THE FIRST STEP TO TRAVELLING AROUND EUROPE
Everyone’s dreamt of visiting Europe even once in their lifetime, but unfortunately for us Filipinos, the visa process is tedious and quite the expense. However, this should not stop you from living out your European dreams! That said, we break down the application process and fill you in on what you need to know! Check it out.
NOTE: There are various types of Schengen Visas, as it will depend on the country you choose to submit your application. For this visa guide, we will focus primarily on tourist visas or short-stay visas. The application process for a work, student, or sponsored visa (to name a few) will differ.
WHAT IS A SCHENGEN VISA?
The Schengen Visa covers all 26 countries and member states of the Schengen Area in Europe as listed: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lituania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Philippine passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen Visa upon entering Europe (Schengen Area) as a temporary visitor. Typically, approved applicants are given up to 90 days to travel within 180 days, however this would still depend on the visa the consulate will grant you. The Schengen visa type in discussion will focus on tourist or short-stay visas only.
Obtaining a Schengen Visa from any country listed above will allow entry to any Schengen border (countries listed above); however this does not permit entry to some European countries such as the United Kingdom.
WHERE SHOULD I APPLY FOR A SCHENGEN VISA?
You can apply for a Schengen Visa at the embassy, representative branch, or third-party branch of any of the 26 countries listed above. However it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to
(a) Apply at the embassy/representative branch/third-party branch of the country that you are visiting first, or
(b) Apply at the embassy/representative branch/third-party branch of the country that you are spending the most number of days in
Sample Route: France (3 days) → Italy (3 days) → Spain (5 days)
QUESTION: Which embassy do I apply for a Schengen Visa in?
ANSWER: Either France (through VFS Global) since it is your country of entry; or Spain (through BLS International) as you are spending the most number of days here.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR A SCHENGEN VISA?
Most embassies allow applicants to start filing their Schengen Visa applications and appointments as early as 3 months before their intended travel date. However, there are several embassies that allow applicants to apply as early as 6 months before – such as Spain. Best to check with the embassy and apply as soon as possible!
WHEN CAN I EXPECT FOR MY VISA TO BE RELEASED?
Release of visas will vary per embassy. Some embassies have a shorter processing time than others and can even take as long as 20 business days. In the event of of national holidays or calamities, processing will naturally take longer as expected. This is why applying for a Schengen visa – no matter what embassy – should be done as soon as possible.
PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS
NOTE: Schengen Visa requirements may vary for each embassy; however most if not all are required to submit the primary requirements listed below. Check the respective embassy website for any additional requirements.
Valid Passport
Old Passports + Photocopies of Travel Documents
• Passports, previous visas, passport stamps
(Video) How to write a SCHENGEN VISA Travel Itinerary for Germany, Switzerland, and France | RequirementsApplication Form
• Respective forms for the country you are applying in can be found on their embassy website or on third-party branches such as VFS Global, VIA, and BLS International
Recent Photo ID
• ID sizes may vary embassy-to-embassy
Proof of Accommodation
• Provide address, contact details and a letter from your host if you are staying with a resident in EU; or
• Book a cancellable accommodation on sites like booking.com or agoda.com; be sure to check their cancellation policies.
Flight Reservation
• You don’t need to purchase flights before getting your visa, however, you can reserve seats on a flight through travel agencies; typically for a small fee.
Proof of Employment
• Income Tax Report, Certificate of Employment for employed individuals
See AlsoGhana Visa - Application, Requirements | VisaHQChina Visa Application and RequirementsA Guest's Guide to Every Kind of Wedding Dress CodeShow Money For Your Visa Applications - How Much Money Do You Need?• Business Registration documents and permits for self-employed individuals
Proof of Financial Means
• Bank Statements (within 6 mos), Bank Certificates (within 6 mos), Land Titles
• For those who are not paying for their travels: submit an affidavit and financial documents of your sponsor
Travel Insurance
• You can get travel insurance through various travel agencies, accredited insurance companies and sometimes through airlines you’ve booked with
Detailed Itinerary
• Create a short document of what you plan to do day-to-day in Europe
• Include addresses, accommodation contact information, companies/agencies you’re touring with, and any cross-border travels
Schengen Visa Application Fee
• UPDATE: (As of 2 Feb 2020) The cost for an (ADULT) Schengen Visa Application is €80 (Php 4,500-Php5,000).
• If you are paying at the embassy, bring the exact amount.
