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 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?Â
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?
Related Visa Posts
How to Apply Australian Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply Japan Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply Chinese Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply UK Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply Tongan Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply Korean Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply South African Visa in the Philippines
How to Apply Romanian Visa in the Philippines
Hi there, I hope you can answer my query. Is it possible to get a visa even when you haven’t bought a flight ticket? Also how long does it take for a attestation d’accueil and how much. I was just wondering if you have more information on this.
Thank you so much for your post, its really helpful :)
Regards,
Marie
FIRST 3 REQUIREMENTS THAT CHECK BY THE OFFICER IN THE EMBASSY:
– ITINERARY TICKET (ROUND TRIP)
– INSURANCE
– PASSPORT
Hi Guys!!!!
This blog was really helpful when I got my VISA 3 months ago.. I just arrived 2 weeks ago from SWEDEN.. Hehe.. Sarap mag crosscountry to Norway and Denmark.. Goodluck po sa lahat ng applying to get VISA.. Just leave a comment if you want to ask something particularly sa mga pupunta ng SWEDEN or kukuha ng tourist visa sa NORWAY EMBASSY..
Thanks you so much WANDERLASS!!!
Sa norwegian embassy ba pag binalik Yung passport Ano Ibig sabihin? Chineck mga documents ko sa 1stfloor Tapos tinatakan cover letter ko pati passport. and then nagproceed naman ako sa 21stfloor para sa biometrics and then fingerprints. Tapos binigay ko dun lahat ng doc’s ko pero binalik sa akin passport. Denied po ba to O approved? Complete naman docs ko except sa proof na nagkita na kami ng guarantor ko kasi Di pa naman kami nagmeet in person. Pero constant communication kami, I even included some of our conversations sa mga docs na pinasa ko. Help. I’m so scared. :/
HELOW PO pwedi po bang mag tanong kung sinong boyfriend dyan from switzerland sana matulongan niyo ako sa mga requirements at maitanaong kulang sana kung anong question nila because i need to prepared its my firstime .kasi yong boy friend ko from switzerland ano bang requirements for tourist visa complete please i hope you can help this
helo po ano po ba yung reqs, sa pgkuha ng tourist embassy sa sweden?ung exact details po.. thank u!
hello i just read ur message and thanks God i can ask someone who can help me..thanks..ask q lng first time q kz apply a schengen visa and my friend shoulder all my expenses..pls help me for more info i need..pls email me jahanjen@gmial.com..i realy appreciated ur help..thanks and Godbless im jen
Hello. I just sent a tourist application for Sweden via Norway. Hopefully they are lenient. I have completed all my documents. What did you submit? Travelled to Hong Kong 4x now I’ll be traveling alone without my husband. Employed and have sufficient funds.
Is it true that the sooner you get your passport back, the higher the possibility that you were denied? Like I was asked for an additional document (ITR) yesterday during the interview, then I submitted it early morning today (9:15am) then got an SMS in the afternoon that my visa application has been processed and is ready for collection at VFS (at 4:03pm) I’m really anxious if this is the case.
No. The time it takes to process says next to nothing. Most applications will take 15 calendar days at most (turn around times may be different, some embassies usually need 2-3 days, others generally 7 etc.). Also note that the use of the optional VFS may delay the process since they need to forward the paperwork to the embassy and wait for them to return it to forward it to you. Depending on how fast an embassy grands a (service fee free) direct application at the embassy counter (legal limit they have is two weeks) the direct or indirect road may be faster then the other.
Also factor in:
– how easy it is to judge an application. If it’s rather clear that the applicant meets or does not meet the requirements it will be easy to process the visa at short notice.
– luck: your visa may just happen to be ontop (or at the bottom), it might just arrive while they are working on a badge of applications or you may be unlucky and wait for processing later in the day/week.
– Too many variables. Just try to hand in a clear application and make sure there should be no need for further questions or requesting missing documents which could extend the application process to 30 or even 60 days.
