europe tourist visa requirements for filipino citizens

How to apply for a Schengen visa from the Philippines

If you are from the Philippines and thinking about traveling to Europe, you may be eligible to apply for a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa Philippines will give you access to the entire Schengen area—26 of the most visited countries in the world, including Germany, Italy, and Spain. Read on for basic information about the Schengen visa requirements Philippines citizens and residents, and for your most frequently asked questions about Schengen visas, including, “ do Philippines citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?“What is the cost of Schengen visa if I apply from Philippines?”  And finally,  “how long does it take to process my Schengen visa in Philippines?

Do Philippines citizens need a visa to enter the Schengen area?

• Yes! Because the Philippines does not have visa-free access to the Schengen area, Filipino nationals will need a visa in order to enter each of the 26 Schengen Member States. 
• If you want to visit more than one Schengen state, you should apply for a Schengen visa. If you receive one, you will be able to enter all the countries in the Schengen area. A Schengen visa has this main advantage over a national visa, which can be obtained from individual Schengen countries, and only provides access to one country. 
• For example, if you get a Schengen visa from France, you will be able to travel to France as well as all the other Schengen states. In contrast, if you receive a national visa from France, you will only be allowed to enter France; not any of the other Schengen countries. 

Schengen visa requirements for Philippines citizens and residents

• All Schengen visa applicants, regardless of where they are applying to or from, must submit the same basic required documents and materials. In addition, applicants must also submit a number of supplemental documents/materials depending on the type of visa you apply for.  
• Valid passport (with 2 available pages for Schengen visa).
• Passport photos (2).
• Schengen visa application from Philippines (printed out, signed). 
• Schengen visa fee (€80 EUR).
• Proof of travel medical insurance.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of finances. 
• Biometric information (fingerprints and photos). ( For more information on the biometric requirement, click here ) .
• Please note that the above list is not exhaustive. ( For a complete list of basic required documents and supplemental materials, click here ).

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa from Philippines?

• Applicants for Schengen visas from the Philippines will apply through the embassy, consulate, or visa application center of the Schengen country they are applying to. 
• For example, if you are applying for a Schengen visa for Germany, you will apply at the visa application center, which has offices in the cities of Manilla and Cebu.  
• With few exceptions, all applicants must submit their application in person. Most countries require applicants to make a visa appointment (in most cases, this can be scheduled online via the embassy website of the country you are applying to).  
• Your visa appointment is where you will hand in a paper copy of your application. In most cases, this is when you will also submit your biometric information, sit for a short interview, and pay your Schengen visa fee. 
• The Schengen country you choose to apply for a Schengen visa through is the country where you intend to spend the most time on your trip. For example, if you plan on visiting multiple countries in the Schengen area, but you plan on spending the majority of your time in Germany, you will apply for a Schengen visa from Germany. 
• If you are spending equal amounts of time in multiple Schengen countries, you will apply through the first country you enter upon arriving in the Schengen area. For example, if you intend to spend equal amounts of time in Germany and France, but you first enter the Schengen area through France, you will apply for a French Schengen visa. 

Where do I access the Schengen visa application from Philippines?

• Schengen visa applicants to and from all countries can download the universal Schengen visa application online, here .
• Depending on what country you are applying to, you can download, fill out, sign, and submit the above form at your visa appointment, along with your basic required documents and supplemental materials. 
• However, different countries have different rules for how to access your schengen visa application philippines. For example, if you are applying from the Philippines for a Schengen visa to Germany, you will have to apply through Germany’s online application portal . Fill out, print out, and sign the application form, and bring it with you to your visa appointment at your visa-service provider. 
• To find out the best way to apply for your Schengen visa, contact the embassy of the Schengen country you seek to enter (information on how to access Schengen visa application forms is usually available via a country’s respective embassy website page). 

What is the cost of Schengen visa if I apply from Philippines?

• The standard cost of a Schengen visa is €80 EUR for most applicants. 
• Children under 12, holders of diplomatic passports, and other categories of applicants may be exempt. 
• The cost of Schengen visa is the same wherever you are applying from, wherever you are applying to. 
• For example, it costs the same to apply for a Schengen visa to France from the Philippines as it does to apply for a Schengen visa to France from Yemen. Similarly, a Schengen visa to France is the same price as a Schengen visa to Spain.  Click here for more information on Schengen visa fees .

How long does it take to process my Schengen visa in Philippines?

• Schengen visa applications generally take 15-30 days to be processed. However, depending on the nature of your application, it can take up to 60 days. 
• Mindful of the above processing times, you should submit your visa application no earlier than 6 months before your intended day of departure, and at least days before embarking on your trip. 

How long can I stay in the Schengen area with a Schengen visa from Philippines?

• If you receive a Schengen visa from the Philippines, you can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

What type of Schengen visa from the Philippines should I apply for?

• There are multiple different types of Schengen visas. The type you apply for depends on your purpose for travelling to the Schengen area. 
• The type of visa you select will determine the supplemental documents you need to provide.   
• Medical Schengen visas, Tourist Schengen visas, and Business Schengen visas, are just three of several Schengen visa types.  For a full list of Schengen visa types, click here . 

How many times can I enter and exit the Schengen area with a Schengen visa obtained from the Philippines?

• The number of times you can enter and exit the Schengen area with your visa depends on the number of entries you have. 
• Schengen visas are available in single entry, double entry, and multiple entry categories. 
• If you plan on entering, exiting, and re-entering the Schengen area on your Schengen visa, you should apply for either a double or multiple entry. If you don’t plan on exiting the area (and returning) at all during your visa validity period, you should apply for a single entry. For more information on Schengen visa entry categories, click here . 

• ETIAS Application
• ETIAS Eligibility
• Countries Requiring ETIAS

Schengen Visa for Filipino Citizens

The schengen visa – what is it.

Anyone planning a visit to Europe from Philippines should be aware of the Schengen Visa. This is an important consideration for Filipino nationals as the visa has great benefits. The visa is currently valid in a total of 26 member countries across the European continent (known collectively as the Schengen Area ). This article provides comprehensive information on the Schengen Visa for Filipino Citizens.

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area, without the need for additional paperwork. For example, if you begin your travel in France and wish to move on to Germany or Spain (or any other of the 26 member states) you can do so without the need to obtain additional visas. There are no internal borders to negotiate across the Schengen Area, making it simple move from one country to another.

Schengen Visa types for Filipino Citizens

Before applying, you need to determine the type of visa you require. The following criteria will help you decide which visa is suitable for you:

A  Uniform Schengen Visa  permits the holder to stay in, or travel within, any country in the Schengen Area, for up to a maximum of 90 days at a time within a six-month period from the date of issue. These can be issued as:

• a single entry visa, meaning the holder can only enter/exit the Schengen Area once • a double entry visa allowing a second entry within the time period • a multiple entry visa which can be used multiple times (within the permitted time limits of the visa)

A  Limited Territorial Validity Visa  is available for travel only in the particular Schengen country that originally issued the visa. Holders of this type of visa are not permitted to enter any other Schengen member state. These visas are most often used in emergency/humanitarian situations where travel documents are not normally available.

Thirdly, there is a  National Visa . This particular visa is suitable for those who wish to study or work in any one of the Schengen countries and again is available as either a single or multiple entry.

Applying for a visa

Filipino citizens wishing to apply for a visa must begin the process by arranging an appointment at an embassy. The embassy you choose for this should be either the one relating to the country you will begin your trip (first point of entry within the Schengen Area) or to the country in which you be spending the majority of your time. You can schedule your appointment online on the VFS website or, if you prefer, in person at a local VFS centre.

You should be aware that it may take up to 2 weeks to complete the process and you will probably wait up to another 10 days for the embassy to contact you; we would therefore recommend that you apply for your visa at least one full month prior to the date you wish to travel.

The following fees currently apply: Adult visa: 60 EUROS Long stay visa (>90 days): 99 EUROS Child visa (6-12 years): 35 EUROS

There will be no fee payable under certain conditions, such as for: children under the age of 6; diplomatic passport holders, students and accompanying teachers; researchers from third world countries and participants aged 25 and under at educational non-profit conferences or other events.

You will need to obtain an application form which can be downloaded from the embassy website or you may collect a hard copy from the embassy office. Along with the completed form, you will also be required to produce the following documentary evidence:

• two passport sized photographs adhering to the official standard (full-frontal head image between 32-36mm in height with a plain background; no red-eye, reflections or shadows) • a valid passport with at least two available blank pages • a sponsorship letter explaining the reason/objective of the visit and stating the duration • evidence of travel insurance purchased showing a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUROS • copies of all relevant travel tickets and a full itinerary for the trip, including accommodation bookings and any tourist packages • proof of applicant’s status, such as birth/marriage certificates and any national identity documents or cards • employment details, such as contracts, proof of income for the past six months, leave entitlement consent from your employer and any other documentation as requested • business credentials and licenses for self-employed persons along with IT returns and proof of financial means • for retirees, pension payment documents/evidence for past six months • for students, proof of enrolment and verification from school or college

The information and documentation provided by you will be scrutinised carefully by the embassy for authenticity. Once this process has been completed, you will be invited to attend an interview with an embassy official.

The interview

This is a very important part of the visa application process and it’s useful to know what to expect before you attend. The interviewer will ask you a series of questions to ascertain the reason for your travel. You will be asked to confirm all dates and your intended itinerary. Them, you will also be expected to confirm your financial status and may be asked to provide further evidence or documentation in support of this. Lastly, you will need to be able to prove that all necessary arrangements are in place and that you understand your obligations regarding the laws of the country/countries you are intending to visit, and confirm that you will return to Philippines at the end of the visit as planned.

Biometric testing will take place at the end of the interview and the results of this will be electronically associated with your identity documentation.

The outcome

You can expect to hear from the embassy within 10-15 days. If accepted, your visa will be posted out to you in due course. If, however, your application is not successful you will receive a letter stating the reasons why. Possible reasons for rejection could be:

• providing insufficient or incorrect personal information • the necessary travel documentation and/or a fully completed itinerary was not provided • no sponsorship letter was submitted with the application (this is essential where the travel is being sponsored) • the discovery of criminal convictions or any previous history of criminal activity • insufficient financial means or proof of income for travel • passport expiry date – the Filipino government requires that passports need a minimum of three year’s validity • any evidence of forged documentation or incorrect information supplied • insufficient travel insurance coverage (less than 30,000 EUROS) or insurance that does not meet the required terms and conditions for the country/countries being visited • a lack of evidence relating to booked accommodation and any travel/tourist tickets (if a sponsor is organising this on applicant’s behalf, they must send the necessary documents to the embassy) • possible damage or any evidence of tampering with the applicant’s passport • any other form of non-compliance with the procedural requirements of obtaining a visa

Tips for a successful application

There are steps you can take to ensure that your application is successful. First, you should take care to read all the guidance and application forms thoroughly before you begin your application. You should also gather together all the necessary personal information and documentation you will need during the process. The important things to remember are:

• to check that your current passport has at least three year’s validity; if it doesn’t, you must renew it immediately – also ensure there is no damage to the passport • ensure that you explain fully your reasons for travel to the Schengen Area • make sure that all of your personal details are correct and that supporting documents are available and in the correct format • include all relevant educational/professional qualifications and evidence • organise and purchase the required amount of travel insurance • obtain sponsorship letters (where required) and collate all travel/accommodation documentation • do not, under any circumstances, provide incorrect or misleading information or attempt to forge signatures • check and double check that you have followed the correct procedures all the way through the process

Privacy Overview

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHENGEN VISA & Other Frequently Asked Questions

We have made four European tours so far, two of them lasted 2 months. Hence, we receive tons of questions about getting a Schengen Visa. It’s quite expected. Europe is a dream destination for many, and the Schengen Visa is probably the most complicated visa there is. In this article, we’ll try to answer the questions we have been asked the most as adequately as we can.

However, bear in mind that we are writing based only on our own experiences and some contributions from our readers. The goal is to help other applicants have a better picture of the process. But we strongly encourage you to still contact the embassies for more updated info.

Anyway, it’s gonna be a lengthy post, so let’s begin.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What is a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country.

What are the Schengen countries?

Here they are, all 26 of ’em.

Which embassy should I lodge my visa application?

It will depend on the purpose of your trip or your overall European itinerary. The rule is:

• If you’re visiting just ONE country, apply at the embassy of that country.
• If you’re visiting multiple countries, apply at the embassy where you will be staying the longest. For example, if you plan to spend 3 days in the Netherlands, 3 days in Italy, and 5 days in France, apply at the French Embassy.

However, some countries have additional rules. It is best to double check with the Embassy to be absolutely sure.

What if I’m spending equal number of days in different countries?

I’ll just copy-paste what the Dutch Embassy has to say about this:

“If you will be staying an equal length of time in more than one Schengen country and cannot designate one of these countries as the country of your main destination, you must apply for your visa at the mission of the first Schengen country you intend to enter .”

This means if you’re spending 3 days in Germany first, then 3 days in Italy and 3 days in France, you should apply at the German Embassy.

What are the requirements?

Schengen embassies usually ask for almost the same requirements. But there are some variations.