Cover Letter (addressed to the consul)
• Though not required, it is best to still have one just in case. To be given along with the rest of your application requirements.
• Indicate: Total number of travel days, destinations you’ll be visiting and the respective dates, purpose of travel, previous travels, and your detailed itinerary
Medical Insurance (as of 5 Feb 2020)
• Health or medical insurance can be provided by travel agencies and accredited insurance companies.
WHAT’S THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Here we’ll discuss the application process through VFS Global, a well-trusted third-party branch that covers Schengen visas for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Poland, and Latvia.
If the country you intend to get a Schengen Visa is not listed above, a list for additional third-party branches and embassies are listed below.
Select the destination you intend to get a Schengen visa from (through VFS Global)
VFS Global’s homepage will immediately ask you to indicate the destination you are to apply for/where you’re headed. Be sure to indicate either one of the two: (1) Country of entry or (2) Country with the longest number of travel days.
Identify your visa type and apply
Each country will vary in available visa types. For tourists, the visa code is typically listed under ‘tourist visa, visitor visa, temporary visit visit, tourism visa’
Put together the requirements for your visa application
Again, the country you are applying for may have an additional set of Schengen visa requirements. If you are applying via VFS Global and select the country you intend to apply for, you will most likely be redirected to their requirements list.
(Video) SCHENGEN Visa from the USA (How to apply, Documents Required, Cost ) | Europe tourist visa 2022Accomplish the online application (redirected from VFS Global)
Every online application will be different. If you are applying for a Schengen Visa to any of the countries mentioned above through VFS Global, you will need to dictate
Take note; you only have to apply for one Schengen visa. It is recommended to fulfil an application for the country that you are visiting first/entering or spending the longest number of days in.
Book an appointment slot
After you’ve filled out your online application, book your appointment slot through VFS Global. Take note: Some countries allow applicants to apply at least 6 months before or 3 months before the intended travel date.
Pay the application fees
Once you’ve finalized a date for your appointment, you will be asked to pay an application fee to reserve your slot.
UPDATE: As of 2 Feb 2020, the application fee for a Schengen Visa (Adult) costs EUR80; Schengen Visa (Child 6-12 Y.O.) EUR40. This fee will not be returned if the visa has been denied.
Attend your appointment/interview
Though most countries under VFS no longer require applicants to come in for an interview, there are several countries that go through this method.
Whether you’re going in for an appointment or an interview, be sure to have all your original requirements and supplementary documents PLUS a photocopied set with you.
For VFS applicants, these appointments are typically for biometrics and photo-taking.
Valuables will be confiscated upon entering the VFS branch. Otherwise, you will have to surrender and place them in a paid locker, so best just to arrive with just your requirements.
IMPORTANT: Be at the third-party branch AT LEAST 15-30 minutes before your appointment. Personnel will start to let applicants inside during this time.
Bring with you exact cash for the delivery of your passport and visa. Credit cards are not accepted and change is often not provided. The additional services are as follows:
• Courier Service: PHP 330
See AlsoThe 50 Best Movies on Netflix Right NowCosta Adeje Tenerife - Canary Islands InfoCBP Customer ServiceTop 30 Best Anime Movies You Must Watch [2022]• Photocopy Service: PHP50
• Photograph Service: PHP150
• SMS Service: PHP110
Track your application
The wait is the most agonizing bit! The processing and duration of your visa will depend on the country you apply for. If you are on a tight schedule, be sure to apply ASAP as it may take as long as 20 business days.
EMBASSIES AND THIRD-PARTY BRANCHES TO APPLY IN
VFS Global – Click through to be redirected!
- (Video) How to get TRAVEL INSURANCE for SCHENGEN VISA?
- (Video) SCHENGEN VISA UPDATE 2022! HOW TO APPLY IN THE PHILIPPINES + Tips For A Successful Application
VIA (Visa Information and Application Centre)
BLS International
Embassies
Greece – The Greek Embassy in the Philippines
Portugal – Represented by the Greek Embassy in the Philippines
(Video) Show Money for Schengen Visa Application+TIPPS #schengenvisa#travel#europe
FAQs
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa 2022? ›
- Belgium: ...
- Germany: ...
- Luxembourg: ...
- Switzerland: ...
- Denmark: ...
- Sweden: ...
- Iceland: Iceland is a small island known for its beautiful natural attractions like Gullfoss waterfalls and Blue Lagoon. ...
