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?
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?
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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 Wanderlass! I want to know how much possibility do I have in applying for a Schengen Visa? My husband is an American and I’m a Filipino, he wants us to travel to Europe for 3 weeks(France would be our first stop) while we are waiting for my U.S. Immigrant Interview in Manila. He will be paying everything incl. flights to more than 5 EU countries, hotels and activities. I have no job due to our pending US Immigrant Petition for now but I’ve worked in other countries and traveled to 16 countries (just in case both will help). In a scale of 1-10, 10 is the highest & 1 is the lowest, how much chance do I have here? I would like to know what can you say about my concern. Thanks in advance.
hi good afternoon,
ask ko lang po by july 1st week pinapupunta akp ng bf ko sa Paris. but my problem is wala akong ITR dahil wala pa ako work, din balak ko na magwork before isubmit ang mga requirements ko, maaaccept kaya COE ko if ever bago pa lang ako sa work. Much appreciated po ang reply niyo. Thanks in advance.
better try it.. :)
Hi wanderlass. My wife and I were able to secure Schengen visas from the Embassy of Netherlands here in Manila last year. However, we only went to Paris due to a change in plans. Is it possible to apply for visas again from the Embassy of Netherlands? Will they hold it against us for not traveling to Amsterdam as originally planned? Will they be able to check that we didn’t go to Amsterdam at all? Sorry for posting 2x. Thanks for your reply.
You should be fine, because plans can genuinly change and that’s just fine. There is also no way for the Dutch to check if you didn’t arrive in France, stayed there a while, then visited the Netherlands for a while and departed again via France (because you changed your plans, found cheaper tickets etc.) . If asked, just be honest.
Hi Rob, what if we apply this week in netherlands embassy and we are expecting the documents to arrive this week like my hot’s invitation 3 months salary slip and other docus needed at the embassy. And what if the documents didn’t arrive on time, can we submit a scanned documents from him? Please reply! Thanks
hi magkano po kaya ang required na pondo ang ilalagay ko sa bank for possible approval ng visa?
Hi! Your entries are really helpful. I have some inquiries after getting denied for schengen visa last week via Netherlands Embassy. Main reason was due to weak socio economic ties in the country and that i dont have regular/substantial income despite providing COE from a reputable company. Given this what can you advise to re-apply via same embassy or is it possible to apply in another embassy? Im quite pressed for time as well since i purchased my ticket already :( Hope you can help. Thanks!
Sorry to hear that. But you most cetainly will need more evidence of ties to PH (work, house, car, care for family members, return flight ticket resevation, an accompayin g letter explaing your trip and vouching to return realizing the consequences of illegal stay are not fun to risk, etc. etc….). You need to apply at the country that is your main destination. All Schengen embassies have access to the same databse so all will be able to see yuor visa history (Dutch visa denial) so applying to an other embassy would most likely be a waste of time and raise questions (fear of visa hopping). Apply again (quikest) or appeal (can take 12-15 weeks).
!! Never buy a ticket in advance or any other non-refundable costs!! Reservations are just fine, embassies don’t want you wasting money and thus advice against purchasing tickets etc. in advance!! I hope you can get the visa before your flight.
Hi Sir Rob! I just read all your advise and I guess you can help me. I’m planning to apply a Schengen visa to Italy. Actually, I once applied last 2013 to accompany my younger brother and sister but unfortunately, the embassy denied me a visa. For now, I’m planning to apply as a tourist since my parents will provide me an invitation. I’m currently working at a resort and I’m wandering if I can use my employment status in applying a visa. I can also provide a land and car title as supporting documents. DO you think they’ll grant me a visa? TIA :)
If you provide evidence that you are employed and a job to return to (contract, perhaps a written and signed letter from your employer aswell?) and other evidence of things that bind youy you PH I’d think they Italians should have no reason to worry that you’d stay in Europa rather then returning to PH. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so you’ll have to wait and see but I’d say you’d stand a good chanche. All the best and save journeys. :)
Hi Rob,
I m German and want to get my Flilipina GF here for Vacation. She was tryin that before, but the german Embassy denite all, because they think she will not come back to Philippines. We have made, official Inviting, from here, Insurance for 3 Month, Round Trip Ticket and money in her Bankaccount. It was absolutley not possible to get this done. We have gotten our City Office as Help and they help us to makle a Remonstration. We promise with a big Amount of Money that she will leave again, so or so, she don´t get it and is 5 Month sad about that. Can you help us with this? I want that she can come here to see something else. Can you help us with that. Thank you and best Regards
Sorry to hear about the visa denial, by the sound of it you did not provide sufficient evidence of “reasons to return” (such as a job/study to return to, property she owns (money is too easily transfered and a large unexplained sum of money in her account wil only raise questions and make things more difficult, now if she had a job and saved a lot of money all be herself things would be different but owning property -land/house/car/… would still be better evidence).
