If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.

Documents which are not in German or English language need to be translated by a recognized translator. For details, please see here .

• Itinerary, preferably handwritten, stating only the places and durations of stay (i.e. Berlin 28.10. – 05.11.2023; Amsterdam 05.11. – 08.11.2023) and corresponding hotel reservations. The itinerary and the hotel reservations must be consistent with your actual travel plan.
• Proof of the financial coverage of the cost of your stay: Your original bank certificate and bank statements for the last six months or a formal obligation according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG with a confirmation of the declarant’s financial capacity by the local Immigration (“Ausländerbehörde”)
• Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines: Work contract and bank account statements showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries (if you are employed), proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months (if you are self-employed) or school certificate / proof of enrollment (if you are a pupil or student). Please submit the original land title, if you own a property. If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates. If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.
• If you are a first time traveller to Germany, please submit an informal declaration explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?

Additional documents for children who are less than 18 years old :

If a child is travelling without the parent(s) having the legal custody, a travel permit may be necessary. Please contact the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after you receive the visa.

Visitors or exhibitors of fairs

• Two biometrical passport photos, with one glued to each application form. The second photo will be returned to you.

If you are an exhibitor: Exhibitor’s Pass or confirmation letter of the fair that you are registered as an exhibitor

If you are a visitor of the fair: Entry Pass and a confirmation letter from at least one exhibitor of that fair regarding your business appointment with him at the said fair

• Promotional or informational material of the fair
• Documents regarding the economic activity of your company, which must be related to the respective fair, for example your company’s information brochure for your clients
• Proof of accommodation

If you are travelling on behalf of your employer / company: Company letter confirming purpose of business travel.

Proof of funds:

If a Philippine company is funding the trip: covering letter with original bank certificate (statements not needed) of the company’s bank account (not the applicants’).

• Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines: Work contract and bank account statements on bank paper showing the transfer of your last six monthly salaries (if you are employed) or proof of your registration and commercial activity of your company as well as income tax returns and bank account statements for the last six months on bank paper (if you are self-employed). Please submit the original land title, if you own a property. If you are married and / or have minor children: Please submit PSA marriage / birth certificates. If you already travelled to a Schengen country, please submit a copy of your Schengen visas.

Seamen (only for boarding a ship in Germany which travels in international waters)

• Your valid passport. Please note: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the expiry date of your visa.
• Visa fee 80 Euro, payable in PHP

POEA Employment certificate and guarantee letter from the local German shipping agency, confirming vessel name, port of embarkation and that it will assume all costs that may occur during your travel, both not older than 12 months

The crew list

Seaman’s book

Proof of your travel health insurance for the duration of your first stay in Germany. For a list of companies which meet the minimum requirements, please see here . If you choose a travel health insurance from a different company, the insurance documents must show that all the listed requirements are met.

Declaration of Travel Health Insurance filled and signed by the seaman, which can be downloaded here

• Copies of previous Schengen visas

Adjustment of the fee for a Schengen visa

As of 11 June 2024, the fee for a Schengen visa will be 90 euro, or 45 euro for children from the age of six years and below the age of 12 years - cf. Article 16 (1) and (2) of the Visa Code. This…

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HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHENGEN VISA & Other Frequently Asked Questions

We have made four European tours so far, two of them lasted 2 months. Hence, we receive tons of questions about getting a Schengen Visa. It’s quite expected. Europe is a dream destination for many, and the Schengen Visa is probably the most complicated visa there is. In this article, we’ll try to answer the questions we have been asked the most as adequately as we can.

However, bear in mind that we are writing based only on our own experiences and some contributions from our readers. The goal is to help other applicants have a better picture of the process. But we strongly encourage you to still contact the embassies for more updated info.

Anyway, it’s gonna be a lengthy post, so let’s begin.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country.

What are the Schengen countries?

Here they are, all 26 of ’em.

Which embassy should I lodge my visa application?

It will depend on the purpose of your trip or your overall European itinerary. The rule is:

• If you’re visiting just ONE country, apply at the embassy of that country.
• If you’re visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy where you will be staying the longest. For example, if you plan to spend 3 days in the Netherlands, 3 days in Italy, and 5 days in France, apply at the French Embassy.

However, some countries have additional rules. It is best to double check with the Embassy to be absolutely sure.

What if I’m spending equal number of days in different countries?

I’ll just copy-paste what the Dutch Embassy has to say about this:

“If you will be staying an equal length of time in more than one Schengen country and cannot designate one of these countries as the country of your main destination, you must apply for your visa at the mission of the first Schengen country you intend to enter .”

This means if you’re spending 3 days in Germany first, then 3 days in Italy and 3 days in France, you should apply at the German Embassy.

What are the requirements?

Schengen embassies usually ask for almost the same requirements. But there are some variations.

Here are the documents that are in common to all of them:

• Valid Passport
• Accomplished Application Form
• Recent Photo
• Proof of Available Accommodations (Hotel booking if no inviter, or invitation letter + citizenship/residency documents of contact abroad if invited)
• Photocopy of Passport stamps and visas
• Proof of Employment (ITR, Certificate of Employment for employees, and business registration documents and permits for self-employed)
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, bank certificates, land titles, etc.) Travel insurance covering the entire stay. Some require coverage for additional days.
• Identity Documents
• Complete Itinerary
• Flight Reservations

Some embassies add more to the list above, so make sure you check with the embassy that will process your application

For more details, here are the embassies that we have personally tried lodging our applications at.

• German Embassy
• Greek Embassy
• French Embassy
• Italian Embassy

What is the application process? What are the steps?

It varies from mission to mission. Some embassies, like the French and the Italian, employ a third party unit to handle most visa applications (VFS Global or VIA). Others take care of ’em in-house.

Here are the embassies I have personally tried:

I’ll be updating this part of the post to include a link to the processes per country. (Please check back later.)

Do we need to book flights before applying for a visa?

NO. Don’t book your flights yet. They only require flight reservations, not flight booking. Don’t pay for your flights yet. (Unless you grabbed promo fares at a seat sale.) Some travel agencies can reserve flights (often for a fee).

We recommend Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency. You can get flight reservations, hotel reservations, and travel insurance from them online!

For the rates and more info, read: ✅ FLIGHT RESERVATIONS FOR VISA

Is travel insurance really necessary?

The short answer is YES.

The long answer is still YEEEEEEESSSSS.

Some embassies, like the Italian Embassy, requires an additional 15-day coverage on top of the travel period. Make sure you know these little rules when purchasing travel insurance.

Where to get travel insurance?

You can simply purchase travel insurance online. I have tried Pacific Cross and Standard Insurance , and had no problems.

You can book Standard Insurance with Gazelle Travel and Tours too! You can use the same form we made for Flight Reservations. Just tick TRAVEL INSURANCE in the checklist on the form.

✅ MORE INFO HERE: TRAVEL INSURANCE

Can I book hotels on my own?

Yep. You can book via third-party websites, but book hotels with FREE Cancellation policy so you won’t be wasting money in case your visa gets denied.

What does a detailed itinerary look like?

Can i visit countries that are not in the itinerary i submitted.

Yes, you can, as long as it is within the Schengen Zone.

However, we encourage you to at least visit the country that granted you the visa.

Can I visit the UK using a Schengen Visa?

NO. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Zone and does not honor the Schengen visa. They have their own visa policy.

If you want to visit the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and other British territories), you will need to secure a UK visa. You can find more info here: UK Visa .

Can I visit other countries in Europe that are outside the Schengen Zone using the Schengen visa?

Yes, there are some non-Schengen countries in Europe that accept a DOUBLE or MULTIPLE ENTRY Schengen visa. Not all countries, but some.

Countries like Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo allow entry to holders of a valid passport with a valid MULTIPLE ENTRY Schengen visa (provided that the visa has been used to enter a Schengen country before).

Note that each country has certain conditions including the length of stay.

What non-Schengen countries can I visit in Europe with a DOUBLE ENTRY Schengen visa?

A DOUBLE ENTRY Schengen Visa (two-entry) is also accepted by Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus provided that the visa is valid and that it has been used once.

I have tried entering Croatia and Montenegro with a two-entry Schengen visa. Double entry is also specifically mentioned on their official websites.

The Foreign Affairs website of Serbia does not specifically mention DOUBLE ENTRY but I emailed them and they confirmed that Serbia allows double-entry Schengen visa.

Again, note that each country has certain conditions including the length of stay.

If my application is approved, do I have to stick to the itinerary I submitted?

Ideally, yes, but not really.

There are no checkpoints between countries within the Schengen Zone, there’s no way for them to check. You can deviate from your original itinerary if you want. We made a number of changes to our itineraries on the two occasions we visited Europe.

But my only guidance is this: At your point of entry, know that you might be asked questions about your itinerary. At the very least, stay the longest in the country where you got your visa so you won’t run into trouble. They have the right to refuse entry even if you already have a visa.

Is a cover letter required?

No. But I highly encourage you to provide one especially if there will be no interview. You can explain the purpose of your trip further. Here’s a sample .

Are embassies really strict?

Yes, but some are more strict than others.

For example, in my travel circles, the Italian and Spanish Embassies are notorious for being extremely meticulous, while the Dutch and Austrian Embassies are known for being more forgiving and considerate.

Is there an interview?

Some embassies conduct a short interview, some don’t. Usually, when a third party company (like VFS or VIA) is involved, there will no longer be an interview.

Here’s what I know so far: Do the following embassies usually conduct an interview?

• Austrian Embassy – NO
• Czech Embassy – LIKELY
• Danish Embassy – NO
• French Embassy – NO
• German Embassy – NOT ANYMORE
• Greek Embassy (for Greece and Portugal) – LIKELY
• Italian Embassy – NO
• Norwegian Embassy – NO
• Spanish Embassy – LIKELY

Again, that’s usually . Some applicants will be called for an interview at the embassy when they need further clarifications. It really depends on many factors but mostly how strong your case is.

In many cases, even when there is no interview involved, personal appearance is sometimes required. It’s best to check with the embassy to be sure.

If your embassy requires an interview or you are called for one, just answer their questions truthfully and confidently . Don’t lie. Most of the time, they will know.

What are the usual questions they ask at the interview?

I asked my friends what were the questions thrown at them during the interview and here are the most common. True enough, when I applied for a Schengen Visa on two separate occasions, these were asked too.

• What is the purpose of your trip?
• How long is your trip?
• How long will you stay in (country)?
• What is your first stop?
• What countries are you going to visit?
• When will you leave?
• When will you be back?
• Will this be your first time in Europe?
• What countries did you visit on your first trip to Europe and for what purpose?
• Do you know anyone in (country)?
• Do you know anyone in any other Schengen country?
• Do you know anyone in the UK (United Kingdom)?
• How are you related to them?
• How did you meet?
• With whom are you traveling?
• How are you related to your companion?
• What do you do for a living? (Expect a lot of follow up questions about your job.)
• How long have you been with your company?
• Does your company know you’re taking this trip?
• Do you own properties in the Philippines (home country)?

Based on experience, most of the questions were about three things:

• the details of the trip , which means you must know your itinerary by heart
• my connections to anyone in Europe . In my case, I had none. I have no relatives or close friends there.
• my job and my rootedness in my home country . In both cases, they gravitated towards finding reasons for me to return to the Philippines.

Again, answer truthfully and confidently.

Note that these are just the common questions. They might still ask a lot of other questions relevant to your background and application.

How early should I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can apply up to 90 days (3 months) in advance. While most embassies process applications relatively fast, it is wise to give some time allowance just in case something doesn’t go as planned (e.g. they ask for additional documents). I consider “a month before” too tight. Two months should give you enough time to secure a copy of all required documents and fix a problem should it arise.

How soon do they release the visa after receiving my application?

Depends on the embassy. If things go smoothly, the French Embassy releases visas after 5-7 days, the Greek Embassy 14 days. Most of the time, the wait is shorter. Sometimes, when they have doubts, it can take much longer.