- Finland:
As a guide, not including accommodation, funds of around €50 - in addition to what you have paid for your hotel booking - will be enough in most cases to prove means of subsistence. But the more you can save the better - especially as you can then enjoy your extra cash on your trip!
How do I travel to Europe with a Philippine passport? ›Philippine passport holders are required to obtain a Schengen Visa upon entering Europe (Schengen Area) as a temporary visitor. Typically, approved applicants are given up to 90 days to travel within 180 days, however this would still depend on the visa the consulate will grant you.
Which is the easiest country to get Schengen visa from Philippines? ›Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from - with officials granting 98.7 percent of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France - as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travelers.
How can I get Schengen visa from blogger? ›- Appointment. If you want a Schengen visa then it's essential to book an appointment first. ...
- Visa Application Form. For a Schengen visa, the application form would be the same, no matter which Schengen country you are applying for. ...
- Documentation. ...
- Visa Application. ...
- Fee. ...
- Result.
In general, Lithuania is the easiest country to obtain a Schengen Visa from, with officials granting 98.7% of applications. The nation also receives fewer applications than countries such as Germany or France, as they are extremely popular with tourists and business travellers.
How long does it take to get Schengen visa in 2022? ›You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Why bank statement is required for Schengen visa? ›The Importance Of The Bank Statements For Your Schengen Visa
Your bank balance (as well as the one of your sponsor – if you have one) will show the Visa officers you have enough funds to cover your basic travel expenses and other needs.
Sponsorship Letter by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip to the Schengen. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
How do I arrange documents for Schengen visa? ›- Visa application form. Fully completed and signed.
- Two recently taken photos must be attached. ...
- A valid passport. ...
- Round trip reservation or itinerary. ...
- Travel insurance policy. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Proof of financial means. ...
- Proof of paid visa fee.
How much is Schengen visa for Filipino? ›
The Schengen visa fee for Filipino citizens is €80 (4,633.60 PHP).
Can a friend sponsor my Schengen visa? ›A friend who lives abroad can send you an invitation or even sponsor you. This has a positive impact on the process.
Can I fill Schengen visa application by hand? ›In the unlikely case that you cannot fill out the online application form, you may print the application form and fill out the by hand. If your fingerprints were collected in the last 59 months for applying for a Schengen visa in India, you can authorize someone to submit your application.
Can Filipino travel to Schengen? ›Yes. Despite the validity time of your visa, travellers must follow the 90/180 rule to stay in the Schengen area, meaning that for every visit, you are allowed to stay up to 90 days in a period of 180 days.
Do I need travel history for Schengen visa? ›Not mandatory but helpful: if applicants travelled to other Schengen countries before and want to demonstrate their travel history, copies of previous Schengen visa can be submitted; copies of empty passport pages are not required.
What travel documents do I need to travel to Europe? ›A U.S. passport (with applicable visas, if needed), valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. Note: Border officials often assume you will stay the maximum 90 days, even if this is not your intention. Sufficient passport validity for each country you will visit.
What is the fastest way to get a Schengen visa? ›Quick note: Applying to another Schengen Country is by far the easiest way to speed up the Schengen Visa application process. If this is something that makes you nervous, please don't be, as it's perfectly fine to do this. You can read more about applying to a Schengen Country you're not going to, here.
Which is the hardest country to get Schengen visa? ›According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark. These 4 countries were more likely to reject a visa application than any other Schengen country.
Which European country is giving visa easily? ›Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Can I get Schengen visa without interview? ›A Schengen Visa permits a stay or travel to any member states that fall within the Schengen zone. So if you are planning to visit countries like Austria, Denmark, etc., you would probably apply for a Schengen Visa. While doing so, you will have to appear for an interview once the documentation is done.
How do you answer Embassy interview questions? ›
While answering the questions asked by the consular officer, the applicant needs to answer directly with confidence and also reassure his/her ties to the native country. The applicant needs to stress his/her intentions of coming back to the native country after the completion of the trip.
What are the questions asked in Schengen visa interview? ›- Are You Married? ...
- Are You Traveling With Someone Else? ...
- Can You Reschedule A Shorter Trip? ...
- Can You Show Your Bank Statement? ...
- Do You Enjoy Any Scholarship? ...
- Do You Have Covered Health Insurance For This Journey?
Processing times:
The processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 calendar days according to the Schengen Visa Code. Please arrange your appointment to submit your application as early as possible. You may apply up to six months before the start of the intended visit.
