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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Josie Mempin on 06/10/2015 at 11:00 pm

Peace and joy to you!

I’m Josie from the Philippines. My sister who lives in California, U.S., invited me to join her in her trip to Italy next year. She will be spending for my airplane tickets and accommodation for my entire trip from Philippines to Italy and back.

I’m 54 years old and I have a disability. I’m wearing external knee braces on both knees. I’m also using a cane to help me specially in going up stairs. I can walk but until certain distance only. I need to rest for awhile then can walk again.

Since my sister will be coming from US and I’m coming here from the Philippines, I suppose we will just meet somewhere in Italy.

It’s my first time also to get visa to Europe. I really don’t know where to start.

I will appreciate it very much if you can help me with few suggestions on how to go about this so I can join my sister travel to Italy. It’s been my prayer to visit Italy.

Thank you for your accommodation. God bless!

josie
- Rob on 06/11/2015 at 7:04 pm
  
  Hello Josie, it’s best to first read the information on the Italian embassies website. Include all they ask for, mos imoprtantly evidence that shows ties to PH (reasons to return back home) and include a letter explaining that your sister will go to Italy and that you will join her. Include evidence of yuor sister going there (travel reservation and bookings by your sister? letter frmo your sister etc.).
  - Gerome on 06/16/2015 at 8:13 pm
    
    Hi Rob!
    
    I have a girlfriend (filipino, we’ve been together for 7 yrs) who is currently taking her MBA program and will be graduating in Switzerland in August. I am planning to attend her graduation together with her parents. I can provide all the requirements. Our roundtrip tickets are already paid, we already have an itinerary, hotel bookings, eurail pass, even a letter from the school certifying that she is enrolled there and inviting us to attend her graduation. My only problem is that i dont have an ITR since i am working in my father’s company (single prop.) for almost two years. Her parents dont have a problem since they are frequent travelers. They have visas from the US, Japan, Korea. Her mom has been to Europe twice or thrice already. Most likely they will be issued one. How about me, what are the chances of me getting a visa? Do i still need to file for an ITR? Hoping for your response. Thanks a lot.
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 4:26 am
      
      Try to show as much evidence as you can that shows you have a reasonable income and a job to return to. Ofcourse any other evidence aswel that shows reliability and positive travel history etc. Do not buy tickets untill the visa has been approved (that’s not an obligation of the EU Schengen rules and many embassies explitly warn you not to buy tickets utillyou get the visa), a reservation/option is sufficient and this minimized the financial loss incase of a refusal.
  - Sharina on 06/23/2015 at 6:29 pm
    
    Hi Rob
    
    I have a good friend in prague,czech republic shes a doktor and shes inviting me to come to her place maybe next month and she will support me everything what else i need to prepare for the requirment (i only have a passport i dont have money in my bank can u give me a help how could i get a visa to visit her….
    
    Thanks ahead
    Sharina:)
    - Sharina on 06/23/2015 at 7:29 pm
      
      Any info about my question help pls
  - hanna on 07/09/2015 at 6:34 am
    
    Hey Rob :)
    I read most of your visa application advice on your Web. But case is a bit complicated, I have been dating a guy from Hungary for a year and some months now but we have never met in person. So we planing to meet this coming August , he has a very good job and I too have a good job.but my biggest worry is will I be granted visa if I say we have never met? How do we go about th
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 5:01 am
      
      It really depends on the embassy, some countries will find it a big no-no if you never met and they find it odd or dangerous (for them!) that a PH (or any other nationality that generally has less money then EU citizens) to come to EUrope first. They much rather see the European go to PH first. But other embassies don’t really care aslong as your relation, travel intentions etc. are genuine. I don’t think the Hungarians are very difficult but I would not know for sure.Just be honest and read the requirements carefully. If you do not get the visa, try to gethim to come to PH first to meet you and try again later.Best of luck with the visa and your relationship!
      - hanna on 07/21/2015 at 5:19 am
        
        Aww thank you sooo much for replying the reply and advice! Actually that’s how we are gonna do it, he has to come meet me 1st. I don’t wanna have bad records in any of the schengen countries :)
        Thank u so much and God bless
      - alex on 08/19/2015 at 12:33 pm
        
        hi rob,
        
        im alex from philippines my friend in scotland direct hire me, with the job offer to by the company. by then all papers required by the company was complyied already. and the company process my work visa at the imbassy how long it will be go out the result.
  - Lay on 07/13/2015 at 4:54 pm
    
    Hi Rob, do you think its okay if my plane reservation has expired? I plan to email for reservation in july 22 to finalize my travel itinerary detail, my appointment is on aug 3. I think two days lang ang reservation. I just don’t want to risk being hassled by hurrying doing my papers a week before my appointment.
    Also if anybody can answer this.
    
