This Visa Application and Appointment Guide is for applicants in the Philippines planning to visit France or other parts of the Schengen Zone for tourism. You’ll find the list of requirements and detailed information about the application process below. If you’re applying as a worker or as a seafarer, I’m afraid this post isn’t for you.
France has recently implemented a new Schengen visa process, centralizing applications from around the world on just one website.
Not much has changed, though. VFS still accepts the application requirements on behalf of the French Embassy. The only difference now is that the first part of the process, which is the filling out of the application form, is done entirely online.
And oh, another difference is the length of processing time. Our friends from travel agencies, who work on Schengen Visa applications on a daily basis, claim that it is much faster now. According to them, applicants in good financial and employment standing and who have complete requirements often get the results within just 48 hours. However, some still have to wait 5-15 days. Others, weeks,
WHAT IS A SCHENGEN VISA?
The Schengen Visa allows the holder to visit any of the 26 countries within the Schengen area including France. It’s sort of your one-for-all pass, allowing you to enter many of the countries in Europe without having to apply for a visa for each individual country. You can apply at any embassy of a member state.
We highly encourage you to read this post first to have a basic understanding of the Schengen Visa and how it works: Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Note, however, that you can’t apply just anywhere. You need to apply at the right embassy, which depends on the purpose of your trip or your overall European itinerary.
WHEN TO APPLY AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY
Apply at the French Embassy only if ANY of the following is true:
- You’re going to France only and will not visit any other country.
- You will visit multiple Schengen countries, but you will stay the longest in France.
- You will visit multiple Schengen countries, but the main purpose of your journey is in France. (Example: you will attend a conference in France but you plan on going out to other Schengen countries while you’re there.)
- You will stay in multiple Schengen countries for exactly the same number of days, but France is your point of entry (first in your itinerary).
Here’s how to apply using France’s new visa website.
LIST OF FRENCH SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS?
The list of requirements varies depending on many factors like the type of visa you’re applying for, the country where you’re applying from, the duration of your stay, the purpose of your travel, and whether or not you have family members in France.
You can check that here: French Visa Requirements Wizard
After filling out the short form, you will be given the list of requirements. Know that this may change depending on your condition so it’s important to NOT skip the link Requirements Wizard above.
Anyway, here are the documents I submitted when I applied for a short-stay visa for tourism purposes.
1. Accomplished Application Form
- The new system will require you to fill out the application form online. You will see more information about this in the step-by-step guide below.
- This is the CERFA form n°14076*01 or 14571*05, dated and signed.
2. ID photograph
- 35 x 45mm (passport-size)
- White background
- Taken in the past 6 months
3. Valid Passport
- Must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of return.
- Must have signature. If you’re using a new 10-year e-passport, you can find the signature field on Page 3, the page next to the Information Page. If you’re using a 5-year e-passport, the bio page already has a digital signature so NO NEED to sign it again.
- Bring a color photocopy of the bio page of your passport.
Update (June 2019): When I applied before, color photocopies of ALL pages with stamps and affixed visas were on the list of requirements. But when I checked the list on the website recently, it’s no longer listed. I’m not sure if it still is required but one of our readers who recently applied said that the photocopies of the stamps were thrown out, so perhaps they really are no longer needed.
4. Visa Fee
- €80 euro (or its equivalent in peso that day). Note that you will also be paying the VFS Service Fee, EUR 26. It can still change depending on individual circumstances. Fees are non-refundable.
Additional Requirements The Embassy of France categorizes the next requirements into five.
- Proof of purpose of stay
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of funds
- Proof of socio-professional situation
- Travel health insurance
This is where it gets confusing. Previously, it was just a simple checklist with all items considered mandatory.
Now, the checklist that the new website provides gives the impression that you only need at least one item per category. For example, ITR is no longer listed as a requirement.
However, the travel agents we talked to are saying that despite this, you must still provide as many items as you can (including ITR) for better chances of being granted a visa.
Below is the list of other requirements grouped according to the embassy’s categories.
5. Proof of Purpose of Stay
- Pre-booked return ticket or flight reservation. As much as possible, don’t pay for your flights in full until you get your visa. Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. You can get one online here: Get Flight Reservations Here
- Detailed itinerary (if DIY) or reservation confirmation of an organized trip (if taking a tour). See sample detailed itinerary here.
Again, you don’t need to submit actual tickets. You can submit flight reservations, which you can cancel in case your application is denied (so you don’t have to waste money). A few airlines allow flight blocking (although I haven’t tried any of them). Travel agencies can also issue these reservation documents.
If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online. When we apply for hard-to-get visas like Canada and Schengen, we hire Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:
✅ GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS HERE
6. Travel Health Insurance
- Travel health insurance certificate (for medical expenses and repatriation). Must cover the entire duration of the trip and valid for all Schengen countries. Coverage must be AT LEAST EUR 30,000.
One of the easiest insurance plan to get online is PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus. Its SUPREME plan is accredited by Schengen visa embassies. And it’s your lucky day because The Poor Traveler readers get a special rate when you book insurance on the PGA Sompo website. Just don’t forget to use the promo code: WORTHIT.
7. Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel Reservation for the entire duration of your stay, if you’re staying at a hotel. Emphasis on the entire duration of your stay. If you’re staying in multiple countries, you must submit hotel reservation for all the countries where you will be staying, not just France. You can also submit proof of sufficient means to cover the cost of accommodation (travel provisions of 120 euros / day) or lease agreement.
- Proof of Accommodation (Document) if staying with a local. “Proof of Accommodation” is a document that your host must get from their local town hall in France on your behalf. You must have it before submitting your application because it will be stamped by the consulate. Your host can find more info about it here.
8. Proof of Funds
These can be any or all of the following. If you haven’t booked accommodations yet, your docs must prove you can afford 120 euros per day of stay.
- Bank statements and bank certificates. Make sure that the bank certificate and statement cover at least the past 6 months, and that they were issued within the past 30 days.
- Pay slips
- Pension statements (if applicable)
If your trip is sponsored by a relative in the Philippines, you must also provide a notarized Affidavit of Support, proof of relationship, and a signed copy of their IDs (passport is accepted).
9. Proof of Socio-Professional Situation
- If an employee, Certificate of Employment or Employment Contract
- If self-employed, business registration documents
- ITR is not listed on the website, but if you have it, it would certainly help. We and the travel agents we talked to still highly recommend that you submit it. Some of our readers were required to submit an ITR that was BIR-stamped.
- Approved Leave of Absence is not listed on the website either. But one of our readers was also asked to submit this.
- You can also submit any other document proving rootedness in the Philippines such as land titles.
✅ READ: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS
HOW TO APPLY FOR A FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA?
1. Complete the Requirements.
Again, the list of requirements varies per person. You can see the set of documents they will need from you using this Requirements Wizard: French Visa Requirements Wizard
The list of requirements may vary from applicant to applicant so don’t skip this step.
2. Create a France-Visas Account.
To do that, visit this page: France-Visas Registration
Verify your account. A verification link and verification code will be sent to your email account. Follow that link and enter the code.
IMPORTANT: Because the email is multi-lingual (French, English, Spanish), there’s a big chance that it will go straight to your Spam or Junk folder. Make sure to check those if you don’t get it in your inbox instantly.
You will then be asked to set up a new password.
3. Accomplish the online form.
After setting a new password, you will be taken directly to a page where you have to input the specific details of your travel plan.
The form has 5 pages:
- Your travel plan
- Your personal information
- Your previous visas
- Your stay
- Your contacts
These are all pretty straightforward. Just provide whatever info is needed in the corresponding fields.
The only part that you may find confusing is the YOUR CONTACTS page. It will ask you who your HOST PERSON OR ORGANIZATION is in France is. If you don’t have any, simply choose the MY HOTEL option and enter your hotel’s address and contact details.
You will also be asked who will be funding your trip.
- If you don’t have a sponsor, just choose MYSELF and tick the boxes that apply to you.
- If your trip will be sponsored by someone else, you must enter their full names (last name then first name) in the provided space and tick the appropriate boxes.
After that, you will be asked to double check the information you entered on the RECAP page.
Then follow these steps after the RECAP section:
- If you find everything to be alright, submit your application.
- You will be presented a CHECKLIST and the completed APPLICATION FORM. Print both the checklist and the form.. IMPORTANT!
- You will also be redirected to the VFS Online Appointment System.
According to James, one of our readers who recently applied, if you don’t print out the checklist, they will use the old list of requirements (which has more items) because they will attach a different set of checklist. In the old list, they will require a cover letter, birth certificate & photocopy of your passport. So make sure you print out both the checklist and the completed application form.
4. Book an appointment with VFS Global online.
To get a schedule, sign up first. Go to this Appointment System page and click on NEW USER.
If you already have an account, simply log in.
For short stay visa applications, book a date at least five days before your planned date of departure.
Once you have an appointment, print out the Appointment Confirmation Letter, which you need to bring to the VFS Global Visa Application Center.
5. Submit the requirements at the VFS Visa Application Center.
The applicants themselves must show up on the day of appointment. For children below 12, either parent can submit.
They recently moved to a new address:
VFS Global
France Visa Application Centre,
30th Floor, The World Centre, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Phone Number: +63 2 790 4903
When I applied, this is the schedule. But I am not sure if it still applies today so double check with them before going.
- Submission of application: Monday-Friday, 7am-2pm
- Passport collection: Monday-Friday, 2pm-4pm
Again, make sure you bring the Visa Appointment Letter I mentioned at Step 4. You will need it to get in. You’ll go through a security check, and will be waiting for your turn. Once they accept your documents, they will get your biometrics.
You will also be given a choice on how you want to receive your passport (with a visa, hopefully): pick up or by courier. If you choose the latter, expect to pay an additional PhP 330. Finally, settle the visa fee. Make sure you have the exact amount.
That’s it. All you need to do now is wait.
The processing usually can take 2-7 days. That’s USUALLY. However, don’t count on it, There have been cases when they got theirs after a longer wait. Sometimes it’s 15 days. Sometimes it can take over a month. Some will be asked for an interview at the embassy. It really depends on many factors, which probably depend on how strong your case is and how much work load they have. It’s still best to allow at least a month of lead time.
Update (December 2018): We’ve been hearing a lot of cases lately wherein the application took over a month. It might be because of the volume this peak season. Maybe not. But just apply as early as possible to be safe.
FRENCH VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?
Depends on the itinerary you submit. The Embassy will decide based on your itinerary so take it seriously. The first time I applied, my itinerary was for 7 days, I was given a visa valid for 15 days. The second time, my itinerary for for 53 days, I was given a visa valid for 60 days.
Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?
Again, it depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations entail going out of the Schengen area once and coming back, then apply for a double-entry visa. If you will be flying our of the Schengen area multiple times, then go for the multiple entry visa.
Please take into consideration all your connecting flights. For example, if aside from France you will also be visiting Italy (which is a Schengen state) but you’re flying via Istanbul (which is outside Schengen), you will need to count that as “going out” of the zone.
Don’t apply for a multiple-entry visa if you intend to stay in France the whole time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.
How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?
No one knows exactly. But remember this: You will be submitting hotel reservations (that you haven’t paid for yet) and a detailed day-to-day itinerary. So make sure that your bank has enough funds to cover the cost of the flights you submitted and the EUR 120 per day of your stay.
What’s the EUR 120 per stay? This is the amount of pocket money and accommodations budget that the French Embassy requires.
The sum of the flights and the EUR 120 per day should be the MINIMUM amount on your bank account.
Minimum because there should be more. My personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay.
What are the reasons why my application would be denied?
This applies not just to the French Embassy but also other Schengen embassies:
- You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines. You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
- You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in good financial standing.
- You seem to not know the details of your trip. You may have appeared as though you’re not really doing what you declared you would be doing, which may raise some red flags.
- Your purpose in France or Europe is unclear or dubious. This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.
What does a French Schengen Visa look like?
Like this:
Do I really need plane tickets before applying? What if I get denied? Sayang the pera.
Nope! Like I said before, you don’t need to purchase flight tickets. What you need are “flight reservations.” It’s not the same as actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats, and you can cancel these in case your application is denied. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.
Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online. When we apply for hard-to-get visas like Canada and Schengen, we hire Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE.
✅ GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS HERE
What is the format of the daily itinerary? Do you have a sample?
This is the format I followed. I think what’s important is that they see the day-to-day activities and the places where you will be going. I also added the hotel details.
schengen-visa-france-itineraryI’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to submit train transfer and flight reservation within the Schengen area?
It’s not in the checklist when you fill the form online. I submitted transfer tickets when I applied, so I don’t know if it’s okay to not provide them.
But according to some of our readers who recently applied, if you don’t print out the checklist, they will use the old list of requirements (which has more items) because they will attach a different set of checklist. In the old list, they will require a cover letter, birth certificate & photocopy of your passport. So make sure you print out both the checklist and the completed application form.
I’m traveling to multiple cities. Do I need to provide hotel reservation for all the countries I’m visiting or for France only?
If you’re staying at hotels, you must provide hotel reservation covering the entire duration of your stay. If you’re staying in multiple countries, you must submit hotel reservation for all the countries where you will be staying, not just France.
Is travel insurance really needed?
The short answer is YES.
The long answer is still YEEEEEEESSSSS.