What is the India Schengen Visa processing time? Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, it may take up to 60 days in complex cases or if there is a backlog of applications - so apply early.
How long does Schengen visa decision take? ›As a legal rule, a decision on a visa application is taken within 15 calendar days. This period may, in individual cases, be extended to up to 30 days and, exceptionally 60 days, if a more detailed examination of your application and/or additional documents are required.
Is Schengen visa Open 2022? ›It resembles America's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ETIAS system is expected to be in place by the end of 2022 and will become mandatory by the end of the following year.
How do you know if Schengen visa is approved? ›You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Schengen Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone.
Which country will join Schengen in 2022? ›In a resolution adopted on Tuesday, MEPs say the Council should adopt a decision on Romania and Bulgaria's accession to the Schengen free movement area by the end of 2022. This should ensure the abolition of checks on persons at all internal borders for both countries in early 2023.
How much money can I have in my bank account Schengen? ›The bank statement must indicate a minimum bank balance for Schengen visa of 2 lakh 44 thousand 482 rupees only for the last six months.
How many months bank statement do I need for Schengen visa? ›Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency: A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
Does embassy check bank statement? ›
Get your bank statements attested
Select countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. While it is common to submit bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this step, not having these bank statements attested is a common error.
While applying for a visa, submitting the Bank Statement is one of the conditions. The embassies wants to make sure, that the person applying for the visa is having sufficient money for the trip.
Is credit card required for Schengen visa? ›Documents Required For Student Schengen Visa
Proof of means of subsistence in either cash, traveler's cheque, credit card or any other means to support the entire duration of the stay. Details of the travel itinerary. Medical/travel insurance valid for the entire stay.
- Step 1 – File a Petition with USCIS. ...
- Step 2 – Case Preparation by the National Visa Center. ...
- Step 3 – Visa Interview Scheduling by the National Visa Center (NVC) ...
- Step 4 – Medical Exam. ...
- Step 5 – The day of the interview. ...
- Step 6 – Visa Approval. ...
- Step 7 – After you receive your visa.
Welcome to VIDEX, the software of the Federal Republic of Germany which enables you to complete your application form for a Schengen visa online.
Is getting Schengen visa difficult? ›There's no need to worry too much, as the financial requirements are not too difficult to pass, but they do vary from country to country - with different levels of means of subsistence applying in each Schengen state. As such, some states' requirements will be easier to meet than others.
How much is VFS service fee in Philippines? ›Applicable Service Fee:
Paper application lodgement – PHP 1,100 per application. Passport handling for online application – PHP 830 per application.
Invitation Letter From Family or Friends for Tourism Purposes. One very common reason people travel to the Schengen area is to visit relatives or friends. This is also seen as a visa for tourism in a particular country. So for the invitation letter for a tourist visa, family or friends must write it for you.
How do I write a cover letter for a Schengen visa? ›- The reason why you plan to visit the Schengen Country in question,
- The dates you plan to enter and exit the country (flight reservations),
- A detailed itinerary of what you plan to do in the Schengen Area,
Proof of relationship
- If visiting relative – copy of Birth/Marriage Certificates or other document to prove family relationship. - If visiting friend – letter informing how and when you met.
Which embassy is easiest to get Schengen visa? ›
Estonia is the easiest country to get a Schengen Visa from, with only 1.5% of applications rejected in 2020. This means that 98.5% of the Schengen Visa applications for Estonia received a positive answer.
How many entries should I request for Schengen visa? ›Schengen visas allow to make one-entry, two-entries or multi-entries. With one-entry visa you can travel the Schengen area only once. It is indicated in your visa as “01”. With two-entries or multi-entries you can respectively travel to the Schengen area twice or several times during the visa validity period.
Which country should I enter first with Schengen visa? ›You must always enter the Schengen Area via the country which issued your visa. So, for example, if you have a Schengen visa issued by Spain, your primary destination country is considered Spain; therefore, you must enter Spain first.
How do I book a Schengen visa appointment? ›In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
Why do Schengen visas get rejected? ›According to Schengen Visa Info, there are 12 reasons for which visa applications are rejected most frequently, including here a criminal past of the applicant, a damaged passport, the invalidity of one of the documents submitted, and insufficient financial means to support travel, etc.
Why do visas get rejected? ›An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.
