Filipino’s need a valid visa in traveling to Paris, Italy, Spain and in other Schengen Countries.
What is visa?
The word visa is derived from the Latin charta visa, meaning “paper which has been seen“. A visa is a government permit for a traveler to enter or leave a country. It gives permission for non-citizens to enter one country or another. It is stamped on a page in the traveler’s passport.
Depending on the purpose of your travel to Schengen areas, whether you are planning to go for a short vacation, or a relative visit, study or work, Filipino’s needs to apply for one.
Every person is allowed to apply for a Schengen visa as long as they can get all the required documentation in order and have the financial means to maintain themselves during their stay to the Schengen area.
Key facts
- The Schengen area has 26 member states – Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
- If you wish to travel to the Schengen Area, you have to apply for a short-term Schengen tourist visa. Depending on the type of your visa, you will be allowed to enter once (single entry) or multiple times (multiple entry), and obtain a stay for no longer than 3 months.
- The processing time for your Schengen Visa is approximately 10 – 15 working days.
Plan your travel itinerary accordingly.
What is your budget? When is the cheapest time to visit Europe? Where do you want to go? Do you want to experience winter, summer, spring or fall?
Your first step in travel planning is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and the B – budget, budget, budget. Yes, your travel budget. The whole idea of taking this one in a bucket list vacation trip is to have a memorable time, enjoyable and fun without worrying about cash in your entire vacation. Please don’t go into debt for the love of travels. The weather and crowds play an important role when you plan your trip. Research first, the year is divided into three seasons: peak season (roughly mid-June through August), shoulder season (April through mid-June and September through October), and off-season (November through March), each has its pros and cons.
In which country you need to apply for visa.
Saan ako kukuha ng visa? One of the most common questions asked is where to submit the visa application.
You must submit your application for a Schengen visa at the Consulate of the country that you intend to visit, or – if you intend to visit more than one Schengen State, the Consulate of the country of your primary destination (i.e. main purpose of stay or longest stay).
If you intend to visit several Schengen States and the stays will be of equal length, you must apply at the Consulate of the country you will cross first when entering the Schengen area.
Scenario 1 – You wanted to travel to Europe and see France and Spain; your itinerary plan was 3 days in Paris and five days in Barcelona. You need to apply in the Embassy of the country in which you will stay the longest (counting by night spent). In this case, you need to go to Spain Embassy.
Scenario 2 – You wanted to visit four days in Paris and four days in Barcelona. You need to apply in the first country of entry since the number of stays is the same.
Gather all documents required and make photocopies.
Always check the main website and the requirements they need. Each country may have the same but different conditions.
For standard applications, you need to download Schengen visa application form online, duly filled (in capitals) and signed. The application form has the same format no matter which country’s visa it is that the applicant wants to apply for. However, the required documents are different in each state – please verify with the relevant consular authority.
Listed below are documents needed in France Embassy, especially for OFW’s resides in Singapore applying for a short stay tourist visa.
Documents required
| 1 | Schengen visa form (For France Schengen visa – Download here) |
| 2 | 1 recent passport size photograph |
| 3 | Valid passport The passport should be issued less than 10 years ago and valid for at least 3 months after the departure from Schengen states. It should contain at least 2 blank visa pages. |
| 4 | For Filipino’s working in Singapore a valid pass – Employment pass (EP) / S Pass / Dependant pass (DP) / Student pass / Work permit / PR card with re-entry permit |
| 5 | Flight itinerary with confirmed dates |
| 6 | Proof of accommodation confirmed hotel reservation for the whole length of your stay in all Schengen countries. Address and dates should be stated. |
| 7 | Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay. Last 2 months bank statement (current account AND, if applicable, savings account) showing the balance, the transactions, your name and account number. E-statements are accepted.
