Last updated: 2020 • 3 • 8

This post is about how to apply for a Schengen Visa via the Embassy of Greece in Manila for the purpose of tourism. You’ll find the list of requirements and detailed information about the application process from securing a schedule to the actual interview. If you’re applying as a worker or as a seafarer, I’m afraid this post isn’t for you.

Greece just got closer to the Philippines.

Low-cost carrier Scoot, a Singapore Airlines subsidiary, now flies nonstop to Athens from Changi Airport. And because Scoot also directly connects Singapore to many Philippine destinations, this new route opens another avenue for Filipinos to reach Europe much more easily and more affordably.

But because Greece is part of the so-called Schengen Zone, Philippine passport holders will need to secure a Schengen Visa first. It is a travel document that will allow you to enter any of the 26 European states that are part of the Schengen Agreement, including Greece.

If you’re flying to Greece and you’re also planning on visiting any of the Schengen countries, you only need one visa. You don’t need to apply for each of the countries in your itinerary individually.

WHO CAN APPLY AT THE EMBASSY OF GREECE?

The Greek Embassy in Manila also processes applications on behalf of the Portuguese government, so this post also applies if you’re traveling to Portugal.

Apply at the Greek Embassy only if ANY of the items below is true:

• You’re going to Greece ONLY or Portugal ONLY and will not visit any other country.
• You will visit two or more Schengen countries but you will stay the longest in Greece or Portugal.
• You will visit two or more Schengen countries but the main purpose of your trip is in Greece or Portugal. (Example: you will attend a conference in Greece 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 Greece or Portugal is your point of entry (first in your itinerary).

If you’re sure that the Greek Embassy is the right place to lodge your application, it’s time to get started. Here’s how to apply, as we experienced first-hand.

LIST OF GREECE SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. Accomplished Application Form

• Duly accomplished.
• Must be computerized/typewritten (NOT handwritten).
• Download it here.

2. Valid Passport

• Must have at least 6 months validity (at the time of departure).
• Must have at least 2 free adjacent pages.
• Must have no existing VALID Schengen visa.
• Must have your signature.

3. All Previous Passports

• Yep, you have to submit even the old ones.
• In case of lost or destroyed passports, an Affidavit of Loss must also be submitted.

4. One (1) passport-size photo

• White background.
• Must have been taken recently.
• Must be pasted on the application form.

5. Proof of Financial Means

1. Bank Certificate, indicating the remaining balance and average daily balance (ADB) for the past 6 months. Must be addressed to the Consular Section of the Embassy of Greece.
2. Bank Statement covering the past 6 months.
3. Original Passbook (bank book).

6. Flight reservations

• Including outward and return flights
• Including flights within Schengen area
• The document must have Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).
• Your departure date must be at least 15 days after you submit your requirements to the embassy.

To avoid wasting money, DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS until your visa is approved. You just need to reserve. Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. More information here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

7. Proof of Will to Return

• Property titles, if you have some. Land titles, Car registration certificates, and Deeds of Sale are all accepted.
• Proof of family ties in the Philippines, such as marriage certificate.
• Other Proof of Will to Return, such as employment contract and SSS contributions (if relevant).

8. Proof of Employment

• For employees, a Certificate of Employment indicating the salary level and authorizing leave of absence. Must be addressed to the Consular Section of the Embassy.
• For self-employed, business registration documents, latest income tax return (ITR) form, and business financial statement.
• For students, current or latest certificate of enrollment and a letter authorizing the absence.

9. If travelling with spouse and/or children

• NSO-certified marriage contract
• NSO birth certificates of children

10. If traveling as a tourist

1. Confirmed hotel reservations. Must cover your travel dates in full.
2. Detailed travel itinerary. This is very important! See my sample itinerary below.

Below is a sample Detailed Itinerary. Sample only.

11. If invited by someone in Greece

1. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate/birth certificate)
2. Photocopy of the inviting party’s passport’s bio page and/or inviter’s travel history in case of non-formalized relationship (boyfriend/girlfriend)
3. A signed original Letter of Invitation and Guarantee. Must be addressed to the Consular Section of the Embassy. Must state guarantee of repatriation and coverage of travel, accommodation and medical expenses.
4. Proof of hotel reservation, if staying at a hotel.
5. Solemn Declaration (“Υπεύθυνη Δήλωση”) with authenticated signature, if the inviting person is a Greek national. (The newest list of requirements posted on the Greek embassy website does not include this one anymore. But it might help your case if you secure this one too.)