    Thank you all.
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 5:07 am
      
      It depends on the embassy, some really don’t care a lot as a reservation is easily cancelled or changed anyway.Other embassies are real bureaucratic monsters who do care too much.If you want to be 100% save then get a new reservation or ask the embassy.In the future people will not need an airplane reservation anymore, the European Union and most EU countries want tomake the rules a bit easier and removing the reservation requirement is one of those plans. May take untull 2016-2018 before the new rules are accepted and come into force.Just an indication that some pieces of evidence (ties to home country, sufficient money etc.) are more important then others but try to be complete with your application if you can.
Jhovan Santos on 06/05/2015 at 11:08 pm

Hi Rob and Wanderlass,

I applied for schengen visa last week and i already received my visa yeaterday. The information on this blog is really helpful. I have a problem though. I was only approved for 1 month with 15 days duration and not 6 months with 3 months stay. I don’t have issues with that but unfortunately i need to undergo operation to remove my tonsils. I would really want to do it before my flight and with that i wish to move my flight to Sept instead of August and extend for 10 more days. Since i already have my visa what else can i do to move the validity and duration of stay? I am really hoping you could give me an advise on what to do next. Thank you.
- Rob on 06/11/2015 at 6:58 pm
  
  It’s best to contact the embassy and explain your situation. If you are not satisfied with their response you could appeal (usually within 4 weeks or one month after the visa has been issued).
- AmazingGrace on 08/06/2015 at 12:42 pm
  
  Hi jhovan, you said that you just applied for your visa last week and received your visa after that application, does it mean that you didn’t had the interview? Please correct me if I’m wrong. Thank you
ppbbaa on 06/05/2015 at 11:16 am

Hi Rob! I am still a (graduating) student and planning to go to Germany to visit my boyfriend. They are currently processing the formal obligation/invitation as I do not have sufficient amount in my bank account. His family, specifically his parents, since he is still a student as well, will shoulder the trip and the accommodation. Do you think this will be a sufficient proof as an alternative for the bank statement that the embassy is asking?
- Rob on 06/08/2015 at 1:36 pm
  
  It should be enough if his parents sponsor the trip, though I don’t know the exact paperwork required. Commonly memberstates will ask for employement papers, salary slips and some form or letter in which the sponsor indicates that they will sponsor the foreign visitor. But surely you’re boyfriend and his parents have read the German requirements properly and supply you with all the neccesary documents. Don’t forget that you must still make your timely return evident though by showing as many ties to PH as possible (work, study, owning property etc.).
  - ppbbaa on 06/09/2015 at 2:05 pm
    
    Thank you for this! Also, do you have any suggestions where I can get reservations for a roundtrip ticket? And how much does it usually cost?
    - migs on 06/20/2015 at 3:17 pm
      
      Hi ppbbaa,
      You can get it to any travel agency. i get mine for p500
  - jhoydaren on 06/14/2015 at 12:10 pm
    
    Hi Rob can have some question? Hope u can help me, I’m just first timer as tourist do u think I am possible to approve my schengen visa? Want to go to Belgium, and how much do u need money in ur bank for travel, and do I need to get travel insurance first before my appointment? Or when I approve my visa, is it refundable? And I’m just self employed, I have small grocery store and direct selling of cosmetics, if I can get all the requirements do u think I have a chance? Pls, need ur advice, kipsafe and godbless
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 4:20 am
      
      How much money you need is different for every Schengen state and your situation (staying with friends/family or staying in hotels). For Belgium if staying in hotels you need 95 euro’s per day. For the Netherlands 34 is enough, so there is a big difference between memberstates ranging from around 20 to nearly 100 euro’s per day. You will need travel insurance in advance (unless explicitly instructred otherwise by the embassy) and all accepted insurance companies should have a “no visa, insurance fee back minus administration costs”.
      
      If you show that you have a nice income and more importantly that this and other things are good reasons/obligations to return back home, then you should have a very good chanche on getting the visa. Showing ties (reasons for return, thus no illegal immigration plans) are very important. Owning property, taking care of family etc. are all things that count. As ofcourse positive travel history to other countries.
      - cris k on 07/27/2015 at 3:27 pm
        
        Hello Rob,
        
        Do you think the inflow and outflow of money in the bank statements affects the visa application? I have more CASH ON HAND than CASH IN BANK.. and if i needed to show money thru bank account, i am very willing to deposit my cash on hand to the bank.. do you think 150,000 will be enough for a 10 days trip? flight tickets and hotel reservation not included in the 150,000 pesos. How much do u think i need to show as “show money”? and how should be the inflow and outflows of money look like in the bank statement? Thanks!
      - maria on 01/22/2016 at 6:22 am
        
        Hello Rob..
        my friend and i applied for visa on Jan 20, 2016 at vfs in wafi (french consulate) here in dubai.. my friend received a call from french embassy the next day and she was asked about our itinerary for 15days (France, Belgium, Netherlands) and does she have a relative in europe.. of course she said no.. its her first time to travel and she got 8k aed (around 90,000pesos) on her account.. im just wondering why i didnt receive a call.. i have already some travel history from other countries like India, Singapore and Japan.. i hope this will help.. waiting for visa approval makes me really nervous.. I also checked on visa status tracker online and it says INTERVIEW SCHEDULED when in fact we weren’t asked for interview at all to appear at the French Embassy. I hope someone can enlighten me on this..
  - jhoydaren on 06/14/2015 at 12:59 pm
    