You can purchase one online. You can also get one from travel agencies. Again, we have partnered with Gazelle Travel & Tours for this. You can purchase travel insurance along with flight reservations at once.
If my application is approved, do I have to stick to the itinerary I submitted?
In theory, yes. But in practice, many deviate from the itinerary. There are no Immigration checkpoints between countries within the Schengen Zone, so there’s really no way for them to check. You can make some changes from the itinerary you submitted, as we have done in the past.
But my advice 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, not really. But if you can, go ahead. I highly encourage you to write a cover letter if you have something to explain, like why you can’t provide a requirement or why you’re submitting alternatives. Remember, there will be no interview. Having a cover letter will allow you to explain the purpose of your trip better. Here’s a sample.
schengen-visa-france-letterHow early should I apply for a Schengen visa?
Three (3) months before your planned travel date is ideal. But the new Visa Code, adopted by the EU Council in June 2019, states that you may now apply up to six (6 months) before the trip. I’m not sure if this has been implemented in the Philippines, though.
Although the French Embassy processes applications much faster these days, applying early will give you time to work on additional documents in case they ask for them or if you encounter a problem with your application.
Update (December 2018): We’ve been hearing a lot of cases lately wherein the application took over a month. It might be because of the volume this peak season. Maybe not. But just apply as early as possible to be safe.
Is the French Embassy really strict?
If you asked me 2 years ago, I would have said “not that strict.” But it looks like they have become a lot stricter than ever over the past few months.
In our Support Group alone, there are a lot of seemingly qualified applicants with stable jobs, great finances, and impressive travel history that were denied a visa. So my advice is to build a strong case and submit as many documents that can support your application.
I have X money in my bank account, I have visited countries A, B, C before, and I will be submitting documents 1, 2, 3. What are my chances of getting approved?
No one knows. Nothing can guarantee visa approval. No one can, either, except the visa officer evaluating your application.
I have heard cases wherein the applicant has a stellar travel history, financial and employment records, but still ended up without a visa.
It depends on a combination of dozens of factors.
What is the paper size used for Schengen visa application?
A4. The French Embassy website does not specify a paper size, but the European standard is A4, so that’s what we submitted.
In addition, one of our readers called VFS and they said that the acceptable paper size is A4.
Updates Log
2020 March 8 – Updated the visa fee from EUR 60 to 80 and application period from 3 months to 6 months prior to the trip, following the updated Visa Code that was adopted by the EU Council in June 2019 and implemented in February 2020.
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Is this post helpful to you?
Where I can download the CERFA form n°14076*01 ???can somebody give me a copy of it please?thanx
It will be presented to you after you complete the online application form. You just need to print it out.
what if i f rogot to print it is it still printable later?
ano po ang documents n kailangan pag invite po sila lahat gagastos sa lht ng gastusin txka ok nb ung DTI permit ng tindahan and mayors permit proof n babalik ako ng pinas
Thankyou for sharing guidees this is great, thankyou for informing us the new process to get VISA and also for guiding to know clearer the requirements, it is very it helps easier process to go to France and to get SHENGEN VISA.
No problem! We’re always happy to help. Good luck with your application. :)
Hello,
I would like to ask;
in applying at the French embassy, the schedule appointment for submission of the required documents takes how many days after online application..? the usual po?
Thanks
Up to you. You will choose the date.
Thanks a lot. Greatly appreciated. :)
Hello! Do we need to submit 2 sets of printed requirements like before?
Hi.. Did anyone here made the same mistake I did? I already booked for an appointment, and upon checking my application for like the 20th time, I found out I made a mistake in my Date of Birth (switched day and month).
How did you rectify it? Any thoughts?
Hello,
How about Amsterdam (2d/2n) – Paris (6d/5n) – Italy (6d/5n) respectively?
I can apply to French embassy right?
Since Paris and Italy are equally the longest I would be staying at –and the fact that I would be visiting Paris first before Italy.
Hi Raymund, yes, you can apply at the French Embassy
do you need to already submit the flight reservationfs for amsterdam to paris and paris to italy?
or flight booking for manila amsterdam, italy manila would be ok?
Hi Anne,
Not sure if they need them. Based on experiences of my friends and members of our support group, sometimes they look for it, sometimes they don’t. So my personal rule of thumb is submit all that I could submit, so I usually submit flight reservations for journeys within Europe, too.
[…] The Poor Traveler […]
[…] The Poor Traveler […]
Hey guys. Thank you for this blog. So much help in my application.
Just an additional info though:
1. The DOB in their application has an error. They know about it too. Even if you put dd/mm/yy in the online application, it will still print out mm/dd/yy.
2. You should print out the checklist of requirements along with your documents. If you don’t, they will use the old requirements coz they will attach a different set of checklist. In the old list, they will require a cover letter, birth certificate & photocopy of your passport.
3. If you have old passports with stamps, they will ask you to submit photocopies of the pages.
Hope this additional info helps.
I have printed the checklist, too, but they still asked for a cover letter, which I did on the spot, handwritten of course. ITR is not in the list, but they still looked for it and since I am homebased, I could not provide one. Though, they asked me to write, right there and then, an explanation letter as to why I don’t have an ITR.
Hi James, thanks for sharing! We already mentioned that the checklist must be printed out, but we’ll highlight it even more.
We’ll add the other bits to the post too! :)
mag aapply po sana aq ng tourist visa to france,invited po aq ng friend ko na french national cia po sponsor ko,ano po ang requirements,matagal po ba ang processng visa mga ilang days po,may pag asa po ba na magrant ang visa ko,
thank you very much
Hi Lotis, the process is still the same even if may sponsor ka sa France. Also, make sure your sponsor has “Proof of Accommodation”, a document that your host must get from their local town hall in France on your behalf. You must have it before submitting your application because it will be stamped by the consulate.
I want to apply tourist visa to france i have sponsor,do i need invitation letter from my sponsor?
Thanks,
Lhot
Hi ! I guess we have the same question, how did your application go? Did you pass a letter?
Pero di na po kailangan ng invitation letter galing saa sponsor ko?
Hi
Is there an option for Family/Group in booking an appointment?
Thank you!
yes there is
Hi thepoortraveler.. very helpful yung blog post mo about schengen application for 2018… may tanong lang po ko… as per your steps for schengen visa.. first is to fill up the application form which requires hotel bookings, before we get the schedule of appointment sa embassy? Tama po ba?
Yep, mauuna mo iinput ung hotel kung saan ka magstay before ung pagsked ng appointment.
Hi poortraveler,
I messaged you on your email about some questions. I really needed your help. It would be greatly appreciated if you check it out. :)
Thanks,
Janssen
Replied to your email.
Is their anyone here who is able to still pass the Philippine immigration at the airport even though their passport was still 5-months valid before expiry, prior to 6-month rule? In regards to the French consulate which allows 3-months validity before expiry of the passport? My Schengen Visa was approved but they told me that there is a risk with ph immigration, I am just worried because everything was already booked.
Hi John, the requirement is really 6 months. http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/travel-req
But there’s one guy on TripAdvisor who said he was able to make it through with only 5 months (https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/ShowTopic-g294245-i3256-k6680654-Passport_Validity-Philippines.html). But this was way back in 2013.
But on the same page i found this exception:
10. Who are exempt from the “six-month passport validity” rule?
Philippine passport holders;
http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/travel-req
I believe #10 applies only to ARRIVALS (because the topic has already switched to ARRIVALS starting #9).
For DEPARTURES, #1 applies.
Again, that’s just me. You may call Immigration directly to be sure.
Hi. Do I need to have 2 copies of each requirement even if I’m submitting the original? Thanks!
Hi. Is the France online application website currently down, or is it just my account? I tried filling up the form since yesterday, it wouldn’t save nor proceed
Thanks..
Hi, I can’t find any info on which paper size do I use for printing the application form. Thanks
same po. i can’t find info din po regarding this one. hoping for answer also :)
Hi, do u know already what paper size to be used? Thanks.
Hello poor traveler. . done accomplishing the online visa form. nabigyan na rin po ako ng checklist at supporting documents.. click ko po yun submit application form then i was redirected na po sa vfs website for appointment. rserved appointment slot na rin po my application. does this mean na yun application submission sa vfs makati ang final step at waiting nalang po ng status ng visa. nabigyan na po ang schengen visa last year ng french embassy.
Hi Kim. Yep, you just need to submit na lang the docs sa VFS then wait for the results na lang. :)
hello po pag makuha nang family book sa french embassy kailangan po ba mag book appointment or hindi na kailangan ,salamat
Di ko po alam. :(
Hello po, ask ko lang po. I already have my uk visa, tapos mag aapply po ako for schengen visa. Yung itinerary ko po for schengen is 13 days lang. Pero po hiwa hiwalay na month sila. For example, paris aug 6-9, amsterdam september,italy october I will be coming to the uk po. Kaya po im a bit confused for the planned duration of stay. Since, i will be coming to the uk- schengen, uk-schengen. Ano po pwede nyong ma advice pra don? Salamat po sa help!:)
Hi Maw, apply for a multiple entry visa. Then make sure yung schedule mo na yan is reflected sa daily itinerary na isu-submit mo. :)
Hi,
I have multiple entry schengen visa which I used twice during the validity, and is still valid until August 10, 2018. As per visa rule, I need to get out of the schengen state by August 10, 2018. But my current travel plan is to travel by August 15 until August 28, 2018. I know I should apply for a new visa, but would you know if there are any changes in the requirements considering I still have a valid visa? I have been issued 3 schengen visas for three years consecutively.
Hi K. Sorry, I have no idea if there would be changes. :(
Hello po Yoshke, pwede po paadvice kung anong flight or airlines kaya ang tingin nyo po mura, or need pa mag connecting flight sa ibang bansa. We are still on the process of collecting requirements pero gusto napo sana namin malaman kung magkano kaya ang airline ticket para maconsider talga namin na mag punta sa Schengen Countries hehe. Thank you po so much
Hi Mavi. Best to use OTAs/comparison sites to compare prices of plane tickets. :)
Pero usually, pag Athens or Berlin, Scoot. Pag Paris, usually middle eastern airlines like Oman Air/Saudia, sometimes even Qatar. Mura din sa China Eastern/Western kaso madaming stopover and matagal travel time.
Hi do you think I have a chance of getting a visa if i’m unemployed? I was issued a visa last year when i was still a student.
You can ask someone to sponsor you. I’m uneployed for my last schengen visas and they declared it because I have proof of returning to the PH and an affidavit of support.
What proof of return you have submitted? and are you a student?
Medyo malabo if as a tourist.
Hi po,
ask ko lang if mag asawa kami mag apply for schengen visa, regarding online separate po ba gagawin yung sa aming dalwa, need po ba create ng separate accounts? Sa lower left po kasi may nakalagay na create a new application or new group. yun po ba yun?
Thanks,
Anna
Pwede pong group.
Does my sponsor need to pass an official letter for covering my expenses ? Or is the proof of accomodation enough?
Hi! Our (group of 5/family) visa got denied because of itinerary that we made. It was released last May 10, is it okay to reapply immediately? What is the possibility of approval. We agree that the itinerary we made was quite glaring so we planned to have it done via agency on our reapplication.
Yeah, I got curious too. What was the itinerary you submitted? And what were the glaring mistakes?
Hi, was just curious how you did your itinerary. If you followed the same itinerary given above, I think you won’t have any issues.
HI can you recommend where to stay on a budget please? Where is the ideal and recommended place to book an accommodation?
Hi Jo! Last time we were in Paris, we stayed at Au Royale Mad. It’s a budget inn at a great location. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/where-to-stay-cheap-in-europe-hotel-review/#Paris_Au_Royal_Mad
Hi!
Does the French Embassy requires a travel insurance coverage to have extra days allowance beyond your actual travel period?
Thanks!
In my experience, just the actual travel period. Not sure if that has changed. You’ll know when you start the application. If the website says you’ll need coverage for additional days, then add days.
Hi! My target flight to France is on August 4 but can I already work on my visa application as early as mid-June? I still need to get a separate visa for UK, as this is my point of entry and I heard it takes longer than Schengen. Thank you!
Hi Karina, yep, I think okay lang mid-June.
hi,
we have an appointment on june 14,nalimutan namin,we are flying to singapore pala on june 24.
do we need to mention it in our cover letter?na we need our passport back before june 24?
thank you in advance
Hi wanie! did you get your passport before your flight to SG? for how long did they process your visa? thanks in advance!
Hi Wanie, best to call VFS na lang.
I submitted my application today. Initially, I only had the originals of my documents, except for the copy of old and new passports and all visas and stamps. I got worried because the checklist mentioned about “originals and a copy of the following documents:”. So i had to run around this morning and have ALL the documents i submitted duplicated at P5 per page. (And they were a lot!) But they were never asked for.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! :) The 48 hrs processing seems to be true. I think they finished processing mine yesterday. But i got message from VFS that my passport is ready for pick up just today. Went to pick up my passport with the visa. So yay! :D
Can you give tips and list of docs you submitted? Planning to apply this week. Thanks :D
Hi Sarah! Yay! Congrats! Enjoy France!
Hi I just wanted to know if magsponsor kmi Ng family member like my parents how much need money SA bank account?ty
Hi Jelly, we answered that in the FAQs section above.
Sir yosh, ask ko lang po sana sa bank certificate kailangan ba naka aaddress sa embassy ng france?