Here are the documents that are in common to all of them:

• Valid Passport
• Accomplished Application Form
• Recent Photo
• Proof of Available Accommodations (Hotel booking if no inviter, or invitation letter + citizenship/residency documents of contact abroad if invited)
• Photocopy of Passport stamps and visas
• Proof of Employment (ITR, Certificate of Employment for employees, and business registration documents and permits for self-employed)
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, bank certificates, land titles, etc.) Travel insurance covering the entire stay. Some require coverage for additional days.
• Identity Documents
• Complete Itinerary
• Flight Reservations

Some embassies add more to the list above, so make sure you check with the embassy that will process your application

For more details, here are the embassies that we have personally tried lodging our applications at.

• German Embassy
• Greek Embassy
• French Embassy
• Italian Embassy

What is the application process? What are the steps?

It varies from mission to mission. Some embassies, like the French and the Italian, employ a third party unit to handle most visa applications (VFS Global or VIA). Others take care of ’em in-house.

Here are the embassies I have personally tried:

I’ll be updating this part of the post to include a link to the processes per country. (Please check back later.)

Do we need to book flights before applying for a visa?

NO. Don’t book your flights yet. They only require flight reservations, not flight booking. Don’t pay for your flights yet. (Unless you grabbed promo fares at a seat sale.) Some travel agencies can reserve flights (often for a fee).

We recommend Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency. You can get flight reservations, hotel reservations, and travel insurance from them online!

For the rates and more info, read: ✅ FLIGHT RESERVATIONS FOR VISA

Is travel insurance really necessary?

The short answer is YES.

The long answer is still YEEEEEEESSSSS.

Some embassies, like the Italian Embassy, requires an additional 15-day coverage on top of the travel period. Make sure you know these little rules when purchasing travel insurance.

Where to get travel insurance?

You can simply purchase travel insurance online. I have tried Pacific Cross and Standard Insurance , and had no problems.

You can book Standard Insurance with Gazelle Travel and Tours too! You can use the same form we made for Flight Reservations. Just tick TRAVEL INSURANCE in the checklist on the form.

✅ MORE INFO HERE: TRAVEL INSURANCE

Can I book hotels on my own?

Yep. You can book via third-party websites, but book hotels with FREE Cancellation policy so you won’t be wasting money in case your visa gets denied.

What does a detailed itinerary look like?

Can i visit countries that are not in the itinerary i submitted.

Yes, you can, as long as it is within the Schengen Zone.

However, we encourage you to at least visit the country that granted you the visa.

Can I visit the UK using a Schengen Visa?

NO. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Zone and does not honor the Schengen visa. They have their own visa policy.

If you want to visit the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and other British territories), you will need to secure a UK visa. You can find more info here: UK Visa .

Can I visit other countries in Europe that are outside the Schengen Zone using the Schengen visa?

Yes, there are some non-Schengen countries in Europe that accept a DOUBLE or MULTIPLE ENTRY Schengen visa. Not all countries, but some.

Countries like Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo allow entry to holders of a valid passport with a valid MULTIPLE ENTRY Schengen visa (provided that the visa has been used to enter a Schengen country before).

Note that each country has certain conditions including the length of stay.

What non-Schengen countries can I visit in Europe with a DOUBLE ENTRY Schengen visa?

A DOUBLE ENTRY Schengen Visa (two-entry) is also accepted by Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus provided that the visa is valid and that it has been used once.

I have tried entering Croatia and Montenegro with a two-entry Schengen visa. Double entry is also specifically mentioned on their official websites.

The Foreign Affairs website of Serbia does not specifically mention DOUBLE ENTRY but I emailed them and they confirmed that Serbia allows double-entry Schengen visa.

Again, note that each country has certain conditions including the length of stay.

If my application is approved, do I have to stick to the itinerary I submitted?

Ideally, yes, but not really.

There are no checkpoints between countries within the Schengen Zone, there’s no way for them to check. You can deviate from your original itinerary if you want. We made a number of changes to our itineraries on the two occasions we visited Europe.

But my only guidance is this: At your point of entry, know that you might be asked questions about your itinerary. At the very least, stay the longest in the country where you got your visa so you won’t run into trouble. They have the right to refuse entry even if you already have a visa.

Is a cover letter required?

No. But I highly encourage you to provide one especially if there will be no interview. You can explain the purpose of your trip further. Here’s a sample .

Are embassies really strict?

Yes, but some are more strict than others.

For example, in my travel circles, the Italian and Spanish Embassies are notorious for being extremely meticulous, while the Dutch and Austrian Embassies are known for being more forgiving and considerate.

Is there an interview?

Some embassies conduct a short interview, some don’t. Usually, when a third party company (like VFS or VIA) is involved, there will no longer be an interview.

Here’s what I know so far: Do the following embassies usually conduct an interview?

• Austrian Embassy – NO
• Czech Embassy – LIKELY
• Danish Embassy – NO
• French Embassy – NO
• German Embassy – NOT ANYMORE
• Greek Embassy (for Greece and Portugal) – LIKELY
• Italian Embassy – NO
• Norwegian Embassy – NO
• Spanish Embassy – LIKELY

Again, that’s usually . Some applicants will be called for an interview at the embassy when they need further clarifications. It really depends on many factors but mostly how strong your case is.

In many cases, even when there is no interview involved, personal appearance is sometimes required. It’s best to check with the embassy to be sure.

If your embassy requires an interview or you are called for one, just answer their questions truthfully and confidently . Don’t lie. Most of the time, they will know.

What are the usual questions they ask at the interview?

I asked my friends what were the questions thrown at them during the interview and here are the most common. True enough, when I applied for a Schengen Visa on two separate occasions, these were asked too.

• What is the purpose of your trip?
• How long is your trip?
• How long will you stay in (country)?
• What is your first stop?
• What countries are you going to visit?
• When will you leave?
• When will you be back?
• Will this be your first time in Europe?
• What countries did you visit on your first trip to Europe and for what purpose?
• Do you know anyone in (country)?
• Do you know anyone in any other Schengen country?
• Do you know anyone in the UK (United Kingdom)?
• How are you related to them?
• How did you meet?
• With whom are you traveling?
• How are you related to your companion?
• What do you do for a living? (Expect a lot of follow up questions about your job.)
• How long have you been with your company?
• Does your company know you’re taking this trip?
• Do you own properties in the Philippines (home country)?

Based on experience, most of the questions were about three things:

• the details of the trip , which means you must know your itinerary by heart
• my connections to anyone in Europe . In my case, I had none. I have no relatives or close friends there.
• my job and my rootedness in my home country . In both cases, they gravitated towards finding reasons for me to return to the Philippines.

Again, answer truthfully and confidently.

Note that these are just the common questions. They might still ask a lot of other questions relevant to your background and application.

How early should I apply for a Schengen visa?

You can apply up to 90 days (3 months) in advance. While most embassies process applications relatively fast, it is wise to give some time allowance just in case something doesn’t go as planned (e.g. they ask for additional documents). I consider “a month before” too tight. Two months should give you enough time to secure a copy of all required documents and fix a problem should it arise.

How soon do they release the visa after receiving my application?

Depends on the embassy. If things go smoothly, the French Embassy releases visas after 5-7 days, the Greek Embassy 14 days. Most of the time, the wait is shorter. Sometimes, when they have doubts, it can take much longer.

For example, when I applied for a visa for my second Euro trip, the German Embassy took only 6 days. My partner Vins, who was applying for the first time and didn’t submit an ITR, was asked to send more documents to prove his rootedness in the Philippines. He did submit the requested additional papers and finally got his visa after 3 weeks.

I have friends who waited for over A MONTH!

On the other hand, I have a friend who applied via the Austrian Embassy and got her visa after only 3 days.

So it really depends on the embassy AND your case.

How much money should I have in the bank to be approved?

No one really knows for sure what the minimum amount is. But remember this: You will be asked to submit flight and hotel reservations and a detailed day-to-day itinerary. So here’s the rule of thumb. Add the cost of the flights you reserved and the cost of the accommodations and EUR 60 per day of your stay.

What’s the EUR 60 per stay? Think of it as your pocket money. Embassies need to be assured that you can afford the trip. The French Embassy requires at least EUR120 per day if accommodations are not yet settled. But if accommodations are booked, some embassies require EUR 45 per day, some EUR50, some E55. To be on the safe side, use EUR60 per day.

Let’s use this as example. Let’s assume that your roundtrip flight costs EUR1000 and your total hotel stay costs EUR1200 and you’re staying in Europe for 10 days. That’s EUR60 X 10 days = EUR 600.

1000 (flights) 1200 (hotel) 600 (allowance) EUR 2800 – TOTAL

Of course, that can’t be the only amount in your account. You should have WAY MORE than that. You have to convince the embassy that you will still have a comfortable life to return to in the Philippines after the trip.

But my point is, don’t apply for a 10-day visit with only EUR 1000 in your bank account.

My personal policy is P10,000 per day + cost of flights & accommodations.

How long is the validity of the visa?

Depends on the itinerary you will submit and the embassy.

When I applied at and submitted a 5-day itinerary to the French Embassy, I was issued a visa that was valid for 15 days.

When I applied the second time and submitted a 53-day itinerary to the German Embassy, I was given a visa valid for 60 days.

When I applied at the Greek Embassy with an 11-day itinerary, I was given exactly that, 11 days.

When I applied at the Italian Embassy with a 46-day itinerary, I was given 90 days.

It’s pretty hard to tell, so make sure you take your itinerary seriously because you’ll never know how long you’re gonna get.

What are the usual reasons why applicants are denied a Schengen visa?

We created a video about that here:

I’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to submit train transfer and flight reservation within the Schengen area?

Some embassies require those, some don’t. You’ll know when you read their checklist.

In my experience, however, I have never submitted proof of train or bus booking. But I always submit flight reservations even for those journeys within the Schengen zone.

I’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to provide hotel reservation for all the countries I’m visiting or for the embassy’s country only?

If you’re staying at hotels, you must provide hotel reservation covering the entire duration of your stay within the zone.

If you’re staying in multiple countries, you must submit hotel reservation for all the countries where you will be staying, not just that one country.

Last updated: 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣6️⃣ First up: 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣5️⃣

Help us improve this post! If you have experienced applying for a Schengen Visa and you have more to add to this list, feel free to contribute information via the Comments Section below!

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• HOW TO AVOID GETTING OFFLOADED: Airport Immigration Requirements
• How to Get a DSWD TRAVEL CLEARANCE: REQUIREMENTS & Application Process
• Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know
• TRAVEL FOR FREELANCERS: 5 Important Tips
• HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT: Requirements & DFA Appointment Tips
• SAMPLE ITINERARY for JAPAN VISA Application (Schedule of Stay)
• Why Having a SPONSOR can be BAD for Visa Application & Immigration
• The Road to VISA APPLICATION APPROVAL: When is the Right Time? How to Prepare Early?

• Recent Posts

• 2024 NAIA Departure Guide for International Passengers (Manila Flights) - 10 May 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with Number of Seats Available - 10 May 2024
• PHILIPPINE TRAVEL TAX: How to Pay + How to Apply for Exemption & Refund - 9 May 2024

[…] NOTE: If you’re planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, I suggest that you visit The Poor Traveler’s Schengen visa application FAQ page! […]

Very useful post Yoshke! So glad to know that there are no interviews for Norwegian Embassy :) Hopefully, I get to travel to Norway and Iceland early next year!

Have you heard of anyone being asked to report to the French embassy after the trip?

Hi Joeybelles, yep. Me. Hahaha.

Me too haha but it was at the Italian embassy

Hi, I am supposed to go to France with my family (husband and daughter) on the 1st of December for a 10-day tour. When is the best time to set an appointment for visa application?

Hello good day could I ask if once they have finished processing my visa application for France and my sponsor is my boyfriend is it possible that they will approved my visa ? My reason to come back in the Philippines is I will start my studies this January and also my sick mom. Thank you!

The Italian Embassy requires a travel insurance coverage of 15 additional days over and above your desired length of stay. FYI.

Thanks, Mae! We’ll add this to the post. :)

What are the different documents your partner submitted in lieu of his ITR? Thanks for your reply in advance.

Hi Maverick! He submitted invoices and certification from his clients. :)

I’m sorry. I’m clogging up this thread. Does he work online? If so, is it okay to declare that I am working virtually from home with paying taxes? :)

Yes to both questions. But don’t mention the online bit unless you’re asked about it. What do you do exactly? If you’re an online writer, just say writer. If you’re a digital marketing manager, just say marketing manager, so as not to invite more questions. :)

Thank you, Yoshke. I’m a Marketing Manager. By the way, is it easier to get a visa if you have a proof of accommodation from a citizen? This is greatly appreciated.

Saang embassy ka mag-aapply? Anong country?

If you’re declaring you’re going to Europe to visit a friend, yes, it will help. If you’re going there as a tourist, I recommend that you just reserve a hotel.

Embassies are often stricter sa applicants who have connections or kakilala in Europe than those na walang kakilala.

If this is not too much to ask. May I ask for the template of the certificate and invoice from his clients? :)

Thank you so much for your help. It’s really my first time and I can’t help but be nervous.

By the way, I am a student so I just get a certification from my school regarding my status.

Thank you so much. Sa French Embassy, Yoshke. They have declared full accommodation.

Regarding the visa validity in this post, will you know immediately upon visa approval how long you are allowed to stay in the schengen territories?

What if upon application i submitted a 10days itinerary, if ever approved, will they indicate there in my visa or passport- just 10days or a bit more days only? There will be no way for me to change it to 30days anymore if ever there will be changes in my trip?