Proof of employment e.g. letter from company stating monthly wages, continuing employment after period of leave and duration of vacation etc. |
| 8 | Travel Insurance stating that the applicant is covered by a Schengen Travel Medical Insurance, i.e. minimum medical coverage equivalent of Euro 30,000. |
| 9 | Previous Schengen Visas (if applicable) |
| 10 | For Business Trips A letter from your employer in Singapore stating: that you are going to France on their behalf and the purpose of your visit, the name address and contact number of the company to be visited, that your employer takes full responsibility for all your expenses incurred while in France, that they guarantee your return to Singapore. |
| 11 | For Applicants under 18 A parental authorization form if not travelling with both parents, original and copy of birth certificate, photocopy of passports of both parents. For minors living in Singapore without their parents: letter of legal guardian + 1 photocopy of his passport |
| 12 | For non-working spouses Show original and provide photocopy of Marriage Certificate and your spouse’s passport |
We purchased Travellershield Classic (Single Return Trip) from MSIG in our (Europe 2017 trip). It cost SGD$70.75 each. On our first travel, we bought Travel Guard policy from AIG Insurance.
Please note: Document or photocopy missing = incomplete file = high risk of visa refusal.
Fees (not refundable): Exchange value of 60 euros (between $90 to $110 SGD according to the exchange rate – as of writing).
Fill the application Schengen visa form
The application form can be filled in either by handwriting, encoding (if it’s fillable form) or by using Adobe Acrobat to edit (if you have). Careful not to input false information. If the applicant feels that there are columns that don’t correspond to his/her matter, fill them with NA (No Answer).
Schedule an appointment
All applicants must book an appointment online to submit their visa application. For France Embassy: Make an appointment at the visa section
If you have missed your appointment on the scheduled day, the system will not allow you to reschedule or cancel and you will require booking a new appointment. Please make sure you arrive at the visa application center 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
As part of the visa application procedure, you will need to provide biometric data which includes electronic fingerprint data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to hand the requirements personally at the embassy/consulate?
Yes. When applying for the visa you should bear in mind that you have to personally hand the required documents once you’ve made an appointment at the embassy/consulate.
What is the difference between a single-entry and a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
A single-entry visa allows you to enter the Schengen area only once and is valid for a particular period of time. As soon as you exit the Schengen area, the visa expires. A multiple-entry visa allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen area until the visa expires.
What is length of stay?
The (standard) maximum allowable stay in Schengen countries is 90 days for all member countries within any six-month period.
How much does a Schengen visa cost?
There is a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a visa. Visa costs have been synchronized in Schengen countries.
Short stay Schengen visa, less than 90 days €60.00 (estimate around Php4,000 pesos)
Long stay visa, more than 90 days €99.00
How much money do I have to own in order to get the Schengen visa?
Only enough to cover the expenses made during the trip as in, accommodation and everyday costs for the days being. We estimate €50 euros per day.
How much time does it take to get a response when applying for a Schengen visa?
Although it takes no more than 24-48 hours for processing a visa in general, there are times when this process takes quite much longer, from 14 up to 21 days in some countries concerning some citizens.
Can I travel to more than one Schengen country with the same Schengen visa?
Yes, once you are issued the visa you can travel within the Schengen area as long as you don’t exceed the timeframe granted your visa.
Do I buy the plane ticket before or after they issue the visa?
One must have a copy of the reservation of the return ticket for the time intended to be travelling. It is not recommendable to buy the ticket before getting the visa, if not necessary.
After you submitted all your requirements and paid the fee, keep the receipt and wait. ?
Happy processing!
Hi Glaiza, I came across your blog while researching for Schengen Visa application with PH passport here in SG. It’s really helpful 🙂 By the way, what insurance did you get?
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Sal, just saw your comment, we usually get MSIG or AIG Insurance 🙂 Ciao!
Hello po, alin sa dalawa ang kinuha mo para sa Schengen Visa? 🙂
AIG Insurance 🙂
HI Ms Glaiza, thanks for the above info. I’m planning to apply for this, currently gathering all the documents and will book an appointment soon. For my case i will travelling with my BF so accommodation wise will be his home address. Do you have any idea on the requirements for this kind of travel? Thanks you in advance. Ms Joana
Hi Joana, thanks for visiting my blog. What type of visit visa you are preparing? I believe there’s Standard Visitor Visa for friends and family visiting the UK. If you want you to save time just book, or reserve a hotel. I think you need a letter from your sponsor if you will be using his home address for accommodation. Thanks
Hi, magkano po show money nyo nyan?
And also po, have you tried getting a group visa? You think it’s more safer?
Hi, there’s no show money (physically). Their requirement is your bank account as proof of funds. We downloaded our Statement of Accounts from our respective bank online. Depends on the number of days you’ll be traveling, you should show evidence that you have enough money to support financially throughout your stay in the Schengen.