For example, when I applied for a visa for my second Euro trip, the German Embassy took only 6 days. My partner Vins, who was applying for the first time and didn’t submit an ITR, was asked to send more documents to prove his rootedness in the Philippines. He did submit the requested additional papers and finally got his visa after 3 weeks.

I have friends who waited for over A MONTH!

On the other hand, I have a friend who applied via the Austrian Embassy and got her visa after only 3 days.

So it really depends on the embassy AND your case.

How much money should I have in the bank to be approved?

No one really knows for sure what the minimum amount is. But remember this: You will be asked to submit flight and hotel reservations and a detailed day-to-day itinerary. So here’s the rule of thumb. Add the cost of the flights you reserved and the cost of the accommodations and EUR 60 per day of your stay.

What’s the EUR 60 per stay? Think of it as your pocket money. Embassies need to be assured that you can afford the trip. The French Embassy requires at least EUR120 per day if accommodations are not yet settled. But if accommodations are booked, some embassies require EUR 45 per day, some EUR50, some E55. To be on the safe side, use EUR60 per day.

Let’s use this as example. Let’s assume that your roundtrip flight costs EUR1000 and your total hotel stay costs EUR1200 and you’re staying in Europe for 10 days. That’s EUR60 X 10 days = EUR 600.

1000 (flights) 1200 (hotel) 600 (allowance) EUR 2800 – TOTAL

Of course, that can’t be the only amount in your account. You should have WAY MORE than that. You have to convince the embassy that you will still have a comfortable life to return to in the Philippines after the trip.

But my point is, don’t apply for a 10-day visit with only EUR 1000 in your bank account.

My personal policy is P10,000 per day + cost of flights & accommodations.

How long is the validity of the visa?

Depends on the itinerary you will submit and the embassy.

When I applied at and submitted a 5-day itinerary to the French Embassy, I was issued a visa that was valid for 15 days.

When I applied the second time and submitted a 53-day itinerary to the German Embassy, I was given a visa valid for 60 days.

When I applied at the Greek Embassy with an 11-day itinerary, I was given exactly that, 11 days.

When I applied at the Italian Embassy with a 46-day itinerary, I was given 90 days.

It’s pretty hard to tell, so make sure you take your itinerary seriously because you’ll never know how long you’re gonna get.

What are the usual reasons why applicants are denied a Schengen visa?

We created a video about that here:

I’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to submit train transfer and flight reservation within the Schengen area?

Some embassies require those, some don’t. You’ll know when you read their checklist.

In my experience, however, I have never submitted proof of train or bus booking. But I always submit flight reservations even for those journeys within the Schengen zone.

I’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to provide hotel reservation for all the countries I’m visiting or for the embassy’s country only?

If you’re staying at hotels, you must provide hotel reservation covering the entire duration of your stay within the zone.

If you’re staying in multiple countries, you must submit hotel reservation for all the countries where you will be staying, not just that one country.

Last updated: 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣6️⃣ First up: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣5️⃣

Help us improve this post! If you have experienced applying for a Schengen Visa and you have more to add to this list, feel free to contribute information via the Comments Section below!

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[…] NOTE: If you’re planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, I suggest that you visit The Poor Traveler’s Schengen visa application FAQ page! […]

Very useful post Yoshke! So glad to know that there are no interviews for Norwegian Embassy :) Hopefully, I get to travel to Norway and Iceland early next year!

Have you heard of anyone being asked to report to the French embassy after the trip?

Hi Joeybelles, yep. Me. Hahaha.

Me too haha but it was at the Italian embassy

Hi, I am supposed to go to France with my family (husband and daughter) on the 1st of December for a 10-day tour. When is the best time to set an appointment for visa application?

Hello good day could I ask if once they have finished processing my visa application for France and my sponsor is my boyfriend is it possible that they will approved my visa ? My reason to come back in the Philippines is I will start my studies this January and also my sick mom. Thank you!

The Italian Embassy requires a travel insurance coverage of 15 additional days over and above your desired length of stay. FYI.

Thanks, Mae! We’ll add this to the post. :)

What are the different documents your partner submitted in lieu of his ITR? Thanks for your reply in advance.

Hi Maverick! He submitted invoices and certification from his clients. :)

I’m sorry. I’m clogging up this thread. Does he work online? If so, is it okay to declare that I am working virtually from home with paying taxes? :)

Yes to both questions. But don’t mention the online bit unless you’re asked about it. What do you do exactly? If you’re an online writer, just say writer. If you’re a digital marketing manager, just say marketing manager, so as not to invite more questions. :)

Thank you, Yoshke. I’m a Marketing Manager. By the way, is it easier to get a visa if you have a proof of accommodation from a citizen? This is greatly appreciated.

Saang embassy ka mag-aapply? Anong country?

If you’re declaring you’re going to Europe to visit a friend, yes, it will help. If you’re going there as a tourist, I recommend that you just reserve a hotel.

Embassies are often stricter sa applicants who have connections or kakilala in Europe than those na walang kakilala.

If this is not too much to ask. May I ask for the template of the certificate and invoice from his clients? :)

Thank you so much for your help. It’s really my first time and I can’t help but be nervous.

By the way, I am a student so I just get a certification from my school regarding my status.

Thank you so much. Sa French Embassy, Yoshke. They have declared full accommodation.

Regarding the visa validity in this post, will you know immediately upon visa approval how long you are allowed to stay in the schengen territories?

What if upon application i submitted a 10days itinerary, if ever approved, will they indicate there in my visa or passport- just 10days or a bit more days only? There will be no way for me to change it to 30days anymore if ever there will be changes in my trip?

Yes, the number of days will be indicated in the visa. :)

Not sure if it’s possible to extend or the process required for it.

I checked the link in step number 1 to fill out the application form and I believe we need to check the link because the link to the website is no longer there. Thanks. :)

Hi Maverick. The French Embassy implemented a new visa application process last month. We have yet to try the new process, but the new website is: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/

Hi guys! Im applying for a Schengen Visa over at the French Embassy. Is Agoda’s free cancellation policy really FREE (provided that I cancel on their specified “cancel for free before ____”)? Or would there be a surprise cancellation fee or other unprecedented fees? Dont know who better else to ask but you two. Thanks!!

They required me to go back to their embassy in 2001 after I returned from my tour of France. When I got to their office, they got my passport, took it to their back office, then handed it back to me after stamping ‘Expired Visa’ on my visa.

Me too. 2014 naman ako.

Hi! I am an OFW. my concern is about the ITR. I don’t have one. What should I do? But I had a TIN when I was still working in the Philippines.

Thank you for your blog. I read all of it including the comments. I was planning to apply for a Spain visa together with my mom and encountered this “Shengen visa”. But after reading this blog, I realized that I don’t need to apply Schengen (maybe someday). I got relevant information I need. Your blog really helps (thou different destinations to take). I just worry that that my mom is a senior citizen and she do not have proof of ITR or COE.Please give good advice on what relevant documents should I present in support for her application. Hoping for your advice. Thank you!

Hi Wilma, if you’re going to Spain, you will still need a Schengen Visa.

As for the reqs for senior citizens, I really have no idea. :( But I’m guessing you can submit a copy of Senior ID and bank accounts. Perhaps the COE/ITR may no longer be required for seniors. Again, these are all a hunch. Best to coordinate directly with the embassy.

Hi! I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in Belgium this year, may I ask if do I need to make my itinerary trip there for my visa application? Since I don’t have any plans once I get there. Also I will stay at his house so no need for hotel bookings. I just wanted to know thanks.

What if we are four person is the interview for schengen visa is individually or a group? We are applying to go in Switzerland

Hi Iza, we have no personal experience applying via Swiss embassy/consulate, so we don’t know. :(

We are from Philippines

Hi. If you’re traveling alone, will it be stricter? Considering I have all the requirements, which part should I be careful at? Is it better if I will be sponsored by someone from the country I will be visiting or just don’t mention anything at all? Thank you in advance.

Based on experiences of friends and our readers, they are stricter if you know someone in Europe. Traveling alone isn’t an issue for as long as you meet all the requirements satisfactorily.

Hi. Thank you for responding to my queries. Is it better if I join a certain tour package or I can do my DIY itinerary? Thanks again in advance.

DIY is fine. What we usually recommend is booking the flights and hotels on your own and then join group tours when you’re there.

But I think booking a tour package will give you better chances of approval sa visa.

Hi yoshke. Plan ko magapply ng visa next year since my mom wants to go to Turkey, baka magGreece and France na rin kami. Diba sa pagkuha ng visa may means of subsistence per Schengen country? Sa Greece nasa 60 euros and then sa France is 130 euros. Okay lang ba na pag kukuha ng visa ang sundin namin is yung sa Greece na 60 euros? Since dun din naman yung first point of entry namin and mas magstay longer. Or pag nilagay namin sa itinerary na pupunta kami France, kelangan din namin ipakita sa bank statement na may 130 euros per day kami for France? Thanks!

Hi Jane. Were you able to email the Greek Embassy for interview? My email is not getting through. I wonder kung may ganoong experience din and iba.

Yung rule ng embassy kung saan ka mag-aapply yung masusunod. So rule ng Greece if sa Greek Embassy ka mag-apply.

Hi! i just want to ask, we’ll be going to Paris (4days)-Rome (3Days) – BArcelona (3 Days). we’ll be coming from london then going to Paris. Our flight is Manila-London-Manila. Do I have to submit the flight details (London to Paris), (Paris to Rome) (Rome to Spain) and (Spain to London)? I’m hesistant pa kasi to buy the tickets. maybe flight reservations muna for europe?

Hi Donna, flight reservations lang muna. Aside from Manila-London tickets mo, pinaka-important yung Schengen entry and exit flights (London-Paris, Spain-London) kasi they need to see how you’re going to enter and leave the Schengen area.

But yep, wag ka muna bili tickets. Flight reservation muna.

Hello Yoshke – Sana matulungan mo ako. I can’t decide if I’ll stick to my plan A or plan B. Ganito kasi iyong Mom ko ay nakapasa na ng visa for Schengen. Aside from naipresent niya lahat, ininvite din siya ng Tita ko. Ngayon, my father wants me to join her as this will be her first time leaving the country alone. Nag-ayos na ako ng requirements kaso nahihirapan ako pagdating sa itinerary. My Plan A is – Sundin iyong itinerary na napresent mo sa taas w/o mentioning na I applied because of my Mom. Itinerary will be Belgium-Amsterdam-Paris-Belgium. My plan B is – I’ll mention that I’m applying to accompany my Mom. My itinerary will be a month in Belgium (which might sound crazy?)

Ano sa tingin mo mas okay?

Hi Hill. It depends on a lot of factors. What’s your current employment and personal financial status? If you don’t declare that bit about your mom, will you be applying as a tourist or as someone still invited by your tita? If you apply as a tourist, can your docs prove you can support a trip that long?

My top-of-mind advice is to just be honest and transparent. Just say you’re accompanying your mom. It sounds like a valid reason, to begin with.

Hi! Regarding “details of the trip” did the embassy asked you where exactly are you going in each country and when? did they asked you randomly or in order?

Sa German Embassy, yep, they asked about specific activities pero hindi sa lahat ng countries, konti lang. And yep, randomly.

Sa Greek Embassy, they asked about each activity in the itinerary, per day, in order.

When I tried to bring my Filipina girlfriend to Greece, back in 2011 I think, I asked the Greek embassy about the requirements for the visa. They were vague, not specific, they just said that the girl needs to have a high-salary stable job like a doctor or lawyer, and much money in bank, and a credit card, etc,,, even if I officially invite her and host her and pay her food etc. I guess that the embassy is afraid of illegal immigration and makes the visa impossible for most Filipinos. Eventually, I married the girl, and then she applied for spouse visa and now we live happily in Greece.

Hi Vassili,

Happy to hear about your happy marriage with your Filipina wife. I myself will be married to a Portuguese in May and eventually we plan to get a spouse visa for me to live together in Portugal. I would like to ask if your Filipina wife, when she applied for spouse visa was it much easier and what were the requirements? Thank you & God bless!