    And one more thing pls, if I attact a poof that I’m coming back to Phil is it wrriten in hand or type print like that, pls help me sir rob
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 4:22 am
      
      It should not matter, though a computer written text is ofcourse easier to read. You may need or wish to sign it with your name and signature to indicate that it was you that wrote the letter.
  - cathy gerona on 08/20/2015 at 1:49 am
    
    hi rob ask kulang ano po bang dapat kung ipa kita na prove na babalik ako ng pinas..kasi wala nman akung work,i dont study too..sana ma tulungan mo ako ma apply ako next month sana…sa visa nga applyan ko ay visiting boyfriend////?
ANNA on 06/01/2015 at 4:27 pm

HI Im planning to pass all my requirements end of June this year,,can i state on my leave of absence the date will be oct- nov?really it should be 3 months you can travel UK before your application?
vianne on 05/30/2015 at 7:43 am

Hi. Im a doctor and a first time traveler to the schengen area. I have a convention to attand in madrid but im planning to make a trip to paris first before going to madrid. I have an invitation letter from madrid convention. Im also a government employed pediatrician. Should i declare that imconnected to the government?some advised against it. Will going on a sidetrip before a convention be good or bad for my application? Im going on a sidetrip first because i have to come home early for my daughters birthday.
P.s. Travel history only SG and HK.
Thanks in advance
- Rob on 06/05/2015 at 1:21 am
  
  Including evidence of employement would be very important, so they can see that you have a job to return to and that you have an income to finance the trip. If it is a private or public job should not matter. So ofcourse you include evidence of your employement as a government employed pediatrician. I’d also include evidence of the convention (a brochure? a print out of the webpage of the convention or company behind the convention), the invitation, and a letter briefly explaining what you are planning to do (why are you attending?) and that you will return by date X to continue your work back home.
  - vianne on 06/05/2015 at 6:05 am
    
    Thanks. Wish me luck :)
  - ppbbaa on 06/05/2015 at 11:15 am
    
    Hi Rob! I am still a (graduating) student and planning to go to Germany to visit my boyfriend. They are currently processing the formal obligation/invitation as I do not have sufficient amount in my bank account. His family, specifically his parents, since he is still a student as well, will shoulder the trip and the accommodation. Do you think this will be a sufficient proof as an alternative for the bank statement that the embassy is asking?
  - marg lim on 06/07/2015 at 10:23 pm
    
    hi rob…i am planning to apply for a schengen visa at the netherlands embassy this july. i am no longer working for over a year to be my mothers full time companion and private nurse. my last travel to the netherlands was in 2010 have been there 4x for a 3 month stay each visit. i will be travelling this time with my mother who is an american citizen. my mom’s sister is our sponsor. i am a 40 yr old single woman and i do have some investments here in the Philippines. ..what are the chances of me getting a visa this time? thanks a lot-marg
    - Rob on 06/11/2015 at 7:01 pm
      
      Your positive travel history to the Schengen area and other (western) nations wil be of great benefit to show that you are a genuine and bonafite traveller. Briefly explain your situation and plans (just as you did here) and you should be alright. Ofcoruse include any evidence of things that do show ties to PH. The Dutch are quite relaxed so you should be alright.
      - Marg lim on 06/12/2015 at 9:38 pm
        
        Thank you for your immediate reply. I’m a bit anxious this time as this would be my first time to submit my application in person at the dutch embassy in Manila since the consulate here in cebu was closed last year. I d like to know if it would be the same processing time and procedure? I have already paid at the unionbank. Pls advise. Thanks a lot
      - Rob on 06/12/2015 at 10:56 pm
        
        Hey Marg Lim, processing should be pretty much the same:
        1- you make an appointment either via VFS for a service fee or directly via the embassy without service fee. Appointments need to be granted within 2 weeks of the applicants request unless ofcourse the applicant prefers an other date anywhere between 2 weeks and 3 months in advance of the intended departure date.
        2- You show up at the embassy (previously also at the consulate)
        3- They accept your paperwork, ask a few questions (often called an “interview” even though this should usually just take a few minutes), you pay the visa fee (equivalent of 60 euro’s).
        4- Since 2013 or so the Dutch embassies in Asia sent all applications to Kuala Lumpur. The embassy is just a front office that takes in the paperwork and hands it back out (or has it shipped to the applicant via mail/courier). The back office in Kuala Lumpur has people who actually deal with the application. The whole process takes about 3-5 working days on average but could take as long as 2 weeks during high season. Applications that require closer inspection or are incomplete will take longer then this (30 days or 60 days max.).
        5- You receive your passport back (hopefully with the visa, or else atleast with a form explaining why the visa has been refused to which you can appeal within 4 weeks).
        