€50/day is equivalent to Php3,000 pesos.
For Group Visa doesn’t matter – they still need to see you fulfill their requirements (per individual).
Hi I just ask how to apply Italy Schengen visa. I’m here in Singapore can u send me a details And requirements needed for Visa application thanks
Hi Mabel, for all Schengen Visa you need to download the Schengen Form first and the checklist. The details posted above should be the same as we applied in France Embassy.
Can u please send to me the link where can I download the form thanks ?
Hi, I updated this blog post and you can refer to the link above to download Schengen Visa Form. Ciao 🙂
May I know what kind of travel/medical insurance plan you took from AIG for your Schengen travel?
Hi, I can’t remember the name of the product from AIG already. In getting insurance, we usually buy the primary with a coverage of at least 30,000 EUR (equivalent to 50,000 USD). Make sure to declare the dates of your travel period.
Thank you for your reply. Do France Embassy require that you present also your train tickets for all the Schengen countries or you just need to present the confirmed round trip ticket from SG to Schengen and back to SG?
Hi, I’m not “sure” if they require that you present ALL.
For us, we submitted all our tickets (round-trip flights and inter Europe) with confirmed dates.
Hi Ms.Glaiza,I just want to ask more info, I have my friend in Italy we are applying my tourist Visa in schengen area which is Italy using Invitation letter, he said whatever demand and so on need it’s all his shoulder , he send an email here in SG.since I’m here or which embassy he will send that invitation letter in Italy since he is an Italian citizens?by the way I’m filipina FDW here in SG,we plan as we have same desire as short tourist visit in Italy he want me to be there on coming August 3,2019,what are the things do I need to be ready?please reply me I’m cha Matchuca,thank you and God bless!
Hi Ms Cha, yung tanong niyo po ba kung kanino i-aaddress yung Invitation Letter?
If you are applying for Schengen Visa at Embassy of Italy in Singapore, you can address the letter to them.
Hi Ms.Glaiza,Salamat as pag reply niyo po!
Bali Yong mag invite po saakin direct send email po niya Yong invitation letter sa embassy ng Italy dito sa Singapore?
Kasi po nag email siya po sa email add ng Singapore wala pong reply paano po yon.
Yong invitees kopo nasa Italy po ngayon,mag forward po ba xa ng invitation letter sa Singapore embassy base ng Italy para direct naman forward dito or email ng invitees kopo direct email napo dito sa Singapore email add?
Ano-anu pong mai suggest niyong mga ihahanda ko pong mga exaktong dukumento para sa Tourist Visa ,is it family and friend I choose for 90days tourist Visa na kilangan Kong asikasuhin d2 po?
God bless you po Ms.Glaiza Sana po matulungan niyo po akong clear para umaasikaso kopo ng magalg panahon kc po target namin sa August 3,nitong taon po.Maraming salamat po Ms.Glaiza.
Hi Cha,
Ikaw po magsusubmit ng documents sa Italy Embassy. Yung letter niya iprint mo at yun ang ipakita kapag ipapasa mo na yung mga documents. Kumpletuhin mo yung Schengen Form at list of required documents nila.
Plus, kailangan mong ihanda ang mga sumusunod:
Letter of Invitation – by the relative/friend residing in Italy, inviting you to visit
Proof of relationship with the host residing in Italy
Proof of financial means – Sponsorship Letter. When another person will be financially sponsoring your trip to Italy. It is also often called as an Affidavit of Support.
Make sure you complete all the documents before you schedule for appointment.
Thank you.