Hello! Thanks for posting these very useful and detailed info. May I ask what if we are booked via Airbnb? Do we declare it sa itinerary? I saw in the checklist there’s an attestation or something needed pa? Thanks in advance!

Yep, you can declare AirBnB. We did before, wala naman naging problem. Just submit the reservation confirmation.

Saang embassy ka nag-aapply pala?

Hi, Yoshke! Just a question. For the bank statement, diba its 60 Euros per day + budget for flight + budget for accommodation. Yung sa accommodation ba, is it ok if yung budget is half na of the total expenses for the accommodation given that hati kami ng partner ko with the accommodation expenses? :)

Hi Gelo, I’m afraid they don’t see it that way especially if hindi family member kasi applications are often assessed individually.

Also, yung 60 euro per day, that’s the minimum but having that doesn’t guarantee anything. I’m pretty sure they’re looking for much more than that (kasi hindi believable or ideal for them if yun lang ang fund ng account). If French Embassy ka pala apply, their standard now is 120 euro per day.

Hello, everyone! I just want to ask if there will be an issue if I didn’t fly to Schengen country; though, I got my Schengen visa? Then, I want to re-apply new visa and fly this time? Please, any advice. Thank you.

Hi Ayesha, I don’t know the answer to this, but I’m publishing your comment pa rin just in case other readers have an idea. :)

Hi good evening.. i find this very useful. And please Allow me to ask if i need an ITR since my visit is funded by my friend? Shall i need this for proof of rootedness here in Philippines? Thanks

Yes and yes. Even if your trip is sponsored by someone else, you will need to prove rootedness.

hi, im travelling to Mexico and may lay over sya sa Paris. didnt know na need ko ng Transit Visa and in 5days aalis na ako. i scheduled an appointment sa French embassy on bukas for that. Madali lang ba marelease ang transit visa and hindi sila strict?, huhuhu pls advise

Hi Chinitakee, naku, I have no idea kapag transit visa.

hello, do you have any idea if what to do or what does it mean kung over 15days na yong processing? i mean i applied last month June 11 (considered holiday nung June 12 and June 15) they said it will start ng June 13 na counted as 1st day. i don’t think kulang mga docs ko since we checked it sa Via.ph na completed naman. im worried kasi my flight is on July 16:-/ 1 almost a month na processing grabe. thank you so much.

Saang embassy ka nag-apply?

hi i just got my Visa today and this is what they said,

1)The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and the conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.

2)your intention to leave the territory of the Member Stated before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained

what is this means? im thinking sa french embassy nlng magapply, :(

Saang embassy ka nag-apply? Italian? The Italian Embassy is known for being super strict.

I think medyo clear naman yung reasons na sinabi nila sa pag-deny. Hindi nila sure if babalik ka ng Pilipinas before mag-expire ang visa. Usually, kapag ganyan, it’s a matter of proving rootedness (stable employment, properties in PH, etc). Madalas din na denied kapag may kakilala ka dun sa Europe tapos hindi clear ung connection mo sa kanya, hindi clear ang purpose ng trip, and hindi strong yung ties sa PH.

Hindi enough na complete yung docs. They have to find it satisfactory.

Good Evening! Tanong ko lang kung family ba mag apply ng schengen visa (italian embassy) d pa rin guarantee na ma approve? Family kc sabay na aalis ksama fiancee ko at fiancee ng kapatid ko. They can present ITR, bank statements, coe, etc. Pero problem ko lang sa parents ko kc senior citizen na cla, at wala sila itr or coe. Ako nalang nag sponsor sa kanila kase OFW ako. May 100k naman sa bank accounts nila para ma present namin sa embassy. May alam ka na ba ngayon kung ano pa kelangan documents na i.submit ng mga senior citizens? Gagawa pa kasi ako ng letter of support, lagay ko don na ako ang nagbayad ng lahat ng tickets namin at ako magbabayad ng hotel accommodations namin. Lahat kami may experience na travelling around asia. ako at mama ko may experience na din sa europe. Sa italian embassy kami mag apply kc don ung entry namin, at sa itinerary namin for 15 days nasa loob lang kami ng italy at lilibutin namin lahat ng tourist spot cities. Pero baka d namin i.follow ung itinerary.

Hi Poy, an affidavit of support would be great. Submit also a copy of their senior ID.

I haven’t tried applying via Italian embassy so there’s not much advice I can give. All I know is, based on experiences of my friends, they’re very thorough and strict.

hello po sau…ako po ay ofw sa hk..i met a guy from ..he ask me to visit him…sb nya he will sponsor me…10 days tour….hanapan papo kaya ako ng bank statement..

Great infos. :) By the way I have a question, I have a stable job naman here in Ph. And I have visited 10 countries already mostly Asia and I still have a valid visa sa Australia. My recent trip was Japan. I am planning to apply Schengen Visa Pero this time medyo “urgent” kasi. Now my problem is in my bank nasagad yung amount meaning around 10k nalang ang natitira. Pero May makukuha akong enough money para sa mga pautang ko na Pwede ko na magamit for my Europe trip. Pwede kayang bank certificate nalang ang I present instead of bank statement? Baka kasi magdoubt yung embassy if May biglaang malaking amount na idedeposit.

Hi Jen, usually ni-rerequire nila both. Sa French, German, and Greek embassies, kelangan talaga. Di ko lang alam sa ibang embassies. :(

Hi, Yoshke!

I’m planning a trip to Portugal in January 2019. If possible na mas maaga ko makuha yung visa ko if nag-start ako mag-apply by October (since hinihintay ko pa yung release ng passport ko). Possible kayang pwede kong mas agahan ang alis ko? Thank you! :)

Hi Mhai. Visa for Portugal visit is processed by the Greek Embassy and they’ve been pretty swamped lately. Try to email them first and check for their earliest available appointment.

Hi Yoshke! Im planning to appy for a schengen visa via french embassy, but will travel to multiple cities, ask ko lng re: don sa “number of days of travel”, kailangan ba yong buong travel sa Europe ang ilalagay don or ung no. of days lang namin sa France? we’ll be staying for a total number of 21 days (multiple cities) pero we’ll be staying for 4 days lang sa France.. Thank you for your answer. Your blog really helps me a lot.

Hi Mhay, ang alam ko, yung buong stay mo sa Europe (within the Schengen zone).

Hi Yoshke, My boyfriend invited me for a vacation in his place. NORWAY. So we are planning to process the application for visa. He will shouldered all my expenses for that vacation thus will send invitation, sponsorship and guarantee letter. My question is do i need to submit any proof of my financial status. Coz at present im unemployed, no bank cert or record and No credit card. Your reply would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hi Elie. Yes, you will still need to submit proof of your own financial status kahit na sponsored yung trip.

Hello Yoshke,

I just want to reply on this nessage cause I just went through the same thing recently. My Norwegian boyfriend will sponsor my trip to Norway and he sent the invitation letter, Guarantee form and other needed documents. We just followed all the instructions and documents na need isubmit sa checklist. Since sponsored nya no need na for me to submit bank statements or proof of financial status (basta ma meet ng mag sponsor sayo yung minimum income pre tax per year) and when I submitted our application after 2 days I was granted a tourist visa for 3 months. Ang nakikita ko importante is nag meet na kayo before in person (they want to see na totoo yung relationship nyo) and n ma meet ng sponsor yung min. income pre tax to prove na kaya ka niya isponsor and ma prove mo na babalik ka sa Pinas yung rootedness malamang ma aapprove ka. Hope this helps

Thanks for sharing, Zee!

My name is Fatima. I just want to ask a few questions to clarify.

I am very eager in applying for Schengen Visa via Germany Embassy. I applied earlier this year, unfortunately, I got denied Now, I wanted to reapply and make sure that I provide the details in the most proper way. However, I heard some dark rumors about it. T_T I wanted to clarify if this is truth or not.

My German boyfriend is the one sponsoring this travel. We’ve planned this travel for quite a long time already. However, we were advised by friends that we should not say that our relationship is a “boyfriend-girlfriend” one since it will automatically makes the embassy refuse my application. This makes me very confused since I already submitted files before stating that he is my boyfriend. Would it be easier if I say this time that he is my friend? Does it make a change or should I stick to the truth that he is my boyfriend?

I understand that this is beyond your control but I would be very happy to hear an opinion from you. Thank you very much in advance.

Best Regards,

Hi Fatima, yes, I believe they’re much, much stricter if you’re invited by someone especially if boyfriend-girlfriend. When they denied your application, did they tell you the reason?

I’m asking because I don’t think changing it to “friend” will make that much of a difference. It’s risky too because you already said he’s your bf before. When you declare that you know someone in Europe, they’re going to take a closer, stricter look at your “rootedness” — that’s your ties to PH, employment, properties in your name. If wala ring nag-change sa rootedness mo — meaning, you’ll still be submitting the same docs — I don’t think maaapprove yung application this time around.

But again, that’s just my hunch. Some people na na-deny, what they do is they apply sa ibang embassy na lang as a tourist, not a visitor. Not that I recommend it because it’s also a risk and it only works if okay yung rootedness and finances mo.

I find your blog helpful, thank you! I will be applying a Schengen Visa at Italian Embassy this month and I stumbled about Flight Reservations. Does Gazelle Tours offer 2 week reservation of flight because apparently, Italian visa has approximately 2 weeks processing time. What happens if the flight reservation expires while the application is being reviewed? My another concern is that I will be spending Christmas and New Year with my Mother and brother ( they are legal residents there ) but I am thinking it will be a more complicated process ( since Italian Embassy has thorough and strict process as you have mentioned ) that’s why I will be applying as a tourist instead. I had used schengen visa issued by Singapore last 2016 (back when I was an OFW ) so this is the first time I am applying in the Phils. What’s your take on this? As you have applied with several embassies, I would appreciate your opinion on this ;)

Thank you Yoshke, it means a lot! Btw, I am following you on IG and your travel adventures are really great! :)

Hi Moshi! Thanks for your comment. Here are my answers:

What happens if the flight reservation expires while the application is being reviewed? —- How long the airline can hold the reservation depends on the airline and class. Iba-iba kasi ng policy ang bawat airline. The thing is, most airlines now can hold reservations for only 24-48 hours. And I think the embassies know that. We’ve had flight reservations na nag-expire while being processed but hindi naman nagka-problem. Pero French, Greek, and German embassies yun. Hindi ko lang sure sa Italian Embassy. My guess is, it doesn’t matter to them kasi alam din naman nila yun and feeling ko, mas concern nila ung rootedness, finances and employment kaysa dun. At the very least, sana hindi pa expired nung time na nag-submit ka ng documents. You can ask the agency to issue the ticket the day before your appointment.

I will be applying as a tourist instead. —- Even if you apply as a tourist, you’re still going to be asked if may relatives ka sa Italy. Parang mas dubious or suspicious if apply ka as a tourist pero may immediate family members ka dun. Baka mas maka-affect negatively? Huhu, di ko alam. Pero uyyyy, opinion ko lang ‘to ha. I’m in no way an expert in this, lalo sa Italian Embassy kasi di ko pa natry dun.

I’m planning to get a Schengen visa and your post is very helpful for me. Thanks a lot.

You’re welcome! Thanks too for visiting! Good luck with your application.

Is it a good idea if I will tell on the cover letter the main reason I will visit Europe is to visit my boyfriend’s family? 4 years na kami together and he went here already and I never met his family. I wanted to be more personal with getting the visa. Negative ba yun for embassies?

Hi Den, I’m not sure. Usually, they subject applications na may romantic connection sa Europe to further scrutiny, but at the end of the day, if strong yung proof of relationship and kaya namang magstand on their own nung financial/rootedness status mo, pwedeng maapprove pa rin naman.

I have a terminal illness and I am planning to visit Lourdes , France .My nephew will accompany me kasi nga sick ako. Should we apply our visa together? Paano kung magkaiba ticket nmin pabalik ,sya uuwi ng Pinas , ako babalik ng Saudi(I’m still working) Medyo hindi ok ang rootedness ng nephew ko sa pinas.