        I’m sure you’ll do just fine, overall your experience shouldn’t be much different from your previous applications, so you’ll do just fine and I’d expect you get your visa swiftly and without hassle. Save and happy travels! :)
      - Marg on 07/08/2015 at 5:50 pm
        
        Hi Rob…thanks a lot for all the informations. It really was a great help during the processing of my visa at the Dutch embassy..just got hold of my schengen visa a week after I applied, a 3 month multiple entry visa…best regards, marg
      - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 5:02 am
        
        Congratulations and have fun! :)
      - Marg on 06/15/2015 at 10:26 pm
        
        Thanks a lot rob. Hopefully I will be able to submit my application in two weeks.
      - ning on 07/05/2015 at 4:47 pm
        
        hi rob, my family is planning to come and visit germany next year. sa hotel kami mag stay duon kelangan paba namin kumuha ng sponsorship letter or invitation letter? how about ung insurance saan namin kukuninun?? i Hope you can help me.. salamat…. -Ning-
      - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 4:52 am
        
        If you stay in a hotel you should not need a paper about providing accomodation, buy you may need a letter to show that the trip is alsopaid for by the sponsor(s). I do not know what the German forms on sponsorship look like though. Ofcourse insurance is always required.
    - Wina on 07/10/2015 at 3:39 pm
      
      hi marg. i have the same situation as yours. i am no longer working for more than two years now to be my parents’ full time companion. my friend invited me to join her when she goes to europe in sept. my aunt will be sponsoring my trip. did you also provide proof of your investments here in the Phils. aside from the financial documents of your sponsor? how did your application go? was your visa application approved? thanks in advance for your reply. -wina
      - Marg on 07/20/2015 at 1:25 pm
        
        Hi wina, got my schengen visa good for 3 months a week after my application. The interview went so well..they just ask for my aunts invitation letter from the Netherlands and my aunt finances. Also provided proof of relationship to the sponsor which is my mom and aunts birth certificate and mine as well. Towards the end of the interview the in charge ask for my bank certificates and passbook and investments but after a while return my copy of investment. I think they are particular with finances. I hope everything goes well with your application.-marg
      - Wina on 07/21/2015 at 12:24 pm
        
        Thanks for your very helpful reply, marg. took note of bringing my aunt’s and mom’s birth certificates as additional docs to support my visa application. :) crossing my fingers for everything to go well during my interview.
  - maemae28 on 06/20/2015 at 10:23 am
    
    hi rob!
    im a filipina from cebu i have a swiss boyfriend who lives in geneva switzerland, im going to apply for fiancee visa for switzerland, do they require medical too for both of us like the other country required? do you have any idea whats the other requirements should i need to have? i really need help for this please…
    - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 4:31 am
      
      Only the non-EU foreigner needs travel insurance. It sounds like you are applying for a settlement/immigration visa instead of a short stay visa. For settlement you may not even be legally required to get travel insurance (I know that NL and BE do not requireit for immigration visas) but ofcourse that is a risk incase something happens on your way to Europe or shortly after arrival. I do not anything about immigration rules for Switserland, each country can set it’s own rules for partner immigration etc.So the embassy or your partner can tell you more. I assume the Swiss government has a website on immigration which your partner can read, there may also be dedicated forums for Swiss people with a foreign/PH partner which help eachother out. Sorry that I cannot be of more help I’m just an enthousiast who knows a bit about short stay visas.
  - Wivina on 09/17/2015 at 3:02 am
    
    Hi. Finally got my visa from the french embassy. Tips of making it easier and hassle free, i went thru an agency with a visa consultant. So what does a visa consultant do? Shes the one holding all the requirements. Going from one window to the next. The only time i stood up was when i was called for biometrics and interview. True its a bit expensive but worth it if u dont want the hassle and stress.not an assurance of getting a visa, but more or less has an idea what to expect during q&a.
    Anyways, the only req i got thats NOT on the list in this blog is an affidavit of travelling without spouse. Im married and ill be going alone to france so they need that requirement.notarized too.
    Anyways best of luck and thanks for all the tips.reading this blog made it easier to understand esp for first timers like me. Goodluck everyone.hope your application would also have a positive response. Cheers!
  - Wivina on 09/23/2015 at 4:38 pm
    
    Goodnews. I got my visa. Multiple entry too. Anyways, just an additional tip, if youre married and trabelling without your spouse, a consent, notarized too, is needed in applying. Thanks for the help.
curiouslad0002 on 04/17/2015 at 3:36 pm

Hi Rob!

I am planning to visit Greece on July this year but I am not sure about the requirements since what’s written in this website: https://sites.google.com/site/grembman/ does not require proof of financial capacity of the person inviting me and other documents such as birth certificate. Since it is my first time to apply for Schengen visa i just want to make sure that I’m submitting complete documents to feel at ease. I would also like to ask about your opinion about my chance to most likely get a Schengen Visa with my status. I can provide them the ITR, the bank certification within 6 months with 150k for 14 days stay. I can also provide an approved leave of absence and some proof that I have work in the Philippines. I also have an invitation from my greek national friend with the government’s validation addressed to the consul. It is written there that he will provide food, place to stay and he will be responsible for my departure from Greece back to Philippines after the duration of my trip. I am mostly worrying if my show money is enough for this to be approved.