Appeal time must have passed by now or you coudl have tried that (it’s free) and submitted more evidence and see if you could get the denial overturned.. Now the only option is to try again but with more evidence that shows reasons to return (a job to return to, owning property, taking care of family, any other commitments that she may have or would not want to leave behind), a letter explaining why she comes and why she willl return and that you promise that you will see to her timely return also help.
And finally a general tip: Never buy a ticket untill the visa has been approved, a return reservation is sufficient evidence according the the Schengen visa rules (Visacode), many embassies advice not to buy a ticket so that you won’t lose money incase of a visa refusal. Such a return reservation is already 1 piece of evidence that works to making return to PH evident, together with other evidence you provide it becomes harder for the embassy to deny the visa as in almost all cases the embassy has zero evidence to assume illegal settelement so it would be several evidences in favour of return to 0 evidence and speculation from the embassy. Even if the visa is refused, an appeal (best with am immigration lawyer from Germany?) could very well work.
Also consider applying for a shorter time frame and using the time between now and the next applicantions to get more evidence (visit her again, let her travel abroad to an other -western- nation for a short holiday such as to Japan to show a positive track record in her passport) etc. Best of luck!
Hi there, we have the same situation.I am also a Filipina,and have a Norwegian BF. I have apply a schengen visa last March and fortunately “granted” after 1 day of waiting ;) I can give you and your girlfriend a lot of tips and advice for applying a schengen visa.You can mail me at shiella_rosendal@yahoo.com
Im very much willing to help ;)
Hi Katrina, magaapply din ako ng visiting visa sa dutch embassy by this month. Intended depart is on May 28 , I am quiet nervous as I cant provide anything like certificate of registration from school as it is not yet open for enrollee 2015-16 although I am student really, all we are just going to do is to show them my bank account and to put enough money for the whole trip although i will have my fiancee as my host for the whole trip. Do you have host ba? Niezel_00@yahoo.com email ko, hoping to get in touch with you :)
Hi, I am now here in UK for a business trip. I am planning to go to Paris. Would you know how can i apply for schengen visa? are there any agency that i can contact to help me with this? thank you!
You can apply from the country one is either a national of or has long term residency. In exceptional cases (emergencies etc.) one can also apply from an embassy were one is only a tourist. If you are in the UK right now it’s rather unlikely that you will be able to apply for a Schengen visa, though you could try your luck and contact (phone, mail) the French embassy or (optionally) it’s service provider (which is less knowledgeable about all the rules though). I am going to assume that they will not accept an application though, which is most unfortunate for you, sorry. Wish they did visa applications at the UK-Schengen border (both ways)…
Good day to all, advice nman po, About pag schengen visa going to Finland. In I invite ako ng boyfriend ko ngayung may to June sa manila.. Pwede na po ba ako mag apply ng schengen visa kht on process plng passport ko? march 23 palang po release nia..Boyfriend ko po ang mag shoulder ng expenses, anu po mga lapel kailangan ko kunin sa boyfriend ko? Sa side ko naman, anu mga lapel ang dapat kung ihanda? Wala po akung work. Mag iisang taon na kmi ng boyfriend ko pero sa camera lang po kmi nagkikita..May change ba na maapprove ang visa ko?..please I need your advice, first time ko po apply ng visa.. Thanks in advance..
Hi loi,mejo parehas tau ng case sis.
i can help you.Na grant ang visa ko at paalis na aq ngayung march.Pwede kita bigyan ng mga tips :)
Send me a mail at shiella_rosendal@yahoo.com
I speak a few languages but Tagolog is not one of them, sorry. ;) Guessing what you wrote I think you write that your bf is from Finland? In that case you can apply with the Norwegian embassy (Norway represents Finland for visa, as Finland has no embassy only a consulate), applying for a ” visit friends/boyfriend/family. Detailed instructions should be on the embassy website. Most important being you convincing the embassy that you will return (ties to PH: home, study, work, taking care of family , anything that binds you to PH) while your BF offers accomodation and financial guarantee. You can apply 3 months -or less- in advance.
hi sir rob im planning to go to spain this coming august,my interview at the spanish embassy is in april 28,i will use my husband’s bank statement and their family business permit since thats where we get our income,hes managing their business but the business permit is not named after him.and is 150k pesos would be enough as a bank statement?its my first time also to travel abroad.my husband will shoulder my trip in spain and i will stay there for 90days..is it ok if you email me sir blesseldaarmada@yahoo.com
Hi Blesselda, I would gather as much evidence as you can that shows that 1) you have access to the money (bankaccount) and b) anything that can show the money is indeed your hubands and not for example some sort of donation or questionable background. Even more important would be ofcourse you providing any and all evidence of ties to PH (reasons for return), such as ownership of a house, land, work etc. that gives you good reason to return home. You would also need to show that you can indeed go on a 90 day trip (for instance: if you would be employed, who would have an employer granting a 90 day holiday??), or consider a shorter trip.
I believe the Spanish authorities request nearly 60 euro’s (57) per person per day. So for a 90 day visit you alone would need 5130 euro’s, not a small amount! But if you wish to confirm I’d double check and e-mail the embassy.
It’s best to apply with all documents or they may refuse to accept the application or seriously delay processing it. If you can, try to give a copy and explain that the original are onroute.
