Are you planning to apply for a France Schengen Visa in the Philippines? Then you’d need to get your Schengen visa at the Embassy of France in Manila.

One of the cities we’ve all been dreaming to visit is the Most Beautiful City in the World, the Ville de Lumiere, the City of Love, and the Most Romantic City in The World - Paris, France. At one point in our lives, I’m sure we all wanted to see the Eiffel Tower up close, walk along the Seine River, cross the romantic bridges, visit the Versailles, and see how beautiful the Mona Lisa is at the Louvre Museum.

I also had this dream of visiting this City and this dream came true when we had our Honeymoon in Paris last 2017. We got the chance to have a drive around town in a Vintage Citroen 2CV, climb up the Eiffel Tower, had a 4-hour Lido de Paris cabaret experience, had a romantic champagne cruise at the Seine River which we ended with a romantic dinner at the 58 Eiffel Restaurant. It was surely a trip of a lifetime!

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For Philippines Passport Holder, we need a visa to visit France and I’m here to discuss more it: the requirements, step-by-step guide, and frequently asked questions.

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WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR A SCHENGEN VISA IN EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN MANILA

1. When you’re solely visiting France;

2. When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area but you’ll be staying in France the longest; or

3. When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area in equal duration but you’ll be first arriving in France.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA

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

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days

Where to Apply: VFS France Global
Address: 30th Floor, The World Centre, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Embassy: Embassy of France in Manila
Address: 16th Floor Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Extension corner Makati Avenue, 1200 Makati City, Philippines
Telephone Number: +632 8 857 6900

Website: ph.ambafrance.org

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DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA

For this application, you’ll need the following documents in its original and copy:

1. A duly filled-out Application Form - fill-it up online through this website and sign;

2. 2 recent ID photos;

3. Passport - valid for at least three months after the planned date of return;

4. Return ticket reservation

5. Travel Itinerary - Reservation confirmation of an organized trip or any other document describing the planned program (day-to-day itinerary);

6. Travel Health Insurance Certificate;

7. "Attestation d'accueil" - in case of accommodation at a private individual / sponsored trip) or hotel reservation or sufficient means to cover the cost of accommodation (travel provisions of 120 euros/day) or lease agreement;

8. Proof of Income - Bank statements, payslips, pension statements, or any other documents; and

9. Proof of the professional situation - employment contract, work certificate, payslips, proof of pension) or any document relating to the applicant's personal links in the country such as land/condominium title, lease contract, car registration, business registration, etc.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO APPLY FOR FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA

Step 1: Create an account at the France-Visas Portal. An email will be sent to you for confirmation;

Step 2: Fill-in the required details. They will ask about your Residence, Passport Details, Your Last Visa, Your Stay in France, and Your Contact Details;

Step 3: You will then receive a list of the Supporting Documents which you need to provide;

Step 4: You will then be asked to book an appointment. You will be redirected to the online appointment and tracking systems of VFS Global as they are the ones tasked to receive these documents on behalf of the French Embassy;

Step 5: Go to your appointment date at VFS Global with all the required documents in their original and copy including your passport and a copy of all your stamps. VFS Global will then review your application, collect the visa fee, capture your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and retain your passport and the copies of all your supporting documents in order to forward them to the consulate;

Step 6: Track the progress of your application and wait for the results.

Step 7: Claim your passport with the visa at the application center.

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FAQS ABOUT THE FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA

1. How much is the visa processing fee for a short-stay visa in France?

It is EURO 80 but must be paid in local currency.

2. Is this fee refundable in case of visa rejection?

No. This is absolutely non-refundable.

3. Do they have photocopying services in VFS Global?

Yes (albeit quite expensive). They also have a Photobooth Facility, SMS/Courier Service, and a Premium Lounge Service.

4. Can I bring things inside VFS Global?

No. You can only bring your documents inside. No bags are allowed and you will be asked to deposit your things in the locker area for a fee.

5. How long can I stay in France with this visa?

It depends on what the French Embassy gave you. The visa stamp indicates the validity of the visa and the authorized length of stay. It may be even issued for a single entry or multiple entries. The maximum is 90 days in a 180-day period.

6. I am a student and I don’t have the documents required. What can I do??

Submit an Affidavit of Support from your parents and you can submit their financial documents.

7. Can I submit Paypal Transactions?

Sure! This is what we always do.

8. Does my visa guarantee my entry to France?

No. You will still have to face the French Immigration/Border Control which could deny your entry in the French territory.

9. How much should I have when traveling to France?

You should have at least 60 Euros/day and this is only for your daily expenses, excluding accommodation expenses.

10. Will they ask me for certain documents upon my entry to France?

Usually, only the visa and your passport are asked for. However, some Immigration Officers are very strict and they could also ask you for your financial documents, hotel booking, insurance, and return ticket.

11. Can I enter French Overseas Territories with my Schengen Visa?

I’m afraid not. Each French Territory has its own visa policy, so you’ll need another visa.

12. What if I’m out of the country, what do I do?

You need to process it when you come back to the Philippines or find the nearest Embassy or Consulate in the country you are currently staying in.