Hope your visa came through. IF it didn’t, you should be informed why and then can appeal and counter this OR make a new application (which may be faster but an embassy may also use a previous refusal against you, so if you have the time you could try an appeal first to have the rejection overturned).
I got my passport with visa 2 days after my interview
hi hopingg.. hows ur visa? just curious why you are asked to submit your ITR? what if u dont have taxes in your company.. hows that? and what are the documents that you submitted.. im also planning to apply for a tourist visa in spain.. hope you could help me.. many thanks and Godbless
Is it true that the sooner you get your passport back, the higher the possibility that you were denied? Like I was asked for an additional document (ITR) yesterday during the interview, then I submitted it early morning today (9:15am) then got an SMS in the afternoon that my visa application has been processed and is ready for collection at VFS (at 4:03pm) I’m really anxious if this is the case.
Hello! Im planning to apply for Schengen Visa. I’m 22 years old. My boyfriend from Germany invite me to visit his country. Getting all the requirements are very stressful. No one could help me what to do. Can Anyone help me?
My boyfriend can submit “Affidavit of support” So that I can stay at his house and he is able to shouldering all my expenses while Im in Germany. And Do I need a round trip ticket/return ticket? and how about the Travel/medical insurance? Do I need to purchase that though my boyfriend can submit “affidavit of support” ?
Aisys, you’ll still need to have travel insurance (that meets the standards) and you’ll still need a reservation or option of a flight to Europe (Germany). The Support/Guarantee form only covers the financial aspect of the trip and/or accomodation. A regular visitor would need to show sufficient funds per day and hotel reservations. Your boyfriend will provide accomodation and pay all the costs of your stay there. But all other requirements as layed out here and on the embassy website still apply.
Most importantly they want to see that your journey (travel purpose) is genuine, affordable (your bf covers that) and that you are not a risk of illegal settelement but will return in time. So try to gather any objective evidence that binds you to the Philippines: work, studies, takinhg care of family members, any land, house or other expensive property. A letter writtn by your boyfriend and you may also help: briefly explaning why you want to go there (meet him, learn more about Germany, his friends and family etc.) and that you will return as per the requirements as not to put any possible future trips at risk.
Hopefully your boyfriend will help you with your application so that you meet all the requirements as found on the German embassy’s website. Good luck, save travels and hopefully a very pleasant stay with your lover. :)
if i apply to Spanish Embassy, will they call the French Embassy to ask about my denied visa application with them? please answer this important question. thank you.
The embassies already share a lot of information in a joined database (VIS, Visa Information System). I don’t know the specific information that they can see though so I don’t know if “reason for denial” is one of them”. Embassies get a lot of visa applications though so I doubt they will call. They will simply see the previous denial (not exactly a bonus) and then judge your application to see if you meet requirements for a visa. Hopefully you paid close atttention to the reason of denial -you should get the reason in writing when an embassy declines an applicatin- and are good to go. Incase of a denial you can appeal (which is free) and provide additional evidence why you think they unrightfully declined the visa. Good luck, preperation is key. I hope you get your visa, and wish you save and good travels.
hi donutz ;) im melai and im planning to apply for a tourist visa in spain. im a bit nervous about the process specially with the consulate. my friends told i should just have to justify that I will come back here in the phil. pls help me how to justify myself.. i have my work, but we dont have taxes so definitely i dont have an ITR. what if theyll ask me to provide one? but im financially stable,. pls do help.. may thanks and Godbless
Aslong as you have an income you should be fine, most embassies are quire aware that it’s commin in south east asia that people work without paying taxes, sometimes illegally or without contract. It’s important to show them that the trip is affordable (sufficient money, not sure how much the Spaniards ask for, about 60 euro’s per person per day??) and that you have a good reason to return (such as your job even if it’s one without paying taxes).
Kindly help me in arranging my schengen visa application cronologically need to submit it this morning at 11’o clock thank you and God Bless!!
