How to apply for a Schengen Visa ?

Applying for a travel visa is something we Filipinos have to endure. Preparing the documents , submission , the interview and the waiting game that comes along with the process brings stress and dilemma to each and every traveller . No pain , no gain as the old adage says. I , for one went through it. 

The application process may slightly differ depending on which embassy you are intending to apply to but the required documents are almost the same. I also have read that there are embassies that has a higher visa approval rate compared to others. 

The advantage of getting a schengen visa is that  one visa gives you freedom to travel to 26 different EU nations. Below are the list of EU nations under the Schengen Agreement.

Austria                                                      Portugal

Belgium                                                    Slovakia

Czech Republic                                        Slovenia

Denmark                                                  Spain

Estonia                                                     Sweden

Finland                                                     Switzerland

France                                                      Lichtenstein                      

Germany  

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

And so, what are the steps in applying for a Schengen Visa?

I have applied through the Czech republic embassy in Manila before and i just followed these simple steps. 

Step 1 : Determine which embassy to submit your application

If you are travelling to only one EU country then you have not much of a problem but if you are intending to travel to 2 or more state then you must follow the rule . It is highly suggested to apply in the embassy of the country you will be staying the longest. What if you'll be spending equal number of days ?  Then apply to where you will be entering first according to your itinerary.

For example : 

(entry) 4days France + 3days Spain + 7days Italy (exit)  = Apply in Italy Embassy

(entry) 4days France + 4days Italy (exit)  = Apply in France Embassy

It will also help if you have an itinerary prepared for your trip to determine exactly your embassy . 

Step 2 : Prepare your Documents

Now that you have determined which embassy to apply to check the official website of that particular embassy for the required documents. As i have said every embassy has their own set of required documents. Others such as the French Embassy require a Cover Letter but the Czech Rep Embassy and the Netherlands Embassy does not need one. So read through and carefully take note of the requirements because it can make or break your chances of getting a Schengen Visa. Remember that these embassies are quite busy and they are quite unforgiving if you appear before them with incomplete/missing documents.

So check, double check the requirements. If you are unsure or have questions  , you may contact them prior to your appointment . 

Generally speaking the required documents for Tourist Visa are :

1. Original Passport

2. 2x2 photo 

3. Duly Filled up Application Form

4. Proof of Employment - Certificate of Employment , Leave of Absence, ITR

5. For business owners - DTI/SEC/ ITR

6. Proof of sufficient means of substinence - Bank Certificate , Bank Statements (6months)

7. Day to Day Itinerary 

8. Proof of accomodation - Hotel Reservation

9. Airline Reservation

10. Travel Insurance 

Numbers 7-10 can be acquired from a travel agency for a nominal fee.

Step 3 : When to apply

You may apply as early as 3 months prior to your intended travel date and the latest at least 20 working days before your travel date. Give yourself enough time because you will never know if the release of your passport will be delayed. 

One rule to apply here is, DON'T BUY your tickets yet. The embassy does not require you to buy your tickets . In fact it is not an advantage if you show them a finalized ticket. 

Step 4 : Set an appointment 

You need to call the embassy or the visa application center (handling the visa of a particular embassy) to set an appointment for interview and submission of documents.

Step 5 : Submit your requirements/Pay the Visa Fee

Some Embassies conduct interview upon submission of application some do not. Certainly, biometrics are taken upon submission. You should also prepare your payment in CASH (peso currency) or a Managers Check (in the case of a Visa Application Center). 

Be sure to bring all pertinent papers because as i said it can make or break your application. The embassy may also ask for additional documents from you if they deemed it to be necessary.

Step 6 : Waiting Game

The embassy or the Visa Application Center will designate a date of release of your passport (with ot without a visa stamp). All you have to do is wait and pray that your application shall be successful. Processing time varies with each embassy .

If you are granted a visa be sure to abide by the rules and DO NOT OVERSTAY. 

But what if you are not fortunate to get a visa? You may apply again depending on the rules of the embassy . Inquire through the embassy.

Good luck to all visa applicants of Schengen :)

You may also want to read how i got my Schengen Tourist visa through the Czech Rep Embassy in Manila.