Hi Loi,
First, you will need to submit your passport when you apply for a Schengen visa at the Norwegian embassy (they handle the visa application for Finland), so wait until you receive your passport. Meanwhile, you can gather all the necessary documents as outlined on the Norwegian Embassy website. Here’s the link: http://www.norway.ph/studywork/visaandresidence/Visa-and-Res-permits/Schengen-Visa-Finland-Type-C/#.VQJ3t47LclV
Second, since you haven’t met your boyfriend in person yet, it would be a little complicated. It’s required that you have already met him in person, either in the Philippines or outside the country and had spent time together, not just on skype or other similar platform. I think it’s better to use the checklist “visit other relatives/friends” and just tell them that you have never met him in person yet. Your “friend” may write in his invitation letter that he is inviting you to Finland so you could spend time together and get to know more each other etc.
Third, being unemployed would suggest your lack of economic ties in the Philippines. I assume you don’t have children either?
Honestly, your chances of being refused a visa is greater than being approved, but you may still try. Asked for your boyfriend’s invitation letter (although better write in the letter that you are friends getting to know more about each other), detailing how long have you known each other, how you keep in touch, and that he will shoulder all of your travel expenses. Ask for proof of funds e.g. bank statements. Be honest about your application.
Goodluck!
Hi,
I now reside in Gibraltar (just this January 2015). Most of the Filipinos I know here travel from here to the UK. They also have a Schengen visa. I was told that when you apply in the UK, you’ll get your visa in just one hour. I think you need only to visit an embassy of one of the Schengen countries. Good luck!
hi elmaxxxenia,
im planning to visit spain too. currently im here in canada working. my appoinmnt date will be on oct 2, 2015.
Hello po
Please can some help me?
I’m a married from austria and we live for 3 years in Lithuania and also 4x I’m travel going there and back. When my husband pass away last January 2014 here in philippines. I never go back to Europe the problem is I lost my ID schengen visa.
Can someone help me if I have a chance to going back there. What should I do? I start again in beginning ?
Please help
Amy
You most likely don’t have valid residence in Lithuania anymore and therefor cannot go back but each country has it’s own rules so it would be best to check with the Lithuanians (embassy).
Hi, ask KO lng SNA kc po magppasa n aq ng application KO this week and I’m thinking kung ilagay q pa po b yung name ng friend q n manggaling Canada at magmmeet kminandbhe can shoulder the expenses. Or wag n po? Magssubmit nlng aq ng srili KO itinerary. At kung sakali n iiinclude KO sy Ano ponb requirements needed n ipasa? Thanks po.
ho i had my interview last feb 22, 2014 at royal Norwegian embassy(tourist visa to Denmark) and they said 3-5 days processing but 27th they emailed me that my application was sent to Danish Immigration for decision and will take up to 30 to 60 days. my cousin just had her interview last feb 24 and on 27th she got the result that she passed on new embassy of denmark. 1month have passed and its really scary waiting what would be result,,pls help me out to those have experience like me. Thanks
Hello, everyone! Would like to thank you to this site because it is a resourceful site. I asked here many times but no one respond me. What I did is just reading all the posts here. Thanks God. Schengen visa to Denmark is granted. Good luck to all applicants! All you need is just bring all the required documents in the checklists.
Hello Ms. Eliza,
I just had my interview at the Danish Embassy last Monday (Aug. 10) for my Schengen visa application for Denmark with the purpose of tourism only. I am a university student & was able to provide all those certificates mentioned for student applicants, I also submitted a copy of my bank certificates & statements, my car’s OR-CR, and some other requirements mentioned (except for the employment cert). Last Tuesday, they texted me that my application has been forwarded to the Embassy for processing. I am worried what will be the result, this is my 2nd time applying for a Schengen Visa, the first was for Germany and unfortunately got denied. I also have all my documents (photocopy and original) notarized by a lawyer. I hope something good will come out.
It will indeed take 30 days or more when an application is sent to Copenhagen for processing and decision. You just have to wait until the Danish Embassy inform you about the result of your visa application. If you had a sponsor, there is a greater chance of your application being approved.
Hi,
Applying po for Schengen Visa. Planning po kasi to go to France to visit my cousin. Aattend po kasi ako ng wedding nya dun. Nag plan po kasi ako for a month lang po ako mag stay dun. Nag process na po yung fiance ng cousin ko na yung nga for a month lang. Question ko po is okay lang po ba na mag stay dun longer atleast 2-3mos. kahit po hindi naman ganun yung sinbe sa paper and also sobrang kinakaban po ako eh. For everything po like papers, mga kailangan gawin and everything hahahaha.
If pwede dun ko nalang process na mag extend ako ng stay.
Hi,
Me and my boyfriend are planning to go to Dubai and we’re wondering if he should apply a visa? He has a philippine passport but he has been living here in Iceland and has a Schengen visa.
The nationality of a person decides if one needs a visa or not. Residence permits do not count. So if his nationality requires him to get a visa, he will need a visa.