TIPS: How to get a Schengen visa to travel to European countries
This is your sign to make that dream travel of yours to Europe a reality.
Each country in Europe diversly exhibits rich cultures, mouthful delights, and stunning destinations. To get to some of these places, you'll need a Schengen visa.
FYI, a Schengen visa enables Filipinos to travel to 27 European countries namely: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
A standard visa is advisable for short-term trips and visits up to 90 days throughout the 180-day validation period. Meanwhile, those who wish to travel to the mentioned destinations many times may opt for a multiple entry visa.
Ahead is a list of documents you’ll need to apply for a standard Schengen visa:
- A valid Philippine passport. Take note that its validity should extend at least three months beyond the scheduled visit to Schengen areas, it should also have at least two blank pages.
- Completed Schengen visa application form that you can access here.
- Two colored ID photos with the measurement 35x45mm, other photo specifications are listed here.
- PSA birth certificate, and PSA marriage certificate and CENOMAR if applicable.
- Proof of travel:
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- Round trip plane ticket – it should prove that a visit to the Schengen area does not go beyond 90 days.
- Itinerary – your entry and exit points and Schengen countries that you will visit.
- Hotel or housing accommodation and invitation from host if applicable.
- Travel health insurance. Here are some travel insurance options that you could acquire.
- Receipts of visa fee
- Proof of income and financial capability:
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- Certificate of Employment and pay slips for employed applicants.
- Business license for business owners.
- Parents' proof of financial capability for students and minors.
- Bank statement or proof of received pensions for the last six months for pensioners
- Income tax return
For parents or guardians applying for Schengen visas for their minor children, a copy of their PSA birth certificate is required. Signed parental consent should be presented if minor children are traveling alone or without the presence of their parents.
Application process
After completing the Schengen visa application and accumulating all the required documents, you can now proceed with scheduling your visa appointment. You can check here the location and contact details of different EU embassies.
A friendly reminder, on the day of your appointment, make sure to have your documents completed and ready to avoid inconveniences.
Receipts of visa fees are part of the application requirements – transaction for visa fees varies on the embassy or consulate you are transacting with. Prices for Schengen visa fees vary depending on the age range of the applicant.
The standard visa fee costs €80 (P4,800) while a visa for children younger than 12 years old costs €40 (P2,400).
Once you have finished the application process and interview, processing of the Schengen visa might take around 15 to 30 days and can extend up to 60 days during peak seasons.
But you could keep in touch with the embassy or consulate where you applied to track your application
Need-to-knows
Travel insurance is a must for Schengen visa application and the acquired insurance should be aligned with Schengen requirements.
Appeal to the embassy or consular could be done if your application has been denied within 30 days after you have been presented with the denial notice.