If you’re both applying here in Manila, the French embassy through VFS Global will treat your application separately, but you could state in your cover letter that you will be traveling with your nephew. This happened to us (husband and wife) when we applied last year, I had to write an impromptu cover letter for my wife, and photocopied several documents because I assumed wrong i.e., since we’re a couple, shared documents will do (experience with UK embassy).

You will also need to tweak your itinerary and make it appear that you will both leave the Schengen area together i.e., same outbound tickets.

Will you be applying from Saudi? Kasi if so, di ko alam ang process pag sa Saudi.

If from PH naman, ito yung process: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/01/france-visa-requirements-schengen-appointment-vfs-manila/

Di ko sure pero ang alam ko, individually talaga ia-assess yung application. In your nephew’s case, best na ma-explain na lang dun sa form or you can even write a cover letter explaining the purpose in detail.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. :( Hindi kasi ako ganun ka-familiar pag group application via French Embassy kasi solo lang ako nag-apply.

Hi yoshke! Ngwwork ako currently sa family business nmin. So wla akong employment certificate. Small business lng kc sya kaya wla ng certification na ganyan..Pwd ba explain sa cover letter na family business sya? Tpos present ko na kapatid ko mayari? Tpos support letter nlng from him?

Hi Kim, ang idedeclare mo ay sponsored ka ng kapatid mo pero walang proof or legal document na pagmamay-ari yung business ng kapatid mo or na nag-ooperate ang business?

Medyo mahihirapan po maapprove kung ganyan kasi naturally cynical ang mga embassies. Kailangan ng paperwork lalo na pag business, kahit small business pa yan.

Meron nman pong mga permits and dti…so pwd ko sya ideclare na mgsupport sakin dba? Ung support letter ba dpat notarized?

Best if may ITR kasi dun makikita yung finances ng business.

Yep, best if notarized.

Hi… Mas madali ba mag k shengen visa if sasama sa group tour? Kaso nga lang mas mahal.

Mas may chance pero not a guarantee kasi kahit group tour, individually pa rin inaassess ang application most of the time.

Hello :) Regarding with the sponsorship case, do the requirements for sponsor need to be all original copy? like the invitation letter as well as his bank statements? Can it be just sent thru online by my sponsor or it has to be shipped? Also, what if I reserve for a flight ticket for p300 for a certain agency, the actual price is 68k compared to the online actual price which is only 45k, should I go for the agency price when my visa approves? this is for the Italy trip. thanks so much :)

yes, submit original copies.

You always have the option to cancel or hindi tumuloy sa nasa flight reservation mo after the visa processing.

Thanks for replying. I asked the same question to Youtube vlogger, Lyka Krystle the same day I asked you and she confirmed that FYI, its not me who will submit the invitation letter, my sponsor will email it instead along with his bank statements and passport/ID photocopy to the Italian embassy. That means a physical copy is never a thing in this situation at all, so theres no need to waste a paper here. As an applicant, I dont need to do anything else aside from helping my sponsor to fulfill the 3 main requirements. Long story short, all sponsor’s requirements go directly to the embassy, done by the sponsor.

Thanks for sharing!

Good luck with your application.

I will be applying at the Italian Embassy. The itinerary I will be submitting is MNL-FCO-MNL only. But after I get my visa, am I allowed to change my itinerary to MNL-FCO ( 8 days)-CDG ( 3 days)-GVA ( 3 days)-MNL? Will I get into trouble at the airport/immigration for changing the itinerary?

Hi, I am planning to apply for Schengen visa to visit a friend in Belgium, un balak mamasyal lang sa France and Spain after a week s Belgium with her family. I have my own house, travelled few times s US and asian countries, pro wala ako work now, I got 2 kids (filipino-american) and married sa american. My friend will be sending me invitation and sponsorship letter din already signed by the mayor s Belgium. Plus his bank statements and stuff. Nakapag travel na dn kami together twice s SG. My US visa will be expired next month but I am planning to renew it next week. I am just super nervous sa EU visa ksi wala ako work. Ano kaya ippsa ko mga requirements other than the papers na ippadala. I hope somebody can help me please.

Hi Leah, naku, di ko po alam anong pwedeng alternatives pag unemployed. :(

Really insightful article. Just wanted to ask if you know anything about fresh grads applying for a Schengen visa? My sister and I are graduating this June and plan to go to Europe with our mother around October as a graduation gift. Is it true that it is much harder for our applications to be approved since we won’t be employed yet or enrolled anymore? We will be taking a gap break before applying for jobs (which will most likely be after the trip).

Our parents will be sponsoring our entire trip, and we have a good travel history (at least 1-2 international trips every year). I already have a Schengen visa from my school trip to Italy last summer, but my sister only has a 5 year visa from Japan. Thank you and hope to hear from you!

Hi Sofia, I think it’s possible to get a visa pag fresh grad lalo na kung family trip sya. You can explain that it’s a graduation gift and since kasama nyo naman yung parents/sponsors, mas believable yun if sabay-sabay yung pag-apply nyo. Bukod sa usual requirements, submit na lang din kayo ng proof na kakagraduate nyo lang recently.

Saang embassy kayo apply?

We plan to apply at the Dutch or Italian embassy. Anyway thanks for the reply, that eased my thoughts!

Hmmm. Di ko pa natry mag-apply sa Dutch or Italian Embassy ha.

Hi there. What option on the airline website should I select or go to if I’ll have multiple trips. For example, my itinerary is MNL-ROME-PARIS-BERLIN-MNL. Please help me. thanks.

Hi Mark, depends on the airline. Some airline websites allow MULTI-CITY booking.

Another workaround is to book via a 3rd party website like Skyscanner, Traveloka, Expedia.

Hello, would u know if czech embassy is strict?

Hi K-Anne. No idea. :(

hello, what if na deny ako sa French embassy and after 6months I will apply in Austrian embassy,can I still visit france for tourism?

“My partner Vins, who was applying for the first time and didn’t submit an ITR, was asked to send more documents to prove his rootedness in the Philippines. He did submit the requested additional papers and finally got his visa after 3 weeks.”

Hello, may I ask what additional documents s/he was asked to submit in lieu of the ITR? :) I am recently employed as an individual contractor / consultant so I haven’t sorted my BIR taxation yet. Thank you!

Hi Aya, they called him and asked him to submit COE and ITR from previous employers instead and property titles.

Hello, my father invited me to join his family to go on a month trip to EU. Will be there for a month if approved. He will be sponsoring our trip since he has a stable company. If ever, I will be travelling with my father, step mom and 2 baby step brothers. They already had several visas including Schengen before, while me I am unemployed. I used to have a Japan visa for a year. I have a daughter here in PH who will not be joining us due to school. I’m wondering if theres a high possibility that I will be approved?

Also, schedule will be this May 14 or 16. How long does the processing will take? (Italian Embassy) coz I have a booked flight to Bangkok on June 5 :(

Thanks Yoshke!

I haven’t tried applying via Italian Embassy so I can’t say. :(

In general though, the chances of approval depend on a lot of factors playing together: employment, finances, rootedness and (sometimes) travel history.

Me and my husband plan to travel to EU this coming septermber for our 12th anniv for 14days. I work as a web dev online (homebased) no ITR and my husband works with his current employer for more than 6 years na din which is previously homebased din pero now kumuha na sila ng office here. No ITR din si husband currently pero meron sya Form 2307 – Certificate of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source. Is that okay na kaya to submit + COE, payslips? Ang balak kasi namin sya na lang ang magsubmit ng lahat ng requirements. I’ll declare na lang na im a housewife / no income and sya magshoulder lahat ng expenses para i dont need to submit any other req’s(proof of income) na since i dont have ITR. We have few properties owned and car din and has 2 kids pero kami lang ni husband ang magtravel to EU. Prev travel was HK, SG, MY, South Korea(ME), Japan, Shanghai – all with family. Sa tingin mo malaki ang chance namin maapprove? My brother is also a resident in Norway pero magappply kami as tourist not sponsored tho magvivisit kami sa kanila since on our planned travel kasabay din namin ang parents ko since they want to visit my brother in norway.

Hi ahb19, we can’t assess po and predict your chances without having a really good look at your documents. Depende kasi yan sa napakaraming factors. It’s not enough na meron ka nung required docs, need din nila iconsider ano ang laman ng mga docs na yun. So we really can’t say.

Hi. On the application “Which Schengen country you will enter first?”

I have a layover on a Schengen country, yun ba ilalagay or yung destination mismo? Many thanks

I am a Philippine passport holder. I will be in the US in April next year and I’m planning to go to Spain from there in July also next year. Can I apply for a schengen visa from there in the US?

hello there, Is it true that Austrian embassy is more lenient than other embassies in the Schengen area? I also have concern regarding freelance job and my ITR, I just registered my part time job last june and im applying for visa this oct. and that would mean I cant provide an ITR this October for my part time job (fashion design), what should I do?

I have a fulltime job though and could provide complete papers for this, I just needed more reasons for the “rootedness” thingy.

Hi Jessie, I haven’t tried applying via Austrian Embassy but my friends who have said they are indeed more lenient.

Is your full-time job stable? Can it support your lifestyle and your trip? According to a travel agency that I consulted before, sometimes, if the full-time job can stand on its own, it’s better to not mention any part-time or freelance work because they just complicate things. I don’t know if it’s good advice, but it makes sense to me.

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for the guide. We are planning to have a month long multi-country honeymoon trip in Europe next year at April. We plan to apply after our wedding in February. However, I can’t seem to find in the internet what is the best way for our case: we will enter first in Madrid, spend the longest in Germany, travel to other neighboring schengen countries, then from Paris to London and spend our last days there before heading back to Manila.

Therefore, we need to apply for 2 visas, one schengen through the German Embassy, and one UK Visa. Do you have any idea or suggestion which is better applied first? The schegen or the UK?

Hi Clarice,

No idea. I haven’t tried applying for a UK visa yet kasi. But my friends na pumunta ng UK + Schengen area, they applied for UK visa first. Not sure if that’s right, but that’s what they did.

Is it valid to arrive to other country , where I do not have any booking .

Is a reservation for a return flight to the Philippines a specific requirement or just a flight reservation to a non-Schengen state? For example, last destination is Berlin. Is a Berlin to Manila flight required or can you book a flight from Berlin to, say, Tel Aviv?

hi. im planning to visit russia and schengen. which visa should i apply first? thanks.

Hi,if everything was sponsored do i still need my bank certificate and bank statement?

Yep. All the more reason for them to look for your bank cert and statement.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

HI. Can I apply for a schengen visa from the US even if I’m not a US citizen?

Hi! what are the documents that needed to be authenticated by DFA in applying for a Schengen visa?

May i ask if paano mag schedule ng appointment for a family of 6? parang up to 2 applicants lang pwede ko ilagay per account sa vfsglobal :( or baka may mali lang akong ginawa?

Hi Chi, saang embassy po yung ina-applyan nyo?

Hello I wanted to ask because I’ve already sent an email to the Greek Embassy for my Portugal trip this December and I haven’t received an email back. I sent it October 7 and I only got an auto message from them. How long should I wait or should I call them? I really don’t know who else to ask regarding this. I’ve been reading your blogs its been very helpful to me. Thank you so much!

I think it’s okay if you call them because it’s been over 2 weeks.

Hello. Will it help if i show credit card statements? Sa korea kasi wala ako pinakitang bank certificate, Platinum credit card lang na 1.5M ung limit. So for example i only i have 100-150k sa bank at the time of application and then i present it together with the credit card… will it compensate ung low balance ko sa bank?

Hi Bernie, yes, the credit card statements can surely help. But not sure if sapat yung 100-150K sa bank. Minsan may mga naaapprove na ganyan but they’re more the exception than the rule. Schengen embassies are a lot stricter than the Korean Embassy. And depende rin sa length of trip mo. :)

Hi there, im planning to apply schengen visa this coming December. I just want to ask first if ever i get denied (wag naman sana) can i apply immediately to other schengen visa embassies? or do i have to wait a certain time before reapplying

Hi James, you can apply at another embassy immediately. :)

Thanks!! also if im planning to present an affidavit of support from my parents for this trip, i also need to present their bank statement & bank cert? Aside from my own bank statement and bank cert? tama ba

Yes. If you’re going to declare you’re going to be sponsored by someone else, you should be able to prove that your sponsor can afford it.