Ideally. Pero meron kasing mga banks na di talaga ina-address kahit kanino. In that case, oks lang yun.
I’m stumped at Step 4. My account with VFS global is already activated, yet when I log in.. i’m sent to a page outlining services of VFS global except there’s no link to setting/choosing an appointment. This is for online booking of appointment, right?
Hi Victorine, last time we tried it, it went well naman. Baka new glitch. Dito sa direct link ka naglo-login? https://online.vfsglobal.com/GlobalAppointment/Account/RegisteredLogin
HEllo, i’d like to know if we still to need to submit new set of requirements in case we plan to visit paris again? We went there before but as group tour, but now I wish to travel again with my husband to visit Louvre Museum and other museums as well. May I know if you have suggestions for budget hotels we can stay and affordable places to eat too. I also wish to visit Barcelona & Rome, do you have sample itinerary on those places? Thank you very much! :)
Hi Grace, I think same pa rin ‘yung requirements kahit 2nd time na. Need pa rin ng new set of documents.
For our Paris trips, see this: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/09/paris-budget-travel-guide-expenses-sample-itinerary/
Our Rome Travel Guide will be up soon. We haven’t been to Barcelona. :)
Hi, need po ba talaga na yung bank statement cover’s six month? Wala po kasi naka indicate dun sa checklist ng french visa na six months.. Baka 3 months lang siguro maisubmit ko together with the bank statement.. ok lang po ba iyon? madedeny po kaya ang visa ko if less than six months ang bank statement ko? Salamat po…
Hi Allan,
Just recently submitted and 3-months is actually okay –and that is the required number of months by the embassy (according to VFS). VFS would check naman if you’re complete or not before actually accepting your docs.
Hi!
Great guide for the visa application. This will help me so much! I just have a question. Do I need proof of accommodation from their local town hall if I’m staying in an AirBnB?
Thanks a lot!
Hi megan. Hmmmm. I’m not sure. But I think for this purpose, AirBnB falls under hotels na since you’re paying for your stay.
Hi!
That’s what I was thinking too.
Thanks a lot!
Hi, I am traveling to Paris for a trade show, along with my partner, who I will be sponsoring, as he will be helping me in the trade show. Problem is, he doesn’t have an ITR. Do you think this will be a problem, and are there any extra steps I can take para mas sure na ma grant ang visa? Will they also need to check his bank statements or only the sponsor’s bank statements will matter?
Thank you so much for help and taking the time to post very informative blogs.
Hi Bea, yes, they will still check his bank accounts, aside from the sponsor’s.
If walang ITR, you can try submitting other documents to prove rootedness. COE, payslips, land titles, etc.
Thank you! :)
Hi, I had the same problem so I called VFS. Apparently the link that must be used can be found on the France Visas website. From the homepage you have to click on “Submit your application”, then “Whom should I contact”. On that page you can find “Making an appointment and appointment waiting times”. When you click on the + icon, there should be a drop down box where it’s written:
Make an appointment
When you have all the documents required for your application, you can make an appointment on the VFS website.
Click on the hyperlink “VFS website” on that sentence and it will bring you to the correct VFS log-in page.
Hi! Do I still need to get a Schengen Visa if I am holding a US J1 Visa? Thank you so much! :)
Yes, because you’re still a philippine passport holder..
Please how many documents I will need to print online before going to submission centre. I have recap the document but I just stop at book appointment
Hi,
I made an error in the application form and can’t edit it already. Can I create a new one?
MH,
Was in the same case –and luckily, you may edit your PDF using Adobe Acrobat. Otherwise, you may write on the application form naman considering that you counter-sign it as well –according to VFS.
Good evening. I just want to ask, is it possible that I submit an application form that’s not from the Frances-Visas website?
Hi Tonie, you mean, not accomplish the form online? Yes, pwede pa rin yun, pero ung list of requirements ng VFS ung masusunod.
Thank you so much for this guide! Very comprehensive and helpful. :)
Just a question on flight bookings: do I also need to provide flight/transpo reservations of my country-to-country transfer? (eg france to germany to prague to france) Not getting a travel agency for my trip…will DIY.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jem, when i submitted mine, i did not provide an actual country to country transfer. BUT in my day to day itinerary i mentioned that i’m transferring to another city/country. Then, I have a separate table of my possible transfer schedule. i.e. 3 to 5 bus or train schedule which I consider as options for my transfer. but if you are flying, I suggest you book cos the price of flights increase daily. :)
Hi Jem, I’m not sure about this. When I applied via French Embassy, I stayed only in France so I never had to submit transfers. But you may join our support group and post this question there. I’m sure some of our members have a more definitive answer based on experience.
here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/
Got it. Thanks, Yoshke!
Hello Jem,
You actually need a country-to-country transfer –otherwise, embassy might call you to submit some pa rin.
Try mo EasyJet or Transavia. Mura lang flights nila (around 3k to 6k one way)
Hello po… I just want to ask, i will apply for a schengen visa in the Embassy of France this month. This will be my 3rd time to apply. But my old schengen visas are in my old passport. i will provide a copies of my old passport and visas. My question is do i need to submit my original OLD passport??? Thank you.
Hu Mykel. I don’t remember, huhu. But I suggest dalhin mo na lang din. If hindi kailangan and gamitin lang nila to check the photocopies, ibabalik yan sayo ng VFS on the spot. Best if dalhin mo pa rin.
hi the poor traveller do i need an allowance day covered for travel insurance at french embassy? thank you.
Hi Mikel, in my experience, no need. I’m not sure if that has changed. But if you accomplish the form online, it will be indicated towards the end so you’ll know.
hello, question lang :) regarding sa absence of letter… do i have to include the holiday ? kasi holiday yung alis ko this xmas season, ex: dec. 15-31 ang trip ko, but alis ko is dec. 15 ( saturday ) then holiday ang dec. 31, dapat as is yung sa leave of absence ko ? dec. 31 ang arrival ko sa pinas, yun din lagay ko sa leave of absence? kahit natapat na holiday , yun pa rin ilalagay ko sa leave of absence? salamat :)
Hi Xtn, di ko alam ang format ng leave of absence letter/form ng company nyo, pero if ikaw lang ang gagawa tapos papapirmahan, pwede mo namang iexplain na yun dun sa same file.
If meron kayong standard leave approval (yung dati kong company meron na piniprint lang from online after ma-approve) and walang way dun to explain, i-explain mo na lang sa cover letter na approved yung specific dates na yun and then the rest ay holidays.
thanks :)
Hello Mr. Yoshke, tanong ko lang po kung ok lang na walang proof of train ticket from France to UK, pero meron na naman pong plane ticket pauwi mula UK. Ayoko pa kasing bumili ng train ticket eh. Yung itinerary ko po pala is starting from Amsterdam, Brussels, Nice, Marseille, Paris, then London. Thanks in advance po :)
Hi Rocha, if you accomplish the form online, after submitting the form, you will be given a list of requirements. If you print out that list when you apply sa VFS, yun ang list na masusunod. Wala sa list usually ang train tickets/transfers. Pero check mo dun sa list.
If you fail to print and bring that list, you will be given the OLD list and yun ang mag-aapply. Sa old list na yun, andun ang train tickets, so doon, kailangan talaga.
However, it is always better to provide as many supporting docs as you can. So if kaya mo naman magreserve ng train transfers, whether or not nasa list sya, isama mo na.
Salamat po sa payo Mr. Yoshke. Yung ginawa ko na lang po ay bumili ako ng fully refundable plane ticket kasi ang mahal nung fully refundable option ng Eurostar, di po keri ng credit card limit
Anyway nag submit po ako ng requirements kanina, tas pina photocopy pa sakin yung bio page ng current passport at lahat ng expired at valid visas na meron ako. Kaya people wag niyo po akong gayahin at magdala na kayo ng kopya ng mga bio pages at visas niyo huhu ang mahal pa naman ng xerox sa VFS
Hi Rocha, good luck sa application! Yes, kelangan iphotocopy lahat ng pages na may stamp and visa and bio page. :)
Hi. I will be travelling to 5 cities inc paris. Paris is our port of entry and exit so i will be applying via the french embassy. Just want to ask about the online appli form in the accommodation part. So i need to enter all our 5 hotels or just the paris hotel.? Thanks!
I got denied and I had a similar problem. I was coming from London but planned to visit Paris-Brugges-Amsterdam. I disclosed that in the IT printed but only printed hotel reservation for Paris. Dapat you print for ALL cities pala. Also it would have helped if I printed my tickets to and from Paris coming from London.
I just got the decision now and I’m so sad about it…
oh. sorry to hear that char. :-(
we have reservations for all 5 hotels. so we will be submitting all of them. we also purchased all our plane and train tickets for our inter-schengen travels too. hoping there won’t be any problem.
thanks for your reply yoshke. btw, i posted the same question just a few mins ago bec i thought my first query was not posted. you can just delete it…
will follow your advice to just indicate our paris hotel since i cant fit all 5 hotels in the space provided. will just put a note that the other hotels are indicated in the attached itinerary and of course include our hotel booking confirmations for all 5 hotels.
p.s. like you, i was also asked to report to the embassy after our trip. :-P i do hope that they are already convinced that i do not plan to be an illegal immigrant in europe. :-P
Yay! Good luck, Kristine! Sana maapprove! Balitaan mo kami after :P
thanks! i remember last year, when our visas arrived, i was the only one in our group who had a note/small paper attached directing me to report to the French embassy after our trip…. I think because I was the only one who does not have a US visa… They had issued me a schengen visa last year so I hope it will be easier for me to get another one this year. :-P balitaan ko kayo dito! thanks uli
Hi Kristine, I don’t remember if the form will allow you to enter multiple hotels. If so, then go ahead. But if I remember correctly, what I did was, I just entered my hotel in Paris sa form and then all the other hotels (with addresses and contact numbers), I indicated in the daily itinerary.
Hi everyone,
I just got my visa denied and received the decision today. I did my own DIY IT but I would be coming from london since I got my UK visa na. I indicated pther schengen countries but did not include transfers or hotel reservations in the non-France area. Apparently its enough reason for not justifiable reason for travel. To be fair I was still finalizing my bookings and did not use a travel agency.
I hope this helps others who are in a similar situation
Hi Char. Sorry to hear about the visa denial. By the way, when did you exactly apply? Is it within that week of August 7?
I just thought of asking around to see if I have a similar case. I applied on Aug 6 but haven’t received any notification yet to get my passport. It’s been 10 business days now. Nakakakaba =/
Hi Char, yes po. Lahat ng hotel kung saan ka magse-stay kasama sa isusubmit, hindi yung sa France lang. When we visited 10 countries, we had to submit hotel reservation for all 10 countries.
Thanks for sharing this, we’ll highlight this and include in FAQs.
Pero question, VFS accepted your application even without yung hotel reservation sa other countries? That’s weird. They should have told you nung chineck yung docs.
Hi there. I applied the visa on Aug 6 via VFS French embassy. It’s been 10 business days now and I haven’t received any response from the embassy/VFS. Anyone here with a similar experience? (who applied on the same date/week)
I thought it’s faster now, so I find it a bit strange. I’m starting the get worried because my intended travel date is 2 weeks from now. VFS only messaged me on Aug 6, telling my application was dispatched to French embassy for processing. Anyway, I hope for the best.
Hi there! Sorry for the late reply. Just want to share the experiences.
I was granted with Schengen multiple entry visa and I got it on Aug 23, which took 13 business days (I applied on Aug 6). It really takes time talaga, though of course I’m glad the embassy granted me.
Then the embassy required me to go to them upon return from Europe. I went to the same building where I applied (at Ecoplaza Bldg). They didn’t ask me anything; they just looked at the stamps (departure and arrival) on my passport.
Have you heard from VFS na?
Hi Mellissa! We submitted all docs at VFS last August 22 and we received a text that it’s been dispatched on the same day. I’m anxious as we have not heard anything yet — and there’s news going around that it just takes 48 hours. Well, technically, it was a holiday yesterday, so basically, it’s just been two full business days (TH and FR), but I really and scared. LOL! Did you get yours na?
Hi! I applied last August 8 and got my visa only today (12 business days). It’s my fault though, I did to include my ITR thinking that it is not needed. I had to email it to them. Hope you already got your visa.
Any news sa application mo?
Hello, I would just like to ask if it’s okay to submit a digital copy of the invitation letter and the rest of the documents from the sponsor or does it have to be the original copy?
Thank you in advance.
Bakit hindi mo na lang isubmit ang original? Not sure if okay ang digital copy pero syempre mas maganda kung yung original para walang duda yung mag-aassess. Kung kaya naman na original ang isubmit, yun na lang kesa mag-risk pa.
Not sure kasi how long will it take from France to Philippines yung papers. Sponsor ko is from France pa po kasi. And wala sila dito, nasa France sila. Pano po yun? Please help!
Thank you so much!
hi po pde po ba ako nlng mag aaply online application visa for my mom? pang 5th visa na nya po ito kun sakali … noon ksi wula pa application online , since senior na si mother , mas madali ako nlng ggawa for her, pti un appointment nya, para submission nlng sya s embassy? thank you po
Ang alam ko, pwede, pero mas maganda kung kasabay mo mag-fill out ng form ung mom mo para alam nya rin ang details ng trip.