Thanks and hope you can help! :)
- Serena on 05/22/2015 at 9:19 am
  
  Hi! i am also applying for a visa to greek embassy for september travel. I will be attending a conference thus I have with me an official invitation from the organizer. I just got a job and my parents will finance my travel. Does the invitation guarantee that my application will be accepted?
  - Kai on 05/25/2015 at 11:55 pm
    
    Hi Serena,
    
    I also went to Greece for a conference last 2013. From my experience, as long as you follow the procedure and the requirements needed, a VISA will be granted to you. There are additional requirements though such as copy of passport / residence ID / school ID of the one who invited us (or the one who wrote the letter of invitation, I’m not sure). Better yet, ask the Embassy regarding the requirements – explain your situation that you are not going as a tourist but rather as a delegate of a conference. They are all accommodating naman :) Good luck!
    - Serena on 05/27/2015 at 11:42 am
      
      Hi Kai,
      
      The organization had gave me an official invitation. Nothing more. It’s Ontario International Development Agency (OIDA). Actually, aside from the conference, my friend and I planned a trip after the conference. Anyway, thank you for answering!
      
      P.S. Do I need to authenticate all my [original] documents here (refer to the link)? https://sites.google.com/site/grembman/home/new-authentication-procedure
  - Rob on 05/26/2015 at 12:29 am
    
    There never is any guarantee, you can only increase the odds of getting a visa by providing good and more evidence. An official invitation would be of help. Try including evidence of this conferance aswell (a flyer, print out of a website etc.) so they can see it’s all genuine and serious. As always, main thing is to show why you want to travel and why they can be sure you will return (a job, house, property etc. to return to) . Good luck
    - Serena on 05/26/2015 at 8:35 am
      
      One more thing, at the time of my visa application, I am only 2 months in my job. They needed an ITR. Do I need to provide one? Btw, this is my first job.
      - Rob on 05/26/2015 at 1:46 pm
        
        Always include evidence about your job, and most importantly that you will return to your job after your return. I assume you are sent by your company, they can provide a letter confirming you are going to the conference. If you are on leave, show that your job has given you permission for some time off and that you are expected to return by a certain date. A job is a good indicator to show that will be likely to return to PH.
      - Serena on 05/26/2015 at 2:35 pm
        
        Actually, it is an academic conference. Well, anyway thank you for patiently answering my/our questions. I am still waiting for my visa appointment.
    - Gerald on 05/30/2015 at 11:28 am
      
      Hi! I have a girlfriend (filipino, we’ve been together for 7 yrs) who is currently taking her MBA program and will be graduating in Switzerland in August. I am planning to attend her graduation together with her parents. I can provide all the requirements. Our roundtrip tickets are already paid, we already have an itinerary, hotel bookings, eurail pass, even a letter from the school certifying that she is enrolled there and inviting us to attend her graduation. My only problem is that i dont have an ITR since i am working in my father’s company (single prop.) for almost two years. Her parents dont have a problem since they are frequent travelers. They have visas from the US, Japan, Korea. Her mom has been to Europe twice or thrice already. Most likely they will be issued one. How about me, what are the chance of me getting a visa? Is there a big chance of approval since i am travelling with her parents who both have a great travel history? Hoping for your response. Thanks a lot.
    - Gerald on 05/30/2015 at 11:29 am
      
      Hi Rob!
      
      I have a girlfriend (filipino, we’ve been together for 7 yrs) who is currently taking her MBA program and will be graduating in Switzerland in August. I am planning to attend her graduation together with her parents. I can provide all the requirements. Our roundtrip tickets are already paid, we already have an itinerary, hotel bookings, eurail pass, even a letter from the school certifying that she is enrolled there and inviting us to attend her graduation. My only problem is that i dont have an ITR since i am working in my father’s company (single prop.) for almost two years. Her parents dont have a problem since they are frequent travelers. They have visas from the US, Japan, Korea. Her mom has been to Europe twice or thrice already. Most likely they will be issued one. How about me, what are the chance of me getting a visa? Is there a big chance of approval since i am travelling with her parents who both have a great travel history? Hoping for your response. Thanks a lot.
    - Riaslips on 05/30/2015 at 12:47 pm
      
      Hi Rob! My boyfriend appied for a Schengen Visa because he wanted to join the French Foreign Legion. He was denied though, and according to the letter, we werent able to state clearly as to when he’ll be leaving France. He’s planning on applying again or making an appeal. but what do you think is the right thing to do? Should we also buy a round trip ticket to show them that he’s really coming back to the Ph should he not able to pass the training ? please help.
      - Rob on 06/04/2015 at 7:12 pm
        
        I do not know how long the French take to deal with appeals or how often this is effective. These figurs can differ a lot between memberstates, some process appeals within 1-2 months others take up to a year. some nations have a good chanche of wining the appeal (with or without lawyer) and others have a succes rate close to zero. How long the French take the French should be able to tell you, and chanches of succes are probably known by French immigration/visa lawyers.
        