How much bank balance is required for visitor visa? ›The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
What is proof of sufficient funds for travel Europe? ›Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended journey, recent bank account statements during the last three months (Bank statements must show the name and address of the owner). We cannot accept Travel Money Cards or cash as proof of sufficient funds.
What are the three documents required to travel internationally? ›- Passport: Apply several months in advance for a new passport. ...
- Visas: You may need to get a visa before you travel to a foreign destination. ...
- Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries.
You will have to wait at least 15 days for your Schengen Visa to be processed, though the processing time will depend on your case. In specific cases, embassies can take 30 days to process a visa, and the Schengen Visa processing time could even be as long as 60 days in extraordinary circumstances.
Can you get rejected from Schengen visa? ›
The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified to the applicant using a standard form. The decision to refuse the visa includes the reasons on which the refusal was based. You can appeal the refusal.
Which Schengen visa is longest? ›Short stay (type C) Schengen visas are valid for 90 days, but long stay (type D) visas range from 6 months to 5 years.
How do I get a 5 year Schengen visa? ›5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
What is the easiest European country to get into? ›1) Portugal
What make Portugal the easiest country in Europe to gain citizenship is that there are no physical presence requirements. Meaning you only need to hold your resident permit in order to qualify for naturalization.
Start by stating your full name, where you live, and your professional aspirations. Next, you can mention your immediate family, where they live, your permanent residence, your current residence, as well as your place of birth.
How can I avoid rejection of Schengen visa? ›Not Having All The Correct Documents
Before you fill out your Schengen Visa application form, you need to ensure that you have all the required documents. If you do not provide the correct documents, there is a big possibility that your visa application might be refused.
A Schengen interview is an in-person interview between the visa applicant and the consulate employee. The purpose of the interview is mainly to assess the application and determine if the applicant is deserving of the Schengen visa.
How can I impress in visa interview? ›- Ties to Home Country. ...
- English. ...
- Speak for Yourself. ...
- Know the Program and How it Fits Your Career Plans. ...
- Be Concise. ...
- Supplemental Documentation. ...
- Not All Countries Are Equal. ...
- Employment.
Proof of civil status – birth certificate will suffice. Bank statement – this needs to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
How do I answer a Schengen visa interview? ›- Be calm, composed, and articulate.
- Breathe and stay relaxed.
- Give precise and comprehensive answers.
- Answer all questions truthfully to the best of your knowledge.
How do I get a Schengen visa 2022? ›
- Figure out which Schengen visa type you need. ...
- Find out where you need to apply. ...
- Find the most suitable time to apply. ...
- Book an appointment. ...
- Fill out the visa application form. ...
- Gather the required documents. ...
- Attend the visa interview. ...
- Pay the visa fee.
According to Schengen Visa Statistic 2021, the 4 countries with the highest rejection rates were: Sweden, Norway, France, and Denmark. These 4 countries were more likely to reject a visa application than any other Schengen country.
How do I get a Schengen visa urgently? ›Still, if you need to travel to the Schengen area urgently, you can contact the embassy of the country you wish to visit and they will inform you if they make exceptions (since some of the countries do in extraordinary situations). You must provide a justification for your application as a non-resident.
Which countries give 5 year Schengen visa? ›These Schengen States within the European Union include: 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.
What are the first port of entry rules for Schengen visa? ›What Is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa? The first point of entry is the country through which you enter the Schengen Area on a trip. You must always enter the Schengen Area via the country which issued your visa.
How long does it take for a Schengen visa to be ready? ›You should apply no later than 15 working days in advance. In most cases, you will be informed within 15 calendar days whether your application has been successful. However, it can sometimes take up to 45 days, for example if extra documents are required.
How do I book an appointment for Schengen visa? ›In order to make your appointment, you will need to go to the website of the embassy or consulate that you dealing with and use their online booking system and choose a convenient date and time for your appointment. If they do not have an online booking system, you can phone or email them.
Is there any interview for Schengen visa? ›A Schengen Visa permits a stay or travel to any member states that fall within the Schengen zone. So if you are planning to visit countries like Austria, Denmark, etc., you would probably apply for a Schengen Visa. While doing so, you will have to appear for an interview once the documentation is done.
What happens if Schengen visa is rejected? ›If your Schengen Visa is refused, you will receive a form that indicates the time you have to appeal the decision. If you do not appeal within this time frame the decision won't be reversed.
Which Schengen tourist visa is easy to get? ›Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.