Hi Ms.Glaiza thank you so much sa detailed words niyo,may followup tanong ulit ako,ang sabi niyo pong proof of relationship paano po iyon,nagkakilala kmi ng isang dating site nagkaroon kami ng magandang conversation as matured person with limits of conversation since he is a kind man hindi siya ganun ka selfish na bastos na Tao yon bang araw2x Kaming magkikita on cam updating wala saamin ang kabastusan kasi isa siyang gentleman may takot sa Panginoon at educated person kaya nagtiwala kami sa isat2x na nag hope na may pag asah kami kaya hindi po siya nag dalawang isip na invite niya ako na dream Kong atleast sa tanang buhay ko maka tour man lang sa Italy since yon ang dream country of Europe part,ang tanong ko po as proof of relationship sa aming conversation Maari po bang maging sapat na proof iyon na maari Kong I printout since lagi akong kumukuha ng screenshot na hindi niya alam and some mga convo namin posebling magamit po as proof of relationship since baughan kami mag month Palang napagaaanan po kmi ng loob yes to think others it’s impossible but sa araw2x naming pagkilatis pagkilala as bawat isa mas nakilala po namin ang isat2x.pwedi po ba inyong proof of relationship ang screenshot namin at some good convo.? At lahat ng mga requirements na kinakailang na sigang mag process as mag invite e mail niya physically using my address here in Singapore right at Yong mga part kung other list na dito.
Emphasise ko po asks ko:
》Ang aming convo.at screen shoot possible as proof of relationship as newly friendship about amonth meeting the dating site?
》May range bang gaano ka tagal para ma consider as proof of relationship for us?
》Kinakailangan ko ring po na mag show ng statement of acct.in my own if yes magkano po?
Thank you very much Ms.Glaiza.and God bless po!
Hi Cha,
I can only help you by means of searching online as well.
The proof of relationship can be stated in his Invitation Letter. Tell him to help you complete the requirements by stating everything on his invitation letter.
Here are the Schengen Visa Requirements same as above.
• Visa application form. Fully completed and signed
• Two recently taken photos must be attached
• A valid passport
• Round trip reservation or itinerary
• Travel insurance policy
Proof of financial means
For employees:
• Employment contract.
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months.
• Leave permission from the employer.
• Proof of accommodation – A letter of invitation from a host at whose house you will be staying.
• Letter of Invitation. By the relative/friend residing in a Schengen country. If the applicant will be covering the expenses on his/her own, the relatives/friend’s name, address and the copy of their passport will suffice. In case that the friend/relative is not a citizen of this Schengen country, the copy of the residency permit will also be required.
As a supporting document to this invitation letter, you must attach proof of the relationship with the person and clearly state the duration, purpose, and financial status that you have.
You can still try print your exchange emails or chat messages, especially those showing that you plan to meet abroad.
Thank you and God bless.
Hi Ms.Glaiza thanks sa last reply niyo…
Maari niyo po ba akong bigyan ng online suggestion na may cheapest online✌?? booking ticket?
At regarding po sa statement of acct.since ang mag invite po saakin mag shoulder ng mga expenses ko sa Italy for short stay around 2mos in italy…need pa rin po ba nilang hanapan ako ng acct.ko here in SG,kasi payroll acct.miron ako at not that enough savings miron ako,if ever need ang acct.ko so direct ako hihingi ng statement of acct.ng banko saan ako registered?
Salamat ng marami Ms.Glaiza, God bless you!
Hi there I’m here in Singapore, Planning to visit my friend in Germany. so using the Visa Form in France is qualified?
Using the Visa Form in France should be okay, but it will be better if you use the Schengen Form from Germany if you are getting your Visa in Germany Embassy.
Hi, I’m planning to apply for an Italian schengen visa. I’m wondering whether the bank statement must be from a Singapore based bank if my parents are residing overseas and they are sponsoring my trip?
Hi, if you are applying from Singapore, I believe you should provide your bank statement for the proof of financial means, plus the bank statement of your parents (sponsor) as a supporting document, together with the Sponsor Letter.
hello po..may agency po ba dto sa singapore na nagpapapunta sa spain?one of my friend is working in madrid and ask me if there is a agency here in singapore going to spain..citizen na sila dun and they were planning to invite me..what can you suggest pi..thank you po..
Hello, I’m not sure such agencies. Thank you and sorry for late replies.
Helo po,,ask qo lng po,im an ofw here in singapore work permit holder like domestic helper,if gusto qo mg apply ng schengen visa for tourist in spain and then willing po aqo sponsor ng employer qo,,possible po b yon?thank you,im dhang by the way
Hello Dhang, yes possible naman just complete the requirements above and get your sponsor help you provide the information such as the sponsor letter for your accommodation and travel expenses.
Hi hello po paano mag apply no Switzerland visa helper po ako said Singapore bibisitahin ko po boyfriend need pa ba ng letter from him