        If you aply again: never buy tickets untill the visa has been granted. It’s not a requirement so it adds little to your application and you might be stuck with useless tickets incase of a visa denial. It’s better to try and include more evidence for reasons to return: owning land, house, car, taking care of family members, any other commitments that make it likely that you will return. A return ticket reservation is already one official piece of evidence that contributes to showing willingness to return.
      - storm on 06/25/2015 at 6:17 pm
        
        I’m also planning to joining the french foreign legion..do not use it as a reason..make a new cover story
- Tin on 05/23/2015 at 7:07 am
  
  Hi rob! I am a fresh graduate and my aunt’s grad gift for me is a trip to europe. What are the chances that i could get a visa. If ever, it will be my first out of the country trip. I am a bit nervous because i’ve been reading a lot of visa denials. Thank you!
  - Rob on 05/26/2015 at 12:25 am
    
    Hello Tin, that would depend on many things. Most importantly would be showing that you will return to PH and not settle illegally. For this you need to show as many ties and commitments with PH as possible. Such as a job to return to, family to take care off, owning land, owning a house, owning a car etc. A positive travel history to other (western) countries would also help. A return flight reservation is already one official piece of evidence (don’t buy a ticket untill the visa has been approved!). And include a short, clear letter explaining your intentions and that you will be sure to return as not to violate the rules and make future trips impossible/difficult. The officers simply need to judge from the paper that you meet all the requirements (so be sure you meet all requirements the embassy lists on their website) and that you are a genuine traveller with no bad intentions. Some embassies may be a bit more difficult then others. The Belgians and Norwegians for example refuse more then the Dutch and Czech’s. You should apply at the embassy that is going to be your main goal but if you are unsure yet you may wish to alter your plans so that you can apply at an embassy that is not known for being very difficult. .
    
    Visa refusal 2014 (source: EU Home Affairs website)
    Netherlands 0,9%
    Czech Republic 3,0%
    Greece 4,1%
    France 4,6%
    Austria 5,3%
    Spain 6,0%
    Italy 6,2%
    Switzerland 7,1%
    Germany 7,4%
    Belgium 8,7%
    Norway 9,7%
    
    Incase of a visa refusual you can appeal for free and sent more evidence, you could use a lawyer to help. Depending on the country in questions the appeal could take weeks or months and in some memberstates there is a good chanche of succesful appeal and in other’s pretty much zero. Or you could ofcourse apply again (at an other embassy?), but your visa refusal will be vissible for all Schengen embassies as it’s logged in the common VIS (visa information system) database. Best of luck!
    
    One thing I am not sure about: a package tour with a group might give you a better chanche then backpacking all by yourself but this would also depend on the embassy and how much evidence you can provide as a lone traveller (so show you won’t go work illegally in the EU or anything silly like that).
    - ESPT on 05/28/2015 at 11:58 am
      
      Hi! I just apply in Norway embassy manila recently may 19 then i just received a text on the 26th of may stating that I am rejected for my tourist visa application in sweden, Im wondering why they dont interview me on the day of my application they just collect the papers and other documents they need. They said that i have no proof that i will be returned after my visa’s deadline and we plan for appeal. any suggestions that you can give to help me. Is there any big possibilities to turn the decision into granted? Thank you so much. God Bless. More Powers.
      - Rob on 06/05/2015 at 1:17 am
        
        Interviews are usually quite rare.Commonly when an applicant shows up at the application desk the staff will ask a few questions, depending on the applicants history and purpose it could be as little as 2-3 questions or a few more if they need to know more. Questions such as “why are you going to…? What will you do there? What do you do here in ..?”. A more indepth interview could be done seperatly, in which case you’d be asked to come back for this interview.
        
        As for the appeal, this could be done by yoursel or by a lawyer. I don’t know about Norwegian law but in many European nations,people with a low income (for European standards) can receive compentsation/subsidy incase they need legal aid.A lawyer couldwork pro-deo (free) or at a low wagedue to the applicant (you) having a low wage (for EU standards). Sadly I don’t know how this works in Norway. I only know that the Dutch and Belgians have this sort of thing, and that applicants can appeal with a lawyer at a cost of 80-150 euro’s or so.
        
