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.
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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.
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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?