Yes, the number of days will be indicated in the visa. :)

Not sure if it’s possible to extend or the process required for it.

I checked the link in step number 1 to fill out the application form and I believe we need to check the link because the link to the website is no longer there. Thanks. :)

Hi Maverick. The French Embassy implemented a new visa application process last month. We have yet to try the new process, but the new website is: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/

Hi guys! Im applying for a Schengen Visa over at the French Embassy. Is Agoda’s free cancellation policy really FREE (provided that I cancel on their specified “cancel for free before ____”)? Or would there be a surprise cancellation fee or other unprecedented fees? Dont know who better else to ask but you two. Thanks!!

They required me to go back to their embassy in 2001 after I returned from my tour of France. When I got to their office, they got my passport, took it to their back office, then handed it back to me after stamping ‘Expired Visa’ on my visa.

Me too. 2014 naman ako.

Hi! I am an OFW. my concern is about the ITR. I don’t have one. What should I do? But I had a TIN when I was still working in the Philippines.

Thank you for your blog. I read all of it including the comments. I was planning to apply for a Spain visa together with my mom and encountered this “Shengen visa”. But after reading this blog, I realized that I don’t need to apply Schengen (maybe someday). I got relevant information I need. Your blog really helps (thou different destinations to take). I just worry that that my mom is a senior citizen and she do not have proof of ITR or COE.Please give good advice on what relevant documents should I present in support for her application. Hoping for your advice. Thank you!

Hi Wilma, if you’re going to Spain, you will still need a Schengen Visa.

As for the reqs for senior citizens, I really have no idea. :( But I’m guessing you can submit a copy of Senior ID and bank accounts. Perhaps the COE/ITR may no longer be required for seniors. Again, these are all a hunch. Best to coordinate directly with the embassy.

Hi! I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in Belgium this year, may I ask if do I need to make my itinerary trip there for my visa application? Since I don’t have any plans once I get there. Also I will stay at his house so no need for hotel bookings. I just wanted to know thanks.

What if we are four person is the interview for schengen visa is individually or a group? We are applying to go in Switzerland

Hi Iza, we have no personal experience applying via Swiss embassy/consulate, so we don’t know. :(

We are from Philippines

Hi. If you’re traveling alone, will it be stricter? Considering I have all the requirements, which part should I be careful at? Is it better if I will be sponsored by someone from the country I will be visiting or just don’t mention anything at all? Thank you in advance.

Based on experiences of friends and our readers, they are stricter if you know someone in Europe. Traveling alone isn’t an issue for as long as you meet all the requirements satisfactorily.

Hi. Thank you for responding to my queries. Is it better if I join a certain tour package or I can do my DIY itinerary? Thanks again in advance.

DIY is fine. What we usually recommend is booking the flights and hotels on your own and then join group tours when you’re there.

But I think booking a tour package will give you better chances of approval sa visa.

Hi yoshke. Plan ko magapply ng visa next year since my mom wants to go to Turkey, baka magGreece and France na rin kami. Diba sa pagkuha ng visa may means of subsistence per Schengen country? Sa Greece nasa 60 euros and then sa France is 130 euros. Okay lang ba na pag kukuha ng visa ang sundin namin is yung sa Greece na 60 euros? Since dun din naman yung first point of entry namin and mas magstay longer. Or pag nilagay namin sa itinerary na pupunta kami France, kelangan din namin ipakita sa bank statement na may 130 euros per day kami for France? Thanks!

Hi Jane. Were you able to email the Greek Embassy for interview? My email is not getting through. I wonder kung may ganoong experience din and iba.

Yung rule ng embassy kung saan ka mag-aapply yung masusunod. So rule ng Greece if sa Greek Embassy ka mag-apply.

Hi! i just want to ask, we’ll be going to Paris (4days)-Rome (3Days) – BArcelona (3 Days). we’ll be coming from london then going to Paris. Our flight is Manila-London-Manila. Do I have to submit the flight details (London to Paris), (Paris to Rome) (Rome to Spain) and (Spain to London)? I’m hesistant pa kasi to buy the tickets. maybe flight reservations muna for europe?

Hi Donna, flight reservations lang muna. Aside from Manila-London tickets mo, pinaka-important yung Schengen entry and exit flights (London-Paris, Spain-London) kasi they need to see how you’re going to enter and leave the Schengen area.

But yep, wag ka muna bili tickets. Flight reservation muna.

Hello Yoshke – Sana matulungan mo ako. I can’t decide if I’ll stick to my plan A or plan B. Ganito kasi iyong Mom ko ay nakapasa na ng visa for Schengen. Aside from naipresent niya lahat, ininvite din siya ng Tita ko. Ngayon, my father wants me to join her as this will be her first time leaving the country alone. Nag-ayos na ako ng requirements kaso nahihirapan ako pagdating sa itinerary. My Plan A is – Sundin iyong itinerary na napresent mo sa taas w/o mentioning na I applied because of my Mom. Itinerary will be Belgium-Amsterdam-Paris-Belgium. My plan B is – I’ll mention that I’m applying to accompany my Mom. My itinerary will be a month in Belgium (which might sound crazy?)

Ano sa tingin mo mas okay?

Hi Hill. It depends on a lot of factors. What’s your current employment and personal financial status? If you don’t declare that bit about your mom, will you be applying as a tourist or as someone still invited by your tita? If you apply as a tourist, can your docs prove you can support a trip that long?

My top-of-mind advice is to just be honest and transparent. Just say you’re accompanying your mom. It sounds like a valid reason, to begin with.

Hi! Regarding “details of the trip” did the embassy asked you where exactly are you going in each country and when? did they asked you randomly or in order?

Sa German Embassy, yep, they asked about specific activities pero hindi sa lahat ng countries, konti lang. And yep, randomly.

Sa Greek Embassy, they asked about each activity in the itinerary, per day, in order.

When I tried to bring my Filipina girlfriend to Greece, back in 2011 I think, I asked the Greek embassy about the requirements for the visa. They were vague, not specific, they just said that the girl needs to have a high-salary stable job like a doctor or lawyer, and much money in bank, and a credit card, etc,,, even if I officially invite her and host her and pay her food etc. I guess that the embassy is afraid of illegal immigration and makes the visa impossible for most Filipinos. Eventually, I married the girl, and then she applied for spouse visa and now we live happily in Greece.

Hi Vassili,

Happy to hear about your happy marriage with your Filipina wife. I myself will be married to a Portuguese in May and eventually we plan to get a spouse visa for me to live together in Portugal. I would like to ask if your Filipina wife, when she applied for spouse visa was it much easier and what were the requirements? Thank you & God bless!

Hello! Thanks for posting these very useful and detailed info. May I ask what if we are booked via Airbnb? Do we declare it sa itinerary? I saw in the checklist there’s an attestation or something needed pa? Thanks in advance!

Yep, you can declare AirBnB. We did before, wala naman naging problem. Just submit the reservation confirmation.

Saang embassy ka nag-aapply pala?

Hi, Yoshke! Just a question. For the bank statement, diba its 60 Euros per day + budget for flight + budget for accommodation. Yung sa accommodation ba, is it ok if yung budget is half na of the total expenses for the accommodation given that hati kami ng partner ko with the accommodation expenses? :)

Hi Gelo, I’m afraid they don’t see it that way especially if hindi family member kasi applications are often assessed individually.

Also, yung 60 euro per day, that’s the minimum but having that doesn’t guarantee anything. I’m pretty sure they’re looking for much more than that (kasi hindi believable or ideal for them if yun lang ang fund ng account). If French Embassy ka pala apply, their standard now is 120 euro per day.

Hello, everyone! I just want to ask if there will be an issue if I didn’t fly to Schengen country; though, I got my Schengen visa? Then, I want to re-apply new visa and fly this time? Please, any advice. Thank you.

Hi Ayesha, I don’t know the answer to this, but I’m publishing your comment pa rin just in case other readers have an idea. :)

Hi good evening.. i find this very useful. And please Allow me to ask if i need an ITR since my visit is funded by my friend? Shall i need this for proof of rootedness here in Philippines? Thanks

Yes and yes. Even if your trip is sponsored by someone else, you will need to prove rootedness.

hi, im travelling to Mexico and may lay over sya sa Paris. didnt know na need ko ng Transit Visa and in 5days aalis na ako. i scheduled an appointment sa French embassy on bukas for that. Madali lang ba marelease ang transit visa and hindi sila strict?, huhuhu pls advise

Hi Chinitakee, naku, I have no idea kapag transit visa.

hello, do you have any idea if what to do or what does it mean kung over 15days na yong processing? i mean i applied last month June 11 (considered holiday nung June 12 and June 15) they said it will start ng June 13 na counted as 1st day. i don’t think kulang mga docs ko since we checked it sa Via.ph na completed naman. im worried kasi my flight is on July 16:-/ 1 almost a month na processing grabe. thank you so much.

Saang embassy ka nag-apply?

hi i just got my Visa today and this is what they said,

1)The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and the conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.

2)your intention to leave the territory of the Member Stated before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained

what is this means? im thinking sa french embassy nlng magapply, :(

Saang embassy ka nag-apply? Italian? The Italian Embassy is known for being super strict.

I think medyo clear naman yung reasons na sinabi nila sa pag-deny. Hindi nila sure if babalik ka ng Pilipinas before mag-expire ang visa. Usually, kapag ganyan, it’s a matter of proving rootedness (stable employment, properties in PH, etc). Madalas din na denied kapag may kakilala ka dun sa Europe tapos hindi clear ung connection mo sa kanya, hindi clear ang purpose ng trip, and hindi strong yung ties sa PH.

Hindi enough na complete yung docs. They have to find it satisfactory.

Good Evening! Tanong ko lang kung family ba mag apply ng schengen visa (italian embassy) d pa rin guarantee na ma approve? Family kc sabay na aalis ksama fiancee ko at fiancee ng kapatid ko. They can present ITR, bank statements, coe, etc. Pero problem ko lang sa parents ko kc senior citizen na cla, at wala sila itr or coe. Ako nalang nag sponsor sa kanila kase OFW ako. May 100k naman sa bank accounts nila para ma present namin sa embassy. May alam ka na ba ngayon kung ano pa kelangan documents na i.submit ng mga senior citizens? Gagawa pa kasi ako ng letter of support, lagay ko don na ako ang nagbayad ng lahat ng tickets namin at ako magbabayad ng hotel accommodations namin. Lahat kami may experience na travelling around asia. ako at mama ko may experience na din sa europe. Sa italian embassy kami mag apply kc don ung entry namin, at sa itinerary namin for 15 days nasa loob lang kami ng italy at lilibutin namin lahat ng tourist spot cities. Pero baka d namin i.follow ung itinerary.

Hi Poy, an affidavit of support would be great. Submit also a copy of their senior ID.

I haven’t tried applying via Italian embassy so there’s not much advice I can give. All I know is, based on experiences of my friends, they’re very thorough and strict.

hello po sau…ako po ay ofw sa hk..i met a guy from ..he ask me to visit him…sb nya he will sponsor me…10 days tour….hanapan papo kaya ako ng bank statement..

Great infos. :) By the way I have a question, I have a stable job naman here in Ph. And I have visited 10 countries already mostly Asia and I still have a valid visa sa Australia. My recent trip was Japan. I am planning to apply Schengen Visa Pero this time medyo “urgent” kasi. Now my problem is in my bank nasagad yung amount meaning around 10k nalang ang natitira. Pero May makukuha akong enough money para sa mga pautang ko na Pwede ko na magamit for my Europe trip. Pwede kayang bank certificate nalang ang I present instead of bank statement? Baka kasi magdoubt yung embassy if May biglaang malaking amount na idedeposit.

Hi Jen, usually ni-rerequire nila both. Sa French, German, and Greek embassies, kelangan talaga. Di ko lang alam sa ibang embassies. :(

Hi, Yoshke!

I’m planning a trip to Portugal in January 2019. If possible na mas maaga ko makuha yung visa ko if nag-start ako mag-apply by October (since hinihintay ko pa yung release ng passport ko). Possible kayang pwede kong mas agahan ang alis ko? Thank you! :)

Hi Mhai. Visa for Portugal visit is processed by the Greek Embassy and they’ve been pretty swamped lately. Try to email them first and check for their earliest available appointment.

Hi Yoshke! Im planning to appy for a schengen visa via french embassy, but will travel to multiple cities, ask ko lng re: don sa “number of days of travel”, kailangan ba yong buong travel sa Europe ang ilalagay don or ung no. of days lang namin sa France? we’ll be staying for a total number of 21 days (multiple cities) pero we’ll be staying for 4 days lang sa France.. Thank you for your answer. Your blog really helps me a lot.

Hi Mhay, ang alam ko, yung buong stay mo sa Europe (within the Schengen zone).

Hi Yoshke, My boyfriend invited me for a vacation in his place. NORWAY. So we are planning to process the application for visa. He will shouldered all my expenses for that vacation thus will send invitation, sponsorship and guarantee letter. My question is do i need to submit any proof of my financial status. Coz at present im unemployed, no bank cert or record and No credit card. Your reply would be much appreciated. Thanks

Hi Elie. Yes, you will still need to submit proof of your own financial status kahit na sponsored yung trip.

