Schengen visa application process for Philippine passport holder
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The alluring Alps of Switzerland, the ravishing Eiffel tower, the otherworldly landscape of Iceland, the spectacular Sagrada Famila Basilica – Europe is undoubtedly everyone’s dream. However, Philippine passport holder is required to obtain a Schengen Visa in order to turn these dreams into reality. For first timer like me obtaining it can be quite demanding. Let’s discuss on the application process based on my experience and fill you in on what you need to know.
There are various types of Schengen visas. Application process will also differ on which country you will lodge it. For this visa guide, we will focus primarily on tourist visas or short-stay visas.
What is Schengen visa?
A type of visa that allows individual to enter any member of Schengen area, per stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
What are the Schengen area countries you can visit?
The 26 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Where to lodge application?
There are 3 factors to consider- main destination, the country you will stay the longest and first country of entry.
- When visiting
only one Schengen state, submit your application at the embassy /consulate /
visa application center.
- When visiting multiple Schengen states submit your application at the embassy /consulate / visa application center you will stay the longest.
In my case my itinerary was SPAIN
(4 days) – ITALY (5 days) – FRANCE (3 days). Since I will be staying the
longest in Italy I lodged my application through VIA.
- When visiting Schengen state with an equal amount of days submit your application at the embassy /consulate / visa center of the country you will step in first.
For example, if you plan to visit SPAIN (4 days) and FRANCE (4 days) submit your application to Spain (via Spain BLS International) if it’s your first country of visit; Otherwise submit it to France (via VFS Global), if it’s your first country of entry.
How early can you apply for Schengen visa?
As of February 2020, application submission of Schengen visa has been extended. Applicants can now apply as early as 6 months before the proposed travel date.
What are the different type of Schengen visa?
Short term visa
- Business
- Tourist
- Mission Visa (Short Term)
- Religious Visa (Short Term)
- Study Visa (Short Term)
- Child of Italian / European Citizen
- Parent of Italian / European Citizen
- Spouse of Italian / European Citizen
Long term visa
- Family Reunion – Child
- Family Reunion – Parent/s
- Family Reunion – Spouse
- Mission Visa (Long Term)
- Re-Entry Visa (Long Term)
- Religious Visa (Long Term)
- Study Visa (Long Term)
- Subordinate Employment (Long Term)
What are the requirements needed?
Some embassy will require you of additional requirements so please be advised to check the embassy’s website of which you will submit your application. In most cases, here are the primary requirements needed:
- Current passport and old passport (if available)
- Filled out and signed application form with photo
- Detailed Itinerary
- Flight reservation ticket
- Proof financial Means – Copy of real estate, bank certificates, bank statement, international credit card statement etc.
- Proof of Employment – Certificate of Employment (if employed), approved travel authority (if Government Staff), Business license / permits (if self-employed), Certificate of Enrollment and approved Leave of Absence (if student)
- Travel Health Insurance
- Accommodation
- Visa Fee
For detailed information please check my blog Schengen visa requirements.
What is the application process?
You can submit your application through these following visa application center – VFS Global, VIA or Spain BLS International.
VFS Global caters the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Poland, and Latvia. .
Since I will be staying in Italy the longest I opted to submit my application through VIA in Makati. They collected and processed my application and submitted it to the embassy.
If the list of countries you plan to visit are not listed above lodge your application to the following embassy:
- Estonia and Iceland to Royal Norwegian embassy in Philippines
- Portugal and Greece to Greek embassy in Philippines
- Lithuania to Austrian embassy in Philippines
- Poland to Netherland embassy in Philippines
- Slovakia to Czech Republic in Philippines
Using the VFS Global website:
- Select the country you need to lodge your application.
- Identify the type of visa then apply.
- Fill out the application form online, download then print.
- Book the appointment slot to submit your application.
- Pay the corresponding application and handling fees or premium services you avail.
- Attend your appointment and lodge your application.
- Keep a tab on your application.
VFS Global (Cebu) center address: 9th Flr, Keppel Center, Unit 905m Samar Loop Cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000F
Using the VIA website:
- Check if you need visa. (Obviously for Philippine passport holder we are required to obtain one)
- Fill out the application form online, download, print, sign then attached recent 2x2 photo.
- Lodge your application. (Setting an appointment is optional. Walk-in applicants are allowed).
- Pay the application, handling fees, and other services you avail in cash or credit card.
- Track your application.
Using Spain BLS International website:
- Know your visa
- Download, print and fill out the application from.
- Book your appointment. (Walk-in applicants will not be entertained)
- Attend your appointment and submit
your application.
- Pay the application fees.
- Track application.
How long before you can get the decision or your passport back?
The waiting game for your visa decision is the most tormenting part. It really depends on the embassy. Some embassies released decision in just days or a week while some takes longer than usual. In my case, I submitted my application July 18, 2019; received a letter from embassy for interview on August 2; had an interview with the embassy on August 6 and finally received the decision on August 16. Can you imagine the agony of waiting for the decision of my visa? It took a month! Whew! Luckily, it was approved, so it definitely was worth the wait.
If you avail the SMS service, you will receive a text message if your passport is ready for pick-up. However, if you avail for courier service, your passport will be delivered right at your doorstep. Otherwise, you can collect your passport at the visa application center.
How much did I spend?
Please be advised that conversion rate below was based on my travel date last October 2019.
- Schengen flight reservation ticket from Gazelle travel and tour: Php990
- BPI bank certificate (Php200/copy): Php400 (2 copies)
- BPI statement of account (Php50/page): Php150 (3 pages)
- MAPFRE travel insurance (with 15 days allowance beyond travel period as required by Italian Embassy): Php2,202 (total of 29 days)
As I mention I received a letter from Italian embassy for an interview and I have to pay for its courier service.
- Courier service for NO BIOMETRIC: Php215
- Schengen visa as of 2019: €60 / Php3,519
NOTE: As of February 2, 2020 Schengen visa application for adult cost: €80 (Php4, 500 – Php5, 000)
- VIA service / handling fees: Php1, 350
- SMS service: Php100
All in all I spent Php8,926 for my Schengen visa.
So there you have it. You are now ready to apply for your Schengen visa. I wish you all the luck in the world. If you want to have an idea of how much estimate budget you need to prepare for your Europe trip then by all means check on my blog How much does it cost to travel Europe?
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