Also do I need to provide birth certificates to prove our relationship and does it have to be the original copy? Thanks in advance!

Hi James, di ko sure if needed pa. Best to call VFS or the embassy na lang. :S

Hi Yoshke and Vins,

Super love your blog! It’s so useful!

I have a have applied for a Schengen visa twice thru a travel agent but got refused twice din :( I think it’s because my intention was to visit Norway and the travel agents suggested that I should go apply at the French Embassy and Swiss Embassy (ang sad kasi I have a history of refusals na tuloy) I would like to re-apply. Should I address the fact that I have applied previously and was refused? I want my application to be as honest as possible and I am doing it on my own na without the help of travel agents.

I will be sponsored din kasi. Any advise?

Hi Kimberly,

I think you have to disclose that you have been refused a visa before. (I’m guessing this will be asked on the application form.)

Question, who is your sponsor? Is it someone living in Norway?

hi, ask ko lang po sa visa application form for italian embassy… ano ang ilagay sa SURNAME AT BIRTH (Formerly Family Name) if N/A po ba if lalaki yun mag-aapply?

Yung ginawa ko, sinulat ko lang din yung last name ko dahil male.

1.Surname (Family name): DIMEN

2. Surname at Birth (Formerly family name(s)): DIMEN

ok, thank you po… another question po dun sa cost of travelling & living during the applicant’s stay is covered by whom? Kc yung husband ko po kc yung kasama ko sa trip tapos join account namin yun isa-submit na bank certificate. ano po ang ilalagay ko by the applicant or sponsor? tpos paano po ilalagay yung name ng husband ko if ever. pwede po ba dalawa ang ilagay… by the applicant and by a sponsor ang ilagay?

Hi Joy, in theory, pwede pareho. Pero in practice, depende yan sa kung OK ang employment and rootedness documents mo. In my opinion, if OK naman lahat, complete naman, satisfactory naman sa tingin mo, mas OK if self-funded yung trip.

Pero if may problema yung sayo tapos maganda naman yung kay husband, pwede rin naman si husband.

Sa palagay ko lang po yan.

Hi there. Just want to inquire On what i must do with my Schengen application. I was denied of it last May 15, 2018 but biometrics were taken. Is it safe for Me to declare on the form that my biometrics were indeed taken on said date even if i was denied? Im applying in January 2020 at the allegro center (italian visa).

Hi Weng, di ko alam kapag ganyang case. Pero yung experience ko, kahit na nakuhanan na rin ako ng biometrics dati, kinuhanan pa ako ulit. In-ask ko ung staff kung bakit ako kukunan ulit. Sabi nila, safer daw kasi na kuhanan na lang para di na bumalik in case hindi readable yung dati.

We are applying at the Italian embassy for our trip on March 27-apr8 (arrival march28 departure apr7) is it that we have to add 15 days additional when we buy travel insurance? Coz im confused if the coverage should cover the addl 15 days or we really have to indicate the addl 15 on the travel insurance?

Hi Weng, here’s the policy of the Italian Embassy: “Travel Health Insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros ( with 15 days allowance beyond travel period) for expenses for emergency hospitalization and repatriation expenses, valid throughout the Schengen area.” ambmanila.esteri.it/ambasciata_manila/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/turismo_0.html

That means that your insurance should cover March 27-April 22. (Actually di ko sure kung until 22 or 23 dapat.)

Hi Yoshke, Thank you for this article. I always go back to this post for information. Very helpful! I do have a question though. My sister and I have plans to apply at the Austrian Embassy. For the cover letter, do we need to provide one for each of us? Or one cover letter lang for both of us? Thanks

Hi Louise, yes, because applications are assessed individually.

Hi! I am applying for a schengen visa from the Czech Republic in Manila. My main purpose is to meet my boyfriend’s family. I met my boyfriend in the US, and he has been in the Philippines, so this time, I would like to do the same for him. My dilemma is, if I should apply for the visa with an invitation letter from him or just apply for the tourist visa all by myself. After a series of research, I found out that acquiring an invitation letter from him would take at least one month (due to some paperworks from the Foreign Police and document transit,) and I’m kinda running out of time cause my initial plan is to travel in March. Currently, I’ve had visas from Japan, Korea, and a 10-year multiple entry tourist visa from USA. I also have a job, and enough money for the trip. Do you think there is a chance that my application will be approved? Should I mention that I am there to visit someone, or just tell them that my purpose is to mainly travel?

Hi Katrina,

Applying with an invitation often makes the application a lot more complicated. That’s why in my travel circles, it is widely believed that if your finances, employment and rootedness are great, better to apply without it. The only catch is you will need hotel reservations for that.

Hey guys! Your website has been a great source of info for me, great job! Alas, here’s a little query I gotta ask. I will be traveling to Norway on March, and I applied for the visa here in our country. I plan to visit China for a few days first, then depart for Norway from there. But I worry that passport control in Norway will question why I departed from China, not from the country that issued my visa (PH). Does point of departure matter when entering the Schengen Area? Have you guys encountered or heard of similar situations? Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!

I don’t think it matters, unless hotspot sa kanila ung destination. But I think China is fine.

When we fly to the Schengen Zone, we usually come from Singapore. We stay in SG ng 2-3 days before ung flight namin. Di naman sya problem.

Hi! I already have an appointment with VFS Global this friday. My parents paid for the accomodation and my airfare tickets but pocket money and everything else will be shouldered by me. Does that count as sponsorship po? I will be travelling with my parents but they are coming from the US po kasi so ako lang magisa ang nag-apply for Schengen Visa. Would really appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Which embassy po?

Yes, that counts as sponsorship. You can declare that your accoms/tickets will be sponsored by parents but other expenses by yourself.

Since you’re applying on your own, it would help to write a cover letter explaining that you will be traveling with your parents so they know it’s a family trip and get a better picture of your case.

France embassy po. If I declare na accoms/tickets sponsored by parents will they ask for documents ng parents ko even if other expenses will be mine? Wala po kasi local bank parents ko puro US banks if ever manghingi sila ng documents of my parents.

Hi, will they give the documents back together with the passport once approved? Thank you very much.

Based on my experience with the embassies of France/Italy/Greece/Germany, they will only give you back the passport.

Hi Yoshke, Ask ko lang nung nag apply kaba may old passport ka? If yes, need mo rin ba ibigay yung old original passport pag apply or photocopy nalang nung old passport then yung mga stamps and visa mo before? Thank you so much!

Hi Dharleigh,

Sa experience ko, kung tama ang pagkaalala ko:

sa Italian Embassy, hindi kinuha ung original na old passport.

sa Greek and German Embassies, kinuha nila.

sa French, hindi ko na matandaan talaga.

Best talaga na dalhin na lang din para if kunin, dala mo. Ibabalik naman yan din sayo on the spot if hindi kailangan.

I have an online job and Im a tax evader, lol. I havent been paying TIN and what not since 2016. Haha. I travel around for 1-2 months straight usually (but I always come home because of family and friends). I feel like Im a sketchy case in the embassy’s eyes.

Do you think it would suffice that I provide them with 1 savings account with sufficient cash, 1 everyday-use account, a life insurance policy and my parents business permit to show I have financial capability and still coming back?

Hi. Could you also create an article for applying for Schengen Visa for freelancers. Especially on the requirements part. A lot of people now are switching to being freelancers so that will be super helpful

Thank you. This is such a useful information. Godspeed.

Hi ask lang po what if there’s a reason na hindi talaga pwedi magtravel Yong bf ko kasi it’s about his health problem Kaya hindi sya makapagtravel sa phillipines because of his health problems we never met yet possible ba ma approve Yong visa if ipa kita ko Yong medical record nya???

Hi Junelyn. It’s really very difficult to know kapag ganitong unusual case po. Limited din po kasi experience namin.

hi, question lang po. What if I will present 5 days itinerary in France (entry point) and 3 days itinerary per country on Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal during visa application But after getting my French Schengen visa, changed my itinerary to 3 days France, 5 days italy, 5 days greece. Will there be a problem if nangyari ito?

Kindly give me referrals as to where can we get flight reservation for schengen visa application. I have big trust on your recommendations. I recently booked spectrum of the seas cruise, with your vlog i booked directly to the carribean. I have saved travel agents fees. I love your vlogs. Kindly reply. Thanks

Try Gazelle Travel and Tours po at [email protected]

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GUIDE: How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines

A complete guide to applying for a schengen visa from the philippines.

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How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

Filipinos who want to travel to Europe for tourism, business, or other purposes may need to obtain a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa allows travelers to enter and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. The Schengen area includes 27 European countries, including popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

To apply for a Schengen visa from the Philippines, travelers must first determine the type of visa they need based on the purpose of their trip. They must find out where to apply, book an appointment, and prepare the necessary documents. The required documents may include a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and travel insurance. Travelers must also pay the visa fee and retrieve their visa once it is approved.

It is important to note that not all travelers from the Philippines need a Schengen visa to enter Europe. Some categories of people residing in the Philippines are exempt from the visa requirement, such as those with a diplomatic passport or those traveling for medical reasons. However, most travelers must obtain a Schengen visa before their trip.

Understanding Schengen Visas

What is a Schengen Visa

A Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen area. The Schengen area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing people to move freely between them. The visa is named after the Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 in Schengen, Luxembourg.

Types of Schengen Visas

There are two main types of Schengen Visas: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen area once. In contrast, a multiple-entry visa allows its holder to enter the Schengen area multiple times as long as the visa is valid.

In addition to these two types of visas, other types can be issued for specific purposes, such as business, study, or medical treatment. These visas have particular requirements that must be met to be issued.

Schengen Visa Validity

The validity of a Schengen Visa depends on the type of visa that is issued. A single entry visa is usually valid for 90 days, while a multiple-entry visa can be valid for up to 5 years.

It is important to note that the validity of the visa does not determine the length of time that the holder can stay in the Schengen area. The length of stay is determined by the visa’s validity period and the purpose of the visit.

Before applying for a Schengen Visa, it is important to determine the purpose of the visit and the length of stay that is required. This will help to ensure that the correct type of visa is applied for, and that the visa is valid for the required period of time.

Eligibility and Requirements

Who can apply.

Filipino passport holders and third-world nationals who are required to obtain a visa to Europe, living in the Philippines under a permanent or temporary residence permit are eligible to apply for a Schengen visa from the Philippines.

Basic Requirements for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen visa, applicants must submit the following basic required documents:

• Valid passport (with 2 available pages for Schengen visa).
• Passport photos (2).
• Schengen visa application from the Philippines (printed out, signed).
• Schengen visa fee (€80 EUR).
• Proof of travel medical insurance.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of finances.

Applicants must ensure that their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay in the Schengen area. They must also provide proof of their travel itinerary, including transportation and accommodation details.

Proof of Accommodation and Financial Means

Applicants must provide proof of accommodation for their entire stay in the Schengen area. This can be in the form of hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in the Schengen area. They must also provide proof of financial means to cover their expenses during their stay. This can be in the form of bank statements, employment contracts, or income tax returns.

It is important to note that the Schengen visa application process can take up to 15 days. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel dates.

Preparing Your Application

Before applying for a Schengen visa from the Philippines, it is important to gather all the required documents and complete the application form. In addition, writing a cover letter can help explain the purpose of the trip and provide additional information to the visa officer.

Gathering Required Documents

The required documents for a Schengen visa application from the Philippines include a valid passport with at least two available pages for the visa, passport photos, a completed Schengen visa application form, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of finances. It is important to note that the visa officer may request additional documents depending on the purpose of the trip and the applicant’s circumstances.

In addition to the basic required documents, applicants may also need to provide a birth certificate, proof of employment, and other supporting documents. It is important to carefully review the visa requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are included in the application.

