So, you’re looking forward to travel to Europe, are you? If you’re into travelling, then let me tell you that Europe is such a must see! Especially if you’re with your family with you, they will surely appreciate what Europe has to offer. However, that won’t be possible if you don’t have a Schengen visa approved. Here are some tips I can share with you with how our visa got approved.
1. Provide all the requirements needed.
Now, this is a must for all embassies or any visa application process. You wouldn’t want to face the consul with lacking documents as this would merit how shady you are and that you might be hiding something from them. You wouldn’t want to set off your foot on the wrong ground. Therefore, it’s best that you triple check all your documents if it’s complete and clear.
2. Compile your documents
After you have your documents with you, it’s important that you file them orderly. You can visit the VSF Global’s website for the list of order of requirements. File all documents accordingly and place it in a clear folder. You wouldn’t want to spend time in the embassy looking for the requirements you need. Everything in VSF office works very fast. Hence, have no time to waste and prepare everything that you would need.
3. Do not lie about anything.
If there’s a red flag that any consul can easily spot, it’s a person lying. Don’t even dare to hide anything from them or be untruthful. They will always know the truth and they will always validate your claims. Thus, it’s a lot easier to just tell the truth. Being untruthful about your documents or anything that you’re claiming would immediately grant your application a disapproved status.
4. If you’re single, provide any document that would prove your return to the Philippines.
Consuls are tough but remember that they’re just doing their job. And their primary job is to prevent any illegal immigrants to stay in their country. That’s the whole purpose of the visa application in the first place. It’s a living proof that you’re allowed to travel as a tourist, student, or a for a business trip but you won’t stay after the validity of your visa. If you’re single, it’s a bit more tough to have your visa approved especially if you’re unemployed. Thus, make sure that you have all supporting relationships and information that closely ties you back to the Philippines to guarantee your return.
5. Be sincere.
Again, this is the same as not lying about anything during your interview. Be clear about your travel purpose. If it’s possible to give them a detailed account of your travel itinerary, the better it works for you.
6. Book an appointment with the right embassy.
Since the Schengen visa covers 26 countries, you would have to make sure that you have applied with the right embassy. To determine this, evaluate your travel plans. If you’re equally traveling for a definite amount of time in different Schengen zones, then your first country point of entry should be the embassy you should apply to. If, however, you’re planning too visit multiple Schengen countries with unequal amount of times, then you should apply a visa at the embassy of the country you’re going to stay in the longest.
Schengen visa application is not hard at all. All you have to do is to provide them the right and complete documents, be sincere with your intentions, and book your appointment with the right embassy.
Here are Step by Step Process in Applying for Schengen Visa:
(Source: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/philippines/)
In order to apply for a Schengen visa in the Philippines you must follow the steps listed below in the given order:
- Check out which Schengen visa type you need. Depending on the purpose of your visit to Schengen Area, there are a few Schengen visa types for Philippines traveling to Europe.
- Figure out where you need to submit your Schengen visa application in the Philippines. Pay attention to the embassy / consulate / VAC of which country you need to apply at, as well as under the jurisdiction of which you fall.
- Find out when is the right and most favorable time to apply for a Schengen visa in the Philippines.
- Collect the required Schengen visa documents for Filipinos.
- Make an appointment for a visa interview in the Philippines. You may have to make an appointment online, through phone, or in person. Below in this article, you can find more information for each embassy / consulate / VAC located in Philippines.
- Attend the interview on the day of your appointment
- Pay the visa fee. All Schengen states have fixed and synchronized visa fees. For more information, check the Schengen visa fees for Filipinos.
- Wait for the processing of your visa.
Schengen visa application requirements for Philippine citizens
To apply for a Schengen visa in Philippines, you need to submit the following documents:
- Visa application form. Complete all of the required information and print the form. Here you can find a guide on how to fill up a visa application form! Do not forget to sign it at the end.
- A Philippine valid passport or other travel document. This travel document should be no older than ten years, and with a validity of at least another three more months beyond your planned exit date from the Schengen Zone. It should also have at least two free pages for the visa sticker.
- Two identical photos. Taken within the last three months. The photo must be taken according to the Schengen visa photography requirements as set by the Schengen countries.
- Evidence of legal residence in Philippines. – This could be a national ID card for Philippine nationals, or a Philippine residence permit for internationals.
- Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A two-way flight reservation from the Philippines to a Schengen country and back. It should specify your entry and exit date as well as flight numbers.
- Europe Travel Health Insurance. Purchase insurance for your whole period of stay in Europe, valid in all Schengen member states. It should have coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, as well as repatriation in case of death.
- Proof of Accommodation. Some sort of document that shows where you will be accommodated during your stay in Europe, i.e. hotel booking, rent agreement, letter of invitation, etc.
- Means of Subsistence. Proof that you have the financial means to support your stay in the Schengen Area. Check how much money each Schengen country requires you to have, to stay in their territory.
- A cover letter. In this letter, give more specific information on our trip, as the reasons why you want to visit the Schengen Area, which of the member states you wish to travel to, the amount of time you will be spending in this territory and other details about your trip.
Schengen visa requirements for Filipinos according to their employment status
Specific required documents, based on visa applicant’s employment status in Philippines are as following:
- For Filipino employees:
- Employment contract.
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
- Leave permission from the employer.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
- For the self-employed:
- A copy of your business license in Philippines.
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months.
- Income Tax Return (ITR).
- For Filipino students:
- Proof of enrollment.
- No objection letter from School or University in Philippines.
- For retirees:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months.
- If unemployed and married to an EU citizen:
- Confirmation of Employment letter, no older than three months, from their spouse’s employer stating the position held within the company as well as the starting date.
- Spouse’s valid passport.
- An official marriage certificate.
Depending on the Schengen visa type you are applying for in the Philippines, you will have to submit additional documents to support your purpose of entry into the Schengen Area in Europe.