Hello Yoshke,

I just want to reply on this nessage cause I just went through the same thing recently. My Norwegian boyfriend will sponsor my trip to Norway and he sent the invitation letter, Guarantee form and other needed documents. We just followed all the instructions and documents na need isubmit sa checklist. Since sponsored nya no need na for me to submit bank statements or proof of financial status (basta ma meet ng mag sponsor sayo yung minimum income pre tax per year) and when I submitted our application after 2 days I was granted a tourist visa for 3 months. Ang nakikita ko importante is nag meet na kayo before in person (they want to see na totoo yung relationship nyo) and n ma meet ng sponsor yung min. income pre tax to prove na kaya ka niya isponsor and ma prove mo na babalik ka sa Pinas yung rootedness malamang ma aapprove ka. Hope this helps

Thanks for sharing, Zee!

My name is Fatima. I just want to ask a few questions to clarify.

I am very eager in applying for Schengen Visa via Germany Embassy. I applied earlier this year, unfortunately, I got denied Now, I wanted to reapply and make sure that I provide the details in the most proper way. However, I heard some dark rumors about it. T_T I wanted to clarify if this is truth or not.

My German boyfriend is the one sponsoring this travel. We’ve planned this travel for quite a long time already. However, we were advised by friends that we should not say that our relationship is a “boyfriend-girlfriend” one since it will automatically makes the embassy refuse my application. This makes me very confused since I already submitted files before stating that he is my boyfriend. Would it be easier if I say this time that he is my friend? Does it make a change or should I stick to the truth that he is my boyfriend?

I understand that this is beyond your control but I would be very happy to hear an opinion from you. Thank you very much in advance.

Best Regards,

Hi Fatima, yes, I believe they’re much, much stricter if you’re invited by someone especially if boyfriend-girlfriend. When they denied your application, did they tell you the reason?

I’m asking because I don’t think changing it to “friend” will make that much of a difference. It’s risky too because you already said he’s your bf before. When you declare that you know someone in Europe, they’re going to take a closer, stricter look at your “rootedness” — that’s your ties to PH, employment, properties in your name. If wala ring nag-change sa rootedness mo — meaning, you’ll still be submitting the same docs — I don’t think maaapprove yung application this time around.

But again, that’s just my hunch. Some people na na-deny, what they do is they apply sa ibang embassy na lang as a tourist, not a visitor. Not that I recommend it because it’s also a risk and it only works if okay yung rootedness and finances mo.

I find your blog helpful, thank you! I will be applying a Schengen Visa at Italian Embassy this month and I stumbled about Flight Reservations. Does Gazelle Tours offer 2 week reservation of flight because apparently, Italian visa has approximately 2 weeks processing time. What happens if the flight reservation expires while the application is being reviewed? My another concern is that I will be spending Christmas and New Year with my Mother and brother ( they are legal residents there ) but I am thinking it will be a more complicated process ( since Italian Embassy has thorough and strict process as you have mentioned ) that’s why I will be applying as a tourist instead. I had used schengen visa issued by Singapore last 2016 (back when I was an OFW ) so this is the first time I am applying in the Phils. What’s your take on this? As you have applied with several embassies, I would appreciate your opinion on this ;)

Thank you Yoshke, it means a lot! Btw, I am following you on IG and your travel adventures are really great! :)

Hi Moshi! Thanks for your comment. Here are my answers:

What happens if the flight reservation expires while the application is being reviewed? —- How long the airline can hold the reservation depends on the airline and class. Iba-iba kasi ng policy ang bawat airline. The thing is, most airlines now can hold reservations for only 24-48 hours. And I think the embassies know that. We’ve had flight reservations na nag-expire while being processed but hindi naman nagka-problem. Pero French, Greek, and German embassies yun. Hindi ko lang sure sa Italian Embassy. My guess is, it doesn’t matter to them kasi alam din naman nila yun and feeling ko, mas concern nila ung rootedness, finances and employment kaysa dun. At the very least, sana hindi pa expired nung time na nag-submit ka ng documents. You can ask the agency to issue the ticket the day before your appointment.

I will be applying as a tourist instead. —- Even if you apply as a tourist, you’re still going to be asked if may relatives ka sa Italy. Parang mas dubious or suspicious if apply ka as a tourist pero may immediate family members ka dun. Baka mas maka-affect negatively? Huhu, di ko alam. Pero uyyyy, opinion ko lang ‘to ha. I’m in no way an expert in this, lalo sa Italian Embassy kasi di ko pa natry dun.

I’m planning to get a Schengen visa and your post is very helpful for me. Thanks a lot.

You’re welcome! Thanks too for visiting! Good luck with your application.

Is it a good idea if I will tell on the cover letter the main reason I will visit Europe is to visit my boyfriend’s family? 4 years na kami together and he went here already and I never met his family. I wanted to be more personal with getting the visa. Negative ba yun for embassies?

Hi Den, I’m not sure. Usually, they subject applications na may romantic connection sa Europe to further scrutiny, but at the end of the day, if strong yung proof of relationship and kaya namang magstand on their own nung financial/rootedness status mo, pwedeng maapprove pa rin naman.

I have a terminal illness and I am planning to visit Lourdes , France .My nephew will accompany me kasi nga sick ako. Should we apply our visa together? Paano kung magkaiba ticket nmin pabalik ,sya uuwi ng Pinas , ako babalik ng Saudi(I’m still working) Medyo hindi ok ang rootedness ng nephew ko sa pinas.

If you’re both applying here in Manila, the French embassy through VFS Global will treat your application separately, but you could state in your cover letter that you will be traveling with your nephew. This happened to us (husband and wife) when we applied last year, I had to write an impromptu cover letter for my wife, and photocopied several documents because I assumed wrong i.e., since we’re a couple, shared documents will do (experience with UK embassy).

You will also need to tweak your itinerary and make it appear that you will both leave the Schengen area together i.e., same outbound tickets.

Will you be applying from Saudi? Kasi if so, di ko alam ang process pag sa Saudi.

If from PH naman, ito yung process: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/01/france-visa-requirements-schengen-appointment-vfs-manila/

Di ko sure pero ang alam ko, individually talaga ia-assess yung application. In your nephew’s case, best na ma-explain na lang dun sa form or you can even write a cover letter explaining the purpose in detail.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. :( Hindi kasi ako ganun ka-familiar pag group application via French Embassy kasi solo lang ako nag-apply.

Hi yoshke! Ngwwork ako currently sa family business nmin. So wla akong employment certificate. Small business lng kc sya kaya wla ng certification na ganyan..Pwd ba explain sa cover letter na family business sya? Tpos present ko na kapatid ko mayari? Tpos support letter nlng from him?

Hi Kim, ang idedeclare mo ay sponsored ka ng kapatid mo pero walang proof or legal document na pagmamay-ari yung business ng kapatid mo or na nag-ooperate ang business?

Medyo mahihirapan po maapprove kung ganyan kasi naturally cynical ang mga embassies. Kailangan ng paperwork lalo na pag business, kahit small business pa yan.

Meron nman pong mga permits and dti…so pwd ko sya ideclare na mgsupport sakin dba? Ung support letter ba dpat notarized?

Best if may ITR kasi dun makikita yung finances ng business.

Yep, best if notarized.

Hi… Mas madali ba mag k shengen visa if sasama sa group tour? Kaso nga lang mas mahal.

Mas may chance pero not a guarantee kasi kahit group tour, individually pa rin inaassess ang application most of the time.

Hello :) Regarding with the sponsorship case, do the requirements for sponsor need to be all original copy? like the invitation letter as well as his bank statements? Can it be just sent thru online by my sponsor or it has to be shipped? Also, what if I reserve for a flight ticket for p300 for a certain agency, the actual price is 68k compared to the online actual price which is only 45k, should I go for the agency price when my visa approves? this is for the Italy trip. thanks so much :)

yes, submit original copies.

You always have the option to cancel or hindi tumuloy sa nasa flight reservation mo after the visa processing.

Thanks for replying. I asked the same question to Youtube vlogger, Lyka Krystle the same day I asked you and she confirmed that FYI, its not me who will submit the invitation letter, my sponsor will email it instead along with his bank statements and passport/ID photocopy to the Italian embassy. That means a physical copy is never a thing in this situation at all, so theres no need to waste a paper here. As an applicant, I dont need to do anything else aside from helping my sponsor to fulfill the 3 main requirements. Long story short, all sponsor’s requirements go directly to the embassy, done by the sponsor.

Thanks for sharing!

Good luck with your application.

I will be applying at the Italian Embassy. The itinerary I will be submitting is MNL-FCO-MNL only. But after I get my visa, am I allowed to change my itinerary to MNL-FCO ( 8 days)-CDG ( 3 days)-GVA ( 3 days)-MNL? Will I get into trouble at the airport/immigration for changing the itinerary?

Hi, I am planning to apply for Schengen visa to visit a friend in Belgium, un balak mamasyal lang sa France and Spain after a week s Belgium with her family. I have my own house, travelled few times s US and asian countries, pro wala ako work now, I got 2 kids (filipino-american) and married sa american. My friend will be sending me invitation and sponsorship letter din already signed by the mayor s Belgium. Plus his bank statements and stuff. Nakapag travel na dn kami together twice s SG. My US visa will be expired next month but I am planning to renew it next week. I am just super nervous sa EU visa ksi wala ako work. Ano kaya ippsa ko mga requirements other than the papers na ippadala. I hope somebody can help me please.

Hi Leah, naku, di ko po alam anong pwedeng alternatives pag unemployed. :(

Really insightful article. Just wanted to ask if you know anything about fresh grads applying for a Schengen visa? My sister and I are graduating this June and plan to go to Europe with our mother around October as a graduation gift. Is it true that it is much harder for our applications to be approved since we won’t be employed yet or enrolled anymore? We will be taking a gap break before applying for jobs (which will most likely be after the trip).

Our parents will be sponsoring our entire trip, and we have a good travel history (at least 1-2 international trips every year). I already have a Schengen visa from my school trip to Italy last summer, but my sister only has a 5 year visa from Japan. Thank you and hope to hear from you!

Hi Sofia, I think it’s possible to get a visa pag fresh grad lalo na kung family trip sya. You can explain that it’s a graduation gift and since kasama nyo naman yung parents/sponsors, mas believable yun if sabay-sabay yung pag-apply nyo. Bukod sa usual requirements, submit na lang din kayo ng proof na kakagraduate nyo lang recently.

Saang embassy kayo apply?

We plan to apply at the Dutch or Italian embassy. Anyway thanks for the reply, that eased my thoughts!

Hmmm. Di ko pa natry mag-apply sa Dutch or Italian Embassy ha.

Hi there. What option on the airline website should I select or go to if I’ll have multiple trips. For example, my itinerary is MNL-ROME-PARIS-BERLIN-MNL. Please help me. thanks.

Hi Mark, depends on the airline. Some airline websites allow MULTI-CITY booking.

Another workaround is to book via a 3rd party website like Skyscanner, Traveloka, Expedia.

Hello, would u know if czech embassy is strict?

Hi K-Anne. No idea. :(

hello, what if na deny ako sa French embassy and after 6months I will apply in Austrian embassy,can I still visit france for tourism?

“My partner Vins, who was applying for the first time and didn’t submit an ITR, was asked to send more documents to prove his rootedness in the Philippines. He did submit the requested additional papers and finally got his visa after 3 weeks.”

Hello, may I ask what additional documents s/he was asked to submit in lieu of the ITR? :) I am recently employed as an individual contractor / consultant so I haven’t sorted my BIR taxation yet. Thank you!

Hi Aya, they called him and asked him to submit COE and ITR from previous employers instead and property titles.

Hello, my father invited me to join his family to go on a month trip to EU. Will be there for a month if approved. He will be sponsoring our trip since he has a stable company. If ever, I will be travelling with my father, step mom and 2 baby step brothers. They already had several visas including Schengen before, while me I am unemployed. I used to have a Japan visa for a year. I have a daughter here in PH who will not be joining us due to school. I’m wondering if theres a high possibility that I will be approved?

Also, schedule will be this May 14 or 16. How long does the processing will take? (Italian Embassy) coz I have a booked flight to Bangkok on June 5 :(

Thanks Yoshke!

I haven’t tried applying via Italian Embassy so I can’t say. :(

In general though, the chances of approval depend on a lot of factors playing together: employment, finances, rootedness and (sometimes) travel history.

Me and my husband plan to travel to EU this coming septermber for our 12th anniv for 14days. I work as a web dev online (homebased) no ITR and my husband works with his current employer for more than 6 years na din which is previously homebased din pero now kumuha na sila ng office here. No ITR din si husband currently pero meron sya Form 2307 – Certificate of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source. Is that okay na kaya to submit + COE, payslips? Ang balak kasi namin sya na lang ang magsubmit ng lahat ng requirements. I’ll declare na lang na im a housewife / no income and sya magshoulder lahat ng expenses para i dont need to submit any other req’s(proof of income) na since i dont have ITR. We have few properties owned and car din and has 2 kids pero kami lang ni husband ang magtravel to EU. Prev travel was HK, SG, MY, South Korea(ME), Japan, Shanghai – all with family. Sa tingin mo malaki ang chance namin maapprove? My brother is also a resident in Norway pero magappply kami as tourist not sponsored tho magvivisit kami sa kanila since on our planned travel kasabay din namin ang parents ko since they want to visit my brother in norway.

Hi ahb19, we can’t assess po and predict your chances without having a really good look at your documents. Depende kasi yan sa napakaraming factors. It’s not enough na meron ka nung required docs, need din nila iconsider ano ang laman ng mga docs na yun. So we really can’t say.