        Assuming you do the appeal yourself all that you can do is to try and counter the reasons they refused on. A return reservation is already one piece of officially accepted evidence, evidence of employment would be an other, owning a house, land, car, taking care of family etc. All this sort of evidence would show ties and commitment to return. As would a letter explaining your travel purpose and why you will return. These would be several points to indicate that you are a genuine travel with no ill intentions. The embassy would have nothing but unfounded speculation that you might stay. If worded well it would be several pieces of evidence from you versus zero evidence and pure speculation by the embassy which could mean that the refusal is overturned by the appeal department. For specific details you’d need to ask somebody who knows more about Norwegian policies, laws etc. You could write something along those lines in a polite manner in your appeal letter. There are bound to be some examples on the internet (?). If you can provide more evidence, then ofcourse do include this in the appeal to show that you are a genuine and bonafite traveller! Good luckand I hope you can get your visa afterall.
      - belle on 06/18/2015 at 1:39 pm
        
        Hi ESPT, im planning to visit a friend in Norway soon. What are the requirements they asked you once you apply? Thank you
      - Mon on 10/01/2015 at 10:39 pm
        
        H! Ahm, May I know if what proof of documents had you submitted, that you are returning to Philippines?
    - ning on 07/16/2015 at 3:17 pm
      
      Hi rob, which country in europe gives a shemgem visa easily? Thank you
      - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 5:11 am
        
        In theory it should be the same difficult for all embassies.In practise it seemsl like the Belgians are one of the more difficult and Germany and Netherlands are not extremely difficult.Infact the Dutch approved 99% of all visas from the Phillipines in 2014. Obviously that country needs to be your main goal so looking into which country to apply for is really only an option if you are still unsure of where you want to spent your holiday. And if one embassy would get many fake applicants who only go there because they think its easy, soon it will not be ‘easy’ for anyone anymore. So just be honest and prepare well.
    - Theena on 07/20/2015 at 12:42 am
      
      Tinadeschryver
      Hi .. im applying for spouse visa in belgium im really nervous my husband bring all the documents i needed
      he put me on his health insurance
      Documents on place to stay
      And latest payslip
      Since its visa d family reunitification
      
      Do i need sponsor letter from my husband or not…
      Thank u
      - Rob on 07/21/2015 at 5:14 am
        
        I do not know if the Belgians require it but it cannot hurt if you include it.Your husband should be able to find out if he checks the requirements carefully. There are also websites/forums for Belgians etc with foreign/PH partners which should have advice and experience about spouse visas.I’m not Belgian so I don’t have first hand experience.However the Belgian authorities are not really known for their flexibility or easy-going approach…
- Rob on 05/26/2015 at 12:40 am
  
  Hello curiouslad0002, sorry for the late reply, I did not get any e-mail update. I’m not familiar with the details of a “visiting friends” visa for Greece. Often the Greek inviting party (friend, boyfriend, …) needs to get a letter confirming shelter and taking care of the guest, get this sent to you and include it in the application. Ontop of that would be the usual requirements, most importantly showing that you have a genuine travel goal and will return home to PH because of commitments here (a job, house, taking care of family,anything else that you wouldn’t want or could not leave behind you but make you return home, a letter fro you and your sponsor explainning your plans and that you pledge to return home and abide all the rules). You seem to be aware of all of this so you can only make sure you meet all the requirementst that the Greek ask, gather any evidence that show you won’t stay illegally and hope for the best. As for money: a sudden large amount of money in a bankaccount may raise questions (where did it come from?? could it be a loan which you would wish to pay off by working illegallyin Greece??) but if it’s clear that it’s your money and that you will use this (and your sponsors) funds to pay for the costs during your holiday you should be fine. How much money is needed is different from country to country, between 20-60 euro’s. I think Greece wants 20 euro’s per person per day? Good lcuk!
  - curiouslad0002 on 05/26/2015 at 2:44 pm
    
    Hello Rob!
    
    I appreciate your reply. I was already interviewed last week and weirdly, after my interview, they asked me to sign a paper to include a date in which I would return back to the Greek Embassy personally within 5 days after my trip back to the Philippines. From what I understood, the Consul made me sign that since it is my first time applying for a Schengen Visa. I have no issue about returning in the Embassy since I have a very clear intention of only staying in Greece for vacation and certainly I will go back to the Philippines after it but I am just wondering, is that some kind of an assurance that more likely my visa has been approved already? I just want to get your insight about this.
    
    Thank you!!
    - Serena on 05/26/2015 at 3:07 pm
      
      To curiouslad002, how was the interview? Can you give me tips? My appointment to Greek embassy is on June 29.
      - curiouslad0002 on 05/26/2015 at 7:49 pm
        
        Hello Serena!
        
