Are you going to travel to Schengen areas from the Philippines?
Do you want to visit as many countries in Europe as possible more conveniently?
If yes, a Schengen visa would be the best choice. Next, we are going to explore detailed information about this traveling document for Filipinos. Common concerns are all involved in this passage, such as Schengen visa requirements, how to get a Schengen visa in the Philippines, how much a Schengen visa is, how long it takes to process the application, etc.
What is Schengen Visa
Schengen area refers to a united zone for 27 European countries that cancel their internal border restrictions. The Schengen visa is a short-stay permit designed for visitors to enter or leave the Schengen area from any member country and commute freely between these countries. Its holders could stay in this district for tourism or business-related activities for up to 90 days during 180 days. However, to study, work or reside in any Schengen country for over 90 days, a specific visa for that nation is required.
Schengen Visa Countries
The member countries are listed in the following chart.
| Austria | Finland | Italy | Netherlands | Spain | Estonia |
| Belgium | France | Latvia | Norway | Sweden | Iceland |
| Croatia | Germany | Liechtenstein | Poland | Switzerland | Malta |
| Denmark | Greece | Lithuania | Portugal | Slovenia | Slovakia |
| Hungary | Luxembourg | Czech Republic | |||
Is Schengen Visa Required for Filipinos?
Yes. Citizens of nations that haven’t agreed on visa-liberalization agreements with Schengen countries must obtain a pre-arranged visa, and the Philippines is one of these nations.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Philippine Citizens
It is important to learn about the required documents so as to avoid rejection and here are the instructions.
Application form
Most application forms could be filled up online on their embassy or visa center’s official website and then you need to print it out and sign your name. Here are some portals of hot destination countries.
France: France-visas
Germany: VIDEX
Netherlands: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Services
Italy: VIA Centre
Passport
You must offer the original Filipino passport and a photocopy. The passport should be issued within 10 years and have at least 3 months of validity upon the date you leave the Schengen area. Make sure there are at least 2 blank sheets left on it.
Biometric photos
You should provide identity photos that meet the ICAO requirements. The number of photos varies from country to country. For example, it must be taken within the last 6 months and presents your current appearance. The Schengen visa picture size should be 35 mm x 45mm.
Proof of accommodation
It could be a hotel voucher, Airbnb booking confirmation or the address of your host is acceptable.
Proof of round-trip flight
It could be a round-trip ticket between the Philippines and the EU.
Proof of health insurance
Schengen visa application requires medical insurance for accidents or unexpected illnesses during your trip. The insurance should be valid in the Schengen area and during your stay. The coverage shall be at least EUR 30,000 (about ₱1,753,803.21).
Proof of payment
After paying for the visa fee, you would receive a receipt. Include the receipt in your application to prove that you have paid for it.
Cover letter
You must explain why you apply for the visa, what you are going to do and how long you are going to stay in Europe, but it is not necessary for France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Copies of previous Schengen visas
If you have ever visited the Schengen area before, you should include a photocopy of the previous visa.
Birth certificate and parent’s consent
Supposing that you are applying for a Schengen visa for kids under 18, the application must involve the minor’s birth certificate and consent from parents especially when he/she is traveling alone or with only one parent/legal guardian. Both parents/legal guardians must sign the application form.
Proof of financial capability
It could be bank certificates proving your deposit or regular income, or personal bank statement for the last 3-6 months.
Proof of occupation
It is subject to your employment status. As employed applicants, you should show the employment contract and consent of leave from the employer. As self-employed applicants or freelancers, you should present a business license, commercial bank statement, income tax return, etc. As a student, you should provide a registration certificate at the school, a student’s card and a certificate of absence during the school year. As a retired person, you should offer a bank statement of the pension for the past six months.
Extra Required Documents for Visitor Visa
Invitation letter/guarantee letter
If you are invited by friends, family or relatives, you must submit a letter written by your host which indicates your relationship, reasons for the visit and his/her personal information (i.e. name, contact and address). The host must promise to sponsor your trip in the letter and sign at the end.
Guarantee form
Some embassies might give you a Guarantee form and it should be filled out and signed by your host, also called Statement of Liability or Declaration of Commitment. Rember to include it in your application.
Your host’s passport
Please include your host’s passport number and if necessary, their photocopy.
Proof of your host’s residence permit
If your host holds a permanent residence permit in Schengen Area, they might have to provide a photocopy of the permit.
Proof of accommodation
If you are going to live with your host, some embassies might ask for a copy of the rental agreement or property ownership.
Extra Required Documents for Tourist Visa
Travel Itinerary
You should write a letter to describe your trip, such as the purpose, schedule, hotel booking information, etc.
Extra Required Documents for Medical Visa
Medical certificate
You must provide a medical certificate (both original copy and photocopy) issued by a Philippines doctor or hospital stating your need to take medical treatment in a Schengen country. It must be in English or one of the languages of the Schengen country.
Treatment confirmation
You must offer a treatment confirmation from a Schengen country’s doctor or hospital. It would be better if there is a confirmed time and duration.
Proof of financial capability
If you have paid for the treatment, you can submit evidence of payment. If it is paid by others, you must submit proof of financial sponsorship.
Extra Required Documents for Business Visa
You have to hand in an invitation letter from your business partner or host stating the inviter’s information, how long you have been cooperating, why you are taking the business trip, how long will you stay, who takes the financial responsibility, etc.
