Ahhh....Europe... Everybody's travel bucket list. But getting there is half the fun. Amidst the planning and saving for the trip , one thing we dread most is applying for the most coveted entry visa.
I applied through Czech Republic Embassy in Manila because i will be staying the longest days in Prague. My itinerary is 5 days in Prague Czezh Rep , 3 days in Paris France and 4 days in Rome Italy and so i had to apply through the Czech Rep Embassy.
Since this is my first schengen visa application , i browsed the internet in search of blogs that would help me with my agenda. I only found a few who shared their experiences during their application process through Czech Rep embassy. I was worried that this embassy is notorious in denying visas.
Preparing the requirements
Anyway, i proceeded to preparing the required documents. Based on the official website of the embassy here are the requirements for Tourist visa application.
1.
Duly filled out application form (pls download it through the link)
2. Valid Passport - should at least be 6 months valid at the start of your travel date
3. One passport sized photo - must be recent
4. Hotel accomodation confirmation
5. Proof of financial means - Bank Certificate and Bank Statements (3months)
Note :
The Official Bank Certificate must include a paragraph containing waiver of rights to release information to the Embassyof the Czech Republic - Visa Section. If this is not possible, a separate authorization letter addressed to the bank concerned must be produced, signed by the accountholder and acknowledged by the bank representative (whether by signature or by stamp), a copy of which must be submitted to the Embassy at the time of application.
6. Flight Reservation
7. Travel Medical Insurance
8. For Employees - COE and Leave of Absence
9. For Business owners - Business permits/DTI/SEC
10. For students - Certificate of Enrollment
11. For minors - Affidavit of Support , Copy of parent's passport, NSO BC, DSWD clearance (if not travelling with parents)
Hotel accomodation confirmation , Flight Reservation , Travel medical insurance can be obtained thru your trusted
travel agency for a nominal fee.
Once i am pretty sure that i have completed everything ,
i need to set an appointment .
Appointment Setting
After preparing all the requirements , i needed to set an appointment with the embassy to submit my documents. You cannot just walk in and announce to them your visa application. Appointment setting is done through
VISAPOINT. (https://visapoint.eu/disclaimer)
Visa lodging days are Tuesday , Wedneday and Thursday ONLY at 0900am to 1200pm. Personal appearance is required for biometrics and a thorough interview.
On the day of my appointment
My appointment was at 0900am and i was there 1 hour before the set time. I was specially early because i meant to avoid the traffic. It is better to be early than miss my chance to be interviewed. The guard at the 30th floor of the Rufino Tower where the embassy office was located informed me to go to the canteen first and come back when the embassy open. Their office is quite small and there are no lounging areas.
I came back after 1 hour and i was ushered into the office where other visa applicants are waiting. I was 3rd to be interviewed. We were asked to sit in the waiting area before our turn comes for the interview. I can hear the exchange of questions and answers between the visa officer and the applicant since the room is quite small.
When my turn came , i went into the room and one male visa officer (Czech national) and one female assistant (Filipina) was standing in front of me. I greeted them good morning and I immediately handed them my documents. Then they proceeded with the biometrics (fingerprinting/photo/signature). After which then came the questions.
Here are some of the questions asked (as i recall)
1. What are you going to do in Prague ? Ans : For tourism / vacation
2. How long are you going to stay in Prague ? Ans : 5 days
3. Do you work ? What do you do ? Ans : told them my line of job and business i have
4. How many siblings do you have ? What kind of job do they have ? Ans : narrated my siblings work
5. Which countries have you been to ? Ans : told them the list of countries ive visited already
Male visa officer was a good natured guy but his Filipina assistant is quite cynical. Or maybe she was just like that to scare people off. Maybe its a strategy of embassy staff to be hostile to test if you are telling them the truth.
Be honest with your answers. These people are trained and they can tell if you are lying through your teeth. And if they feel you are not telling the truth it may cost you your application. Remember that the visa fee is non refundable.
Visa Processing time
My interview was on a Tuesday and they told me to call them Monday (the following week) to follow up if my passport is ready for pickup the next day (tuesday). They normally give a decision within 5 working days after the interview/submission. Wow ! only 5 working days! Unlike other embassies which normally takes at least 15 working days to release your passport.
In other individual cases , it may take up to 30 to 60 working days . But mine was released after 5 working days.
You may also authorize other person to pickup your passport. Pickup days are Tuesdays , Wednesday, and Thursday at 1200nn to 100pm only.
I hope this will somehow help you with your Schengen Tourist Visa application.
Please comment below if you have questions. I would be glad to help you in any way i can. :)
