Schengen Visa for Philippine Passport Holders

Posted by wanderlass | Mar 16, 2011 | visa challenge |

Updated August 2018

Applying Schengen Visa from French Embassy Online

The process in applying for Schengen Visa through the French Embassy has changed since I applied in 2007 and 2011. It is now more efficient with the submission of documents done online.

Every information you need is now available on the new France-Visas website. After filling the visa application form, you will be redirected to the on-line appointment and tracking systems of VFS Global.

Philippine passport holders are required Schengen visa to visit one or more of the states in the Schengen Region in Europe. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business. It is not valid for employment.

Schengen Region

The Schengen area comprises 27 European countries. There is normally no passport control on the borders between these countries. If you have a valid visa or residence permit in one of these countries, you can also visit the other Schengen countries.

The Schengen area consists of the ff countries

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, the Czech Republic.

As of 2014, valid Schengen visa (type: double or multiple entry), who have already entered the Schengen area, may travel to the following without additional visa and may stay for period equal to the remainder of the time for which the Schengen visa is valid.

– Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania

Philippine passport holders are required Schengen visa to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business. It is not valid for employment.

When to apply for Schengen Visa?

Applications can be made earliest three (3) months before the planned entry.

How much is Schengen Visa?

The visa-processing fee is EUR 60. The fee is non-refundable even if application is unsuccessful.

What are the requirements in applying Schengen Visas?

1. Signed and filled up Schengen Visa Application Form (click this) with photo attached, plus 1 additional photo.

Photo Specification

Color photo taken against white background;
Clear and of good quality;
Printed on normal photographic paper;
45 mm high x 35 mm wide in size
Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or a head covering
The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows) and the applicant should be facing forwarding, looking straight ahead.

2. Valid passport with 3 months validity from the end of visa duration. Photo copy of valid and former visas, if any.

3. Cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip and detailed itinerary. If you don’t have this, you have to write one on the spot before they will accept your requirements. Here is the cover letter addressed to the Honorable Consul I made in 2007.

4. Details of your trip

Round trip ticket reservation. Reservations only.
Itinerary of the whole duration including departure and arrival dates.
Accommodations – hotel vouchers, seriously. If you’re staying with a good friend who is a French resident/national, then you need them to provide you with something called Attestation d’accueil (Certificate of Board and Lodging) and your host’s national identity card or residence permit.

Why I said good friend? Because it’s a lot of trouble for them to get this. If you have a French national host, just cut and paste below list for the document you needed from them. These are basically records of their existence in France such as title of property or contract of lease, utility billing statement as address proof, bank statements, medical records, pay slip, and finally they have to go to the city hall to have all these certified. Like I said, lots of trouble. :)

The attestation d’accueil is a form needed to be presented to the City Hall with the following documents:

la carte nationale d’identité ou le passeport, ou la carte de résidence

livret de famille de l’hébergeant

justificatifs de domicile (EDF-GDF, facture Télécom, facture Eau)

titre de propriété (taxe foncière) ou de location (taxe d’habitation)

contrat de bail ou descriptif du logement

2 derniers bulletins de salaires ou justificatifs divers de ressources mensuelles (retraite, CAF)

dernier avis d’imposition ou de non imposition

noms, prénoms de l’étranger, date et lieu de naissance, adresse exacte, n° du passeport et sa copie, copie du document justifiant le lien de parenté s’il y a lieu

attestation d’assurance médicale de l’hôte

un timbre spécifique dit « timbre OMI » d’un montant de 15 euros, il sera demandé à l’issue d’une réponse favorable. Disponible dans les perceptions et chez les buralistes.(Attention : il faut autant de timbres que de personnes accueillies sauf s’il s’agit de l’accueil d’une même famille avec des enfants mineurs).

5. Proof of employment

Certificate of employment stating monthly salary and approved leave of absence.
If self employed, official business registration for current and previous year.