Hello, I’ve made an appointment already to VFS. However, I haven’t created a France – Visa for an online application. Is that ok?
Hi Elise, no idea. You can post your question to our support group. Baka alam ng ibang members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/
Hi po! Where can we purchase a ticket from Bruges to Paris? Tama po bang we also need to present train tickets? We availed a tour there pero hanggang Bruges lang so we need to transfer pabalik ng Paris pauwi ng Pinas. Thanks!
Hi MLC, di ko alam where to purchase bruges to Paris na ticket. For your other question, see FAQ #8 above.
Hi! Just to clarify. Here is my route : France -> Italy -> Germany -> Netherlands -> France.
I can select single entry, right?
Thanks!
Yep, single entry.
Thank you! Where did you buy the train tickets pala? Is there an online reservation po ba?
hello everyone! as promised i will share my schengen visa application experience here. it was my second time to apply this year. last year i was granted a 30-day multiple entry visa but with a requirement to report to the embassy after my trip.
we will be flying from manila to paris. upon arrival we will fly to stockholm (but not a connecting flight) and stay there 3 nights. then copenhagen for 2 nights and reykjavik for 3 nights. 2 nights in amsterdam afterwards then 3 nights in paris before we head back to manila.
since our port of entry and exit is france and staying there for 3 nights (equal to stockholm and reykjavik), i was very sure i can apply with the french embassy. consequently, i booked an appointment on aug 24 at the france visa application center of vfs.
on aug 24, the vfs person, upon checking my application (including hotel bookings, transfer tickets), told me that i should apply with the swedish embassy. i told her that our port of entry/exit is france and pantay naman ang nights ng france and sweden so dapat lamang ang france kasi additional na yung port of entry and exit. she however insisted na sweden talaga kasi first night ko daw sa stockholm na so lamang daw ang sweden. it seemed futile to argue so i just followed her advice to amend our itinerary to add one additional night sa paris. kaya i had to book an appointment again kasi kelangan mag amend ng train and hotel bookings (buti na lang cancellable). i really wanted to apply sa france kasi nabigyan na nila ako last year so mas malak ang chance na bigyan nila ako. so i went back aug 30 with an amended itinerary (only for visa application purposes) and thankfully it was accepted.
morning of sep 10, i received a text from vfs that my passport was couriered. and yesterday, sep 11 i received my passport with my visa! it still a 30-day multiple entry but this time there is no more requirement for me to report to the embassy after my trip! yey!!!
it was still a hassle for me though to go to vfs twice so the moral of the story is to double check your itinerary and make sure that there will be no doubts as to which embassy you will submit your application. :-)
Hi Kristine! May I know where you reported when you returned the first time you got your visa? Was it at the VFS office in Eco Plaza, Makati or at the French embassy? I am also required to report on my day of return for my 2 weeks France-Italy trip this October.
Thanks for sharing, Kristine! It’s very insightful and helpful. :)
Sino po nakakaalam dito,hello po tanong kulang kon kukuha nang family book sa french embassy kailangan paba magpa book nang appoiment or di na kailangan..?
Hi po, I couldnt find in the information above what size of paper should I use to print the documents? I gonna submit my requirements on Monday na and I have all the docs on legal paper. Are these good? Or is there any required paper size? Thanks a lof for a prompt response.
Hi Ana, walang nakaindicate sa kahit saan (at least wala akong nakikita), but the European standard paper size is A4, so A4 ang gamit ko pag nagsusubmit ako. Di naman nagkakaproblem. Not sure about legal size though.
i ended up filing on the 9/17 before 12 noon. All the paperwork was submitted to VFS and i was told everything is good. I however am supposed to attend a wedding in paris on 5th to which i planned and finalized real late, else i would’ve applied earlier. I am us green card holder. My flight leaves on 3rd October and today is 27th and still no update. Any idea what to do or expect granted there turnaround time is 2 weeks. I want to pack and or cancel my flight and accommodations in case it gets rejected and apologize to the bride and groom also. Can anyone advise on the timeline or give em any hope
Hi Shah, it’s only been 10 days. I would say it’s still normal. But if you’re really nervous about it, best to call the embassy to check. I have a friend who applied and had to be in Europe on a specific date for a conference and ganyan din, no update. She called and she was told she needed to submit additional requirements, which she wouldn’t have known if she didn’t call.
good day may i ask regarding on visa application? if a couple apply for the visa, the wife sponsors the husband, will they need to get 2 original bank statement or 1 original and the other one just photocopy? hoping for your respones thank you…
Hi! I’m not sure but I think you need 2 original copies, one for each of you.
Hi! I’m planning to visit France for 1 week February next year and I’m preparing my requirements now. Currently, I’m a student so my mom will shoulder my expenses for the trip and also, I have a friend in France who volunteered to shoulder my accommodation expense. Do I need two sponsorship letters for that (from my mom and my friend in France)? Also, is it a plus point if have traveled abroad before and I have a 10-year Multiple Entry US visa? Hoping for your immediate response! Thank you!
Hi Helen, past travels are always a plus (but not a guarantee).
Regarding sponsorship letters, you can do that, but make sure to explain it in a cover letter just so it’s clear. My personal take on it, though, is that having 2 sponsors complicates things.
Hi! My family and I are planning to go to Europe on December 19, we haven’t applied visa yet, we are preparing our requirements though… we booked thru viator.. and they usually give 2 options for the hotel, they will give the definite bookings 24 hours before the group tour.. how will we indicate our accommodation for the detailed itinerary? wen po dapat kami mag-apply for the visa? thanks in advance!
Hi Len, I’m not familiar with how Viator works so I have no idea. What I usually do is just book accommodations with free cancellation with other websites or ask a travel agency for reservations that I could cancel in case the application is denied.
Thanks a lot! I am having a problem in booking an appointment. Please help.. thanks again in advance!
Hi! Thank you for all the help you provide thru this blog.
My husband and I and my son are planning to travel to France. We’ve already finished our online applic.
Would you know if it’s possible to schedule just one appointment for the 3 of us so we can all go together on the same day?
Thank you for whatever assistance you can give.
Yes Tine! Upon booking your appointment.. after the first applicant.. click add applicant tab (below the reference number)… maximum 5 applicants for group appointment
Hi Tine, I think it’s possible but I don’t know for sure or how because I haven’t tried applying as part of a group. :(
Hi! Pano if I’m going to stay in France for the whole trip pero mag pupunta kami ng Belgium for a day, to visit some people but we won’t stay there overnight. Do I still need to include that in my itinerary?
Yep, in theory, you need to still include that in your itinerary. :)
Hi I just applied for a Schengen Visa. However, nakalimutan kong ilagay sa documents ko yung isang flight itenerary ko within the schengen area, pero napasa ko lahat ng reserved accommodation dun sa area na yun. Do you think it will be a huge factor in the decision? :( May nakaexperience po da dito ng same circumstance? Thank you!
Hi Mac, did you accomplish the form online? If so, oks lang yun, no problem kahit di mo nasama ung flight within Schengen zone.
Hi Yoshke Dimen , if Im going to France then tour for a day in Brussels and back to France, do I need to file for a multiple entry visa or single entry. Thanks
No. Single lang.
Hello again, The Poor Travelers :)
I submitted my requirements already sa VFS and I am now waiting for the results. Just a quick question lang po sana. My work is homebased po and the ITR na I submitted ay yung bigay sa kin ng previous company ko upon resignation. Okay lang po yun dba?
And also, I didn’t provide leave of absence po since I don’t necessarily have to file a leave naman kasi flexible naman po ang oras ko sa homebased job ko po. But I asked for a COE na nakadetailed dun na I’m a virtual staff. Okay lang po ba yun?
Medyu kinakabahan po kasi ako dito na part. Thank you so much in advance
Hi Jane, Yung ITR mo from previous company, for 2017? If so, did you submit a letter to explain this? Okie lang naman if na-explain mo and well-supported itong virtual job mo. :D
Thank you for the reply po.
Yes po it was for year 2017 pa po. And yung virtual job ko po ngayon ay parang freelance po kasi so di ako nagbabayad ng tax. Sad to say I didn’t explain it po. Will that cause for a denial po ba? Kinakabahan na talaga po ako just for that part lang po talaga. I submitted naman other proof of rootedness like to prove I have a car naman po dito sa Pinas. Will that suffice na po ba?
Thank you po in advance.
Yep, okay lang yung 2017 kasi wala pa naman talagang 2018 ITR. Next year pa ang release nun. Pero at this point, there’s no point in worrying kasi nasubmit mo na, so there’s nothing you can do but wait. :)
By the way, you still have to pay taxes kahit freelance. It’s best na magbayad ng taxes para may ITR ka next year and hindi ka mahirapan sa visa applications. :)
Hi Yoshke, finally, nakakuha na po ako ng appointment sa VFS Global sa November 26, 2018 (applying in French Embassy).
Nag print po ako ng required documents sa website nila miso at medyo naguguluhan po ako doon sa isang required document na:
“Katibayan ng travel agency na nagbibigay impormasyon sa detalye ng byahe, mga gagamiting uri ng transportasyon sa teritoryo ng Schengen, at mga planadong tutuluyan”
Bale po kasi, wala po akong travel agaency kasi “Do it myself” ang plano ko kaya wala po akong tour package na kinuha from any travel agency. Anung documents po kaya ang pwede ko isubmit? Is it possible to skip this requirement? Would it suffice if I submit just the Daily Itinerary for this?
I’m also thinking maybe I should submit the Round trip airline reservation from a travel agency and Hotel Reservation BUT I realized they are also required on the list of documents.
Senysa na medyo mahaba hehehe. as much as possible kasi I dont want to miss a thing..
Thanks po Godbless:))
Hi Allan. In our case, we just submitted a detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, and flight reservations. :)
Thanks po:)) Godbless
Good Day po Sir Yoshke, Hello po, hinge lang po sana ako inyo ng advice :( Pupunta po sana ako sa Paris on December 9, 2018. Paris lang po ang pupuntahan ko at 8 days lang po ang itatagal ko doon at babalik na po ako sa Pinas.
Ang Bank Certificate ko po is 149K lang at yun na po ang isusubmit ko together with the 3 month bank statement ko sa VFS.
My bank statement has steady cash flow for the past three months kasi doon po pumapasok ang allowance at salary ko.
Nag aalala lang po kasi ako baka hindi enough yung 149K at makulangan ang french embassy. May hawak naman akong pera na 50K pero ayoko i-deposit sa bank kasi as per advice in forums on the internet, sudden huge amount deposit would raise a red flag.
Hindi ko narin po maantay na ma credit yung salary at 14th month pay ko sa November 30 kasi kailangan ko na po mag apply ng visa next week baka kasi matagal ang approval at hindi umabot sa December 9. Im worried.
Meron din po ako isusubmit na round trip manila-paris reservation with a price of 35K.
And 8-night Hostel reservation worth 10K. (yes 10k+ lang talaga for 8 nights via Booking.com)
So, 45K lahat plus 960 euro (120 euros x 8 days). with the current exchange rate.. the estimated total cost would be: P 103,000.00
Sabi kasi ng iba if ang estimated cost mo eh 100K you should have 200K in bank at least.. totoo po kaya ito? kaya ako nag aalala.
Additional Douments to be submitted are:
(These are the documets that I know will help me.)
1. Certificate of Employment and Compensation, indicating my annual salary amounting to 450K. inclusive of the basic pay, bonus and allowances. It also indicated that I am a permanent employee and working in the company for 3 years.
2. Approved Vacation Leave, and signed letter of company President allowing me to travel to Paris, France, December 9-17, 2018
3. Income Tax Return (2017)
4. Passport with 2 Japan Visa and Landing stams in Japan and Macau and Philippines.
Anu po kaya sa tingin nyo sir Yoshke. huhuhu Do I stand a chance to have that very elusive visa?
Or do I need to deposit the 50K instead..
Thanks po sir Yoshke and more power po.. I hope na marami pa po kayu matulungan..
Hi Damian, naku, mukhang mahirap nga and complicated yung situation. Try ko ianswer lahat ng questions mo.
“Sabi kasi ng iba if ang estimated cost mo eh 100K you should have 200K in bank at least.. totoo po kaya ito?”
—- Wala kasi nakakaalam kung paano nila jinu-judge yung finances but feeling ko, yeah, if 100K yung total expenses, ang reasonable na fund ay at least 200K. Kasi mahirap maconvince ang embassy na okay lang na after the trip, konting-konti na lang yung matitira. Feeling ko lang yun, though.
“do I need to deposit the 50K instead?”
—– Naku, ang hirap. Hindi ko rin alam gagawin if I were in your position. Ang sure ako, don’t deposit it all at once. Super suspicious nun. If you decide to deposit that, konti-konti lang, wag all at once.
“Do I stand a chance to have that very elusive visa?”
—– Based sa mga posts sa Support Group namin, super strict ng French Embassy ngayon. You forgot to mention the most important factor when applying for Schengen: What’s the purpose of your trip? Tour lang or visiting someone? Do you know anyone in France or Europe?
Thanks for the reply sir.. Mabuhay po kayo. As tourist lang po ang purpose ko Eto po mga naiisip ko:
1. Deposit ako mga 15k or more…(praying they will not be suspicious with that amount) then bawasan ko ng 2 days yung itinerary ko resulting to 6 days nalang sya para bumaba ng 240 euros yung monetary requirement..