Great blog and good to see that you are enjoying your travels and life. I’m suprised about the request for a birthcertificate though, that is not standard requirement and I fail to see the use for one (countering fraud with passport perhaps??). I’ll add some tips if you don’t mind:
– The most important checks an embassy does is to see if the trip is affordable (sufficient funds) , genuine (your travelgoal seems legit) and that you will leave in time (no illegal settlement). The last part can be done by showing reasons for return such as work, taking care of family and anything else what you can think of and prove. Funds: well an embassy may question that if there suddenly is a lumpsum in the bankaccount, so if you have a sponsor, see if they can financially guarantee. Requirements are different from member to member state. If you finance yourself, try to avoid any odd or questionable transactions in your bankaccount.
– If the embassy has an appointment system, which most do, you can alway chose to apply directly at the embassy (it’s your right as per the rules spelled out in Schengen Code on Visa), or chose to go to the (appointed) external service provider such as TLS or VFS, which are optional. If you apply directly an appointment must be be given within 2 weeks of the request.
– Processing should usually take no more then 15 calendar days. In individual cases when further review is needed, it may take 30 days. In exceptional cases, 60. During peak seasons embassies should scale up on staff to ensure that people get their visa in time. Sadly not all embassies do, they either tell you that it will take weeks before you get an appointment or weeks before they decide on the visa. This is a violation of the EU rules. If you politely stand your ground they will likely give in as they will know you are in your right and they are doing something illegal (which can be reported to the EU or to the embassies ministry in the country concerned).
– Triple check the requirements, some are a bit odd (such the birthcertificate) but usually it’s more efficient to comply. You can always sent a letter t the embassy and/or EU Commission afterwards asking why they made you do all this. If you are in doubt, check with EU authorities. The EU’s Commission website can easily be found if you search for “EU Home Affairs Schengen”. You will also find the rules there and detailed handbooks which the embassies use to consult when deciding over visa applications. They are a bit lenghty or even tedious but everything you ever need to know about Schengen visa is covered in them!
Good luck to all, save travels and I hope all genuine applicants get their visas ASAP without ill experiences. The less hassle and bureaucracy the better. Luckily the EU announced a simplification of the Schengen visa in april of 2014, expected at the earliest somewhere in 2015.
Three more tips:
– Do not make any financial commitments that can not be undone (refunded) if the visa is denied. So don’t buy a ticket but get a reservation for free or at a small fee, get a hotelbooking that can easily be cancelled without costs. travel insurance is mandatory for now (expected to become optional in 2015) but get one that will be refunded incase of a denial.
– Make sure your trip is and looks genuine. Very few people can get 90 days off from work, a 3-4 week holiday makes much more sense.
Oh and remain polite at all times, but do not let them take you for a hike (walse all over you). Some staff (from what I gather if it happens it’s often local staff, most unfortunate) can be rude. Be polite and helpfull but not submisive. The actual decision is done be the national embassy staff anyway. But hopefully you meet friendly staff who help you guide through the application smootly.
I’m still at loss why some embassies ask for birthcertificates and marital status documents though. It is irrelevant for tourist journeys and certainly not on the standard list of documents commonly asked for. Some staff must really love pushing papers around…
hello rob i have very important quastion but i dotn know if we can tallk here if u have time add me in shadex18@yahoo.com or in skype shasha181818 , its very confedential case hope u can give me answer tnx
We got our travel insurance at Mapfre Insular. It was a big help when our flight was cancelled in Hong Kong due to bad weather. Europe is on our top list to go next year. I hope our visa will be approved.
hi please help. i will have my appointment on the 22nd of oct wth spain embassy. i already hve my invitation letter from spanish police thru my sister. im pallning to stay for 15days vaction only..just wnt to know do i still need to prsent my sister proof of funds? where in actualy she will not be sponsoring my travel just the accomodation. please help anyone. thank u
Hi! Were you approved? Let me know please. Did you make any cover letter or whatnots? Are they strict?