Hi. On the application “Which Schengen country you will enter first?”

I have a layover on a Schengen country, yun ba ilalagay or yung destination mismo? Many thanks

I am a Philippine passport holder. I will be in the US in April next year and I’m planning to go to Spain from there in July also next year. Can I apply for a schengen visa from there in the US?

hello there, Is it true that Austrian embassy is more lenient than other embassies in the Schengen area? I also have concern regarding freelance job and my ITR, I just registered my part time job last june and im applying for visa this oct. and that would mean I cant provide an ITR this October for my part time job (fashion design), what should I do?

I have a fulltime job though and could provide complete papers for this, I just needed more reasons for the “rootedness” thingy.

Hi Jessie, I haven’t tried applying via Austrian Embassy but my friends who have said they are indeed more lenient.

Is your full-time job stable? Can it support your lifestyle and your trip? According to a travel agency that I consulted before, sometimes, if the full-time job can stand on its own, it’s better to not mention any part-time or freelance work because they just complicate things. I don’t know if it’s good advice, but it makes sense to me.

Hi Yoshke! Thanks for the guide. We are planning to have a month long multi-country honeymoon trip in Europe next year at April. We plan to apply after our wedding in February. However, I can’t seem to find in the internet what is the best way for our case: we will enter first in Madrid, spend the longest in Germany, travel to other neighboring schengen countries, then from Paris to London and spend our last days there before heading back to Manila.

Therefore, we need to apply for 2 visas, one schengen through the German Embassy, and one UK Visa. Do you have any idea or suggestion which is better applied first? The schegen or the UK?

Hi Clarice,

No idea. I haven’t tried applying for a UK visa yet kasi. But my friends na pumunta ng UK + Schengen area, they applied for UK visa first. Not sure if that’s right, but that’s what they did.

Is it valid to arrive to other country , where I do not have any booking .

Is a reservation for a return flight to the Philippines a specific requirement or just a flight reservation to a non-Schengen state? For example, last destination is Berlin. Is a Berlin to Manila flight required or can you book a flight from Berlin to, say, Tel Aviv?

hi. im planning to visit russia and schengen. which visa should i apply first? thanks.

Hi,if everything was sponsored do i still need my bank certificate and bank statement?

Yep. All the more reason for them to look for your bank cert and statement.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

HI. Can I apply for a schengen visa from the US even if I’m not a US citizen?

Hi! what are the documents that needed to be authenticated by DFA in applying for a Schengen visa?

May i ask if paano mag schedule ng appointment for a family of 6? parang up to 2 applicants lang pwede ko ilagay per account sa vfsglobal :( or baka may mali lang akong ginawa?

Hi Chi, saang embassy po yung ina-applyan nyo?

Hello I wanted to ask because I’ve already sent an email to the Greek Embassy for my Portugal trip this December and I haven’t received an email back. I sent it October 7 and I only got an auto message from them. How long should I wait or should I call them? I really don’t know who else to ask regarding this. I’ve been reading your blogs its been very helpful to me. Thank you so much!

I think it’s okay if you call them because it’s been over 2 weeks.

Hello. Will it help if i show credit card statements? Sa korea kasi wala ako pinakitang bank certificate, Platinum credit card lang na 1.5M ung limit. So for example i only i have 100-150k sa bank at the time of application and then i present it together with the credit card… will it compensate ung low balance ko sa bank?

Hi Bernie, yes, the credit card statements can surely help. But not sure if sapat yung 100-150K sa bank. Minsan may mga naaapprove na ganyan but they’re more the exception than the rule. Schengen embassies are a lot stricter than the Korean Embassy. And depende rin sa length of trip mo. :)

Hi there, im planning to apply schengen visa this coming December. I just want to ask first if ever i get denied (wag naman sana) can i apply immediately to other schengen visa embassies? or do i have to wait a certain time before reapplying

Hi James, you can apply at another embassy immediately. :)

Thanks!! also if im planning to present an affidavit of support from my parents for this trip, i also need to present their bank statement & bank cert? Aside from my own bank statement and bank cert? tama ba

Yes. If you’re going to declare you’re going to be sponsored by someone else, you should be able to prove that your sponsor can afford it.

Also do I need to provide birth certificates to prove our relationship and does it have to be the original copy? Thanks in advance!

Hi James, di ko sure if needed pa. Best to call VFS or the embassy na lang. :S

Hi Yoshke and Vins,

Super love your blog! It’s so useful!

I have a have applied for a Schengen visa twice thru a travel agent but got refused twice din :( I think it’s because my intention was to visit Norway and the travel agents suggested that I should go apply at the French Embassy and Swiss Embassy (ang sad kasi I have a history of refusals na tuloy) I would like to re-apply. Should I address the fact that I have applied previously and was refused? I want my application to be as honest as possible and I am doing it on my own na without the help of travel agents.

I will be sponsored din kasi. Any advise?

Hi Kimberly,

I think you have to disclose that you have been refused a visa before. (I’m guessing this will be asked on the application form.)

Question, who is your sponsor? Is it someone living in Norway?

hi, ask ko lang po sa visa application form for italian embassy… ano ang ilagay sa SURNAME AT BIRTH (Formerly Family Name) if N/A po ba if lalaki yun mag-aapply?

Yung ginawa ko, sinulat ko lang din yung last name ko dahil male.

1.Surname (Family name): DIMEN

2. Surname at Birth (Formerly family name(s)): DIMEN

ok, thank you po… another question po dun sa cost of travelling & living during the applicant’s stay is covered by whom? Kc yung husband ko po kc yung kasama ko sa trip tapos join account namin yun isa-submit na bank certificate. ano po ang ilalagay ko by the applicant or sponsor? tpos paano po ilalagay yung name ng husband ko if ever. pwede po ba dalawa ang ilagay… by the applicant and by a sponsor ang ilagay?

Hi Joy, in theory, pwede pareho. Pero in practice, depende yan sa kung OK ang employment and rootedness documents mo. In my opinion, if OK naman lahat, complete naman, satisfactory naman sa tingin mo, mas OK if self-funded yung trip.

Pero if may problema yung sayo tapos maganda naman yung kay husband, pwede rin naman si husband.

Sa palagay ko lang po yan.

Hi there. Just want to inquire On what i must do with my Schengen application. I was denied of it last May 15, 2018 but biometrics were taken. Is it safe for Me to declare on the form that my biometrics were indeed taken on said date even if i was denied? Im applying in January 2020 at the allegro center (italian visa).

Hi Weng, di ko alam kapag ganyang case. Pero yung experience ko, kahit na nakuhanan na rin ako ng biometrics dati, kinuhanan pa ako ulit. In-ask ko ung staff kung bakit ako kukunan ulit. Sabi nila, safer daw kasi na kuhanan na lang para di na bumalik in case hindi readable yung dati.

We are applying at the Italian embassy for our trip on March 27-apr8 (arrival march28 departure apr7) is it that we have to add 15 days additional when we buy travel insurance? Coz im confused if the coverage should cover the addl 15 days or we really have to indicate the addl 15 on the travel insurance?

Hi Weng, here’s the policy of the Italian Embassy: “Travel Health Insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros ( with 15 days allowance beyond travel period) for expenses for emergency hospitalization and repatriation expenses, valid throughout the Schengen area.” ambmanila.esteri.it/ambasciata_manila/en/informazioni_e_servizi/visti/turismo_0.html

That means that your insurance should cover March 27-April 22. (Actually di ko sure kung until 22 or 23 dapat.)

Hi Yoshke, Thank you for this article. I always go back to this post for information. Very helpful! I do have a question though. My sister and I have plans to apply at the Austrian Embassy. For the cover letter, do we need to provide one for each of us? Or one cover letter lang for both of us? Thanks

Hi Louise, yes, because applications are assessed individually.

Hi! I am applying for a schengen visa from the Czech Republic in Manila. My main purpose is to meet my boyfriend’s family. I met my boyfriend in the US, and he has been in the Philippines, so this time, I would like to do the same for him. My dilemma is, if I should apply for the visa with an invitation letter from him or just apply for the tourist visa all by myself. After a series of research, I found out that acquiring an invitation letter from him would take at least one month (due to some paperworks from the Foreign Police and document transit,) and I’m kinda running out of time cause my initial plan is to travel in March. Currently, I’ve had visas from Japan, Korea, and a 10-year multiple entry tourist visa from USA. I also have a job, and enough money for the trip. Do you think there is a chance that my application will be approved? Should I mention that I am there to visit someone, or just tell them that my purpose is to mainly travel?

Hi Katrina,

Applying with an invitation often makes the application a lot more complicated. That’s why in my travel circles, it is widely believed that if your finances, employment and rootedness are great, better to apply without it. The only catch is you will need hotel reservations for that.

Hey guys! Your website has been a great source of info for me, great job! Alas, here’s a little query I gotta ask. I will be traveling to Norway on March, and I applied for the visa here in our country. I plan to visit China for a few days first, then depart for Norway from there. But I worry that passport control in Norway will question why I departed from China, not from the country that issued my visa (PH). Does point of departure matter when entering the Schengen Area? Have you guys encountered or heard of similar situations? Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!

I don’t think it matters, unless hotspot sa kanila ung destination. But I think China is fine.

When we fly to the Schengen Zone, we usually come from Singapore. We stay in SG ng 2-3 days before ung flight namin. Di naman sya problem.

Hi! I already have an appointment with VFS Global this friday. My parents paid for the accomodation and my airfare tickets but pocket money and everything else will be shouldered by me. Does that count as sponsorship po? I will be travelling with my parents but they are coming from the US po kasi so ako lang magisa ang nag-apply for Schengen Visa. Would really appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Which embassy po?

Yes, that counts as sponsorship. You can declare that your accoms/tickets will be sponsored by parents but other expenses by yourself.

Since you’re applying on your own, it would help to write a cover letter explaining that you will be traveling with your parents so they know it’s a family trip and get a better picture of your case.

France embassy po. If I declare na accoms/tickets sponsored by parents will they ask for documents ng parents ko even if other expenses will be mine? Wala po kasi local bank parents ko puro US banks if ever manghingi sila ng documents of my parents.

Hi, will they give the documents back together with the passport once approved? Thank you very much.

Based on my experience with the embassies of France/Italy/Greece/Germany, they will only give you back the passport.

Hi Yoshke, Ask ko lang nung nag apply kaba may old passport ka? If yes, need mo rin ba ibigay yung old original passport pag apply or photocopy nalang nung old passport then yung mga stamps and visa mo before? Thank you so much!

Hi Dharleigh,

Sa experience ko, kung tama ang pagkaalala ko:

sa Italian Embassy, hindi kinuha ung original na old passport.

sa Greek and German Embassies, kinuha nila.

sa French, hindi ko na matandaan talaga.

Best talaga na dalhin na lang din para if kunin, dala mo. Ibabalik naman yan din sayo on the spot if hindi kailangan.

I have an online job and Im a tax evader, lol. I havent been paying TIN and what not since 2016. Haha. I travel around for 1-2 months straight usually (but I always come home because of family and friends). I feel like Im a sketchy case in the embassy’s eyes.

Do you think it would suffice that I provide them with 1 savings account with sufficient cash, 1 everyday-use account, a life insurance policy and my parents business permit to show I have financial capability and still coming back?

Hi. Could you also create an article for applying for Schengen Visa for freelancers. Especially on the requirements part. A lot of people now are switching to being freelancers so that will be super helpful

Thank you. This is such a useful information. Godspeed.

Hi ask lang po what if there’s a reason na hindi talaga pwedi magtravel Yong bf ko kasi it’s about his health problem Kaya hindi sya makapagtravel sa phillipines because of his health problems we never met yet possible ba ma approve Yong visa if ipa kita ko Yong medical record nya???

Hi Junelyn. It’s really very difficult to know kapag ganitong unusual case po. Limited din po kasi experience namin.

hi, question lang po. What if I will present 5 days itinerary in France (entry point) and 3 days itinerary per country on Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal during visa application But after getting my French Schengen visa, changed my itinerary to 3 days France, 5 days italy, 5 days greece. Will there be a problem if nangyari ito?

Kindly give me referrals as to where can we get flight reservation for schengen visa application. I have big trust on your recommendations. I recently booked spectrum of the seas cruise, with your vlog i booked directly to the carribean. I have saved travel agents fees. I love your vlogs. Kindly reply. Thanks

Try Gazelle Travel and Tours po at [email protected]

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Travel & Study

Useful information on traveling from the Philippines to the EU and for studying there.

On This Page

Study programmes, eu member states embassies.

The Delegation of the European Union does not issue Schengen or any other type of visa . 

The Schengen Visa 

What is the Schengen Visa? 

The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU). Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.

Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania. However, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area and already applying the Schengen acquis to a large extent. Additionally, also the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area.

Citizens from the Philippines are required to hold a visa when travelling to the  Schengen Area.

The EU has a common list of countries whose citizens must have a visa when crossing the external borders and a list of countries whose citizens are exempt from that requirement. These lists are set out in  Regulation (EU) 2018/1806

Generally, a short-stay visa issued by one of the Schengen States entitles its holder to travel throughout the 26 Schengen States for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Visas for visits exceeding that period remain subject to national procedures.

Where can I get a Schengen Visa? 

