How To Successfully Secure A Schengen Visa For Your European Adventure

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Dreaming of wandering through the picturesque streets of Paris, exploring the historic landmarks of Rome, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Barcelona? For Philippine passport holders, a Schengen Visa is a magical ticket that allows entry to popular destinations to 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen area, without the need to obtain separate visas for each country.  

To make your dreams of a European tour come true, here's a guide to help you successfully get your Schengen Visa. 

List of Countries You Can Travel to With a Schengen Visa

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1. Austria 

2. Belgium

3. The Czech Republic

4. Croatia 

5. Denmark

6. Estonia

7. Finland

8. France

9. Germany

10. Greece

11. Hungary

12. Iceland 

13. Italy

14. Latvia

15. Liechtenstein

16. Lithuania

17. Luxembourg

18. Malta

19. Netherlands

20. Norway

21. Poland

22. Portugal

23. Slovakia

24. Slovenia

25. Spain

26. Sweden 

27. Switzerland

Primary Requirements

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Before anything else, it’s crucial to secure all the necessary documents for a smooth visa application process. 

• Valid Passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months from the date of your intended flight to the Schengen area, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• Accomplished Visa Application Form. Download, print, and fill out the Schengen visa application form accurately and truthfully. Make sure the form is signed. 

• Visa-Compliant Passport Photos. Provide two (2) identical passport-sized photos that meet the following guidelines: 

• Taken within the last six (6) months 

• 35x45mm in size 

• In color, with light-colored background (No black and white photo & no patterns)

• Neutral face expression, looking straight at the camera (No smiling, mouth closed)

• The head should take 70-80% of the photo

• Not wearing uniforms or clothing that match the background

• Civil registration certificates. Bring original and duplicate copies of the following:

• PSA birth certificate

• PSA marriage certificate (applicable to married applicants only)

• PSA CENOMAR 

• PSA death certificate of spouse (applicable to widows and widowers only)

• Round-trip Plane Tickets and Travel Itinerary. and Accommodation Reservations. Present confirmed round-trip flight tickets and outline your planned itinerary, including details of the places you intend to visit, transportation arrangements, and activities planned during your stay. If you are taking flights during the tour, include those tickets as well. 

• Accommodation Reservations. Present proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Area. This may include hotel reservations, a rental agreement, or an invitation letter from your host if you are visiting family or friends. 

• Proof of Travel Insurance. Purchase travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, valid across all Schengen countries, to cover any medical emergencies during the duration of your stay.

• Paid Visa Fee. Pay the required visa application fee, which varies depending on the type and duration of the visa you are applying for. As of writing, a short-stay Schengen Visa for tourists is at approximately 80 euros or 4,558 pesos. The fee may change without prior notice.

• Proof of Financial Means. Demonstrate your financial capability to cover your expenses during your stay by providing two or more of the following: 

• Certificate of Employment with indication of monthly income 

• Business License 

• BIR Registration

• Bank Statements / Bank Certificate 

• Property Ownership Documents

• Sponsorship Letter

Note: You may still be required to present other documents to prove your financial capacity. This may also serve as your proof of socio-economic ties to the Philippines.

Application Process

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Now that you have secured the requirement, it's time to kick-start the application process. It is recommended to apply for a Schengen visa up to six (6) months before your intended departure date, but no less than 15 working days before your flight. Experienced travelers recommend submitting an application as early as three (3) months before your travel date. 

Philippine-passport holders may apply for any of the 8 types of Schengen visa (airport transit, tourist, medical, student, business, cultural, or family/friends visit). For clarity purposes, this guide will focus on tourist visa application guidelines. 

1. Choose the destination you intend to get a Schengen visa from. 

Determine the main destination of your trip, which will typically be the country where you plan to spend the longest duration of your stay. If your itinerary looks like this… 

Spain (3 days) – Italy (5 days) – Switzerland (2 days) - France (3 days) 

…you can either get a Schengen visa from Spain because it is your country of entry, or Italy because you’ll be spending the greatest number of days there. Once you’ve figured that out, you may proceed to the second step and apply at an embassy or consulate. Trusted third-party agencies like BLS International for Spain and VFS Global for France, Germany, Switzerland, etc. can also guide you through the application process. 

2. Book an online appointment

Whether you’ll be applying at an embassy, consulate, or a visa center, you need to have a confirmed online appointment. Contact the embassy or consulate of your chosen Schengen country to schedule an appointment for your visa application submission. 

3. Pay the application fee. 

Pay the visa application fee on the day of your appointment. Payment methods may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so ensure you have the necessary means of payment. Keep the official receipt.

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4. Bring your requirements and show up for your appointment

There are times you might be required to appear for the submission of requirements and interview. Arrive at the embassy or consulate at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Submit your application along with the required documents, including the official receipt of your visa fee payment.

5. Wait for processing.

After submitting your application, patiently await the processing of your visa. Processing times may vary, but it typically takes around 15 to 20 working days. During this period, the embassy or consulate may contact you for additional information or documents if required.

A Schengen visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. The issuing embassy will determine if you will be issued a single or multiple-entry visa, depending on the reason for your visit and the requirements you submitted. 

6. Collect your visa 

Once your visa application is approved, collect your passport with the visa affixed to it from the embassy or consulate where you applied. Verify all details on the visa to ensure accuracy before leaving the premises.

And that’s it! Now you can get excited to make your European dreams come true! 

Schengen Visa FAQs

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Still uneasy about your application? We’ll try to answer a few common questions Schengen Visa applicants have here.

1. May I visit multiple Schengen countries with one visa? 

Yes, you can travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries with a single Schengen Visa, provided that the main destination and itinerary outlined in your application remain consistent. 

2. Can I extend my Schengen visa? 

Schengen Visas are typically granted for a specific duration, and extensions are rarely granted. If you require an extension due to unforeseen circumstances, you must apply for it well in advance through the respective embassy or consulate.

3. What should I do if my visa application is denied? 

If your visa application is denied, the embassy or consulate will provide you with a written explanation for the refusal. You may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply for the visa after addressing any deficiencies in your application within 30 days after the rejection notice.

There is no specific rule on how long you should wait before reapplying for a new visa. However, make sure that before submitting a new application, you already have the requirements that will meet the reason/s of refusal indicated in the letter.

Remember: the information provided here is based on general guidelines, and visa requirements and procedures may vary depending on the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you are applying to. Be sure to consult the specific requirements outlined by the respective authorities before submitting your visa application.

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