Extra Journalist Visa
Please provide a confirmation letter or invitation letter verifying the journalism purpose and a Journalist ID card.
Extra Cultural Exchange Visa
Artists, musicians, or writers should show a request or invitation letter confirming that they are invited to attend cultural and educational activities.
Sports participants should show proof of health insurance, photocopies of the sports association registration card, an invitation letter from a Schengen country, a delegation letter from the Philippines, and proof of payment for the events.
Trade visitors and exhibitors should show tickets for the trade fair, exhibition documentation and photocopy, and a certificate from the organizer.
Religious event participants should show invitation cards and event statements (schedules, duration, purpose, etc).
Film crews should show a letter from the film company (indicating the film’s name, the synopsis, filming locations, etc.), a letter from a filmmaking agency in any Schengen member country, a list of crew members, and a filmmaker registration certificate.
Interns should show original copies and photocopies of the invitation letter, sponsorship and internship contract.
How to Apply for Schengen Visa from the Philippines
In order to receive a Schengen visa, you have to go through the following steps.
Decide Types of Visas and Where to Apply
As we stated before, due to the purpose of travel, there are different visa types available and the requirements might differ. Therefore, you have to figure out what types of Schengen visas you need.
Then choose an office that issues visas and this is the place you are going to submit your application and have an interview. It could be an embassy, consulate or visa center. Many EU countries set up embassies in Manila and consulates in some major cities. If the country that you are visiting has no embassy in the Philippines, you can refer to visa centers that represent several countries.
Where to submit your Schengen visa application is not randomly chosen. According to how many countries you will visit and how long you will stay in each country, please apply at the following office:
- the embassy/consulate/visa center of the target country on condition that you travel to one Schengen country only.
- the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country that you visit first on condition that you travel to more than one Schengen country and you spend equal time in each of them.
- the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country that you stay longer on condition that you travel to more than one Schengen country and you spend unequal time in each of them.
Make an Appointment
After deciding where to file your Schengen visa application, then you must make an appointment before attending an interview there. It is usually done on their official website. For example, the French/German/Dutch/Italian government appoints VFS Global visa application center located in Manila to process applications. The Spanish government appoints BLS Philippines visa application center in Manila and Cebu. For other countries, you can visit their embassy portal. Please note that don’t walk into the office without reservation.
Get Required Documents Prepared
Organized the documents according to the instruction before booking an appointment. The checklist is similar for most countries while some might ask for special documents for further confirmation.
Submit Application
You must hand in all materials on the reservation day. The officer would gather your fingerprints, too. An interview is not always required. If necessary, just be honest and relaxed. It is usually about why you are visiting the country, how long you will stay, your personal or family information, etc. Make sure your answers comply with what you state in the cover letter.
Fulfill Payment
You have to pay the visa fee at the embassy, consulate or visa center on the day you hand in the application in Philippine peso and submit the receipt.
Retrieve your Passport
After all the steps above are done, all you need to do it to wait for the results. You would be informed of the decision (approval or rejection). If your application is approved, you need to visit the office again to get back your passport with visa stamps. You can also ask whether they can post the passport to you in the previous step.
It takes about 15-60 days to deal with your application, depending on peak or off seasons, so please wait patiently.
FAQs:
Q: How much is the Schengen visa application?
A: It cost €80 (about PHP 4,877.55) for adults, €40 (about PHP 2,438.77) for kids between 6-12 and free of charge for kids under 6. Please note that there might be extra service fees charged by third-party visa centers.
Q: When should I submit my application?
A: You can apply up to 6 months before traveling. To avoid any unexpected delay, please apply at least 15 days before setting out. 1-2 months ahead is usually recommended.
Q: How to apply for a Schengen visa from the Philippines online?
A: It is possible to fill out the application form online, but you have to submit the form and documents in person.
Q: Is it required to submit the original copy of my documents?
A: Yes, in most cases. Both original copy and photocopy is required for passports while photocopies might be only required acceptable for other documents like marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc. Anyway, you’d better take the original one with you while visiting the visa issuance offices.
Q: Do I need to translate my documents?
A: If your documents are English versions, you don’t need to translate them. If in Filipino, please translate it into English or any corresponding language of Schengen countries. The translated version must also have an official stamp as a valid certified document.
Q: Do I need to submit my biometrics?
A: Yes. Any applicants above 12 must submit ten fingerprints when you are applying for the visa for the first time or 5 years after your fingerprint submission last time.
Q: Can I ask someone else to submit documents on my behalf?
A: You are required to attend in person because you have to submit biometric information on the spot. In the case of an emergency and valid biometrics records in the system, you can authorize another to represent you, but a written signed authorization statement is required.
Q: Can I use my passport during the review process for my Schengen visa?
A: No. The authority would keep your passport until your application is approved.
Q: Can I extend my Schengen visa in Europe?
A: Yes, but it is applicable in the following situations.
- You cannot leave the Schengen area as scheduled due to force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or other severe reasons.
- The duration of stay has not reached 90 days yet in the 180 days.
- Your current visa is still valid.
Summary
After reading this passage, you must have a thorough understanding of Schengen visa requirements and the application process from the Philippines. As there are so many documents to prepare, we suggest you file the application as early as possible and get prepared by following the checklist. Make sure all documents are authentic and valid. Hope everything goes smoothly and enjoy your trip.