You can apply for a Schengen Visa at any participating country consulate in the Philippines. 

If you plan on visiting more than one country in your travels in Europe, you should visit the embassy of the country that you plan on spending the most time in. In the event of there not being a particular country where you would spend a clear majority of you time, you should apply for the Schengen Visa at the embassy of the country you will travel to first. 

What do I need in order to apply for a Schengen Visa? 

In order to apply for a visa, you need:

• a passport with at least two empty pages. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen territory, or, in the case of multiple journeys, the date on which you intend to leave after the last stay.
• a  visa application form  completed and signed.

See FAQ on Schengen visas

There is a specific l ist of documents to to be submitted by applicants for short stay visas in the Philippines.

The complete list of documents can be consulted on the website of the consulate. During the processing time the consulate may, in individual cases, ask you to submit additional information or documents or you may be contacted for an interview.

Important notice:   The following insurers have been checked and are confirmed to comply with the visa requirements. This list is non-exhaustive.

• Allied bankers
• Prudential Guarantee
• Visayan Surety
• Allied Bankers

Erasmus+  is the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth and sport. Between 2014 and 2020, it will provide opportunities for four million people to study, train and gain life experience abroad. 

Erasmus+ replaces a number of older programmes, including an international exchange programme called Erasmus Mundus. 

See the Erasmus+ web portal’s  Resources section  for information about linguistic support, documents for applicants and the management of proposals. 

The European Documentation Centre (EDC), covering an area of roughly 300 sqm., is currently located on the ground floor of the De La Salle University Library, Philippines. It was conceived as a project of the European Commission in collaboration with the European Studies Consortium of the Philippines. 

The European Studies Consortium composed of De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), and the University of the Philippines (UP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Commission (EC) to promote European studies among a number of high level academic institutions in the Philippines, and to reach out to the Philippine business community in creating improved awareness of the EU as a business partner. It started work in June 1997 but was formally inaugurated on June 25, 1998. 

The official status as a documentation centre for the EDC was granted in January 1998. 

• Airport Transfer

Things to Do

Schengen Visa Guide

Europe can easily be labeled as one of the most sought after travel destinations. From the picturesque streets of Paris, France to the romantic canals of Venice, Italy, it’s safe to say that Europe boasts incredible sights and exciting experiences that can definitely be on anyone’s bucket list.

For Filipinos, Europe seems like a world away, not only distance- and culture-wise, but also because of the whispers going around about how strict European embassies can be when it comes to visa applications. But we’re here to show you that the world is at your fingertips and that any adventure is possible. Just like how uncomplicated and doable it actually is to apply for a Schengen visa.

But what is a Schengen visa and why should you get one? With 26 member countries, the Schengen zone covers the majority of European states and can easily be traveled via plane, car, or train. With countries being close to each other, it’s the perfect place to start your European adventures.

1. What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen is the biggest free travel area in the world. It’s an EU passport-free zone that covers most of Europe.

A Schengen visa is the most common European short-stay type visa that allows a person to travel to its member countries and stay for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

2. Which countries are members of the Schengen area?

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

3. Do you need a Schengen visa to enter Europe?

All Philippine passport holders are required to apply for a visa when traveling to a state in the Schengen area.

4. Eligibility

• A Philippine passport holder, or
• A third-world national required to have a visa to Europe, living in the Philippines under a temporary or permanent residency permit.

5. How to Apply for Schengen Visa

Determine the type of Schengen visa you need: Depending on your purpose, there are several visa types for Filipino travelers. Most people apply for either a tourist, business, or transit visa.

Find out where to submit: If you’re visiting only one state, submit your application to the embassy / consulate / visa center of that country. If you’re traveling to more than one Schengen state, submit to the diplomatic representation of the country where you’re staying the longest. In cases where you’ll be spending an equal amount of time in each state, you will have to apply to where you will arrive first.

Get the 411 on the application process: Know the best time to apply, location of the embassy, how to set up an appointment, and the documents they require. Application periods are usually done in the mornings, while releases are in the afternoon. Check the specific embassy or visa center of the state you’re applying for to confirm the details.

Gather the required documents: Make sure to fill up your application form correctly and properly.

Set an appointment: Depending on the embassy or visa center, you can do so through online registration, via phone, or in person.

Attend your scheduled interview: Double check your documents. Be punctual, and dress well.

Pay the visa fee: All Schengen states have fixed rates based on the type of visa, age of applicant, and other exceptions. Adult applications cost EUR60 , while children aged 6 to 12 years old cost EUR35 .

Wait for the release: Embassies and visa centers have different time frames for releasing, ranging from days to weeks. Make sure to take note of the release date that will be given to you after payment or wait for the reminder, which is usually sent via SMS or email.

6. Filing your Schengen visa: The basics

• Visa application form: Most of these can be filled up online, so check the website of the country or embassy you are applying to.
• Valid passport: It should not be older than 10 years and must be valid for at least three more months after your planned exit date from the Schengen area.
• Two identical passport-sized photos: These must be taken during the last six months. It should also be 35x45mm, with a colored background, and with the applicant having a neutral expression.
• Residency documents: For Philippine nationals, these include valid ID cards while internationals can present a residency permit.
• Flight and accommodation itineraries: A round-trip flight itinerary must include your entry and exit dates from the Schengen zone. Accommodation documents include hotel bookings or the address and contact information of the place where you’ll be staying at. Note that hotel reservations need to cover the entire duration of your stay in the zone. If you’ll be traveling to more than one Schengen state, a travel itinerary with details of your trip with train or bus bookings may also be required.
• Europe travel insurance: It should have a coverage of at least EUR30,000.
• Proof of income / Means of subsistence: A document that proves you have the financial means to support your stay in Europe. These include bank statements and your Income Tax Return (ITR).
• Cover letter: A formal letter addressed to the consul where you’ll have to give more information about your trip: like why you want to visit that specific Schengen state or the amount of time you’ll be spending within the territory.

There are also other required documents based on the applicant’s employment status in the Philippines:

Important reminder: Always look for the checklist and confirm the required documents of the embassy you are applying to.

7. Schengen visa release

If your application is approved, you’ll find your visa sticker on one of the pages of your passport. Read the visa sticker and take note of the entry period when you’re allowed in the state.

On the other hand, if you have been rejected, some embassies will give you a reason for the decision. If the reason is justified, re-apply and make sure to correct previous mistakes. If you believe there has been a mistake, you can also write an appeal letter.

8. Where to file and schedule an appointment for my Schengen visa?

Once you have prepared your documents, it’s time to set an appointment at the specific embassy of the state you are traveling to.

Take note that some states in the Schengen zone outsource their visa submissions to a visa application center, which means you will have to set up an appointment and submit your documents there. Here’s where you should file your Schengen visa applications per country.

For visa applications to Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.

Manila: Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City

Cebu: Unit 503, 5th Floor, Keppel Center, Samar Loop, cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

BLS International

For visa applications to Spain.

Manila: 10th Floor Unit 1004 Liberty Center Building, 104 H.V. de la Costa corner Leviste Salcedo Village, Makati City

The Embassy of Greece

For visa applications to Greece and Portugal.

Manila: Embassy of the Hellenic Republic, Unit 701, SEDCCO 1 Building, 120 Rada Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

The Embassy of Italy

For visa applications to Italy.

Manila: 6/F Zeta II Bldg, 191 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

You may also file your application via the PIASI VIA Center.

Manila: 3rd Floor, Allegro Center, 2284 Chino Roces Extension, Barangay Magallanes, Makati City

Cebu: Unit 1004-B 1oth Floor, Keppel Center Samar Loop corner Cardinal Rosales Ave, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

Start your European adventures this 2020! Prepare your Schengen visa application by completing your flight booking and hotel itineraries today. Check out Traveloka to get amazing deals!

The information contained in this article is up-to-date as of January 2020 and may be updated occasionally. Given the changing nature of laws, rules, and regulations of visas, there may be outdated information in this article. The information contained on this webpage is intended to provide general guidance on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader only. 

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

• How to Book
• Help Center

Follow us on

• ProductItems.cruises-search
• Traveloka Affiliate
• Privacy Notice
• Terms & Conditions
• Register Your Accommodation
• Register Your Experience Business
• Traveloka Press Room
• Vulnerability Disclosure Program

Welcome page

System for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay in 29 European countries (starting in the second half of 2024)

Travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to enter 30 European countries (starting in the first half of 2025)

Share this page

LIST: Easiest countries for Filipino travelers to apply for a Schengen Visa

By Kara Santos Published May 21, 2023 1:51 pm Updated Jun 30, 2023 4:36 pm

Dreaming of visiting Europe this year? With travel back in full swing, more Filipinos are poised to travel internationally this year, and Europe is high on many people’s travel bucket lists.

Before booking flights, however, one of the major requirements Filipino nationals have to apply for is the Schengen Visa . This short-stay visa allows travel to 27 European countries under the Schengen Area , per stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. 

Member countries of the Schengen Area currently include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Which countries issue the most Schengen Visas to Filipinos?

Some countries are known for being very meticulous and stringent with their requirements, while others are generally more considerate to those traveling on a Philippine passport, increasing chances of approval should you plan to apply.  

The Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines remains one of the most popular countries for lodging Schengen Visa applications because of their relatively friendly process compared to other countries.

According to statistics from SchengenVisa.info , which collates data on Schengen visa application from consulates around the world, the top five countries Filipino travelers applied to last year were the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

The Netherlands takes the lead as the most friendly country for Philippine passport holders in terms of the volume of applications. In 2022, the Netherlands approved 4 3,387 out of 45,354 applications it received with a 96% approval rate from the Philippines.

France, the most visited country in Europe, is very popular with Filipino travelers. The French embassy issued the next highest number of visas last year, granting 24,330 out of 26,596 applications, with an approval rating of 92%. 

The Spanish and Italian embassies have 94-95% approval ratings for Philippine passport holders, while the German Embassy has an even higher approval rate of 96%.

Which countries have the lowest and highest rejection rates?

Of the five most frequently visited countries, Germany and the Netherlands seem to be the best choices, with 3.1% and 3.4% rejection rates respectively. There are other countries, however, that don’t receive as many applications that also offer promising entry points for Filipino travelers. 

In informal inquiries regarding a possible Schengen Visa application, a travel agent from Journeys and Discoveries, Inc. told PhilSTAR L!fe that it’s relatively easy to get a visa from the Czech Republic. An agent of Travel Enterprise Inc. also recommended Spain as an entry point.

Czech Republic has a low rejection rate and doesn’t receive that many applications compared to other countries. They only rejected 20 out of the 1,196 applications in 2022, for a 1.7% rejection rate, while Spain has a 4.5% rejection rate according to 2022 stats from SchengenVisa.info. 

Greece also has a low rejection rate of 2.1%, increasing the chances of Filipino travelers eager for a Greek getaway. Switzerland and Belgium are also relatively considerate based on the numbers.

Writer Aleah Taboclaon of The Solitary Wanderer , who has three approved Schengen visas (two from Belgium and one from Spain) and two rejections (Spain and France) over the years, recommends Belgium as an entry point for tourist visas based on personal experience and the number of requirements needed.

Based on 2022 numbers, the countries with the highest rejection rates that first-time travelers should probably avoid include Finland (27.6%), Denmark (10.7%), Poland (9.6%), Austria (8.7%), and Hungary (7.6%).

What are the basic requirements for a Schengen Visa?

According to several Filipinos surveyed by L!fe who recently traveled to Europe, the process is fast and there should be no problem in getting your visa approved as long as all your documents are in order.

Basic documents you need to prepare for a Schengen Visa from the Philippines include:

• Application form
• Your Filipino passport (original plus a copy)
• Identity photographs following the Schengen visa photo guidelines
• Civil status certificate (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Proof of accommodation 
• Round-trip flight itinerary
• Travel health insurance 
• Proof of paid visa fee
• Cover letter
• Copies of previous Schengen visas (if applicable).
• Birth certificate and proof of parental consent (for minors)
• Proof of financial capacity (bank account statements)
• If employed: an employment contract and certificate of annual leave from the employer
• If self-employed/freelancer: b usiness license (if applicable) & business bank statements
• If a student: Certificate of Registration at university, school, or college, etc.
• If retired: b ank statement showing the pension received for the last six months.

Each embassy or consulate of the countries may also have its own specific set of additional requirements. 

Tips from travelers

Filipino travelers who have applied for Schengen Visas to travel to Europe also shared the following tips:

Avail of tour packages and Schengen Visa processing from travel agencies. For first-time visitors to Europe who want to save time, it’s helpful to avail of the services of a travel agency or join package tours. This is ideal for families traveling together for the first time after the pandemic who don’t want to take care of all the paperwork.

Winner Travel Experience offers European packages including a 10-day package tour that enters through the Czech Republic, with visits to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and France as the exit point inclusive of airfare for about P180,000 per person. The Schengen visa processing cost an additional P9,500 according to a recent traveler who joined a tour. Aside from the personal appearance to submit papers and get biometrics, no interviews were conducted for the French embassy, with visas issued within a week or two.

While there's no guarantee that your visa will automatically be approved, getting help from a reputable travel agency can increase your chances of success because they can do the legwork and guide you in case additional documents are needed.

However, if you want to save on costs, and want more flexibility in your trip, you can simply apply for Schengen Visas themselves and plan everything yourself. The Schengen Visa Fee normally costs around 80 euros (P 4,815.86), roughly half the cost of going through a travel agency.