12. If applicant is a minor

1. Joint affidavit of both parents or legal guardians granting consent
2. Photocopies of the passports of both parents or legal guardians
3. Birth certificate of the minor. Must be recent, original, and issued by PSA.
4. DSWD Clearance, if the minor is not traveling with either parent or legal guardian
5. Recent certificate of enrollment from the school
6. Letter authorizing the student’s absence from school

13. Travel insurance

1. Minimum coverage of €30,000.
2. Must be purchased from an internationally recognized company.
3. Must cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen zone.

We got our insurance from PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus. We purchased the SUPREME plan, which is specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. It’s so easy to get it online because the website is so user-friendly. And it’s affordable, too.

We were also able to arrange a special rate for The Poor Traveler readers, as long as you book on the PGA Sompo website and use the promo code: WORTHIT.

Possible Additional Documents

When I applied, the documents below were required, but they no longer appear on the website’s new list of requirements, so I’m not sure if these are still necessary.

• A photocopy of all the requirements. I still recommend that you produce photocopies especially of all pages on current and previous passports that have visas or stamps, for good measure. If they don’t need it, at least you have an extra copy that you can bring with you during the trip. It’s good practice to have photocopies of your important documents when traveling abroad, anyway.
• Accomplished Self-Check List. When I applied, this was a requirement. I’m not sure if this is still the case now. But this is simply a checklist enumerating all the requirements with important reminders about the application. Download it here.

You can get FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, and TRAVEL INSURANCE online! We got in touch with Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency so they could easily offer these services to our readers.

For the rates and more info, read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

HOW TO APPLY FOR A GREEK SCHENGEN VISA

1. Schedule an appointment by email.

There is only one way you can request for an appointment: by email. You can’t simply walk in or call the embassy. I repeat, it has to be done by email.

The email address is visa.man@mfa.gr.

You have to strictly follow a specific template depending on whether you’re applying individually or as a group. You will find the format here:

———————————–
PREFERRED DATE: {DD MONTH YEAR}
Name of Applicant: {LAST NAME, FIRST NAME}
Passport No:
Contact Tel.:
Type of Visa: {SCHENGEN/SHORT TERM or NATIONAL/LONG TERM}
Main Country of Destination:
Expected Date of Departure: {DD MONTH YEAR}
———————————–

Some important notes:

• Once they receive your request, you will get an acknowledgment reply within the next 24 working hours.
• If you need to change anything, you may email them at least 24 working hours before your appointment date.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, you may do so by emailing at least 2 working days before the schedule given to you.
• That email address is only for visa appointment only. Don’t send your inquiries or other messages to that address.

Actually, items #1 (schedule) and #2 (requirements) of this process are interchangeable. But we choose to prioritize the scheduling because sometimes, the earliest available slot is over a month away. For example, in our case, we emailed in October 25-ish and the earliest free slot was in late November. Thankfully, two earlier slots opened and we were asked by the Embassy if we wanted to take them. We did! Lucky, lucky!

2. Complete the Schengen Visa requirements.

While we were waiting for our appointment date, we gathered all the required documents as listed above.

Some important notes.

• The documents must be arranged in the same order as the list above. Even the photocopies of your stamps and visas must be in the same order as they appear on your passports.
• Place all the requirements in a long brown envelope. Write your last name, first name and contact number in bold capital letters on the upper left corner of the envelope.
• The original copies will be returned to you on the same day of application.

3. Submit the requirements at the Embassy of Greece.

On the day of the appointment, submit the requirements in person. Personal appearance is mandatory because you might be interviewed by the consul. Failure to show up means forfeiture of your appointment slot.

Prior to last year, most applicants were interviewed. But starting this year, it is no longer the case. They only interview applicants when they have additional questions or clarifications. Most applicants will not be required to undergo an interview anymore.

The address of the Embassy of Greece is this:

EMBASSY OF GREECE
Unit 701 7F SEDCCO I Building
Corner Rada and Legazpi Streets, Legaspi Village
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1229

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Show up at the lobby of the building 5 minutes before your schedule. This gives you time to register, deposit your ID, and climb to the 7th floor. If you arrive earlier, the guard will not let you in until 5 minutes before your schedule.
2. Once inside the Consular Office, approach the desk right away to register. You will have to write down your name and sign the reg sheet. This sheet also determines who gets entertained first. After registration, take a seat.
3. Once your name is called, submit your documents. Again, they must be in the same order as the checklist and must be in a long brown envelope. If they have questions, answer promptly and respectfully. You will be asked to take a seat as they check your docs.
4. Once they see that your docs are complete, you will be called again. You will be given a deposit slip. Fill it out with the provided details. (It’s also displayed on the corkboard in one corner of the room.)
5. Pay the visa fee at the BDO Branch in the opposite building. There is a report that visa fees across all Schengen embassies have increased to EUR 80 per applicant, but I haven’t confirmed this yet. Either way, you will be paying this in pesos. (When I applied, it was only EUR 60 or P3600.) There should be four copies of the transaction slip. One will be left with the bank, two will be submitted to the embassy, and the final copy is yours to keep.
6. Go back to the Embassy and submit your deposit slips.
7. You will be called again to take your biometrics (photo and fingerprints). After that, await further instructions.