Or
2. Magdeposit ako ng amount equivalent to my christmas bonus. Tapos i explain ko nalang sa cover letter na receive ko na yung chirstmas bonus ko? More or less 40k din yun. The said amount is indicated naman sa certificate of employment and compensation na isusubmit ko po.
Salamat po… sa advice.
Sir nakapag apply na po ba kayo? kamusta po yung application niyo?
Feeling ko, either could work, pero mas nagli-lean ako sa unang option. oyyy ako lang ‘to ha. Ito ay pawang opinyon lamang. Mayroon tayong free will, gamitin natin ito. #ZenaidaZevaRealness haha :)
Hi again Yoshke, I tried contacting Gazelle for flight reservation through their facebook page.. Pero di sila nag reply. Do they still process flight reservation? Aside from Gazelle.. meron pa po ba kayo marerecommend na travel agency?
Tried googling but im afraid a lot of website are fake.
visareservation.com looks legit but im sure..
Thanks and Gobless:))
Hi Allen, have you tried filling out the form here? https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/
AFter you fill it out, Gazelle will be emailing you when they receive your request.
Yes po pero wala pa po ako natangal na email from them
Hi Allan, I talked to them and they said they have replied to everyone na nag-inquire na. Have you checked your Spam/Junk folder?
Nakita ko na po yung email nila. Nasa SPAM folder.
May ilan lang po ako ulit tanong.
Yung picture po ba ididikit na sa application form?
At ok lang po ba na naka stapler po yung mga requirements para mas organized?
Thanks po sir and Godbless
Hi Allan! Di ko na matandaan if idinikit ko ung pic sa application form. hahahuhu sorry. Halu-halo na rin kasi sa isip ko ung mga visa applications. If may designated space naman sa application form, idikit mo na lang.
Ang alam ko, you shouldn’t staple.
Hello The Poor Traveler :)
Ask ko lang po sana how long will it take po sa pag process ng Schengen Visa sa French Embassy? May changes po ba sa length of days ng processing nila? Dati kasi I applied and I got the result a week after. This time po, it’s been 3 weeks na po and wala man lang po akong update na natatanggap coming from them. I submitted my application last October 22, 2018 po and til now, wala pa rin po akong update. Normal lang po ba ito?
Nagcheck din ako ng status ng application ko, sabi lang dun still on the process sa Embassy daw. Pede po ba silang tawagan sa Embassy?
Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Felix, mukhang mas matagal ngayon and mukhang stricter din sila. May iba rin kaming readers na halos one month na, wala pa ring result.
Ang alam ko pede naman silang tawagan kasi ung friend ko tumawag, pero same lang din yung reply nila, “processing na.”
HI, thank you for the response.
Do you think I’d be able to make it on my desired date which is on Dec 15? I thought 3 months prior to the desired date would be ideal. Though in my case, I applied 2 months prior. When they say processing, would that mean they looked already the papers I submitted to them?
Hi Felix, siguro, pero pwede ring canned response nila yun. Either natambakan lang sila ng applications or may mga vineverify sila sa application mo. It’s really hard to tell.
Hello.
I tried to contact their embassy hotline pero busy talaga yung line. Every hour ako tumatawag pero busy talaga. Kung nasa Manila lang ako, pupuntahan ko talaga sana kaso Cebu based kasi ako so mas mahirap sya. I’m worried lang kasi I have a flight going to Hongkong this first week of December. May cases na ba na di talaga sila nakapaglabas ng result even due date na ng departure sa itinerary?
Felix, by the way, member ka ba ng Support Group namin. May nagpost din lately na similar ng case mo. Baka meron silang makuhang info na makakatulong. Join ka here tapos search mo French visa: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/
Hi Felix, meron, yung friend ko na dapat aattend ng conference. On departure date nya wala pa rin ung result. Na-release 2 days after departure date so nagbook sya ulit ng ticket tapos I think Day 2 na ng conference sya nakahabol.
HI! Just wanna share our experience… We inquire sa agency to avail their services to help us in processing our visa, the agent advised us to process it on our own and we’re advised to booked an appointment ASAP (we still need to wait after my bro’s family vacation)… Since we are family of 7 (5 adults + 2 kids), so medyo madugo… ubusan ng A4 (1 1/2 reams), cartridge and patience!
We went to VFS last thurs (nov. 8) before 1 pm… we opted to pick up our docs, so we just paid extra 110/pax for “text/e-mail services” (to keep us updated). By 3:32 pm I got a message that our docs have been dispatched to France Embassy…
This morning (Nov. 12) 8:10 am i got a message that our docs are ready for collection. I updated my family… We were all anxious since we already purchased our return tickets and paid for our hotel accommodations.. my bro and SIL went to VFS this afternoon and got our passports with visa (we applied for single entry but we were granted multiple!).
Weird, I haven’t received a text message or email that my docs were already submitted to French Embassy though I have opted to avail the service too.
I think it’s possible to call VFS and check the status of your visa application. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing, Len! And congrats!!! Enjoy France!!! :D
Thanks Yoshke! Hoping that our upcoming family trip will be okay.. a lot of scary stories been hearing during their trip in Europe.
Just be aware and cautious lang. We have an article about Paris scams.
You might want to read this so you know what to watch out for: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/10/paris-gold-ring-scam-string-bracelet-men-tourists/
Just sharing my experience on processing my Schengen Visa – France, it’s true that it only took around 48 hours for the decision to be out!
Timeline:
Nov 9, 2018 – Did online application, same day I scheduled for an appointment.
Nov 12, 2018 – Day of appointment and submission of documents
Nov 15, 2018 – Received a text message/email my passport is ready for pickup in VFS Office.
I did the application all by myself, no travel agent. Finished the online application Nov 9, 2018. I booked right after my appointment for Nov 12, 2018. Day come for the submission of documents and application, took me around 45 mins from waiting in the queue to payment and biometrics(last step).
Thing to remember:
– Don’t forget to book(reservations would do) all hotels, flights, train tickets to ALL countries you’ll be visiting and is included on your itinerary and PRINT IT. I almost forgot my Manila-London-Manila plane ticket, good thing the officer told me to print it and should be included on the submitted documents.
– Don’t forget your receipt if you opt to claim your visa in VFS Center.
– Bring around P5,500 for all fees (P3600 Schengen Visa Fee + around 1600 VFS Service Fee)
– Photocopy all existing Visas and bio page from your passport (1 visa per paper)
– Either way if you forgot to bring these there are Photocopying, printing and photo booth services there. Just prepare for P20/page of printing (quite expensive).
I only got 30 days Multiple entries w/ 15 days duration(was aiming for at least 90 days) but a granted visa is still a granted visa!hehe hope I can score more days for my next application!
Yayyy! Thanks for sharing, Vince! These are really helpful tips! :)
Hello, I read you blog before I applied for a Schengen visa.
At first, I was kind of unsure if I could make it.
I had previous visas from Taiwan (when it wasn’t visa free yet), and South Korea but I got help from some people from a travel agency.
This time, I wanted to do it by myself.
I booked my roundtrip flight (purchased it in advance around 30k MNL-CDG-MNL via TPE,) and I purchased inter-country flights as well (there was no option for a flight reservation with the airline I booked). I know that purchasing flights before getting a visa is really risky, but I took the risk.
Regarding the accommodation, I booked through Agoda and chose “book now, pay later” with free cancellation.
I gathered every document needed a week before I made an appointment with VFS.
On the day of my appointment (November 19), I felt uneasy because I wasn’t sure if I did everything correctly. After handing in my documents, paying the fee and taking my biometrics, I still felt uneasy but a little relieved. On November 21, I received a text message from VFS that my passport has been couriered on November 20. Then, I received my passport on November 22.
I received my passport with the visa I was waiting for. I’m so happy! I only asked for 9 days single entry but they gave me 30 days multiple entry with a duration of 15 days.
Thank you so much for the thorough guide! It was really REALLY helpful. :)
Yayyyy! COngrats, Nica! :D
If you’re staying in Paris, here’s our travel guide: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/09/paris-budget-travel-guide-expenses-sample-itinerary/
hello po. i would like to travel to Europe on April. what if this month ako mgset ng appointment sa embassy for January. anong month po yong isubmit ko na bank certificate and bank statements? thanks po
Hi Tin, best to get the bank documents pag nakakuha ka na ng appointment para sure na fresh ung docs mo.
mandatory po ba talaga ang leave of absence? in our office kasi, hindi pa po pwd mgapply kung malayo pa. im planning to visit Paris on April pa.
Having approved leave of absence will definitely help your application. Baka kaya mo namang pakiusapan yung HR nyo.
Magandang araw, Sir Yoshke. I am very thankful for all the information you shared on this blog. I already received my Schengen Visa. Sa wakas makakapunta na ako sa Paris, France..
Meron lang po akong concern. Pagdating ko po sa Paris, anu po ba usually ang hinahanap sa immigration doon, bago ka nila papasukin? I heard kasi na having a visa does not guarantee na makakapasok ka na sa Europe. Would the immigration officer ask for accommodation?
During the visa application, I mentioned that I will be staying at Hotel in the Schengen Area and submitted a hotel reservation. And now that I was granted a visa, my plan was changed.
During my 8 days trip in Europe (5 days Paris, 3 days Italy) for Paris, I will be staying at Hotel (paid already). But in Italy I will be staying in my relative’s place, so I have no Hotel Booking to show in Italy just in case the Immigration Officer ask for it. I only have Hotel bookings in Paris. Ok lang po ba ito?
When I arrive in Paris, the only things that I can show to the Immigration Officer would be:
1. Passport
2. 1,500 euro pocket money
3. Credit Card
4. Paid Hotel Accommodation in Paris
5. Itinerary (Paris and Italy)
6. Round Trip Airline Ticket (Manila-Paris)
7. Roundtrip Airline Ticket (Paris-Florence, Italy)
Would this be okay? or I should book a Hotel accommodation in Italy? (Sayang lang kasi hindi ko naman sya gagamitin)
Thanks po and Godbless:))
Hi Allan, normally and in my experience, what you currently have is enough. Di lang masabi minsan baka hingin nga rin yung accommodations sa Italy. But if concerned ka about it, either get a letter from your relative or book a hotel na kaya mong i-cancel. May mga booking websites na you can reserve a hotel room with free cancellation. :)
Salamat po sir. Sana makahanap po ako ng accommodation sa Italy that I can cancel after I show up to the Immigration Officer
Hi Sir! In my application, I ticked the single-entry visa and is unable to edit it now. However, I selected France and Italy as the countries I will be travelling to in the same form, cover letter and itinerary. Would that be okay? Will there be a chance that they will still grant us Multiple Entries so we can travel to other Schengen countries on the same duration?
Hi Faye, if you’re visiting France and Italy, single-entry pa rin yun kasi pareho silang nasa Schengen Zone. :)
Thanks! I submitted the application last November 29 and just now I received an SMS that “Processed Visa Application is now ready for pickup.” Does it mean it’s approved? I cannot get it yet kasi today so I am quite nervous about the results.
No. It just means your passport is ready for pickup. It may or may not have a visa.
Hi Yoshke Dimen,
I am an avid reader of your blogs. Reference ko blog nyo sa lahat ng travels ko. We just got home from Japan and now planning for our next trip hopefully in Paris and Rome. Just few questions;
1. We plan to go to Europe (France and Italy) on June or August 2019, can we apply visa as early as February 2019?
2. Saan mas ok magprocess ng visa French Embassy or Italy? We will be staying 3 days equally in both countries.
3. I will be travelling with my husband, individual ba ang application or family?
4. Say we have about 500-600k sa aming joint account, malaki ba chance na ma-approve? We have been to Australia, Dubai, Japan and almost all in Southeast Asian countries.
Thanks and Regards,
Mei
Hi Mei, thanks for using our blog!
1. Ideally 3 months. But lately, andaming nag-aapply na sobrang tagal ng pag-process. Di ko alam if may limit ang French Embassy. Yung ibang embassies kasi, di nila tatanggapin if masyadong maaga or more than 3 months from date of application pa yung trip. But di ko alam if may ganun ang French Embassy.
2. If equal number of days ang stay mo sa France and Italy, apply ka kung saan yung point of entry mo. So kung 3 days France tapos 3 days Italy, apply ka sa French Embassy.
3. Di ko pa natry mag-apply na part ako ng group sa French Embassy. When I applied, solo traveler lang ako. So di ko alam. :(
4. Parang pwede naman na yan. :)
Question lang po..
We submitted our application last Monday, Dec 10. In the application form ang nalagay kong member state(s) of destination is France only but in our itinerary and hotel bookings Italy, Switzerland and Netherlands is included. Our longest stay and point of entry/exit is in France. Do you think magkaka-problem kami dun or magiging reason for being denied?
Also, its just now that I knew na medyo matagal processing time lately (was expecting 48hrs though VFS told us 5-15days). Now we have a flight next week (Asia only), is there anyway we can check or expedite the process just in case hindi namin makuha this week?
Hi Mons, di ko sure if possible. Pero call VFS na lang and ask if pwede yun or if pwede mo makuha temporarily ung passport. Di ko alam if possible yun pero try to call na lang din.