        The interview was fine, she just asked basic questions about my trip, where i’ll go, why Greece, what do i do for a living and mostly things about my job. she also asked if i know anyone from Greece and if i am gonna travel alone or with a group. :D Then she just checked if i have all my documents and that’s all. i was interviewed faster than the others, i dunno if that is a good sign or not tho. But I am hoping I’ll get my visa soon. Good luck on your interview!
    - Rob on 05/26/2015 at 6:50 pm
      
      Asking people to report back at the embassy is common for some Schengen countries for the first (few) visas. It’s no guarantee that the visa will be issued though, that will really depent on if the embassy thinks you are a reliable/genuine traveler with no bad intentions. You seem to have prepared well so now all you can do is wait it out. Obviously when you do visit Greece, you will want to report back to the embassy. Future visas shouldn’t be an issue anymore then.
      - curiouslad0002 on 05/26/2015 at 8:04 pm
        
        Alright, thanks Rob! I hope they’ll grant me the Visa i really want to see Greece. :)
      - Serena on 05/27/2015 at 9:11 am
        
        Thank you curiouslad0002 for answering! Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be granted a visa. Btw, when is your trip to Greece?
      - curiouslad0002 on 05/27/2015 at 9:30 am
        
        Hi Serena, If they’ll grant me the visa, I’ll be in Greece on July 7th :D I am still worrying up to now. I just hope they see that I have clear intentions.
      - Serena on 05/27/2015 at 9:34 am
        
        Hi curiouslad0002!
        
        Don’t worry, you’ll surely be granted a visa. Update me on your trip! Hopefully we can exchange tips or whatnot regarding our travel to Greece! Thank you!
      - janelle on 06/05/2015 at 6:56 pm
        
        curiouslad0002..did u get your visa already? my scheduled interview in greece embassy is on June 9…i hope everything will be fine..
- Surfboi on 05/30/2015 at 1:55 am
  
  Thanks for this blog again!!! I got my visa from the french embassy in 2012 and last week i applied at the spanish embassy and i got my passport with visa after 3 business days of my interview!!
  - chen on 06/07/2015 at 8:11 am
    
    Hi! Congrats for getting your schengen visa! I read you applied recently through the spanish embassy. Can you share your experience since i will also be applying my visa there. Do you have a host there in Spain? How was the interview?
- Gerald on 05/30/2015 at 11:26 am
  
  Hi! I have a girlfriend (filipino, we’ve been together for 7 yrs) who is currently taking her MBA program and will be graduating in Switzerland in August. I am planning to attend her graduation together with her parents. I can provide all the requirements. Our roundtrip tickets are already paid, we already have an itinerary, hotel bookings, eurail pass, even a letter from the school certifying that she is enrolled there and inviting us to attend her graduation. My only problem is that i dont have an ITR since i am working in my father’s company (single prop.) for almost two years. Her parents dont have a problem since they are frequent travelers. They have visas from the US, Japan, Korea. Her mom has been to Europe twice or thrice already. Most likely they will be issued one. How about me, what are the chance of me getting a visa? Is there a big chance of approval since i am travelling with her parents who both have a great travel history? Hoping for your response. Thanks a lot.
  - migs on 06/20/2015 at 3:45 pm
    
    Hi Gerald
    
    Since you dont have itr try to send coe certificate of employment,payslip,business permit of your father’s company and a sponsorship invitation letter from your girlfriend with a notarized.
    Hope this help
razzleberry on 04/08/2015 at 4:32 pm

Hi, wondering why I can’t get through 1-900-1012200 and 1-909-1012200. I’m calling from the Visayas area. Has anyone experienced the same problem?
Kristelleclarae on 03/31/2015 at 3:32 pm

Hi good day rob! I would like to ask, what if i dont have previous (ITR) as indicated that you need your previous and current ITR to apply schengen visa is there any chance to approved my visa, but i have (business permit,bank statement,current itr,passbook) to show. Lastly, im planning to apply schengen visa by november 2015, is it possible to apply in advance if my trip will be this coming april 28,2016. Thankyou. :)
- ACT on 04/14/2015 at 3:55 pm
  
  not earlier than 3months prior to your departure date.. so if april 28 is your intended departure you should count backward starting from your inteded departure.. :)
lme on 03/24/2015 at 5:42 pm

hello good afternoon,
Just wondering why I got denied again? It’s my 2 times application to Belgium. I have been completed all the documents that they need but still they don’t consider it. My purpose of travel is to visit my boyfriend in Belgium and stay there for 90 days.
what exactly am I suppose to do? Pls, I need your advice.Thank you in advance
- Rob on 03/27/2015 at 4:45 am
  
  The reason for denial is given in writing, the Belgians give 3 reasons (usually one main one and 2 additional ones that are much less convincing). Common reasons are “no sufficient evidence of returning back home in time” , backuped up with “lack of concrete travel plan” and “unsure if this is a serious/genuine, relationship”. I am not sure but it might be that the Belgians want to see evidence of partners having known eacother for 2 years. Ofcourse you’d also need to show any and all evidence of reasons to return such as land, car, house ownership, a job or study to return to and other such things.
  
  Perhaps you and your boyfriend could try and get a visa for a holiday to an other Schengen country (but those will see the previous Belgian denials!) or, if they are most concerned about your return to PH, see of you can strenghten your ties to PH as a bonafide traveler by visiting other countries (a trip to Japan or Singapore for instance, thus showing that you won’t settle illlegally in countries that attract illegal workers).
  
  The Belgians are sadly one of the more difficult countries when it comes to visa for visiting friends/family. :( But you should be able to get a visa eventually so don’t give up hope.