6. Proof of Income

Income Tax Return
Recent Bank Certification
Photocopy of the last 3 months statement of Account of the same bank account.
If someone other than yourself is paying for the the trip, then submit financial document of the sponsor instead.

7. Identity / Marital Status:

Photocopy of First page of Passport and all relevant obtained visas
Authenticated birth certificate from NSO. If married, bring photocopy of your marriage contract.

8. Travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your intended stay with minimun coverage EUR 30,000. The medical policies must state the following points :

Medical attention and treatment will be given in case of illness or accident

The injured or ill traveller can be transported home for treatment + body repatriation in case of death

The insurance coverage is a least 30 000 euros (50 000 US dollars)

The insurance must be valid for all 25 Schengen member states which should be listed on the policy

The insurance company must be re-insured, the name of the re-insurer and his TOLL FREE phone number must be listed on the policy

The policy must allow CASHLESS SETTLEMENTS of claims. The name of the company in charge of such settlements and their toll free number must be clearly stated on the policy.

Where to Buy Travel Insurance in the Philippines

I used to buy insurance with an agent, but I now buy Travel Insurance through Pacific Cross, World’s Nomad

How long does it take for Schengen Visa to be released?

About The Author

wanderlass

Lilliane is the lass who wanders. She travels the world on a quest to live a life not ordinary. An avid traveler, photographer, and scuba diver, she once traveled continuously for 14 months around the world, took over 20,000 photos, and spent too much money on a liveaboard dive trip in the Galapagos.

2,197 Comments

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angela on 05/22/2011 at 3:16 pm

Hi Lil, i’ve been reading your blog and its really helpful, so thanks a lot for sharing your experience to people like me… just i want to clarify something and i hope you can help me too, i’m planning to apply for a tourist visa to Belgium but i don’t have a land title, pero meron naman akong business and bank accounts, do you think having my own business and bank accounts are sufficient as a source of income to grant me a tourist visa to Belgium? thanks a lot again…
JD on 05/20/2011 at 5:32 pm

Hi Lil! My appointment in French Embassy is on June3, and my departure date is on June18. Is 10-day processing the standard time of waiting or will it be longer since June is kinda peak season? I am working in an airline for 4years and this will be my first time to travel outside Asia. This makes me nervous
- wanderlass on 05/20/2011 at 11:38 pm
  
  i think your visa would be out in time, but if not, then i guess u can always rebook, working for an airline like that. haha. good luck, it’s going to be great! =)
Vangie on 05/17/2011 at 2:27 pm

Hi. I just sent an email to the french embassy yesterday as I couldnt get thru with the number on their website. They replied today and my appointment is on June 6th. If all goes well, I might have a visa like after 2 weeks? Our scheduled departure to France is July 3rd. Do you think I can have my visa then. I actually have been to France several times in the past with around 6 shengen visa already. Back then, I was with my husband on his official trip. This time, we are going on tour.
- wanderlass on 05/17/2011 at 5:30 pm
  
  I got mine today as promised. So yeah, you will have the visa in 10 days. It should be there in the email they sent you. And I don’t see any reason they won’t give you your visa this time, since they based their approval on the documents you submit. So if you have all that is mentioned above, you should be on your way!
rose on 05/16/2011 at 6:44 pm

Hi lil, thank you for your advised, coz i am confused of doing things since my friend is applying to switzerland at iba din ang requirements niya…sa attestation de accueil is enough..then i will not be worry anymore: so, it means its no need for me to present my proof of income since the attestation is a proof that they are qualified. at plus nalang sa requirements ko which i have all: so, galing sa kanya is only the attestation and identification id. kc xa lahat mag cover all my expenses during my trip. thanks a lot! its my 1st time kc..
Frenchie on 05/16/2011 at 10:50 am

Hi lil, sorry ha. I know a lot always asked this question na. Just want to know lng if is it approved or denied? The visa consul asked me to return on may 26 at 11am. That was the one I read at the back of the reciept. I’m quite nervous about the result. June 1 will be the expected date of departure. Please help! Thanks :)
- wanderlass on 05/17/2011 at 5:31 pm
  