Sir Yoshke Dimen, I already have an appointment at VFS, based on the Appointment Confirmation I will submit my application at Mezzanine Floor Ecoplaza Bldg., 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Ext.,Makati City,Manila,Makati,Philippines,1231 but base on French Embassy Website, VFS France Global address : 30th Floor, The World Centre, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Where should I submit my application?
Hi Jake, according to members of our FB group, they have recently moved to the World Centre in Gil Puyat. We also updated the post above just now to reflect the change.
Hi po, ask ko Lang pano ma track ang visa application for France schengen visa
go to VFS Global Passport Tracking then select country PHILIPPINES then click GO. Pop-up message will appear and you need to input the reference number and your family name. Reference number is found on the receipt issued to you by VFS (looks like this: FRMN/123456/1234/12) then click “I’m not a robot” and click the squares of item they want you to select , then click NEXT, then the status of your application will appear.
Ay, di ko po alam. :(
Hi Sir,
thank you for this guide. Im slowly trying to accomplish the requirements for my visa application for france. Question, my intended travel dates will be April 16-May1, and iam about to schedule an appointment with Vfs on jan 17. Is it too early?.. I am from iloilo and i need to fly to manila for the submission. Appreciate any help/ reply.
Hi sir, if we have someone sponsoring our trip. Do we submit their bank documents instead of our own? I’m only a college student and don’t have income of my own to show. My cousin who is a French local will be sponsoring my trip. Do I submit her bank statements instead?
Hi Chelle, I can’t say for sure because I haven’t experienced applying as a sponsored visitor and as a student. But I think you will still need to submit some documents to prove your rootedness in PH somehow. I just don’t know what they are exactly.
Hi Audrey, I think that’s fine especially given that they take longer to process visas lately than normal.
Dear Yosh,
Thanks for your interesting blogs. I learned so much from your travel experiences.
I’m holding a Philippine Passport. Living here in Davao del Sur
I’ve been to Europe several times from 2014-2018, with Schengen Tourist Visas issued by these embassies in Manila / Cebu:
2014 – French (single entry – 30days)
2015 – Italian (multiple entries – 90 days, valid for 1 year); used it for 3 times
2018 – Norwegian (single entry – 45 days)
To your knowledge, which EU Embassy will more likely to give Schengen Tourist Visas with MULTIPLE ENTRIES, more days (> 90 days or more) and longer validity with 1, 2 or even 5 years VALIDITY?
Is this even possible, or are you aware of such cases?
In your case as a constant traveler, which Embassy gave you the most?
Thanks for your reply and suggestions.
If Yoshke would allow, let me share experiences of my two pinoy friends who recently applied Schengen visa from Netherlands (here in KSA) in 2 different occasions. They will not travel together infact they dont even know they applied on the same country. Both have 10yrs valid PH passport, both issued 90 days stay Schengen visa valid for 5 yrs multiple entry. Both traveled to Schengen zone multiple times in the past. I would try my luck with Netherlands here too for my next application hoping to get that 5 yrs multiple entry since i already visited Schengen zone 7X in the past 4 yrs.
Thanks for sharing, HunterPM!
Hi Xanjo, 3 pa lang ung napag-applyan namin: German, French and Greek. Yung pinaka-generous sa amin was German Embassy, 60 days, multiple. Pero yung inapply namin kasi is 2 months din talaga. So mukhang pinaka-ok pa ung Italian pag kinompare din sa history mo.
Salamat po Sir
Salamat po Sir.
Hi Sir,
Ask ko lang, since needed ang hotel name sa visa online form, is it necessary that what you put there will be the actual hotel where you will be staying? Or pwede naman mag-reserve ako ng hotel with free cancellation for visa purposes (yun din yung ilalagay ko sa itinerary) then when I get the visa, I can book na yung actual hotel? Do you think there will be a problem if I do that?
Thank you! :)
Hi Rhea, you can reserve a hotel with free cancellation. :)
Yes, I was thinking of that, too. Pero for example I reserved Hotel A and used that in the online form. Then my visa was approved. If I cancelled that one and booked Hotel B instead for the actual stay, do you know if that will pose a problem sa immigration pagdating ng France? Thank you! :)
Hi Rhea, ganun yung ginawa ko when I traveled to Europe. For visa purposes, I booked hotels na may free cancellation. Not necessarily dun talaga ako mag-stay kasi walang free cancellation ung hotels na gusto ko talaga pag-stayan. When the visa was granted, I cancelled my reservation and booked another one. In my experience, twice ko na ginawa, di naman ako nagka-problema tungkol dun.
Hello Sir!
I was 2x denied a Schengen business Visa to France, both due to
“The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.”
Im with a group that will be attending an academic symposium in 4 weeks time. Everything is sponsored: tickets, hotel, everything. All proof supporting these were submitted. Our sponsor used an agency. We are a group to travel. So all supporting docs are the same except of course those individualy provided.
For the said reason for refusal, what might be the reason mine was denied while theirs ( my other colleagues) were approved?
Thank you
Hi Rose, sabay sabay sinubmit? Hmmmm. I have no idea.
If pare-pareho kayo ng docs except dun sa individually provided, most likely yung individually provided docs yung naging problem. Baka it’s a rootedness issue. Minsan kasi ang labo lang din ng reasons na binibigay, lalo pa na ang strict ng French embassy ngayon. Pwedeng ring iba yung nag-assess nung sa’yo.
Hi po Sir Yoshke,
ask lang po ako ng suggestion niyo.
Ang plan po trip po kasi namin is MNL-UK-France-Germany-Italy-Spain-UK.
I’m thinking po na unahin ko muna yung Schengen Visa application ko, then once approved, tsaka ako mag-apply ng UK Visa.
That being said, dapat ko parin po bang iindicate sa Schengen visa application ko na sa UK muna po kami manggagaling before France? Or much better na hindi kasi baka hanapan nila ako ng UK Visa?
I made it look po kasi sa itinerary ko na Schengen countries lang po talaga yung bibisitahin namin sa Europe, iniisip ko kasi, mas less hassle kung ganito gagawin ko.
Any advice po please; Thank you so much..
Better unahin UK visa before schengen kc ung itinerary mo Uk-France-Germany-spain.
Same tyo ng itinerary . Got my UK visa in 8 days
And will be getting French visa this March.
Hi Lei La, for me, if I were in your shoes, mas okay to give them the full picture. Pero I’m not the best person to ask kasi di ko pa naranasan na mag-apply na may UK na kasama sa itinerary.
Hi Sir,
Question lang po. Anung travel date po ba ilalagay sa cover letter if ang booked flight is May 5 to May 22, 2019.
May 22 depart to manila and May 23 is arrival as indicated sa flight reservation.
May 5 to 22 parin po ba?
Thank you!
Hi Diane, yung sinubmit ko dati is yung alis ko ng France ang sinulat ko, hindi yung dating sa Manila. Di ko alam kung tama ba yun haha. Pero wala namang problem.
Nag-worry din ako nun kasi what if madelay or mamove yung flight. But in the end it didn’t matter kasi hindi sakto yung binigay na visa, may palabis na ilang araw din.
Hi Sir Yoshke,
Ask ko lang po yung sa travel insurance. I’ll be staying sa France for 7 days, but the travel agency is requiring me to to buy a 37 (7 + 30) days worth of travel insurance, is this a new policy sa France Embassy.
Thank You po
Hi Rowell, hmmmm, ngayon ko lang narinig yan. You can ask members of our Support Group. Baka may kaka-apply lang recently: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepoortraveler/
Hi Sir Yoshke,
Question lang po regarding sa travel insurance. Mgppurchase ako online. For example po ang arrival ko sa Paris MArch 5 ang ippurchase ko insurance is March 4 w/c is the departure date from Manila? Tama po ba? At same din po ang gagawin ko sa return?
Hi Ja, ang alam ko covered dapat yung date ng alis mo dito sa Pinas and yung date ng pag-land mo ulit dito sa Pinas. :)
Hi Sir!
I have a few questions. The French embassy requested for additional documents (Updated and Full ITR, Proof of Income) Nasa family corporation kasi ako so I am the Corporate Secretary in the corporation. I submitted the ITR and General Information Sheet of our company as proof that I am also a part owner and have also submitted BOTH personal and company bank statements. Question ko now is what do they mean by the Updated and Full ITR? Do i need to submit my personal ITR? Also ung Proof of Income, should I provide a payslip of my own even if the company is profit sharing or that I directly get my salary from the corporation?
Hi Saki.
I applied as self-employed. I submitted my form 1701 cause I was a business owner. You can explain this all in your cover letter….. I guess also, u need to show in the bank statements that you regularly have debit on it and if not, then further explain in the letter. I submitted my business permit and SEC cert of registration and articles of incorporation as part of my application. Hope this helps you.
Hi Saki, unfortunately, I haven’t experienced being asked for updated/full ITR so I’m not sure what exactly they are referring to.
If you have a personal ITR, maybe that can help.
I’m assuming you applied as self-employed. Not sure if this is ideal too, but Australia asks self-employed applicants to also submit the finance sheets (profits and losses) as part of the requirements. Maybe that’s what France wants to see too in addition?
All these are just speculations though because I haven’t personally experienced this.
Hi! We’re applying next week for a visa via French Embassy. We’re applying as a family (7 adults, 2 kids). I have a few questions.
1. Do we need to print separate copies of our hotel reservations or will one copy suffice? Because we’re also submitting business registrations as supporting documents since most of us adults are part of the company.
2. To apply as a group, do we just complete our forms under one online account?
3. I finished my application already and right now it says,
“By checking this box, I certify that :
I made contact with my visa center.
If it’s a center where the appointment is required, an appointment date has been assigned to me.”
What does this mean?
4. Do I have to contact the French Embassy to set an appointment date?
5. If I made a mistake in one of the forms i’ve already submitted (can’t edit anymore), can I delete the said application so I can redo it? Or do I have to delete my account and restart?
6. My dad was last issued a Schengen visa in 2007, and for my mom we can’t remember anymore (threw out her old passport) do we have to declare this? Because we’re not sure if they’re already got their fingerprints back then.
7. Lastly, in printing out the list of requirements, would a screenshot of the list directly from the website acceptable?
Thank you.
Hope this helps!
3. I finished my application already and right now it says,
“By checking this box, I certify that :
I made contact with my visa center.
If it’s a center where the appointment is required, an appointment date has been assigned to me.”
What does this mean?
>> This part of the application only means that you are certain of the answers when u filled out on your form and that you have scheduled an appointment through the VFS scheduling site.
5. If I made a mistake in one of the forms i’ve already submitted (can’t edit anymore), can I delete the said application so I can redo it? Or do I have to delete my account and restart?
>> Had the same problem. I just opened a new application under the same account and did not use the application with the error. I brought the corrected one to the appointment with me.
7. Lastly, in printing out the list of requirements, would a screenshot of the list directly from the website acceptable?
>> I think you can access the list of requirements even when you finish the application. Just log in again and press the button NEXT.
Thank you, Valerie. Just applied last Friday.
Hi Pat.
This early, I’m saying sorry because I don’t have the answers to your questions. I haven’t tried applying for a French Schengen Visa with family or with a group, so I’m not the right person to ask.
But I’m publishing this comment because some of our other readers might help.
(Regarding appointment, there is a link in the post that will lead you to the Appointment page.)
Hi! My family and I just applied for a visa last Thursday and I just wanna add this for those who are traveling with family. If your trip will be sponsored by your parents, make sure to bring an affidavit/letter of support from your sponsor along with their bank records to prove that they are financially capable of supporting your trip. Also, bring a photocopy of their passport for identification purposes. For minors (traveling with parents), have photocopies of your parents’ passports and their bank records. Photocopy everything in color. My aunt who applied a few days prior to us was told that everything must be in color and not black and white. Photocopy everything beforehand because it costs Php 20/page at the VFS Center . Everyone in the group must have their own copies of accommodation bookings, travel reservations, travel insurance, etc. EVEN MINORS. They don’t accept Euros or credit cards when paying for the visa fee so bring cash about 5000/adult, 1600/child. It’s better to provide a signed cover letter to explain your purpose of travel. We didn’t provide any train reservations but we explained it in the cover letter that we were going to book them if our visa gets approved. Make sure you have accommodations for all days. My aunt had to book on the spot because she was missing a day or two. You can book in Agoda and just cancel it for free later on if you’re planning on taking a night train (make sure it says free cancellation). I also encountered a problem in downloading my application form. IDK why but when I called their support hotline I was told that a lot of people were encountering the same problem. They just advised me to repeat all application forms.
Hope this helps. :)
Thanks for sharing this, Pat!
I’m sure this will help some of our readers who are applying with family!
Hi po. I would like to ask if there is a chance to get the most earliest date kahit di na sya available sa VFS appointment calendar? Example the earliest available date for me to book an appointment is March 6 pero i will be going to Malaysia on the 6th. So i plan to schedule it sana on the 5th. May possible way kaya dito like URGENT appointment? Salamat po
Hi Lei, di ko po alam. :(
Hi Yoshke, Thanks for this super detailed guide.
I would just like your advice. My best friend is getting married to her fiance in the Netherlands (he’s a national). They’re inviting to attend the wedding. They sent me a Letter of invitation signed by his Municipality. And they’re providing me accommodation. Intended stay in the letter is April 10-19. my Flight reservation is April 9 (Dept Manila) and April 19 (Dept Amsterdam). And insurance, April 10-19 coverage.
