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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Elvie on 02/14/2015 at 11:26 pm

Anybody here could give me insight,or some info, how to obtain student visa for Lithu ania, I had been doing my research and i recon lithuania has the cheapest fees compare to other EU countries.
frncoma on 02/12/2015 at 2:14 pm

Hi there! thank you for this!
My questions is, if you call today for scheduling your interview, how long will it take until the interview itself? :)
- Rob on 02/12/2015 at 7:54 pm
  
  You make an appointment (by phone, mail or online, which you may do either directly via the embassy or external party -entirely up to you-). The embassy MUST give an appointment within 2 weeks of the request. During the application the embassy will ask a few questions, depending on your travel purpose, history etc. it may be 1-2 or a few more questions to establish your purpose of travel.
  
  The visa will then be processed, this takes up to 15 calendar days, if further info is needed (such as being called over for an actual interview or more documents) it can be extended up to 30 days, and in extraordinary cases when further review is needed, up to 60 days.
  - frncoma on 02/16/2015 at 7:56 pm
    
    Thanks so much!
Jon on 02/06/2015 at 2:43 pm

good day I am planning to go to Luxembourg to visit my special someone this spring or summer (May or June 2015) which embassy should i apply for a Schengen Visa. the easiest and who can issue visa immediately. Many Thanks for the help and recommendation.
- Rob on 02/12/2015 at 8:00 pm
  
  Luxembourg is generally represented by the Belgians, though in some places the Dutch or French do so instead. Best to check with the Belgian embassy first if they represent Luxembourg.
- mrs.kieffer on 02/18/2015 at 7:35 pm
  
  Hi. Iuxembourg is under belgian embassy. I applied tourist visa last january 15 until now no email or update from embassy. They said docs will be sent to lux and they are the one who will approve the visa. Still waiting :(
  - mrs.kieffer on 02/19/2015 at 10:07 am
    
    Can i follow up on the embassy the status of my application? Its just taking forever and the waiting part is stressful. Can u guys tell me if i can call for updates? Thanks
  - wanderlass on 02/19/2015 at 9:46 pm
    
    i would call to followup
    - mrs.kieffer on 02/24/2015 at 4:46 pm
      
      Hi. I got an email yesterday and even a call to tell me that my visa is approved! Yeeeyy! Its long term so they asked me for one way ticket and travel and medical insurace valid for 90 days. What’s the cheapest one i can get? Thank you again.
      - Kamille on 02/27/2015 at 11:05 pm
        
        How long did it take for your visa to be processed? Im a long stay visa applicant too.
    - annie on 03/02/2015 at 3:24 pm
      
      Hi if I may ask po magssubmit n po aq this week ng application KO. Do I have to put pa ba s cover letter q na I’m also meeting a friend from Canada in Italy or Hindi na? Will they still check on that one? Ano pong requirements Ang hhingiin q s friend KO can u give me lists po pls.. Thanks..
    - Eliza Alota on 03/03/2015 at 9:52 pm
      
      hi.ms wanderlass n every1!. paano po ba malalaman na granted po ung schengen visa?
      
      pwede rin po ba mgkasabay ang visa at passport pabalik bigay sayo after how many days na process? Thanks po.
  - MsMarra Quiachon Ramos on 03/01/2015 at 9:48 pm
    
    hi, I will be having my appointment this month for a visiting visa .how was ur interview?
blue on 01/28/2015 at 8:58 am

Hi there,
I don’t really know if this is even a valid question, pero pwde ba i-apply yung visa (schengen or any other visas), thru agencies? or kelangan ba talaga, ako mismo pupunta sa embassy or something? patulong naman. thank you.
- ellah on 03/06/2015 at 12:55 am
  
  Heu blue,you have to go at the Embassy personally.
Shane Flores on 01/07/2015 at 12:29 am

can you suggest the cheapest airline for manila to milan? thanks!
isagani on 12/27/2014 at 12:24 pm

Hallo,
Ich heiße Gani.

I just want to ask for those have had experienced an application for family visit visa to Germany.

I have a cousin living in Hessen for almost 10 years now and got her A1 certificate she was married to a native Deutsch man.

I just knew her 1 month ago we meet on facebook and we foundout we are related. We have the same family name and i tried to tracked back the rootedness of our family and gladly we are 2nd degree cousins.

My deutsch boyfriend wants to invite me thtu my cousins invitation because he thinks that it might be easier to acquire a family visit visa than invitation visa from him because we haven’t yet met personally. So he is cooperating with my cousin to do the job and he will finance it.

The problem was me and my cousin did not have a personal meet up as well. But we often chat on facebook showing our last name together. (i made some screenshots already)

I have been denied last year in french embassy because of lack of proof that I’ll come back. But this time i am now owning a business which is 2months now.