Completing the Application Form

The Schengen visa application form can be downloaded from the embassy or consulate website. The form must be completed in English or the official language of the country where the applicant is applying. It is important to answer all questions accurately and truthfully. Any false or misleading information can result in the visa being denied.

Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter is not a requirement for a Schengen visa application, but it can help provide additional information to the visa officer. The cover letter should explain the purpose of the trip, the itinerary, and any other relevant information. It can also provide details about the applicant’s ties to the Philippines, such as family, employment, or property ownership.

Booking Your Appointment

Once you have determined the type of Schengen visa you need and which embassy or consulate to apply to, the next step is to book an appointment. This can be done by contacting the visa application center or embassy directly or using a third-party service provider like VFS Global .

Scheduling a Schengen Visa Appointment

To schedule a visa appointment, you will need to provide certain information such as your name, passport number, and purpose of travel. You may also need to provide additional documentation such as a letter of invitation or proof of accommodation.

It is important to schedule your appointment well in advance as there may be a high demand for visa appointments, especially during peak travel seasons. It is also recommended to schedule your appointment during the morning as this is when wait times are generally shorter.

What to Expect at the Visa Application Center

During your visa appointment, you will be required to submit your visa application and supporting documents. You may also be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints or a photograph.

It is important to arrive at the visa application center on time and with all the required documents. Failure to do so may result in delays or even denial of your visa application.

Overall, scheduling a visa appointment and preparing for the Schengen visa interview can be a daunting process, but with proper preparation and organization, it can be a smooth and successful experience.

Schengen area countries

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

After Submission

Once the Schengen visa application from the Philippines has been submitted, the applicant can track the status of their application. It is recommended that applicants wait at least 15 days before checking the status of their application.

Processing Time and Tracking

The processing time for a Schengen visa application can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where the application was submitted. Generally, it takes around 15 days for the embassy or consulate to process the application. However, in some cases, it may take longer. Applicants can track the status of their application by visiting the embassy or consulate website and entering their application number.

Handling Possible Visa Rejection

In the event that a Schengen visa application is rejected, the applicant will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the rejection. The reasons for rejection can range from incomplete documentation to lack of funds. In such cases, the applicant has the option to appeal the decision. The appeal process can take up to 30 days, and the embassy or consulate will provide instructions on how to proceed with the appeal.

It is important to note that reapplying for a Schengen visa after rejection is possible, but applicants must ensure that they address the reasons for the rejection in their new application. Applicants should also ensure that they have all the necessary documentation and that they meet the requirements for the Schengen visa application process.

Traveling to Schengen Countries

If you are planning to travel to the Schengen Area, you need to have a valid Schengen visa. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border control at their mutual borders. This means that once you enter the Schengen Area, you can travel freely between the member countries without having to show your passport at each border.

Understanding Border Control and Entry

However, this does not mean that there are no border controls at all. You will still have to go through border control when you enter the Schengen Area for the first time. Border control officers will check your passport and visa, and they may ask you questions about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.

It is important to note that having a Schengen visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. Border control officers have the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not meet the entry requirements. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary documents and that you can prove that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.

Residence and Work Permits in Schengen Area

If you are planning to stay in the Schengen Area for an extended period of time, you may need a residence permit or a work permit. A residence permit allows you to live in a Schengen country for a certain period of time, while a work permit allows you to work in a Schengen country.

To obtain a residence permit or a work permit, you will need to apply to the authorities in the country where you plan to stay. The requirements and procedures for obtaining these permits vary depending on the country, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the country where you plan to stay.

Important Information for Filipino Applicants

Embassy and consulate locations.

Filipino applicants for a Schengen Visa should know the embassy and consulate locations where they can apply for the visa. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries, and each country has its own embassy or consulate in the Philippines. Applicants should check which embassy or consulate they should apply to based on their planned destination and length of stay.

Specific Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Filipino applicants must meet specific visa requirements to be eligible for a Schengen Visa. These requirements include a valid Philippine passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Schengen Area. Filipino applicants must also provide proof of travel medical insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means to support their stay in the Schengen Area.

In addition, Filipino applicants must submit a Schengen visa application form, which can be obtained from the embassy or consulate where they will apply. The application form must be completed and signed, and applicants must provide two passport-sized photos. The visa fee must also be paid at the time of application.

Filipino applicants should note that the visa processing time may take up to 15 days, and they should apply well in advance of their planned travel dates. They should also be prepared to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate if required.

Filipino applicants should carefully review the visa requirements for the embassy or consulate where they will apply and ensure they have all necessary documents and information before submitting their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for obtaining a schengen visa as a filipino citizen.

Filipino citizens who wish to apply for a Schengen visa must provide a completed application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, a travel itinerary, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of financial means. The financial means should cover the cost of living and return transportation for the trip.

What is the processing time for a Schengen visa application in the Philippines?

The processing time for a Schengen visa application in the Philippines is roughly 15 calendar days, but it may sometimes take up to 60 days. Therefore, applicants are advised to apply for the visa well before their travel dates.

Where is the Schengen visa application center located in Makati?

The Schengen visa application center in Makati is located at VFS Global Services Philippines Private Inc., Mezzanine Floor Unit M01, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City.

Can the Schengen visa application process be completed online for applicants from the Philippines?

No, the Schengen visa application process cannot be completed online for applicants from the Philippines. Applicants must present at the visa application center to submit their application and biometric data.

What are the fees associated with a Schengen visa application for Filipino applicants?

The visa fee for a Schengen visa application for Filipino applicants is €80 (approximately PHP 4,700) for adults and €40 (approximately PHP 2,400) for children between 6 and 12 years old. Additional fees may be for other services, such as courier services or photocopies.

Which Schengen country offers the most straightforward visa application process for Filipinos?

It is difficult to say which Schengen country offers Filipinos the most straightforward visa application process since each country has its own requirements and procedures. However, applicants are advised to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they plan to spend the most time in during their trip.

What Documents Are Required for Schengen Visa for Minors?

The documents required for a Schengen visa for minors typically include:

• Original birth certificate (source:  PDF )
• Copy of both parents’ ID-cards and passports, if applicable (source:  PDF )
• Written consent from both parents or legal guardians (source:  PDF )
• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form (source:  European Union )
• Two recently taken passport photographs for Schengen visa application.

These are the basic documents required, but additional documents may be needed depending on the specific circumstances and the country issuing the visa.

Like, Follow, and Subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com  on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  Instagram , and Pinterest , and Team out Of Town  on YouTube  for more tips about the Schengen visa application process for Filipinos.

• A Guide to Portugal Schengen Visa Application for Filipinos
• How To Get A German Schengen Visa for Philippine Passport Holders
• How To Get A Schengen Visa For Your Overseas Friend or Relative
• Pointers for Getting A German Schengen Visa

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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• Sep 10, 2023

Schengen Visa Guide for Filipinos 2024

Updated: 4 days ago

Quick Facts:

As of Sep 7, 2023, International Journeys can assist with your Schengen Visa Requirements through Italy, France, Germany, Greece/Portugal, Spain, Norway, Austria, and The Netherlands consulates.

International Journeys Schengen Visa Assistance includes:

Scheduling of visa application appointment

Creation of legitimate confirmed roundtrip air ticket bookings

Hotel reservation certificates

Customized daily itinerary personalized for your needs

Travel Insurance certificate specific and customized to your visa application

2 phone consultations with IJ Schengen Visa Officers

Recommendation on which consulate to apply at considering your personalized travel itinerary and needs

Visa Processing Fee:

Through International Journeys:

Assistance Fee: PHP 3,500 per person

plus Appointment Fee:

Germany: PHP 1,150

Regular: PHP 1,538

Premium Lounge: PHP 2,460

Prime Time Weekend: PHP 2,290

The Netherlands: PHP 1,011

Switzerland: PHP 1,225

Austria: PHP 2,230

Norway: PHP 4,980

Croatia: PHP 9,500

excluding fees to be paid directly to the consulate (PHP 5,000-7,000)

Italian Visa: PHP 10,700 all-in rate

Processing Period:

15 - 20 working days (all except Italian Visa)

20 - 40 working days (for Italian Visa)

Processing period may be extended indicated working days and a daily visa application limit may be set depending on the volume of visa applications received. Please allocate 1-2 months for visa processing time because of slot limitations.

Schengen Member States:

25 European States participating in the Schengen visa program are listed below.

1. Austria 14. Latvia

2. Belgium 15. Lithuania

3. Croatia 16. Luxembourg

4. Czech Republic 17. Malta

5. Denmark 18. Netherlands

6. Estonia 19. Norway

7. Finland 20. Poland

8. France 21. Portugal

9. Germany 22. Slovakia

10. Greece 23. Slovenia

11. Hungary 24. Spain

12. Iceland 25. Sweden

13. Italy 26. Switzerland

Document Requirements

All applicants are required to submit the following documents:

1. Original Passport / Travel Document

Must be signed

Valid for at least 6 months from end of approved duration stay

Must contain at least 2 empty pages

Remove the passport case before submitting to our office

Kindly include scanned copy of biopage and visa and travel stamps , if applicable

2. Original Old Passport

if available

3. Two (2) pieces of Visa Photo (35mm x 45mm) colored picture

Should be studio quality with no damages or stains

Not older than 6 months

Headshot should take 70-80% of the photo, against white background

Kindly note: The Government is very strict on the photograph requirements. All photographs submitted in different sizes other than the specified Europe visa photo size may cause the rejection of a Schengen Visa application.

4. Schengen Visa Application Form

Form must be printed on A4 size paper.

If the applicant is minor (under 18 years old), originally signed by both parents/guardians.

5. Original PSA Documents

a. PSA Birth Certificate

b. PSA Marriage Certificate , if applicable

1 year validity

Especially if traveling with family, kindly submit the original certificates for proof of relationship

6. Cover Letter

Explaining purpose of the trip

7. For Non-Filipino Citizen, submit Photocopy of Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)

Valid at least 3 months prior to departure

FOR EMPLOYEES

8. Original Bank Certificate

Must be issued a month prior to documents submission/biometrics

Addressed to the Embassy

With account type, current balance, opening date, and Average Daily Balance (ADB) indicated

9. Original or Certified True Copy of Bank Statement of 6 months

Must be issued within a month prior to documents submission/biometrics

  10. Photocopy of Latest Income Tax Return  or Form 2316

Must have signature of applicant and received stamp from BIR

If No ITR, submit an Original Affidavit of Non-Filing of ITR

  11. Photocopies of Proof of Ties to Home Country (optional)

Investments (stocks, MP2 savings)

Land Titles

Car Registration

12. Original Certificate of Employment

Letter from your employer stating position, date hired, salary & compensation, and company's contact details

13. Approved Leave of Absence

Must include dates of approved absence and expected date of return)

  14. No Objection Letter from the company

Normally signed by CEO/President

  15. Copy of Payslips

  16. Photocopy of Company ID

  17. Photocopy of PRC ID / IBP Card , if applicable

  18. Photocopy of Employment Contract (optional)       19. Original Travel Authority , if applicant is a Government Employee

FOR SELF-EMPLOYED/BUSINESSMEN

FOR STUDENTS

FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

FOR SPONSORED (IF SPONSORED)

Where To Submit?

Visa Receiving Office

International Journeys Visa Office

Lower GF Z Square Mall, 886 Banawe Street, Quezon City, Philippines

Parking is generously available in basement and building frontage.

Contact Numbers:

Visa Officer - Ann: 0917 622 5254

FB Messenger: m.me/ijtravel

How much is the Schengen Visa processing fee?

How do I pay for my visa application?

Pay in our office or deposit to any of the following:

Account name: International Journeys Inc.

BDO: 00353-022-7417

Security Bank: 0686-0288-09001

Send copy of deposit slip to [email protected] for us to verify your payment.

How do I claim my passport?

You can pick-up your passport in our office or have it sent back via courier or any real-time delivery service. Check with our Visa Officer if your passport is ready for pick-up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is personal appearance at the embassy required?