With regard to the requirements, I would be able to provide Employment Contract, Certificate of Leave, Video Call screenshots/conversations, I also have Insurance with VUL investment, and recently I purchased a condo through a Pagibig loan, I’d be able to provide a certificate.
My only concern is the Bank statement/Certificate. I only have 103K on my account. I know my chances are small but I really wanted to attend my best friend’s wedding. Is there anything else you think I could do to increase my chances of getting my Visa approved. My scheduled appointment is on March 12.
Thank you so much.
Hi! I think you have everything that you will need. How about your travel history? How strong is it?
If I were in your shoes though, one thing I would change is the length of the trip, to be safe. I think it’s too long for your purpose and for your funds.
By the way, this post is for applications via the FRENCH Embassy. I haven’t tried applying via the DUTCH Embassy.
Hi! Is it possible to apply for both UK visa and Schengen (France) Visa at the same time? We are from Davao City and it would be better if we can do both to save us from the hassle of going back to Manila for each application. Thank you.
You can apply with UK first then during your appointment, pay extra at VFS (PHP3450) if you want to keep your passport during visa processing. They will request you to submit your passport only when the decision to issue (or deny) your UK visa is made. While waiting for UK visa result, you can then submit your passport at France VFS. France dont have the same value added service like the UK though so they keep your passport the entire period of Schengen visa processing.
Hi Allan, naku I haven’t tried it so di ko alam. :(
Hi Yoshke. I just want to thank you for sharing this guide, I was able to have my application approved using all the tips you provided. When I was at the VFS center, I was a lil embarrassed because my set of documents were almost 1 inch thick while the others had more or less a few pieces of paper, but the VFS counter officer said my documents were beautiful as they were complete. I am based in Cebu and had to fly to Manila for the appointment, all in all it took 3 business days for my passport to be delivered back home with a visa sticker on it :-)
Thanks again for all the tips. I hope other applicants would read this article as it is very comprehensive.
Hi Valerie,
Thanks so much for sharing this. Nakakatuwa yung mga ganitong comments. Happy to help!
Congrats! And enjoy Europe!
Good noon! Maam , sir! Mayroon ba tayong schengen visa appointment? Kailangan ko rin bang kumuha ng schegen visa kahit ang pumuntahan ko lang ang bf ko sa france?
If pupunta ka ng France, you need a Schengen visa.
We’d like to say thanks as this blog was our reference when we had uncertainties while preparing our requirements. Our passport was endorsed to courier 2 days after VFS appointment, received it 1 day after. We have our visas and we’re so happy! :)
Some tips to help others too:
1. If France is not your entry point, make sure you’ll stay there the longest. They will count by nights, not days.
2. Be diligent and prepare ALL documents that you think will help your application. I supplied my valid US visa even though it was not mentioned anywhere. Provide bank records, past Schengen visas, COE, good cover letter, detailed itinerary, etc.
3. If you’re considering trains at night, show your intended itinerary as you won’t have a hotel accommodation. We weren’t able to secure a train reservation but printed out an itinerary & sched from a train line.
4. If you’re in a hurry, queue time is shorter in the morning 7am (1 hour) than in 11am (2hours).
Best of luck!
Hi Mrs. V!
Thanks for sharing these! We’ll add these notes to the blog to help other applicants!
Hello. I would just like to ask if how many set of copies of my documents should I submit for my application of Schengen Visa (France)? Thank you.
1 set only but make it sure that you photocopy the orig birth /marriage certificate, and income tax.
Original + 1 set of color photocopies
Thanks for a very detailed guide on French visa processing. Despite being on numerous trips, applying for visa and waiting for the results are both stressful. In the end however, they really meant to target the 48 hours mark. Received an email and text exactly 2 Days from submitting my application. Got my visa 2:30 this afternoon :)
Wow! Congrats, Nancy! Enjoy France! :)
Applied French visa via VFS
March 18 -8am submitted docs and biometrics
March 18- 4:30pm got text from Vfs that the application is already at French embassy
March 20- 7:45am got text from VFs that visa already for collection.
It’s just less than 48 hours we got our visa multiple for 20 days!
I’m so thankful to this blog coz everyone I’m applying my visa I just looked the guides here from, Australia, canada and French visa.
Ang bilis! Congrats and enjoy Europe! :)
Hi Sir Yoshke!
Sorry for being makulit! I want to ask a few questions. If you notice, sometimes I leave questions here around your blog.
Last week I got denied from Spain embassy (I even appeal but they still rejected me, sabi walang nagbago sa desisyon nila: The reason of refusal are: 1: The information submitted regarding the justification for the puropose and conditions of the intendned stay was not reliable. 2) Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa could not be ascertained.)
I don’t get it, kasi complete requirements ako, I also have invitation letter from my Spanish boyfriend. I added additional reqs like proof na nagmeet kami at we’ve been four years together.
So, nagbabalak akong itry French embassy, 1) is it really true na employment contract pwede na? And wala ng authorized leave of absence?
Thank you so much!
Hi Yoshke – question lamg po. Im working sa corporate world at the same time im also part owner of an hostel business. Do i need to declare both? Or kahit isa lang? If isa lang what should i declare my business or my job in the corporate? Thanks
Hi Frederick,
If I were in your shoes, kung may papers ako both, I would declare both. Sa application form, if 1 lang ang employment na pwede i-enter, maybe idedeclare ko ung as employee. Pero I’ll probably write a cover letter explaining that I’m also a part owner of a hotel and that I’m attaching docs as proof.
The business kasi also supports rootedness. Mas may dahilan ka bumalik. But only kung maayos ung financial status ng business. If di ganun kaganda, wag na lang.
That’s just me, though.
Thank you Yoshke – great help :)
No prob!
Hi Den,
Mas maganda kung may authorized leave of absence.
Pero pero pero, there’s a big chance na kaya ka na-deny sa Spanish Embassy is kasi dadalawin mo ang Spanish boyfriend mo. Schengen Embassies, especially Spain, Italy, and France, and particularly MORE STRICT pagdating sa applicants na may contact sa Europe na hindi immediate family, lalo na kung boyfriend/girlfriend lang. Kahit pa complete ang requirements mo, extra strict sila sa ganyang cases.
France is very strict these days too. So if you’re applying na similar yung requirements mo, chances are, made-deny ka pa rin.
This post might help, especially #3: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/08/visa-denied-reasons/
You can also join our FB Support Group and search past posts about similar cases. You’ll see na most members na denied ay ang reason is to visit someone in Europe.
No need na COE for French embassy ba? Employment contract is accepted.
Yes, I’m planning to apply sa French embassy pero as tourists na, I won’t declare the boyfriend part. I think you are right about the denial. Ang hirap pala. Sana hindi ko na dineclare. I don’t have too much funds but they accepted it.
Sorry talaga ang dami kong tanong.
Hello!
I just wanted to ask how they include counting of the sleeper train when determining where to apply for a Schengen visa? You see, I already booked my appointment but then I got worried because of technicalities of the sleeper train.
My itinerary would be:
For Example:
May 1 – 4 Vienna
May 4-6 Budapest
May 6-7 Sleeper Train going to Zurich via Austria
May7-8 Zurich
May 8-12 Paris
Is it alright if I lodge my application to the French embassy and not the Austrian embassy? I am really confuse as to the counting. Thank you so much
French Embassy still because you’ll be spending the most nights there.
On May 6 – Sleeper Train from Budapest to Zurich but I think it will pass Austria along the way.
Hi! I have arranged a booking through an online agent but have not “reserved” the ticket but I have the flight details. Will that suffice? Travel insurance included in their quotation also.
Hi zashikibutah, what do you mean you have arranged a booking but have not reserved? What will you present?
HI, I have a question, what if I was denied in French embassy 6months ago and now I got appoved in Austria, can I still go in France?
Yes. :)
Hi Yoshke,
I just want to thank you for all the tips you shared. They were very useful. I followed everything you said.
My husband and I got our visa approved within 48 hours. Got the travel insurance and other reservations from GAZELLE and they were very accommodating considering the changes we have to made on the dates since first applied for UK Visa, our point of entry to Europe. Our UK Visa got approved within 10 days. Mas mabilis ang Schengen Visa approval on our case, just like what the VSF officer who assisted us said that they are more faster than UK.
We are flying this May 3. Thanks again!
Hi Ms. Chelle, saang embassy po kayo nag apply and ilang months po valid ang visa niyo?
I’m planning to submit my requirements this coming week po. Hope to hear from you very soon. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing, Chelle! Lapit na ng trip nyo! Hope you have a wonderful time in Europe! :)
Hi Yoshke,
I am applying for a Visa on the French Embassy, I will shoulder my travel expenses but the accommodation will be with my friend’s. Do you think this will be a red flag sa embassy? What do you suggest? Should I book nalang hotels with free cancellation?
And I cannot seem to add hotels other than the ones in France in the visa form online, mag Spain and Belgium pa kasi ako, but I cannot add sa online form. Pano kaya yun? Thank you!
The friend can work against you and make your application a lot more complicated.
Re sa visa form, di ko na matandaan. :(
HI gano po katagal ang travel history na required. For the past 10 years po kasi naki may 2 expired po na passport ako with stamps and visa po.
Hi Fredo, yung saken I submit yung stamps and visas ng past passports ko rin. May 2 expired passports din ako, I submit both.
Hi Yoshke – I would like to ask where did you find ung information about italy and switzerland should have additional 15 days travel insurance. Thank you!
Hi Joaquin, from friends and some of our readers. They said they were asked to add 15 days when they applied sa Italy and Switzerland. Not sure if things have changed recently though.
I haven’t tried applying via Italian or Swiss Embassies. But some online sources — Rappler, some blogs, etc — also mention it.
I’ve tried German, French and Greek, there is no such rule.
Hi Yoshke,
From Cebu here. Love your website. I’m planning to apply for a French Schengen Visa this month. I have two questions.
1. For the Visa and VFS fee, what are the options for payment? Online via credit card or pay in person using cash only?
2. Any suggestions of any nearby hotels ( preferrably budget ) to stay. Planning to stay overnight only.
Hi! I recently received a sum of money, comprising 2/3 of my bank account, as additional pocket money from my parents, flight tickets and tours were already booked and paid by me. Was thinking the embassy will find the recent deposit questionable. Is it ok that i’ll just explain in the cover letter that such deposit is a gift? Would that be enough? Is it ok also to mark “myself” as sole sponsor for the trip? Hope to hear from you the soonest! Thanks!
Hi JB, yes, it’s very possible that they find the recent deposit questionable. Not sure how helpful it would be to explain it though.
Thank you for the quick feedback. Do you think that mentioning it in the cover letter would give me a better chance or nah? Or would it be better not to mention anything about it at all?
Really appreciate your opinion/help. Thank you!
What’s your employment status now?
Hi, when you say copies of stamps and visas from old passports, do you mean ALL of them? I still have my passports from the last 10 years, but anything older than that have probably been thrown away by my parents. Do I really need those?
Hi Paolo, when I applied before, this was a requirement. But when I checked the list on the website recently, it’s no longer listed. I’m not sure if it still is required though. What I would do if I were on your shoes is to still bring a copy of the stamps/visas of those you can still provide. I wouldn’t bother with those I lost or no longer have. That’s just me though. :)
Hi Yoshke, just to give an update which your readers may find useful. We submitted our application at VFS earlier today and the woman who took our requirements threw out copies of our passport stamps–yung bio pages and visas lang yung kinuha, which is kind of annoying since color photocopies at National Bookstore are pretty expensive haha.
Thanks for sharing, Paolo. So they might already have removed it na. Wala na rin sya sa list of of requirements sa online wizard nila. I’ll remove it na rin sa post and add a note na lang. Thanks again! Really helpful!
Hello po!
Would like to ask lang po sana how to print the checklist?
Hello, Just finished filling up application forms. But i’m wondering why number 34 and 35 when printed was blank? I filled these out as we have grandchildren that are EU citizens. I ticked non-dependent relative in the relationship with the EU citizen field. I’m confused now if i have to let these fields blank or fill it out by writing. Thank you for your advice.
Hi, do you know if may interview pa when submitting the application? Thanks.
Hi Yoshke. I understand 30K euro is the minimum for travel insurance. San makikita if we need to add additional days? Parang wala kasi nakamention sa requirement :( Do you know the latest reqt? Thanks!
Is AirBnB legit as reservation for accommodation when applying for Schengen Visa (France)?
Hello i have an invitation for my company for business trip schengen, Can my wife accompany me? if yes, do we need to submit the application together or do i need to submit mine first?
Hi,
Our itinerary goes like this:
France – Italy – Switzerland – Germany – Czech Republic – Netherlands – Belgium – France
Should I apply for a single entry only? Thank you!
Yep, single entry because they are all within Schengen. As long as you’re not traveling out of the zone.
Thank you so much for all your tips!!! Got our visa today yay! We strictly followed all your advises (especially having a cover letter to explain why we did not book interstate trains). We only applied for a single entry but we were given a multiple entry visa.
Hello. If I may ask… ano po reason nilagay niyo why you did not book interstate trains? Thanks!
Congrats po! Enjoy France! If you’re going to Paris, we have a travel guide here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/09/paris-budget-travel-guide-expenses-sample-itinerary/
hi. we will be going to London first then Paris after. (London is not one of the schengen countries.) do we still need to apply at the French embassy?