I will apply for an appointment soon and i intend to travel by march.

I just want to hear some advices and tips because i have heard that German embassy was one of the toughest schengen state to grant a visa.

I Don’t want to get rejected this time. Does the result from my french application will affects my upcomming application? I inted to have a 1 month holiday and i will definitely come back.

Hoping for your comments and tips.
Thanks in advance.
- gheenn on 02/09/2015 at 1:00 am
  
  much better if young bf mo ang mag sponsor ng visa sau, kc if u have an any relative who live in Germany, mahirapan ka. ask ka sa bf mo na sya mag sponsor kuha sya ng obligation letter namay sign fram rathaus dun sa lugar nila na nagsasabi na icover nya lahat ng expences mo, and make it sure na yung bf mo nakapunta na here not only once but twice but once maye its okay, i’ve been in germany for 2 months only i just came back here last month at madali lng yung visa ko just for 2days may visa na ako after sa interview.
  - marchel on 03/12/2015 at 6:07 am
    
    hi patulong nman po… gusto din ako imbitahan ng bf ko from germany next year pag bakasyon ko ng pinas.. nasa jordan ako ngaun, bali ang mangyayari nun my 2 months akong bakasyon ng pinas ung 1 months spend ko sa family ko dun tpos ung 1 months sa germany sana.. peru pagkatpos ng 2 months na bakasyon ko balik ako dito jordan… tanong ko lng sana kung possible kaya na maaprobahan ang visa ko, ung bf ko ang sasagot sa lahat ng gastusin… kasi kapag jordan to germany impossible kasi d yata pwde sa pagkakalam ko ang lumabas ako ng ibang bansa na d kasama ang sponsor ko maliban sa pinas… kya ang mangyari uwi ako pinas, sa pinas ako manggagaling at mag aaply ng visa for germany then back to pinas and to jordan… anu po ang easiest way, pwede bang from germany to amman jordan na d na ako babalik ng pinas pag ka galing ko ng germany, possible po kya un, anu po ang mga dapt kong ihanda na recquirments? thank your the answer!
- gheenn on 02/09/2015 at 1:07 am
  
  2 months na business is not ok. much better if u are student or maybo u enroll to a school and ask for certificate of enrollment same as what i did. sabihin mong bf mo but not fiancee if schengen visa lng ang kukunin mo.travel health insurance, confirmation ticket wag ka munang magbayad ha, reservation lng hanap ka ng travel agency na mabook ka ng ticket cost only 250, kc if bibili ka ng ticket at madeny ka sayang lng, wish u the best, plan ko ring bumalik ng Germany sa April magpaappointment na ako march.
  - ppbbaa on 05/29/2015 at 5:49 pm
    
    Hi gheenn, I am also a student applying for a schengen visa (Germany). I would like to ask if madali lang ba given na I’m just a student and don’t have sufficient finances yet. My boyfriend is already processing the invitation letter (obligation letter). Was it easy for you? And how did you do it? Thanks in advance!
- Ms Joy on 03/02/2015 at 6:13 pm
  
  First, I would like to thank you wanderlass coz your blog is really of great help when it comes to travel concerns. I would like to ask you what if let say Schengen visa is approved. Can we change our travel dates and the number of days of stay and can we travel other state aside from the ones in our application?? Let say we decided to extend our trip instead of 5days to a week? Will it not complicate the travel dates and itinerary upon entry in the immigration?
  Thank you very much!
  - Rob on 03/05/2015 at 2:52 pm
    
    Yes, you can alter your plans aslong as you do not exceed the maximum stay (number of days) and stay within the validity dates of the visa aswell. Only if one has lied in the application will you be in trouble (ea: applying in Germany while you never had an intention to go there but only stay in Greece instead).
    - TrulyQueen on 03/11/2015 at 8:03 am
      
      Hi po, ask ko lang is there any chance na madeny ako kasi Fiancee yung nkalagay sa invitation letter eh. Sa dutch embassy kame magaay this month. Just confused now :( please help me po.
      - Rob on 03/11/2015 at 9:28 pm
        
        I don’t speak Tagalog, sorry. The Netherlands uses a “Proof of Sponsorship and/or private accommodation” (“Logies en/of garantstelling” ) form which the host (boyfriend) can use. An invitation letter is optional but wise to include. In it you two can explain the reasons of the visit and reasons for return more in depth. If the application is already being processed it’s probably too late to sent it now and best to wait for the result of the application. Consider an appeal (it’s fre but takes 10-12 weeks or so) if your visa is turned down.
    - TrulyQueen on 03/11/2015 at 10:07 pm
      