One traveler who recently spent 18 days on a family trip to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich with a Schengen visa issued by the German Embassy, which is handled by VFS Global told L!fe that the process was relatively smooth and fast for DIY travelers, with visas issues within less than a month. Another who applied directly as an individual at the French embassy got her visa in five working days. 

Apply at the embassy where you plan to stay the longest. According to travel agents, you have to get a Schengen visa from the embassy of the country you  will stay longest in. If you plan to stay in Germany for four days on a European tour, and two days only in other countries, then you will have to apply for your Schengen visa there.

Enter through the country you got your visa from. Aside from picking the embassy of the country with the longest stay, Joshua Berida, a full-time IT professional who applied for a Schengen Visa through the Austrian embassy during the pandemic advises travelers to enter the country first where you got your visa from to avoid any hitches.

“For example, if you got your visa from Austria you enter there first. I've heard from friends and acquaintances that they were asked more questions and spent more time in passport control when they entered a different country first,” he wrote on his travel blog The Wandering Juan .

Submit proof of “rootedness” or deep ties to your home country. “ The main consideration is if they assess that you will leave when you intend to leave; thus, it is necessary for the embassies to see that you have ties to the Philippines that are stronger than the temptation to stay illegally. ,” Taboclaon told L!fe .

Additional requirements and proof of rootedness in the country of residence can include properties under your name, Land Titles, Car Registration, Stock/Certificates, etc. as well as the financial capacity to travel (bank statements and certificates, proof of income, savings) which could increase chances of approval. 

Make sure you have enough show money in your bank account. “When you apply, the embassy doesn't want you to return home with nothing in your account. So when you apply, you need to have more than enough left in your account after deducting daily expenses and flight tickets. In my opinion, a safe amount would be 80 euros a day (P4,820) plus flight tickets. The amount will depend on the country you will visit, the daily amount could be higher or lower,” said Berida. 

Berida told L!fe that the required daily amount for show money in Eastern/Central Europe (ex. Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, etc.) is generally lower than countries in Western Europe (Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, etc.)

“Based on various sources in my travel circle, the recommended show money should be about 40-50 euros (P2,400 to P3,000) per day for countries in Eastern and Central Europe. For W estern Europe, it's around 70-100 euros (P4,200 to P6,000) a day,” he said. 

If needed, get a sponsor. In the case of students, freelancers, or those who think their savings are not enough to prove their financial capacity, it helps to show supporting documents from parents, relatives, employers, or anyone who can financially support your trip. 

“What helped in my case for the Belgian-issued visas was that I had a sponsor who guaranteed to pay all my expenses. Through documents (bank accounts, investments, land/house titles), I demonstrated that I could have paid for all my expenses, but the guarantee from my sponsors strengthened my statement that I would not use my travel to the EU to look for work there and stay illegally,” Taboclaon told L!fe .

Then, it’s a matter of waiting and hoping your luck out.

“It’s up to the embassy if they'll give you a single, double, or multiple entry visa. The Austrian Embassy gave me a multiple entry visa even when I didn't specifically apply for one. The embassy might give you a shorter or longer stay and visa validity than the number of days you applied for. I was given an extra couple of days beyond the number of days I applied for,” shared Berida.

TAGS: travel EUROPE Visa guide schengen visa

Kara Santos

Kara Santos is a freelance writer and photographer based in Manila. Her blog at www.traveling-up.com is where she writes about travel, motorcycling, and food trips.

How To Get A Schengen Visa in UAE (For Filipino Residents in UAE)

A Schengen Visa is the key to travel 26 plus 3 European Countries; if it’s multiple, it could be much more. Core Requirements in applying for a Schengen Visa are the same in every country; however, there might be small additions or deviations in the others. Here’s a guide on How to Get A Schengen Visa in UAE (United Arab Emirates).

This guide is mostly for Filipino and Other nationals that are residents of United Arab Emirates. Emiratis are luckily visa-free in the Schengen Zone and in most European Countries. Read our guide in how you can get a Schengen Visa for your future European travels.

Please note that this topic will be mostly for a Short Stay – Tourist Visa to the Schengen zone.

• How to Get a Five Year Multiple Entry Schengen Visa for Filipino Citizens
• What Will Happen If You Overstay On Your Schengen Visa?
• DENIED Schengen Visa – How to File and Write an Appeal for a Rejected Schengen Visa (With a Sample Letter Template)
• How To Provide Proof of Onward Travel – Rent a Flight Ticket
• Denied Schengen Visa – Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection [And What You Should Do About It]

Table of Contents

Quick Facts About The Schengen Visa

Validity : short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days Number of Entries : Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days

Schengen Visa in UAE Requirements (Short Stay – Tourist Visa)

These are the usual requirements for a Schengen Visa. There may be some variations in every country so you may double-check it.

1. Schengen Visa Application Form –it must be duly completed and signed, some countries may let you apply or fill-up the application form online

2. Two Passport-sized photo – the picture must not be older than 6 months with a white background and has a size of 3.5 x 4.5 cm

3. Passport(s) – Valid must be valid 3 months from the expiry of visa, with at least 2 blank pages and your Old Passport(s) if there are any

4. UAE Residence Permit – your iqama must be valid at least 3 months from the expiry of the visa

5. Photocopy of the following (1 each):

• Bio-page of the passport
• Signature Page signed by the passport holder
• UAE Residence Permit or Visa
• Previous Schengen Visas
• Emirates ID for those GCC Nationals

6. Overseas Medical Insurance – It should be applicable for all Schengen States and cover the entire stay or transit period of the person. The minimum is EUR 30,000 / USD 50,000. I highly recommend AXA Schengen for this!

7. Travel itinerary

• Flight Reservation – It is not required to pay or buy the ticket until visa is granted.
• Valid Accommodation Booking or Reservation – must have the full address (Number, Street, City, Zip Code), Contact Information and Booking Reference Number
• No Objection Letter from Local Employer or Sponsor (NOL) – must include name, postal address, the telephone of Sponsor Company with complete details of the applicant (position, start date, salary, date of leave), and purpose of travel. Include also a copy of valid trade license for investor or partner of the company.

8. Proof of Financial means of applicant – e.g., Bank Statements for the last 3 months, Assets, etc.

9. Visa Fee – EURO 80 is the usual visa fee for adults and EURO 40 for children 4 – 11. There may be additional service fees from the application center. It is usually paid in local currency, and each country may have different exchange rates.

Step-By-Step Guide Can Get a Schengen Visa in UAE

STEP 1: Select a country where you will apply at. This can be the place where you will be spending most days at or if it’s of equal duration the first place you will arrive at.

STEP 2: Gather all the documents needed for your application.

STEP 3: Book an appointment at the Visa Application Center or the Embassy. You may be asked to secure payment first or not.

STEP 4: Go to your appointment date at the VAC or Embassy. Submit your documents, pay the fees (maybe the visa fee or service fee), and have your photo and fingerprint taken.

STEP 5: Track your application.

STEP 6 : Claim your passport at the VAC or Embassy; you may need to bring the receipt and a valid I.D. You can also receive your passport through courier for an additional fee.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa in UAE (United Arab Emirates)

For the stated countries you can see where you can apply below:.

• Czech Republic
• Denmark (represents Luxembourg)
• Germany (represents Slovenia)
• Italy (for Abu Dhabi Applicants Only)
• Netherlands
• Switzerland (represents Liechtenstein)

Visa Application Center – Abu Dhabi

For Residents of:

Level B2 (Lower Ground) The Mall, World Trade Centre Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st Street (Airport Road) Abu Dhabi, UAE

Office Hours :

Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday Passport Collection: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday

Visa Application Center – Dubai

• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al-Quwain

Visa Application Centre Wafi Mall 2nd Floor, Falcon, Phase 2 Umm Hurair 2 Dubai UAE

For Non-Abu Dhabi Residents for Italy

CKGS Italy Visa Application Center in Dubai Office 1102, 48 Burjgate Downtown Burj Area Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, UAE (Next to Sofitel Hotel Downtown and Adjacent to Burj Khalifa)

Application Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday Passport Collection: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Abu Dhabi Corner of Delma and Karamah Str. (13th and 14th) P.O. Box 2334 Abu Dhabi, UAE

Spain and Lithuania

Spain Visa Application Center – Abu dhabi

1311, Tamouh Tower; 13th Floor, Marina Square Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Application Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday Passport Collection: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday

Spain Visa Application Center – Dubai

I Rise Tower; 27th Floor, Office # C-13 Barsha Heights (Tecom), Dubai, UAE.

FAQs On A Schengen Visa

1. Is the visa fee refundable?

No, once it has already been paid, you can’t get a refund.

2. How long can I travel with my Short Stay Visa?

You can travel for 90 days maximum in a 180-day period. However, most first-timers are given 15 days on their first Schengen Visa.

3. How long does a visa application usually take?

A visa application usually takes up to 15 days. However, in some cases, the Embassy may take 30 days of processing time and ask for additional documentation and further verifications.

4. How many days before my flight should I apply?

You can apply a month or two before your scheduled departure. However, you can submit your application up to 3 months before your planned departure.

5. Do I need to apply personally?

Yes, except when the applicant is below 12 years old, biometrics are taken, so you are required to visit the application center.

6. Can someone else get my passport?

Yes, you can have someone else can get it for you. They need to bring the original official receipt, copy of your passport’s bio-page, an authorization letter, and a photocopy of your ID.

7. Can I get my visa via courier?

Yes, you can. You need to coordinate with VFS Global.

8. Is there an interview?

Not necessarily, but you may be called for an interview at the Embassy in case they see something wrong with your documents, or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.

9. Do I need a Paid Flight Booking ?

No. Only a CONFIRMED BOOKING is required. Our Rent-A-Flight Service is the best for this. For just 1,500 Pesos, you can get a LEGITIMATE and CONFIRMABLE booking.

10. What company do you recommend for the insurance ?

AXA Schengen ! The best thing about them is they will completely refund your payment in case your visa doesn’t get approved.

11. My visa is rejected! What remedy do I have?

You can either file a Remonstrance Letter or submit another application from another E.U. Embassy.

Schengen Visa is perhaps the trickiest visa to apply for, but it’s not impossible if you get everything right. Hope you find this Schengen Visa in UAE guide helpful. If you need further help in your application, I can assist you with your documents. You can check out our Visa Application Bundle Service !

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my  Instagram .

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

One thought on “ How To Get A Schengen Visa in UAE (For Filipino Residents in UAE) ”

Hi Lyza, thanks for this helpful article. Would you know if there is an agency who assists on Schengen visa processing in Dubai? It seems difficult to get appointments at the moment and we need some help with documentation. Thanks!!

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

Discover Turkey’s Lesser-Known Gems For The Adventurer

48 hours in tokyo – exploring japan’s vibrant capital, how to find the best hotels in new york, top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, related posts, how to get a special power of attorney in the philippines and extra tips for ofws abroad, easytrip rfid: how to get your easytrip installed at home, how to apply for argentina tourist visa for filipinos, how to get a nomad digital residence visa for antigua and barbuda, previous post, how to apply for schengen slovakia visa for filipinos [slovakia schengen visa guide for filipinos], how to apply for a schengen portugal visa for filipinos, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Visas for U.S. citizens traveling abroad

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel abroad, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements.

While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool . On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Featured on

• What is a visa?
• Electronic Visa (eVisa)
• Visa on Arrival
• Appointment Required Visa
• Invitation Letter
• Arrival Card
• Passport Renewal
• Project Kosmos: Meet the man with the world's most challenging travel schedule
• Australia Visa and ETA requirements for US citizens explained
• Brazil eVisa for US citizens
• India Tourist Visa for UK citizens
• Possible B1/B2 Visa questions during the interview