You are still required to submit your own applications as the embassies would need to get your biometric information such as your fingerprints.

How do I pay for the Visa Fees?

Visa Fees are usually only collected in CASH in the Philippines. Make sure you bring enough cash. Credit cards are not accepted in most consulates. The assistance fee is the only thing we collect prior to application.

Who will print my documents?

You will be the one responsible to print your application documents. Should you wish us to prepare and deliver your documents, printing and courier fees apply.

Will I surely receive approved visa with your processing assistance?

We do not guarantee approval. Visa approval is under the sole discretion of the consul.

How can I apply for a Multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

Multiple-entry Visa may be requested if there is a valid need, e.g. cruise itineraries, but issuance of Multiple-entry Visas would be under the sole discretion of the consul.

Important reminders before you submit your application

Attach a letter of explanation for documents that cannot be submitted.

Family should apply at the same time and provide proof of relationship: These must be original PSA documents.

Apply for visa prior to purchasing your airline tickets and travel services since visa issuance is subject for approval of the consul in charge.

Applying through a travel agent does not guarantee the issuance of visa.

Inform your HR Officer/Contractor/Bank that someone will call or email from the Embassy to validate the documents you provided.

International Journeys summarized the above Schengen visa application guide and no part may be copied or reproduced without prior written consent.

Visa Conditions:

Visa approval is not guaranteed and is still under the final discretion of the consul.

Processing time indicated is based on average application time. It is not guaranteed and may be delayed if additional documents are required by the embassy.

Do not purchase your tickets before your visas are issued and approved. International Journeys will not be liable for any unused travel products in the case of visa denial or if the release of visa has been delayed.

International Journeys will not accept visa application with departure date scheduled within 3 weeks from the date of submission.

Any request for early release and pulling out/cancellation of application is not permitted once the documents are submitted to the Embassy.

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GUIDE: How to Get a Schengen Visa from the Philippines

Includes pro tips! by WindowSeat.ph | December 20, 2023

Every wanderlust wishes to travel to every country, and if not all, at least most of them. This means going from one continent to another, meeting new people, trying out new food, seeing new sights, and getting to know different (maybe even odd) cultures and histories.

While that sounds interesting and fun, you must have the proper documents and traveling papers before you can pack a bag and go. Some countries, like America, Australia, or Cambodia, only need the basic requirements for you to be able to travel there. However, countries in the Schengen Area require a specific kind of visa for you to travel around Europe.

But don’t you worry; the most common questions asked when applying for a Schengen Visa are debunked below:

What is a Schengen Visa?

It is the travel document you need to go to the countries in Europe’s Schengen Area : Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This visa will allow you to travel from one Schengen area to another. Just make sure not to go beyond the travel period time stated in your visa! 

Unfortunately, not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area. Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are not covered by the Schengen Visa and require different visa processing.

What type of visa do you need?

The Uniform Schengen Visa allows you to stay in the member states for up to three months or 90 days every six months. This is best for tourists who only want to travel for a short time period.

Under this visa, you must specify if your visa allows you for a single, double, or multiple entry in the country/ies you hope to visit.

Schengen Visa categories

Category A (Airport Transit Visa) allows you to travel from one non-Schengen state to another through a connecting flight in a Schengen state airport.

Category B (Transit Visa) , meanwhile, allows you to go through the Schengen countries by car, coach, or plane to a non-Schengen country within five days.

Category C is for a short-term visa, allowing the traveler to stay in a Schengen state for a certain period of time.

Then there’s also the Limited Territorial Validity Visa , which allows you to visit one state or certain states within the Schengen Area.

The National Visa , however, is best for those who wish to study, work, or migrate to one of the Schengen countries.

How long can I stay in the Schengen Area with my approved visa?

Filipino  tourists with an approved Schengen Visa can stay in the member states for up to three months or 90 days within a six-month period .

*In this guide, we will provide information regarding obtaining a Schengen visa as a tourist. 

Tourist Schengen Visa requirements

What are the requirements you need to have in order to obtain a Schengen Visa?

• Print-out of duly filled and signed application form, which you’ll find on the website of the country you’re applying to or from third-party agencies
• A passport, which is valid for at least three months
• Two biometrical passport photos are attached to the application form
• Visa fee of 80 Euro, 40 Euro for applicants from 6-12 years old
• Flight and hotel reservations for the entire stay
• Bank statements for the last six months or a  formal obligation according to §§ 66-68 AufenthG with a confirmation of the declarant’s financial capacity by the local Immigration (“Ausländerbehörde”)
• Proof of rootedness in the Philippines (e.g., work contract and bank statements showing transfer of last six monthly salaries), proof of student enrollment, marriage certificate, etc.
• Proof of health travel insurance
• Cover letter  stating reasons why you wish to visit the Schengen area.

How much is a Schengen Visa application?

Applying for a tourist Schengen visa should set you back EUR80 or approximately PHP4,888 . Children between the ages of 6-11 have a visa fee of only EUR40, or approximately PHP2,444, while children between the ages of one to five are free of the visa fee.

Are there other expenses?

Travel health insurance is needed, especially for the elderly or people with predetermined medical conditions, to cover up or help with any medical expenses during your trip.

Travel insurance is also a must in order to make up for losses experienced during the trip, like lost luggage, cancellation of flights, or travel agency bankruptcy.

Travel Insurance 101: Here’s Everything You Need to Know Travel Insurance 101: Here’s Everything You Need to Know WindowSeat.ph | Jul 26, 2017

Now, the pro tips:

• All transactions must be done through the corresponding embassy of the country you wish to visit. Be sure to set an appointment at least 15 days before your planned departure. The earliest you can apply is three months before your scheduled trip. Do it as early as you can!
• Always hand in the documents yourself to the legit clerks and personnel to avoid travel scams.
• Answer the interview questions about your travel truthfully.
• Always purchase your ticket after you have been granted a visa and after personally obtaining it from the agency.
• You can always return to the embassy to extend your stay in the Schengen country.
• Some countries of entry require a list of countries you’ve visited in a given time frame (usually five years). The more countries you visit and visas you acquire, the bigger your chances are of getting a Schengen visa.
• Bring your updated/financial documents (e.g., Income Tax Return, bank statements, land titles, car registration documents, and/or audited financial statements if you have a business).
• When choosing which country to apply for, choose the country where you intend on staying the longest. For example, you plan on spending two days in Amsterdam, three days in Germany, and five days in France. Submit your application to the Embassy of France in Manila .
• If you have countries to visit within the same number of days (e.g., three days in Amsterdam and Germany), submit your application to the country you plan to enter from Manila.

How long does the Schengen Visa application process take?

The Schengen Visa processing usually takes about  15 days  and can extend up to 30 days.

For more information regarding the visa application, visit the official embassy website of the country you plan on sending your application. Safe travels!

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Travel Tips

Schengen visa application: 5 major steps for employed filipinos, my experience in our do-it-yourself schengen visa application through the embassy of switzerland.

The Schengen Visa Application Process in the Philippines (for employed Filipinos)

Applying for Schengen visa through any of its member countries seem to have similar processes and requirements. However, it can vary in some ways.

In this blog I am sharing the 5 major steps I went through in applying for Schengen visa.

1. Visualize your travel plans in the Schengen region

This is an important step because it affects your airline booking, hotel accommodation and other documents.

Plan your duration of stay in the Schengen area

Make sure that your intended duration of stay indicated in your application is relates to all the documents you will be submitting - including your airline booking, accommodation, leave submission from your company, etc.

Tip: If you are applying Schengen visa for the first time, it is advisable that you first apply for shorter duration. A Schengen visa can be issued with 90 days duration, but this does not mean you should right away apply for a 90-day visa.

Know which Schengen countries to visit in Europe

The Schengen area comprises of 26 countries in Europe.

Determine all the countries you plan to visit as you will state this in the itinerary you will be submitting. This can also help you in determining which embassy will you be passing your Schengen visa application.

Selecting which embassy should be easy. Simply ask:

• Which country will you be staying the longest?
• Which country is your point of entry to the Schengen region?

In my case, I selected the embassy of Switzerland because I intended to stay in Switzerland the longest, intending to visit the beautiful sights of its country side.

Also, the plan initially is to enter through Geneva in Switzerland. However, because of changes in schedules, my final point of entry became Milan in Italy.

Schengen visa applications through the Swiss embassy are administered by VFS Global. They screen the applicants' documents before forwarding it to the Swiss embassy.

2. Prepare the Schengen visa requirements

The documents I personally prepared are applicable to employed Philippine passport holders.

I mainly followed this list discussed in Schengen Visa Info . 

Prepare, gather and make sure all the required documents are clear and don’t have any errors, even typographical ones.

I printed the following documents in an A4-size paper:

Birth certificate 

Although you only need to submit a photocopy,  I suggest you bring the original because they might want to check it.

If married, prepare a copy of your marriage certificate.

Certificate of Employment

The your Certificate of Employment should be updated and should be appropriate to the leave permission from your company and your flight itinerary.

Proof of Sufficient Financial Capacity

 Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your trip expenses (e.g., bank statements, credit card bills, proof of investments). Bank statements should not be older than 3 months.

For this I used my time deposit account certificate and I also added copies of ;land title. Just show them you can support yourself on your trip and hint that you have assets to go back home to.

Income Tax Return

Get a copy of your income tax return from the previous year. Showing you are a tax payer here in the Philippines 

Filled-out Schengen visa application form

Download the form on the specific embassy you’re applying to and fill it up. I used this Schengen visa application form

I filled-out the form digitally but I signed it manually because wet signature is required.

Cover Letter

The cover letter is actually your opportunity to explain why you want to visit the countries in the Schengen area. 

Write a cover letter stating your purpose in visiting the Schengen countries. I made mine simple and concise. You can make your cover letter short, indicating what you’re intending to do in the Schengen countries. 

This is your letter to the consul convincing them why you should be allowed to enter their country.

I made mine simple and concise. You can make your cover letter short, indicating what you’re intending to do in the Schengen countries. 

I placed a summarized trip itinerary on the cover letter but I have a more detailed itinerary in a separate sheet.

Remember, the important thing to establish that you are going back to your home country. Your rootedness should be firmly established.

Valid passport 

Your passport should have at least two blank pages and a validity of three months beyond your planned stay

Make sure you have copies of your passports the front page and previous visas will also help.

Include previous passports as proof of travel history

When I got to VFS global they photocopied all my previous passports and immigration stamps.

I brought my old passports to show all my visas from USA, Japan, China, and Korea because it boosts your application. 

Tip: Photocopy both your current and previous passports ahead of time because it is a bit expensive to get copies in VFS global. If I'm not mistaken, it’s around 5 or 10 PHP per page. Be prepared so you can save some money.

Recent passport-sized photos meeting specified requirements

Visit any ID picture shop and inform them it’s for a Schengen visa. The staff know the required measurements.

Detailed travel itinerary

Create an itinerary on which cities you will visit, including the specific places you intend to see. The consul would like to know where you are going and what you are going to do. 

At the same time, this can provide a structure to your trip. This can be your guide in going around the Schengen area. You may not entirely follow what's written here, but it can be your list of places to go to.

Accommodation bookings

A proof of accommodation showing your hotel / Airbnb details including the address and phone number.

I used agoda.com and went ahead and looked for a place I can book with free cancellations so I can easily cancel if case I don’t get the visa. You may check the filters for "free cancellation" or "pay at the hotel". 

Make your bookings believable, with exact dates because they can potentially check these.

This will be your proof of accommodation so print out details in included in the booking confirmation because they will collect these.

Roundtrip Flight Itinerary

Another one is your flight itinerary or booking or reservation. On this one I advise you don’t confirm your flight unless you got your visa approved because it is a waste of money.

Some travel agencies offer dummy tickets for a few hundred of pesos. However, what I did is I went ahead and booked a flight to my Zurich then back to Manila. There should be a flight itinerary page with your details on it like name and passport number. I right clicked the page press print and save it as PDF then print it. From my experience, this is good enough because why would you book a flight that you’re not 100% sure that you can fly to.