      Hi rob, what are the other possible documents that I can show them as proof that I am still studying although when we will apply it this month i cant show a new certificate of enrollment as the school just finished this week and enrollment will be the week before the intended date of my depart, i dont have work. Do you think it is possible to give them like enrollement record for my ojt this summer hut that will end hoping second to third week of may. :( i really need help po. We are going to apply tru dutch embassy
      - Rob on 03/11/2015 at 11:14 pm
        
        The Dutch are usually not that difficult, some paperwork that you are/have been enrolled and some papers that you will continue your education next semester should be fine. If in doubt bring any papers you think might be useful, the staff at the counter of the embassy can assist you with your application. ofcourse any other documents of ties to PH will help (house, land, car, taking care of familymembers). Include an accompanying letter written by you (and your sponsor if you have one) explaining your reasons for travel and reasons for return, noting that you are very much aware that overstay is something to avoid as it will make any future travels very difficult or next to impossible, so that you will certainly abide the rules, return to study and after graduate find a job in PH. Good luck!
      - TrulyQueen on 03/12/2015 at 7:26 am
        
        Hi rob, thank you for the help. I think I will bring them my certificate of enrollment of the intern for this summer although that will be finished for sure before i visit the ntherlands. I can give them for sure a copy of certificate of my enrollment for the coming school year once i enrolled before the intended leave to netherlands. But anyways, thank for the help. And i can tell them that i am not going to take this opportunity to stay there and become alien soon as by next year we will apply for mvv visa once i graduated by next year. :)
siz on 12/26/2014 at 8:26 am

Hi wanderlass merry christmas ! need KO LNG Sana ng help first timer mag apply ng schengen visa pa austria confuse at nervous ako. all expenses will be shouldered by my boyfriend at accomodation, nagkita na din kami maraming beses at may property na rin kami under my name tanong ko po ano ano submit kung documents at kailangan ba nka red ribbon lahat, need KO din ba ng birth certificate na authenticated kahit tourist lang wala tlga ako idea i hope u can help. wala din akong work dahilan ng on going ang construction ng bahay namin dalawa, wala din akong sariling business, meron LNG ako motor at deed of sale ng lupa. may pera sa bangko pero Hindi KO savings dahil hinulog nya yon pang gastos sa ginagawa naming bahay. pls enlighten me mag a apply na kami sa January dami kongg worries.. thanks po
- Benice on 12/26/2014 at 11:56 pm
  
  Hi siz, i have information na mas madaling magApply ng schengen visa sa spain jan sa pinas.bf q from austria din,anu email add mo?
  - siz on 01/16/2015 at 11:43 am
    
    hi venice this is my email add sislee99@gmail.com can you write me pls? tnx
  - Loren on 01/27/2015 at 3:48 pm
    
    hi ms. benice. mag’apply din ako sa spanish embassy. if okay lang po makuha email add mo to ask few concerns. thanks!
  - Vee on 02/02/2015 at 9:52 pm
    
    Hi Benice, can I ask for your email add?..mag-apply ako ng visa for Spain…may concerns lang ako and I need some details for clarification…thanks.
    - Selyn143iluvu on 02/05/2015 at 2:26 pm
      
      hi i would like to ask about my concerns in getting a visa in austria. my boyfriend is an austrian. and he applied for a tourist visa for me. its been the second time we applied for a visa application over there but still i dont passed the visa for the second time. what is the problem with it? my boyfriend is the one who pay all the expenses for the visa, my trip and my stay there in austria. im just working part-time here philippines. im not sure why they dont let me passed. in the second visa application our documents are complete but i get nervous in the interview in the embassy and i said something wrong that dont fit to the documents. like with the job date. is that the possible reason also that i get failed.
      
      i dont own a house or a property here in philippines and i dont have a lot of money in my bank account. but my boyfriend newly opened that for me. it is really a big question mark that the reason they put that im denied is that they dont believe my reasons to come back. i tell them that i have my job for the reason i will come back here in philippines and i have my family too to take care of.
      
      i noticed they are not friendly over there and the way they interview me seems like they dont like me to go there. but at the end we dont really know with my boyfriend now what is the real reason behind i was denied in the visa. is there other thing possible we can justify it? and if it is really our fault what is the best visa we will apply for with my bf so that i can come there in austria. we already meet in person in the last year and we go together in the embassy but still the embassy still dont accept his appearance over there.
      
      of the fact also that he cant walk and he use a wheelchair. is it also the case the embassy wont let me go there because he is disable? can you please help me find out the right reasons why i am denied and what should be the best thing we will do next in another visa application and what is the right visa for me?
      - Rob on 02/12/2015 at 8:06 pm
        