Select Your Language

• Nederlandse
• 中文 (Zhōngwén), 汉语, 漢語

Select Your Currency

• AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
• AFN Afghan Afghani
• ALL Albanian Lek
• AMD Armenian Dram
• ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
• AOA Angolan Kwanza
• ARS Argentine Peso
• AUD Australian Dollar
• AWG Aruban Florin
• AZN Azerbaijani Manat
• BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
• BBD Barbadian Dollar
• BDT Bangladeshi Taka
• BGN Bulgarian Lev
• BIF Burundian Franc
• BMD Bermudan Dollar
• BND Brunei Dollar
• BOB Bolivian Boliviano
• BRL Brazilian Real
• BSD Bahamian Dollar
• BWP Botswanan Pula
• BZD Belize Dollar
• CAD Canadian Dollar
• CDF Congolese Franc
• CHF Swiss Franc
• CLP Chilean Peso
• CNY Chinese Yuan
• COP Colombian Peso
• CRC Costa Rican Colón
• CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
• CZK Czech Republic Koruna
• DJF Djiboutian Franc
• DKK Danish Krone
• DOP Dominican Peso
• DZD Algerian Dinar
• EGP Egyptian Pound
• ETB Ethiopian Birr
• FJD Fijian Dollar
• FKP Falkland Islands Pound
• GBP British Pound Sterling
• GEL Georgian Lari
• GIP Gibraltar Pound
• GMD Gambian Dalasi
• GNF Guinean Franc
• GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
• GYD Guyanaese Dollar
• HKD Hong Kong Dollar
• HNL Honduran Lempira
• HTG Haitian Gourde
• HUF Hungarian Forint
• IDR Indonesian Rupiah
• ILS Israeli New Sheqel
• INR Indian Rupee
• ISK Icelandic Króna
• JMD Jamaican Dollar
• JPY Japanese Yen
• KES Kenyan Shilling
• KGS Kyrgystani Som
• KHR Cambodian Riel
• KMF Comorian Franc
• KRW South Korean Won
• KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
• KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
• LAK Laotian Kip
• LBP Lebanese Pound
• LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
• LRD Liberian Dollar
• LSL Lesotho Loti
• MAD Moroccan Dirham
• MDL Moldovan Leu
• MGA Malagasy Ariary
• MKD Macedonian Denar
• MNT Mongolian Tugrik
• MOP Macanese Pataca
• MUR Mauritian Rupee
• MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
• MWK Malawian Kwacha
• MXN Mexican Peso
• MYR Malaysian Ringgit
• MZN Mozambican Metical
• NAD Namibian Dollar
• NGN Nigerian Naira
• NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
• NOK Norwegian Krone
• NPR Nepalese Rupee
• NZD New Zealand Dollar
• OMR Omani Rial
• PAB Panamanian Balboa
• PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
• PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
• PHP Philippine Peso
• PKR Pakistani Rupee
• PLN Polish Zloty
• PYG Paraguayan Guarani
• QAR Qatari Rial
• RON Romanian Leu
• RSD Serbian Dinar
• RUB Russian Ruble
• RWF Rwandan Franc
• SAR Saudi Riyal
• SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
• SCR Seychellois Rupee
• SEK Swedish Krona
• SGD Singapore Dollar
• SHP Saint Helena Pound
• SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
• SOS Somali Shilling
• SRD Surinamese Dollar
• SVC Salvadoran Colón
• SZL Swazi Lilangeni
• THB Thai Baht
• TJS Tajikistani Somoni
• TOP Tongan Pa anga
• TRY Turkish Lira
• TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
• TWD New Taiwan Dollar
• TZS Tanzanian Shilling
• UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
• UGX Ugandan Shilling
• USD United States Dollar
• UYU Uruguayan Peso
• UZS Uzbekistan Som
• VND Vietnamese Dong
• VUV Vanuatu Vatu
• WST Samoan Tala
• XAF CFA Franc BEAC
• XCD East Caribbean Dollar
• XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
• XPF CFP Franc
• YER Yemeni Rial
• ZAR South African Rand
• ZMW Zambian Kwacha

We've updated our app!

Download it now

Australia Visitor Visa for Filipino citizens: Your tourist visa guide

With its stunning natural beauty, exciting cities, and unique wildlife, it's no wonder that so many people want to visit Australia. If you're a Filipino national planning a trip to Australia , you must apply for a Australia Visitor Visa .

This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about applying for this Australian tourist visa , including the requirements, Australian visa application, and visa fees.

Australian Visa system: Australia Visa types for Filipino citizens

As a Filipino citizen, you can apply for various types of visas to visit Australia. Here are the most popular visa categories:

• Australia Visitor Visa : This tourist visa is available to Philippines passport holders wanting to explore Australia as a tourist. It also permits you to study in Australia for less than three months.

You must complete an online application form to apply for this visa and provide your biometric information. There may also be instances where a phone interview is necessary.

Student Visa: If you plan to study in Australia for over three months, you must apply for a student visa. You must be accepted in an Australian educational institution to apply for this visa.

Skilled Visa: If you have skills or qualifications in demand in Australia, you may be eligible for a skilled visa. It’ll allow you to work legally in the country.

Australia Working Holiday visa: This is a temporary work visa for passport holders 18 to 30 years old who want to spend an extended holiday in Australia and work during their stay.

Family Visa: If you have family members who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, you may be able to apply for a family visa to join them in Australia.

Australian Tourist Visa: All about the Australian Visitor Visa for Filipinos

The Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is the travel document that allows Filipinos to enter Australia for tourist or business activities. At iVisa, we can help and guide you throughout the application process to ensure you have all the necessary support for a successful visa application.

How long can I stay in Australia with a Visitor Visa?

The Visitor Visa grants a stay for three, six, or twelve months ; the consular officer will decide depending on your background. Remember to keep within the allowed stay period.

Eligibility criteria for the Australia Visitor Visa

To be eligible for the Australia Visitor Visa , you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid passport from the Philippines
• Undergo a medical examination
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Be of good character
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
• Intend to only visit Australia temporarily for tourism or business visitor activities or study for less than three months.
• Meet all other visa conditions and requirements below.

Australia Visitor Visa requirements for children from the Philippines

If you plan to travel to Australia with your child from the Philippines, please note that kids need a visa too. Here are the requirements for your child's visa application:

• Your child's birth certificate must include both parents' names or a family book with both parents' names.
• You will need to provide ID cards of both parents or adoption papers with the ID of the guardians.
• If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent , you must present a Form 1229 along with the application. This form must be completed and signed by both parents or legal guardians and be accompanied by a copy of their driver's license or passport (or other identification with signature and photo).
• If your child is traveling without a parent or guardian and is not staying with a relative or on an organized tour, you must also include Form 1257 - Undertaking Declaration . It must be completed and signed by the person providing accommodation and responsible for your child during their stay in Australia.

Australia Visa Guide: Visa application process

The Visitor Visa comprises the most complex process among Australian tourist visas. You can apply through the government website or through us by following the steps below.

We aim to offer a quicker and simpler process for travelers, cutting down paperwork so you can focus on your trip:

• Step 1: Complete the visa application form on the website or on our app . You must provide personal information, travel history, hotel reservations, and passport details.
• Step 2: Double-check all the information to avoid mistakes. Pay the visa fee using Paypal, Venmo, Amazon Pay, or a credit or debit card.
• Step 3: Upload the required documents and click ‘Submit’. Attend the Australian Visa Application Centre appointment to provide your biometric information and undergo the health exam.

After that, you must wait for the government’s answer. Once approved, you can pack your bags and travel to Australia!

We also recommend downloading the iVisa app to keep track of your documents electronically. You can even track the status of your application and receive real-time alerts.

After applying for an Australia Visitor Visa

After filling out the visitor visa application form, a phone call interview is sometimes required. We’ll let you know if that’s the case. However, usually, you must visit an Australian Visa Application Centre or an Australian Biometrical Collections Centre.

Once this process is complete, you can expect a confirmation email with your application ID and reference number, which you can use to track your application's progress. You should also expect to hear from the Australian Government regarding any additional information or documents they may need from you to process your application.

Australia Visitor Visa processing times

Our service includes two stages. The first is our application processing, where we assist you in completing the visa application, reviewing all the information provided, and scheduling an appointment for biometric information submission at a VAC.

• Our processing time for Filipino citizens is 30 days .

Once you have submitted all required documents, provided biometric information, and passed the medical examination, the Australian government will process your visa application.

On average, the government takes 28 days (90% of applications) to process visa requests from Filipino citizens. It's important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the Embassy's workload.

We advise all travelers from the Philippines to apply well in advance to avoid disappointments.

Additional resources for further information about the Australia Visitor Visa

We know how to have the latest information make a difference in travel planning. Here are some handy websites and communication channels to consult if you need further information:

• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
• Tourism Australia
• Australian Border Force
• Australian Embassy in the Philippines

Contact us for more info about your Australian Visa application

If you have any questions or concerns about the Australia visa for citizens of the Philippines, please don't hesitate to contact our customer service team via online chat or WhatsApp . We're ready to assist!

Related Articles

Australia visa rejection: Common reasons and how to avoid it

Australian passport renewal: Everything you must know

Australia Visitor Visa for Vanuatuan citizens: Requirements and application

• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Turkey Visa from Pakistan

Turkey visa for pakistani citizens, turkey visa online eligibility.

• Pakistani nationals are eligible to for Turkey eVisa
• Pakistan was a founding country of the Turkey eVisa travel authorization
• Pakistani citizens only require a valid email and Debit/Credit card to apply for Turkey eVisa

Other Turkey e-Visa Requirements

• Pakistani citizens can stay for upto 30 Days on Turkey e-Visa
• Ensure Pakistani Passport is valid for at least six months after your date of departure
• You can arrive by land, sea or air using Turkey Electronic Visa
• Turkey e-Visa is valid for short tourist, business or transit visits

This Electronic Turkey Visa is being implemented to allow visitors to easily obtain their visas online. The Turkey eVisa program was launched in 2013 by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

It is a mandatory requirement for Pakistani citizens to apply for a Turkey e-Visa (Turkey Visa Online) to enter Turkey for visits upto 30 Days for tourism/recreation, business or transit. Turkey Visa from Pakistan is non-optional and a mandatory requirement for all Pakistani nationals visiting Turkey for short stays. The Turkey eVisa holders passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the departure date, that is the date when you leave Turkey.

How to apply for Turkey Visa from Pakistan?

The Turkey Visa for Pakistani requires filling an Turkey e-Visa Application Form that can be finished in around (5) minutes. Turkey Visa Application Form requires applicants to enter information on their passport page, personal details including parents’ names, their address details and email address.

Pakistani citizens can apply and complete e-Visa on this website on this website and receive the Turkey Online Visa by email. The Turkey e-Visa application process is minimal for the Pakistani citizens. The basic requirements include having an Email Id and a Credit or Debit card valid for international payments, like a VISA or MasterCard .

After payment of Turkey e-Visa application fees, the application processing begins. Turkey Online Visa Online is sent via email. Pakistani citizens will receive Turkey e-Visa in PDF format via email, after they have completed the e-Visa application form with the required information and once the payment has been processed. In very rare circumstance, if additional documentation is required, the the applicant will be contact prior to approval of Turkey eVisa.

Requirements of Turkey Visa for Pakistani nationals

Turkey e-Visa requirements are minimal, however it is a good idea to be familiar with them before you apply. To visit Turkey, Pakistani nationals require an Ordinary Passport to be eligible for Turkey eVisa. Diplomatic , Emergency or Refugee passport holders are not eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa and must instead apply for Turkey Visa at nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Pakistani citizens who have dual citizenship need to ensure that they apply for e-Visa with the same passport that they will use to travel to Turkey. Turkey e-Visa is electronically associated with the passport that was mentioned at the time of application. It is not required to print the e-Visa PDF or furnish any other travel authorization at the Turkey airport, as the Turkey Electronic Visa is connected online with the Passport in the Turkey Immigration system.

Applicants will also need a valid Credit or Debit card that is enabled for International payments to pay for the Turkey Online Visa. Pakistani citizens also need to have a valid email address , to receive the Turkey eVisa in their inbox. The information on your Turkey Visa must match the information on your passport completely, otherwise you will need to apply for a new Turkey eVisa.

How long can Pakistani citizens stay on Turkey Visa?

Departure date for Pakistani citizen should be inside 30 Days of arrival. Pakistani citizens must obtain a Turkey Online Visa (Turkey eVisa) even for a short duration of 1 day up to 30 Days. If the Pakistani citizens intend to stay for a longer duration, then they should apply for a appropriate Turkey Visa depending on their circumstances. Turkey e-Visa is only valid for purpose of tourism or business. If you need to study or work in Turkey you must apply for a regular or Sticker visa at your nearly Turkish Embassy or Consulate .

What is Turkey Visa Online validity for Pakistani citizens

While Turkey e-Visa is valid for a duration of 180 days, Pakistani citizens can stay for upto 30 Days within the 180 day period. Turkey e-Visa is a Single Entry visa for Pakistani citizens.

You can find answers to more Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey Visa Online (or Turkey e-Visa) .

As a Pakistani citizen, what do I need to know before applying Turkey eVisa?

Nationals of Pakistan are already privileged to apply for Turkish Visa Online (eVisa), so that you do not have to visit Turkish Embassy or wait in the queue for Visa on Arrival at the airport. The process is quite simple and eVisa is sent to you by email . We recommend that you read the following:

• Do NOT visit the Consulate or Embassy, instead wait for email from Turkey eVisa Customer Support
• Purpose of visit can be Tourism or Business
• The Visa Application for Turkey can be completed in three to five minutes
• You need a Debit Card or Credit Card for payment of eVisa
• Keep checking email every twelve (12) hours because the immigration officers may ask a question regarding your passport or Visa.
• Duration of stay can be thirty (30) days or ninety (90) days, validity of Turkey e-Visa depends on your nationality
• Entry into Turkey can be either single entry or multiple entry based on the nationality
• eVisa is approved within 24 - 48 hours maximum, you can meanwhile use Turkey Visa Status Check tool online
• Some nationals require a Schenegen visa or Visa / Residence Permit from US, Canada or Ireland to enter Turkey on eVisa, check your eligiblity

List of interesting things to do for Pakistani citizens while visiting Turkey

• Pluto's Gate, Denizli Merkez, Turkey
• Behold the Views! during the Bosphorus Ferry Ride
• Obelisk of theodosius, Istanbul, Turkey
• Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross, İkizler Köyü, Turkey
• Visit the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
• Visit the magnificient swathes of sand at Patara
• Hasankeyf, home to nine civilizations
• Ship Handmade Rugs And Carpets at Ottomania
• Survey Wheat Fields & Volcanoes of Ankara
• Sunbathing & Calm Waters at Ladies’ Beach
• Striking Islamic Artwork at Hisar Mosque

Embassy of Pakistan in Turkey

Please apply for a Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight.

Turkey e-Visa from Pakistan

An error has occurred, please try again.