Yep, you will need a Schengen Visa from the French Embassy.
Hi po ask ko lang kung sa germany ang entry point pero sa paris mas magtatagal ok lng n sa french embassy kukuha visa? Tha k you and God bless
Yep. Kung saan pong bansa pinakamatagal ung stay, dun po sa embassy nila kukuha ng visa.
hello,
which embassy is stricter for visa application? french embassy or US embassy?
I have granted an US visa this month. and planning to apply a schengen visa this coming August.
thank you
You did not mention what paper size do we need for the checklist and the completed application form. Is it A4 or it doesn’t matter? Thank you :)
Hi! I’m in the process of completing my requirements. Called up VFS, they said use A4 size paper.
Thanks for sharing, Joanne. We’ll add this to the FAQs! :)
Hi El Viajero, sa list of requirements nila, they didn’t specify a paper size, but I submitted A4 since it’s the European standard.
If I have the COE na issue dated Aug 2019, is it still valid if I apply for the visa on October? Thank you!
Does the France embassy give Tourist visa in the month of Nov or only in summer season.
Afaik, they give visas year-round.
If visiting multiple countries, is it required to show “reservation tickets” or can I just submit screenshots of schedules of flights/bus I’m taking? Thanks.
Hi.
We will be applying for French Visa. Me, my husband and our baby. Dun ba kami dapat sa group application?
Hi!
Thank you for sharing!
I just want to ask with regards to the online form. I have put the other Schengen countries to visit as well, and I’ve input France on the first port of entry box. Pero sa PDF output nagiging empty po ung box kung saan nakalagay ung first port of entry.
Is it usually like that ?
Hi Joyce! Ganyan din po yung samin nung nag print ako ng PDF today.
May i know po if okay naman yung result ng application kahit empty ung first port of entry portion? Thanks!
Hi Carmela,
Same sa amin. Just leave it blank na lang since wala naman siya sa mga choices na need i-fill up online. Na-bother din ako jan pero tingin ko wala namang bearing since makikita naman nila sa flight reservation kung saan ang first port of entry. Got our visa approved today.
Hi Joyce, I didn’t encounter that so I dunno. :(
Hello!
We have a scheduled VFS appointment this coming Oct 4, 2019
Ask ko lang if okay lang ba ipresent lang yung bank cert and bank statement na joint account with mom? 1.x M yung amount yun nga lang joint siya and hindi kasama si mother sa trip. This is for our honeymoon tour since we are getting married on november (December kami mag travel)
We already purchased our RT airplane ticket and hotel accommodations. We will be staying in Paris then move to Amsterdam-Prague-Geneva Tingin niyo ba maapprove yung application ko?
Si fiance 4 times na nakapag europe, pero ako first time to apply.
Here’s my profile:
Me: Employed for more than 5 years, salary 30k+
Countries visited: Japan (ME visa) Singapore, Maldives, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hongkong, Malaysia
Eto yung mga requirements na ipapasa ko.
Cover letter
Birth Cert
Passport
Photocopy of passport (colored)
Photocopy of visa (colored)
Train reservations
No Objection letter signed by employer
Signed vacation leaves
RT Airline ticket
COE
Application form with picture
Detailed Itinerary
Insurance (availed more than 30k Euros)
Copy of Marriage License (proof of wedding)
Wedding Invitation (proof of wedding)
Travel history
Need ko pa bang mag submit ng ITR if my COE naman ako?
Thank you so much sa mga sasagot!
Hi Jade,
When I applied, naka-joint account din ako with my nanay. OK naman.
Yep, submit ka ng ITR para stronger ung case mo.
Hi Yoshke!
Thank you for your response!
joint account kahit di kasama si mother sa trip is okay? :)
Noted on the ITR requirement. I will just request it to our HR.
Lastly, yung ITR ba need ng stamp from BIR? and also na promote kasi ako this year so di magrereflect sa ITR yung salary ko for this year, okay lang kaya yun?
Hi Jade,
Yep, di ko rin kasama nanay ko sa trip nun. Madalas ung joint account namin ginagamit ko pag nag-apply ng visa kahit di sya kasama.
Yung ITR ko, wala namang stamp. Tinanggap naman. Ung promotion, pwede mo i-explain yan sa cover letter para di sila magtaka sa inconsistency. :)
Hi Yoshke!
Thank you so much! Excited and nervous ako at the same time! sana positive!!
Got my visa today. Applied last Sept 19 and received my passport today thru courier. Thank you so much sa blog na to! This is my first visa application. Big help especially for the first timers.
All the best
Hi Dexter,
Congratulations!
May I ask what are the requirements that you’ve submitted?
Thank you!
Hi Jade,
Sorry for the late response. I submitted all the documents listed in this blog. I just added a property and vehicle under my name to support my application.
Hi Dex.
We already sent our application last friday. Just want to ask if you were able to receive SMS updates from VFS regarding your application? My fiance and I paid for SMS updates; however, I only received one email from them last friday afternoon informing me that my application was already submitted to french embassy. My fiance also received SMS and email from them last friday and also an SMS this morning (Monday) that his application is already for process. Me on the other hand didn’t receive any updates today (email and sms) should i be worried? does this mean my application is already refused? Hope you could give me an advice.
Thanks!
Congrats, Dexter! Have a great time in France!
Hi Yoshke,
We have a scheduled VFS appointment this coming Sep 27, 2019 but I forgot na Oct 12 pala yung South Korea travel namin.
Yung travel ko to France is on Oct 31. Makukuha ko kaya yung passport ko before Oct 12 for Korea if push susubmit ko mga requirement this Sep 27?
Should I mention it din sa Cover Letter ko?
Hi Robi,
Di ko po masagot kasi ang laki ng range ng processing period. Depende talaga yan sa case and gaano ka-complex. I have a friend na a few days lang, ok na. I also have a friend na more than 1 month before na-release.
So hindi ko talaga alam.
Hi Yoshke,
I have a concern, nag apply na kami kanina ng Schengen Visa to France, Nilagay ko sa cover letter ko Amsterdam-Prague kami mag plane pero upon checking sa detailed itinerary namin mag plane din pala kami from Geneva to Paris. Do you think may bearing yun for refusal of visa? although nag provide naman ako ng confirmed hotel bookings and may confirmed return ticket naman kami from Paris-Manila. Super pissed off ako kasi na overlook ko yun. Please i need an advice. huhu
Hi Jade, not sure if may bearing yun, pero for me, super minor na lang yun, basta may Amsterdam-Prague din kayo na flight ha. But there’s no point thinking about that now kasi nasubmit na. :D
Hi Yoshke,
Me and my fiance got our visas yesterday!!
Tama nga yung 48hrs processing ni French Embassy! :D
Thank you for the tips! You’ve been very helpful!
God Bless!! <3
Congrats, Jade! :)
Hello!
We followed the 3 months rule and applied on Sept. 18 for our trip of Dec. 18. Apparently, they have a date to follow in processing the applications and we are 2 days early so I was advised to get another appointment on a later date. They checked our documents and seems complete. So we came back on Oct. 01 and submitted the documents. They only got the original copies and did not even looked at the extra copy. Our route is Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris.
The claim stub says processing is 5-15 working days. Got updates via SMS on a daily basis:
Oct. 1 – dispatched to the France Embassy
Oct. 2 – under processing at the Embassy
Oct. 3 – processed visa and ready for collection from VFS
Oct. 7 – excited to collect our passport with approved visa
Now, we changed our plan to Amsterdam, Switzerland and Paris. We are excited :)
Thank you for all the help!
Hi Joanne! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your trip to Europe!
Hi Jade,
Sorry for the delayed response. I read that you already got your visa. Congratulations!!!
Hi Yoshke,
Thank you for this detailed guide! Very informative and useful. We got our visa approved. God bless!
Congrats! Enjoy France! :)
Off topic from this one —
What travel wifi provider have you been using while in Europe or in any of your travels/
Thanks and be safe!
Hi Joanne,
Iba-iba. We’ve tried purchasing local data SIM, international SIM, pocket wifi rental and even roaming. The most budget-friendly is the local SIM!
I got my visa approved!! Thanks Yoshke for the guide.
Quick question: Can I use my French Visa to enter Greece as my point of entry?
Yep, that’s fine. But you should be able to prove that you will also be staying the longest in France just in case the officers ask. (They rarely do but you’ll never know.)
Hi Yoshke,
Thank you for this guide! :) Trying to apply for a visa together with my 15 yr old daughter, she has her own bank account. If this is the case, should i tick the means to support the trip is Myself (her)? or me(parent) as a sponsor? looking forward to hearing from you:)
Hi Pechay,
I might not be the best person to ask kasi di ko pa naranasan na mag-apply with family. But in my opinion, since minor pa sya, mas okay na sponsored by parents na lang.
Thank you so much!
hI, what should i do. i dont receive any link to activate vfs appointment account. hindi ako tuloy makabook ng appointment.
From my recent experience, they also asked for (1) approved leave of absence signed by employer and (2) full itr stamped by BIR.
Note: The said documents were not explicitly listed in the Website of VFS as part of the requirements.
I was able to send en email approval from my leads (saved a *.pdf and *.msg copies) with them stating their approval. I didn’t get that signed anymore. It was accepted. But if one wants to be extra cautious, have it signed na lang siguro—you never know.
For the ITR, they did not accept just the 2316 that my employer gave. They wanted the one with BIR stamp. I tried to get the alphalist from my company where there is a BIR stamp, only to find out that my 2316 wasn’t filed (i only learned that I didn’t qualify under substitute filing). With that, I had to file my 2316 to BIR (late filing already) just so I could secure the stamp.
Once those have been secured, it only took 1 business day for the embassy to process upon VFS forwarding the docs to them.
E.g. day 1 – VFS Received the docs, forwarded those to embassy,
Day 2 – embassy processes the application waiting
Day 3 – embassy returns the docs to vfs, vfs notifies passport is for pickup.
Additional info: i got approved. it took me almost 3wks to get my passport back. This is because of the back & forth emails with vfs and vv, vfs to embassy and vv, me sorting out my vl approval, and sorting out the stamped ITR. So much hassle but all good now given that they didn’t flatly denied my application and rather, put it on hold, advised me to comply/send out the docs and accepted it.
Thanks for sharing this with us, GorgeousG! Absolutely helpful! We’ll add the approved LOA to the post!
hi we have approved visa granted april 16 to may 16 supposed travel was april 16 2020 but due to covid 19 we cancelled our trip ang plan to postpone by oct hoping corona virus will be contained by that time. what shoud we do apply again like the first we did it or we can just mail application.
Hi me and my friend is planning to travel to Paris only, maybe next year (this will depend on the COVID situation). We will stay for 5 nights and 6 days. I have these questions:
1) How do you count the number of days in France? Say for example, my flight out of Cebu is on a sunday, but I will arrive in Paris on a monday, do i imclude sunday in counting the days?
2) can i reserve flight bookings in Gazelle for the both of us? Together? And just print 2 copies?
3) i’d like to book in Booking.com for the hotel, with free cancellation. Can we use that to submit for the hotel reservation?
4) for the source of fund in the online application form, i’d like to check both CASH and Credit Card. Do I have to submit Statement of Accounts for the Credit Card?
5) I had old Visa from Korea and Japan from my old passport. Can I submit the copy?
Thank you!!
Hi Marlette,
Based on experience:
1. The count starts on the day of arrival. So in your case, Monday.
2. They charge per person.
3. Yes, booking.com is OK. :)
4. If you have good credit record, it can help!
5. Yes, you can include that, to be safe. In our case, we submitted past visas and they were accepted. But some of our readers who applied more recently said these removed from the pile. So I’m not sure now. But if I would apply again, I would still prepare a copy of my past visas (including those on my old passport). Better overprepare than under. :D
Thank you so much for your prompt reply!
for the credit card, do you think 3 months for the past 3 months is enough?
sorry i mean SOA for the past 3 months.
sorry i mean SOA for the past 3 months.
Hi can anyone help me? my boyfriend and his family invited me for Christmas and new year’s eve. in France. What are the things i need to prepare? and they will shoulder my accommodation, daily expenses. Should i also need itinerary even i will just stay in France?
Im working here in the Philippines for about 7years in one company. Hope any one can help me and planning to apply Schengen Visa. I will stay for like 20-22 days.
Thank you for helping me
hello,
does anybody know where should we get a cost bearing certificate if the guarantor live in France ?
Just read the very interesting comments below. Quite a saga Philippine passport holders have to go through to travel to first world countries. Fortunately and thankfully I was born blessed with a German father and therefore I’m automatically German by operation of law (jus sanguinis) and also the added gift of a Philippine passport on account of my mother being a Filipina. This German passport is my most precious asset. I just need to buy a ticket and that’s all what’s involved. No visa worries and nervous compiling of piles and piles of paperwork. Salamat
Hello! I am about to book an appointment to VFS global website for Schengen Visa – France. Traveling as a group of Family with 1 minor. When I enter the booking referral for child appointment details, I encountered issue. It pop up need to enter the passport number and expiry date of one parent must included in this booking. So, i followed the instruction, then when I clicked save, it pop up again the msg: passport number not mach… i checked carefully my personal info. It is correct. Hoping you can help me…