        The reason for rejection is, as the paper you got states, them not believing you will return back home in time. You can appeal against this for free (within a month of the rejection?) As their doubts are merely a suspicion, you should have a good canche of overturning their rejection. Try to find any evidence that binds you with your country: taking care of family (copy of their passports, possibly some declaration that you take care of them), owning land/house/car, having a job or study to return to etc. A written statement by you and your BF what your intentions are and that you will most certainly return home and he will make sure you do so too, all will help. If the rejection is overturned the ” visa denied” is removed from the VIS (a database with history visible for all Schengen members), which looks a lot better on your trackrecord then a list of rejections.
  - melai on 03/04/2015 at 10:10 am
    
    hi Benice.. can u help me too plsss.. im also planing to apply for schengen visa..saan ba dto sa pinas madaling magapply? balak ko din kc pumunta sa spain..plsssss help me.. many thanks.. Godbless
leila on 12/16/2014 at 5:11 pm

I would like to ask where to get a flight reservation? without paying the whole/any amount yet since it is still not sure wether my visa will be granted or not. thanks
- wanderlass on 12/16/2014 at 9:34 pm
  
  I usually go to a travel agent and ask for a booking certificate. They can do that for you if you ensure you will buy from them when visa is approved.
  - Millet flores on 12/25/2014 at 11:15 pm
    
    Hi there..im planning to get a tourist schengen visa when i go home to phil..im currently in greece working in a private yacht.i have only a transit visa but since im planning to have a trip to PARIS in my expense i believed that i must have a visa..can u tell me where is that travel gency your saying..i will be grateful if u could help me outl.thanks
  - Jenny on 02/24/2015 at 10:06 am
    
    Hi..so happy with your info. Just wondering, which country un for u pnkabest na kunan ng schngn visa?un mgbbigay ng longest and multiple entry. Thank u in advance..dilemma ko kxe yan.
  - jhoanhonorica on 03/04/2015 at 11:36 am
    
    Hi wanderlass can I have that travel agent for a booking certificate? Thanks
- Rob on 12/17/2014 at 1:12 am
  
  Try contacting an airliner directly, many or atleast some should have the free option of a reservation/option on a flight which will automatically expire after X weeks (4 weeks for example, or 30 days, or 1 month or …) unless you confirm and pay the flight.
- mitch on 12/17/2014 at 6:37 pm
  
  I took mine from singapore airline but you have to give them a ring and that’s totally free of charge.. going to their website will give you no option to reserve a flight..
mitch on 12/05/2014 at 9:05 am

Ms. Lil.. Thank you very much for the guide.. I got my visa last 3rd and will be flying to france on the 17th…. And to everyone posting out their experiences here… Don’t give up guys if you got denied,apply lang ulit… Once again,thank you very very much…
- Thea on 12/08/2014 at 11:55 pm
  
  Enjoy your trip!!
- kat on 12/09/2014 at 3:10 pm
  
  Paano pag work related?
- khucoo on 12/20/2014 at 9:47 am
  
  I have a boyfriend in France and he wants me to be with him and he want us to be married in france. He sent me “attestation d’accueil” what will i do when i am applying for fiancee visa?
Regina on 12/03/2014 at 10:20 pm

Good day!

My bf is inviting me to visit him in France. He is going to shoulder all my expenses. I don’t work at the moment nor a student, so I cannot really provide a proof of income and employment. Can you please help me estimate how high the chances I might have on having this visa? This is going to be my first time visiting other country. I could really use help. Thank you.
- mitch on 12/05/2014 at 6:41 am
  
  Hi regina, I am not admin for ms. Lil, but this blog helped me a lot and i want to return the favor.. Should you are not employed nor a student.. Just asked for all the papers from your boyfriend.. Attestation d’accueil… I provided the embassy as well his 3 months payslips and 3 months bank statements ( though i also have my own which i presented ).. I got denied the first and it was really devastating experience,however we re’applied and got additional proof which is the notarized invitation from him..signed by a solicitor/lawyer.. And now i got my visa and will be spending the holiday season in france… Good luck to you…
  - Yna on 01/11/2015 at 6:28 pm
    
    Hi mitch…is there any chance that i can get your email address? I actually have a lot of questions… Please? This is yna.
    - Mitch on 01/15/2015 at 11:42 pm
      
      hey Yna, shoot me a message at mitch.alcantara@yahoo.com.. i would be glad to help out..
      - khucoo on 01/18/2015 at 9:50 am
        
        Can i have your email add too for some questions. Thank you mitch
- gheenn on 02/09/2015 at 1:13 am
  
  Regina
  u just need to show the the strong evidence that u will be coming back sa pinas, ang ginawa ko nagpaenroll ako ng caregiver then after a month humingi ako ng certificate of enrollment after 1 month of schooling nag apply ako ng visa 3months before my expecting departure. at sa awa ng dios the next day tinawagan ako na approve ang visa ko then nakabalik n ako sa davao so ang ginawa nila is pinadala nlng nila ang visa..before ka magpaset ng interview make it sure na completo ang dala mong documents make 3 copies each. goodluck sa inyo..