Be sure to input realistic entry and exit flights because what you write in your itinerary maybe the same timeframe the embassy will give you.

Travel Health Insurance 

The travel insurance coverage required by Schengen should have a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies (including COVID-19 cases), including repatriation. 

I got my travel insurance from TRAVELINSURANCE.com.ph contact them to request for a quote.

I purchased the Starr TraveLead - Extra plan. It was explained to me that it has Php 2,500,000 (around EUR 41,000) medical coverage, which is more than enough from the EUR 30,000 requirement. Starr Insurance Philippines is also accredited to Schengen embassies.

3. Schedule an Appointment

I applied for Schengen visa 11 weeks before my intended travel.

Most Schengen countries require applicants to book an appointment to submit their visa application in person.

Visit the embassy or consulate's website to schedule your appointment, ensuring that you do in advance to secure your preferred date. Applying through the Swiss embassy means going through VFS Global. I scheduled my appointment online through their website  VFS' website .

Be ready to explain your travel intent.

Familiarize yourself with your travel plans and be prepared to discuss your purpose of visit, itinerary, financial status, and other relevant details.

I was prepared but luckily I did not have to undergo an interview. They only clarified some things in my itinerary.

After gathering all the documents, VFS will forward your documents to the Embassy.

They will get your biometrics so it is advisable you prepare for this photo op.

4. Proceed to VFS Global on your confirmed schedule

Pay the schengen visa fee.

The cost is about  Php 6,000 per applicant. 

VFS global visa fee here in the Philippines is Php 4,800 plus about Php 1,200 for logistics.

There is a non-refundable visa application fee that must be paid during the application process. The fee amount may vary depending on the Schengen country you are applying to, so ensure you have the necessary funds ready.

Submit your passport

They will get your passport at this stage.

Tip: bring a book or a newspaper to pass time because you will have to surrender your gadgets to them. The lockers are free and secure.

5. The Waiting Game

I got my approved schengen visa real quick.

In general, the visa processing time can vary.

In my case, after 6 days, my Schengen visa was approved.

Receive your passport

If your visa application is approved, you will be notified.

You can collect your passport with the Schengen visa from the embassy or consulate.

VFS Global time for pick up is at 1400H-1600H PH time. 

Other Tips in applying for Schengen visa

Securing a Schengen visa in the Philippines may seem like a tedious process, but with the right information and preparation, it is very workable on your own. 

Complete the requirements and, make a positive impression during the interview (if there is an actual interview) and patiently await your visa approval.

Make your documents accurate and connected so they won’t notice any discrepancies.

Carefully plan the actual travel dates in advance.

Schengen visa is the gateway to a wonderful Europe trip

I was able to visit a number of cities in Switzerland and Italy during my 2-week trip

Do you need Schengen travel insurance?

Checkout your available Schengen-approved travel insurance options by:

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Annual travel insurance - a guide for tourists from the philippines.

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Applying for Türkiye visa? Requirements, tips for Philippine passport holders

Oh, Turkey — or shall we say Türkiye? The country officially changed its name at the United Nations in 2022 to better reflect its rich culture, values, and traditions.   How do we even begin talking about all those, plus the unique landscapes, and otherwordly views? The country uniquely sits between Europe and Asia, making it a popular stop on European travels, particularly on popular cruises from around the world. But Türkiye deserves a trip of its own. A 12-hour flight from the Philippines will take travelers to the bustling capital of Istanbul, where Türkiye’s European side takes front and center. Everyday conveniences like various public transportation options, never-ending shops and cafes, and a whole lot of modernity can make the city feel commonplace. Locals, who speak fluent Turkish and English, are so warm and open. Always down for a small talk, they can easily make visitors feel understood and instantly welcomed. Located mostly in Asia Minor — with smaller parts of the country sitting in Southeast Europe — Türkiye boasts of a diverse set of cultures, races, and religions. It is primarily a Muslim country with prayers heard daily, but the country has a deep history with Christianity, which is also still being practiced today. And that’s all from just scratching the surface. In this series, GMA News Online explores the wonders of Türkiye. SECOND OF FOUR PARTS Türkiye is a home of unreal landscapes, a melting pot of diverse cultures, and unique out of this world experiences that simply cannot be found anywhere else. If you’re looking for a sign to visit the Republic of Türkiye, have once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and go on the Eurasian adventure of your dreams, this is it! But before booking that flight, Filipinos need a Turkish visa. Successful applicants will be given single-entry visas, which will valid for either a 15- or 30-day visit. Those who want to travel to Türkiye with existing and active visas or residences for the US, UK, and Schengen countries can apply for an e-visa. The convenient process happens online via evisa.org.tr/en and should be done within minutes. Applicants only need to fill out an online form, make the visa payment, and then download the e-visa which will be emailed. However, if you do not have the visas stated above, you are not qualified for a Turkish e-visa. Those interested in applying for visas may visit the Türkiye Visa Application Center, Unit 17E, Petron Mega Plaza, Buendia, Makati City. It is an organization that works on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to manage visa applications and provide services for applicants. The office compiles the visa application form, supporting documents, and biometric data on behalf of the applicant. The center does not require appointments or application forms as these are available at the office. The application process will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applicants must physically go to the office instead of applying online as biometric fingerprints are required. Here are the requirements needed for applying for a tourist, business, conference, or seminar visa: 1. Passport The original passport needs at least six months validity from the date of departure to Türkiye. 2. ID pictures The office requires two recent 2x2 ID photos, taken not longer than six months. The background should be white. These should also not be stapled, glued, or damaged. In case you forget your ID pictures or any photocopied or printed documents, there is a printing, xerox, and rush ID shop at the corner of Makati Avenue and Jupiter Street. It is only a five-minute walk from the Türkiye Visa Application Center.

3. Birth and marriage certificates The visa application requires the original copies of a birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). A marriage certificate is also required if the applicant is married. 4. Work requirements If the applicant is employed, they must submit their latest Individual Tax Return or ITR. They must also submit an original copy of their Certificate of Employment (COE). It should include the applicant’s position, working record, and monthly or annual income. If the applicant is retired, they need to have a retirement certificate. If the applicant is a business owner, they must submit their company business registration, which includes the following documents: ITR, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) registration, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the mayor’s permit.

Read more from this series:

• 7 experiences in Türkiye that are out of this world

However, if the trip is sponsored by the applicant’s company, they must also submit the original bank certificate and bank statements of their employer. They are likewise needed to submit the company business registration documents. The applicant going on a sponsored trip also needs a notarized affidavit of support from the company’s president or human resource manager and a guarantee letter from the employer. If the applicant was invited by the Turkish government, private sector, or other companies that hold office in the country, the original invitation letter is needed. If they were invited by a Turkish national, they must submit an invitation letter notarized in Türkiye, an affidavit of support pertinent credentials of the invitee, their Turkish ID and other supporting documents, and scanned or photocopies of bank statements. If the applicant is under 18, they need to submit a consent letter from both parents and an original notarized affidavit of support and consent to travel from both parents. They also need to submit their school ID, school registration, and proof of enrollment. 5. Bank requirements Applicants need to submit an original copy of their bank certificates and bank statements addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, which is Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City, Manila Metro Manila. The copies must have a wet ink stamp. These must also present sufficient funds covering all costs for the last eight months of the applicant. 6. Other documents Applicants need to provide details of their flight and hotel, as well as a copy of their detailed itinerary. Finally, applicants need to pay a visa fee of USD 60. Philippine pesos will not be accepted. It is important to note that a successful visa application will be decided by the staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Türkiye Visa Application Center and its staff do not play any role or influence in the application results. The center only provides services to ensure that the visa application is completed and submitted correctly. This story was produced through a familiarization trip sponsored by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). —JCB, GMA Integrated News

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Eid Al Adha 2024: Is Montenegro visa on arrival for UAE residents?

Living in uae.

European adventure: Find out the conditions, required documents for UAE residents

Dubai: Thinking of a European Mediterranean escape during the upcoming Eid Al Adha or summer holidays? UAE expatriates can get visa on arrival to Montenegro, the small but vibrant European nation located on the Adriatic sea.

This captivating Balkan nation boasts stunning riviera landscapes, pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, primeval forests and ancient architecture.

So, if this sounds like the perfect vacation for you, there are a few conditions and requirements UAE residents need to meet before they book their tickets to Montenegro.

For how long is the visa on arrival is valid?

“The visa on arrival scheme is only for a specific period which is from May 1 to September 7, 2024 . After that, the tourist visa is issued on a case by case basis,” Eva Kanani, an operations manager at Vas Tourism LLC, a UAE-based destination management company (DMC) that specialises in Balkan tours, told Gulf News

According to the government of Montenegro’s website - www.gov.me, UAE residents can stay in the country for up to 10 days on this visa.

The visa on arrival scheme is only for a specific period which is from May 1 to September 7, 2024. After that, the tourist visa is issued on a case by case basis. - Eva Kanani, operations manager at Vas Tourism LLC.

What are the conditions for visa on arrival, for Montenegro, for UAE residents?

Kanani explained that UAE residents are eligible for visa on arrival but they have to meet specific conditions first.

“UAE expatriates who have a valid residency permit continuously for three years before travelling to the country are allowed visa on arrival. It is also important to note that some UAE residents with specific nationalities are not allowed visa on arrival. They can apply for tourist visa through the Montenegro Embassy in Abu Dhabi,” she said.

The government of Montenegro’s website - www.gov.me, states that the visa on arrival decision does not apply to nationals of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia and India.

She added that a direct return ticket to Dubai is also a requirement for getting the visa on arrival.

“As of now, the Montenegro government is allowing passengers flying with flydubai to be eligible for visa on arrival. The flydubai flights for Montenegro will start from June 14 . Flydubai is the only airline in the UAE that offers direct flights to Tivat but it is a seasonal route,” Kanani said.

According to the flydubai website, their summer season flights between Dubai and Tivat will operate from June 14, 2024 to September 7, 2024 .

“Another condition is to have proof of a paid tourist arrangement. This basically means that your trip should be organised by a travel agency. You will be asked to provide a receipt or document of the tourist arrangement. You must also have proof of accommodation,” she added.

She also clarified that sometimes visa rules and requirements can change, so it’s always best to check with the Montenegro embassy directly.

“However, travel insurance or proof of financial support is not necessary for UAE residents. We would suggest asking the embassy of Montenegro directly for specific information because rules can change,” Kanani said.

How to apply for a Montenegro tourist visa from the UAE?

If you are not eligible for visa on arrival, you can still go ahead and apply for a tourist visa.

“Montenegro is a popular destination for UAE residents because it’s a European country that is not in the Schengen zone, so the visa process is a little easier,” Husham Kattingeri, an outbound travel supervisor at Regal Tours Worldwide, told Gulf News.

Montenegro is a popular destination for UAE residents because it’s a European country that is not in the Schengen zone, so the visa process is a little easier - Husham Kattingeri, an outbound travel supervisor at Regal Tours Worldwide

Kattingeri explained that you can apply for a tourist visa through a travel agent or go to the Montenegro embassy to fill out the visa application form.

“It’s important to note that your personal appearance in the embassy in Abu Dhabi is required if the visa is processed and approved, and only then will they stamp the visa in the passport, which will be returned on the same day,” he said.

Required documents:

As per Kattingeri, these are required documents for the tourist visa:

• Passport copy and UAE residence visa copy. • Passport-sized coloured photo (35x45 mm in JPEG format). • Proof of accommodation. • Bank account statement for the last three months. • Return flight ticket. • Travel health insurance valid in Montenegro for the duration of stay. • Employment certificate mentioning monthly salary.

How long does it take to receive the visa?

According to Kattingeri, it takes 29 working days for the visa to be processed.

What is the validity of the tourist visa?

“There is no standard duration or validity for the tourist visa, it is decided by the embassy,” he said.

Cost – “The embassy fee for the visa application is Dh160 and the travel agency fee to complete the process can vary from Dh500 to Dh800 ,” Kattingeri said.

UAE citizens with a valid passport can stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days without a visa.

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