Finally organized this very detailed article about applying for Schengen visa for Philippines Passport Holders. You can find details on the Schengen visa requirements, step by step guide, and other tips on how you can get an approved Schengen visa.

Traveling around Europe is probably every Filipino’s wildest dreams. Of course, who wouldn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona at least once in their life, right? The common misconception about traveling to a European Country is that you have to be a millionaire to be able to do it. That’s not exactly true. You need just a little more than enough to be able to do it. But more than anything else, you need to have a Schengen Visa.

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Visa Application for Schengen is pretty expensive, so you have to get it on your first try. To ‘guarantee’ this, we often seek the help of tour agencies who charge us with exorbitant service fees on top of the visa fees!

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I’m writing you these tips all for free - But if you need a little more extra coaching services regarding visa applications, solo backpacking, working abroad, etc., You can hire me to teach you one-on-one for a minimal fee! I have traveled to 140+ countries and I’m sure that I’m in the right position to be your mentor! Click here to learn more about our coaching services.

Quick Facts About Schengen Visa

Schengen Area consists of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Validity: short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days but may be extended to 45

Where Should You Apply for Schengen Visa

1. The country where you’re solely visiting;

2. If you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area, apply at the country where you’ll be staying in the longest; or

3. If you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area in equal duration, apply in the first country you are arriving.

You can apply as early as 6 months before your flight. This will also ensure that you have time for remonstrance if all else fails.

Primary Requirements for Schengen Visa

These are the primary requirements that you should have when applying for a visa:

1. Duly Filled and Signed Application Form ;

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2. Passport photos in conformity with the photo specifications shall be attached;

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3. Duly filled and signed document checklist; (Please visit the website of the country where you will apply or VFS Global, if applicable to get a copy of #1 and #3, try searching for the specific country here); and

4. Original passport/s and photocopies of each page with visa and stamp;

5. Cover letter addressed to the consul - if applicable, depends on the country;

6. Travel detail which includes the flight reservation and hotel reservations (need not be paid yet, so it is recommended that you just make a hotel reservation instead of staying at a friend’s house for purposes of visa application), as well as your day-to-day itinerary.

7. Bank Certification AND Bank Statement - please take note that these are entirely different documents with the receipt for the last 6 months. If you’re not the one paying for your trip, then submit an affidavit, preferably in Red Ribbon Authentication as well as the financial documents of your sponsor instead;

8. PSA Birth Certificate or Marriage Contract, if applicable;

9. Travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your intended stay with minimum coverage EUR 30,000. You can use AXA Schengen as it’s really cheap and they are accredited by the Embassies.

10. Visa Fee - EURO 80

ADDITIONAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR SCHENGEN VISA

Your supporting documents will vary depending on your source of income.

1. For employees- Certificate of Employment with monthly salary approved leave of absence and income tax return.

2. For Self-Employed including Digital Nomads- Business Registration for the current and previous year and Income Tax Return (That’s why you need to register with the BIR! Income Tax Return is very important!).

3. For Students- Enrollment Certificate from your school approved leave of absence (if applicable), and Affidavit of Support from parents (preferably in Red Ribbon Authentication).

4. For minors- The minor’s birth certificate; The application form has to be signed by both parents; In cases where one parent has full custody over the child, the family court order has to be attached; Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents; and the notarized parental authorization signed by both parents or guardians is attached if the minor is to be traveling alone; and

5. For Household Helpers and Personal Assistants- A Special List of Requirements is provided. Please visit the website of the country where you will apply or VFS Global, if applicable to get a copy of the special list of requirements as it might vary.

Note: You must show deep rootedness in the Philippines. If you have land/condominium unit titles, car registration certificates, lease contracts, etc. it is highly recommended that you attach them too.

Step-by-Step on Applying for Schengen Visa

1. Prepare your application. Make sure that you fill out the forms truthfully and legibly. Some countries require online application, though.

2. Prepare all the necessary documents - Make sure that everything is complete and always have a photocopy of them. (Photocopy fees at the embassy or VFS Global can be pretty expensive too.)

3. Schedule your appointment through VFS Global or the proper consulate agency.

4. Be there at least 30 minutes before the appointment schedule and bring all the necessary documents. Dress appropriately.

5. When an interview is required, be confident, and answer their questions truthfully.

6. After the application, wait patiently. They will send you an e-mail or text message if your visa is out for release.

7. This is the moment of truth! Pick up your passport and see if you have your visa!

IF YOU NEED A MORE SPECIFIC PROCESS - FIND THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU WANT TO APPLY FOR SCHENGEN VISA: HERE.

FAQs About Schengen Visa

1. How much is the visa fee?

The visa processing fee is EUR 80 for a short-stay visa. Children aged between 6-11 years old are charged EUR 40. Children under the age of 6 are free of charge.

2. Is the visa fee refundable if my visa gets denied?

The visa fee is non-refundable despite the denial. (So you really have to get it on the first try!)

3. Do I need ‘show money’?

Yes. Your bank account for the last 6 months should show an amount that could cover your day-to-day expenses (More or less EUR 50/day), flight and hotel accommodations. See? You don’t have to be a millionaire!

4. What if I get rejected?

You may submit a remonstrance letter or apply it again. You may reapply at a different embassy.

5. How long is the validity of the Schengen Tourist Visa?

A short-term visa is valid for 90 days, the number of days of stay will vary from one person to another, depending on your submitted itinerary and the decision of the consulate.

6. Is it valid for employment?

No. It is strictly for travel purposes only.

7. Can I use my visa in non-EU countries?

With your Schengen Visa, you can also visit Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Columbia, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Sao Tome and Principe, Serbia, Taiwan, and Turkey.

8. When should I apply for a visa?

You can apply as early as 6 months before your departure date. However, 2 months is also okay.

9. I got rejected in France, can I apply in another Schengen country next month?

No, you can’t! That’s visa hopping and it can get you banned. They have a database, so you should either make a remonstrance letter or reapply after 6 months.

10. Is it advisable to avail of the services of a tour agency?

For me, it doesn’t make any difference if you avail of their services. I got ALL my visas without their assistance. I did it all by myself! Aside from being very expensive, it doesn’t guarantee approval. You can do it on your own, too!

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If you need a little more help, just let me know! I can personally train you for interview questions and go through your requirements one by one. We’ll both work hard for you to get that visa of your dreams! Set an appointment now :)