Normally, there will be no interview. But if they need more information, they may invite you to an interview. The interview is done in a separate room, away from other applicants. If you apply as a group, there’s a chance you will be interviewed together, but not always. You will be asked about why you will be traveling and whom you will be traveling with. You will be asked about the details of your itinerary so make sure you know it by heart. The interview is short and straightforward. Be confident when you answer. Don’t be nervous. The Embassy is strict and firm, but they are very respectful and pleasant.

After the interview, you may still be required to submit more documents if they feel that your pile is insufficient.

Once everything is done, you will be given a slip with the date when you can pick up your passport. Take note of the time too!

That’s about it!

4. Claim your passport and visa.

Show up at the embassy again on the date and time of the release of your passport (the date indicated on the note given to you after submitting your documents).

When I applied the releasing period was Monday-Friday 1pm-2pm. But according to one of our readers, it is now 2:30pm-3:30pm. To be sure, make sure you take note of it or ask when you submit your application.

The date of release is usually 1 to 2 weeks from your submission date.

No need for an appointment when claiming. Just register at the lobby of the building, go to the consular office, register at the window, and wait for your name to be called. Claiming is fast and easy.

GREEK VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How long does the whole Greece Visa Application process take?

Hard to tell because it really depends on how early you can schedule for a visa appointment. The season is a big factor too. Some months are just busier than others. In my case, the whole thing — from scheduling to claiming — took almost a month.

Here’s my visa application timeline.

• October 26: We requested for an appointment via email. We were told that the earliest slot is on November 29. Later, we were told that 2 slots for November 2 freed up. We replied that we would take it.
• November 2: Our visa appointment date. Submission of docs to payment to interview took a couple of hours.
• November 6: Our visa was issued.
• November 15: Our passport/visa was ready to be picked up. But we weren’t in Manila at the time so we had to claim it a week later.
• November 21: We claimed our passport and visa. Took 15 minutes.

If we were able to claim our passport on the day it was ready, the whole process would have lasted only 20 days (15 working days).

Sometimes, the earliest available appointment date is 3 or 4 months later. I guess it’s best to schedule as early as you can.

2. How early should I apply for a Greek Schengen visa?

At the very least, secure an appointment with the embassy MONTHS IN ADVANCE. Lately, we’ve been getting messages from readers who applied recently and who were given a schedule months ahead. They also said that it took weeks for the embassy to reply to the appointment request.

In our case, we emailed in October 25-ish and the earliest free slot was end of November. Thankfully, two earlier slots opened and we were asked by the Embassy if we wanted to take them. We did! Lucky, lucky!

But to be on the safe side, get an appointment as soon as you can.

3. 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. Don’t make dummy itineraries. Make sure it’s really your plan.

I submitted an 11-day itinerary and I was allowed to stay for 11 days, no more, no less. The visa is valid for 15 days, though. But each stay should last no more than 11 days.

4. 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 Greece you will also be visiting Malta (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 Greece the whole time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.

5. 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 60 per day of your stay.

What’s the EUR 60 per stay? Think of it as your pocket money. Some embassies require EUR 45 per day, some EUR50, some E55. To be on the safe side, use EUR60 per day.

My personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + airfare + cost of accommodations. That’s my MININUM. I say minimum because the embassy should be convinced that you could still live comfortably after you return from the trip. Otherwise, they might find it hard to believe that you’re willing to burn all your life savings on a trip.

6. What are the reasons why my Schengen visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Greek 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 a 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 Greece or Europe is unclear or dubious. This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

7. What does a Greek Schengen Visa look like?

Like this:

8. 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:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

9. I already emailed the embassy but no reply. What do I do?

Call them at: (+632) 8174444 or (+632) 8173417

For more Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions, check out this post: Schengen Visa for Filipinos

Also, this post is accurate at the time of writing and we try to keep it updated. But please double check with the website of the Greek Embassy to make sure that this list and process are still up to date.

Updates Log

2020 March 8 – Updated the visa fee