  I think they deny people on the spot and basically for incomplete requirements. So if they ask you to come back, i believe it means they’re going to give you a visa. =)
  - Frenchie on 05/17/2011 at 6:41 pm
    
    Thank you Lil. whew . . .when is your departure date? i hope we can meet up someday! :) thanks so much to your blog. il keep in touch with you when i gt my visa.
maricar on 05/15/2011 at 12:25 am

im new here pls i need advise because i have an appointment sa Switzerland embassy on may 10. I will apply a schengen visa for visiting sweden.Im worried kasi wala po ako ITR coz im working sa salon ng mom ko which is family business namin.And then i also dont have any bank account.My swedish boyfriend will be sponsoring me pero kinakabahan parin ako kasi kulang requirements ko.And when po ba yung right time for my bf to send the invitation letter sa embassy?Help pls..thanks
- wanderlass on 05/15/2011 at 10:34 pm
  
  he should send u the documents which u will present to the embassy w/ your application form. if he will support all your trip expenses, it should say so in your application form and he should send his financial standing, then u don’t need to present yours.
  - maricar on 05/16/2011 at 2:00 am
    
    so regarding sa ITR di na rin ba ako hahanapan?thank you so much for the response..
rose on 05/14/2011 at 11:30 pm

I am going to apply a schengen visa in France , my sponsored send them attestation accueil and identification id…do i still need their proof of income and assents? since getting the attestation accueil is with requirements. thanks you…
- wanderlass on 05/15/2011 at 10:36 pm
  
  just the attestation d’accuel is sufficient.
mon_amour on 05/14/2011 at 4:03 pm

Bonjour!
I have a very cofusing situation and i really need your advice.

I am on my annulment case with my ex-husband to be. I came to saudi arabia as a visit visa of my French boyfriend. I recently work in saudi rabia that`s were i met him.

My problem is, I have stopped my work for 6 months and I want to apply tourist visa to see his family and his father given me all the documents to sponsor me in this visa. My boyfriend is working now in saudi arabia as well.

Do you think i will have the chance to have my french schengen visa?

thank you and i am hoping that you can answer my question; I am in badly needing of your help with my situation.
- wanderlass on 05/15/2011 at 10:37 pm
  
  as long as you’re still a resident of the country you’re applying the visa from, then you are eligible to apply in that country. if you have all the requirements, u should have no problem getting your visa.
  - mon_amour on 05/17/2011 at 2:50 pm
    
    Hi
    
    Thank you for your response.
    
    I tried to apply for schengen visa from saudi arabia but they told me that I need to apply it from my country of residence. I have appointment at French Embassy in Philippines on June 8.
    
    But my main problem is the certificate of employment and am unemployed. Will it be a risk of having schengen visa?
    
    Thank you.
    - wanderlass on 05/17/2011 at 5:27 pm
      
      you will have to present a financial document of the person financing your trip.
sheda on 05/12/2011 at 9:01 am

hi! i just want to ask if what are the requirements for students applying for a schengen visa?

also, what are my chances of being approved if i’ll be travelling there alone but my parents will be paying for the whole duration of the trip?

thanks! :)
- wanderlass on 05/12/2011 at 9:11 am
  
  if you’re a student applying for tourist visa, you’ll require the same documents above. instead of financial document of yourself, you’ll produce those that of your parents. the detailed itinerary with accommodation booked is very helpful (while stressful to prepare) in getting your visa approved.
Frenchie on 05/11/2011 at 5:01 pm

thanks so much. im quiet nervous because i have my interview on Monday.Just one more thing, are they going to asked something about the background or anything about the French national who invited you in France?
- wanderlass on 05/12/2011 at 8:51 am
  
  Good luck. I was asked how I’m related to my host. It would be suspicious if you don’t know anything about the person who invited you. And if the person inviting you is the person paying for your expenses, you’ve to produce his financial document. I noted that the financial part is important for them based on some of the interviews I overheard. ;-)