Understanding the Schengen Visa
A Schengen Visa allows you to cross multiple European borders within a single entry point. Below is a list of countries you can visit for as long as your visa is valid:
1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark
6. Estonia
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Greece
11. Hungary
12. Iceland
13. Italy
14. Latvia
15. Liechtenstein
16. Lithuania
17. Luxembourg
18. Malta
19. Netherlands
20. Norway
21. Poland
22. Portugal
23. Slovakia
24. Slovenia
25. Spain
26. Sweden
27. Switzerland
Where should I apply for a Schengen Visa?
As a general rule, people applying for a Schengen Visa should submit their documents in the Embassy of the European country where you will be staying for a longer period of time.
There is no Iceland Embassy in the Philippines, but you can submit your visa requirements to the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila.
Step by Step Guide to Applying for Your Schengen Visa
1. Prepare the documentary requirements
Here is a list of the documentary requirements you need to provide later
1. Original valid passport with a validity of six (6) months from the date of travel, including old passports. The passport should have at least two (2) available pages from both sides intended for visa stamping.
2. The visa application form should be completed online using THIS LINK and printed on A4 size paper. You will be required to pay an application fee of 80 Euro. Note that the portal only accepts Visa and Mastercard credit card payments.
3. Two (2) recent colored passport-size photos should be provided. The photos should have a white background, and the applicant should be dressed in decent attire with a colored top that has a collar and sleeves. These photos should not have been previously submitted to the same embassy where the application is being made.
4. Source of income:
a. Employed: A certificate of employment stating the position, tenure of service, and gross annual income should be provided. It should be supported by an approved leave of absence.
b. Self-Employed: A copy of the DTI Business Registration Certificate or SEC Registration Certificate is required.
c. Government Employee: A certificate of employment stating the position, tenure of service, and gross annual income should be provided. It should be supported by an approved leave of absence or travel authority.
5. An original bank certification and a 6-month period bank statement or passbook are required.
6. A copy of the latest Income Tax Return (ITR) should be included.
7. A cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip and the daily schedule of activities should be provided. We can provide a template, but this can also be generated
8. A travel insurance policy with a minimum medical insurance coverage of PHP 2.5 million is required.
9. A flight itinerary should be submitted.
10. A certificate of hotel booking confirmation is necessary.
11. Proof of transfer to other Schengen states (optional) - all entries and exits to all countries of destination should be provided.
Additional Requirements for Sponsored Trips, Students, Minors or Foreign Nationals
1. For a sponsored trip supported by another person, a notarized affidavit of support executed by the sponsor should be provided, along with the supporting financial documents of the sponsor.
2. For minors/children traveling with their parents, a copy of the PSA-issued authenticated birth certificate and a copy of the PSA-issued authenticated marriage contract of the parents should be submitted.
3. For students, a certificate of enrollment issued by the school, along with a copy of the school ID, should be included. If traveling during the school year, a certificate of leave of absence issued by the school is required.
4. For minors below 18 years old who are not accompanied by both parents, an original DSWD clearance certificate is needed.
5. For minors below 18 years old who are accompanied by only one of the parents, a signed letter of consent from the unaccompanied parent is necessary.
6. For foreign nationals who require a visa to Norway, a copy of the Immigration Card (ICARD) issued by the Bureau of Immigration should be provided.
2. Schedule your appointment online
a. Book your appointment via this link https://selfservice.udi.no/en-gb/applicant-start/Actions/Want-to-book-an-appointment/
You'll notice that Schengen visa applications for Iceland can only be accommodated from Mondays to Fridays at 11:00AM to 2:00PM
3. Submit your application at the VFS Global (Visa Facilitation Services Global)
It is always best to show up early for your appointment. Here are the addresses for Manila and Cebu offices
Norway Visa Application Centre – Manila
Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg.,
Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
1231 Philippines
info.noph@vfshelpline.com
Norway Visa Application Centre – Cebu,
Unit 503, 5th Floor, Keppel Center, Samar Loop
cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
6000 Philippines
As per my visit in 2023, the process usually takes 4 steps:
a. Confirmation of appointment.
The security guard will confirm your appointment and give you a routing slip for submission. Take a seat and wait for your name to be called.
b. Submission of documents
As soon as your name is called, submit your documents to the VFS staff. They will check for accuracy and completeness of your documents.
c. Biometric Data Capture
Your biometric data will be captured via finger scans and a camera to take your photo, unless they already have your data from an application that you have recently submitted. NOTE: Do not wear colored contact lenses that may alter your appearance.
c. Visa Processing Payment to VFS
This must be paid in cash (It is best to have the exact amount in Pesos), and is separate from what you have paid online in step 1. Upon payment, the VFS staff will give you a receipt, which indicates your application reference number. Keep it in a safe place. If you lose this receipt, you cannot claim your visa and passport unless you submit a notarized affidavit of loss.
As of this writing (November 8, 2023) the fee is Php1,580. You may opt to receive the visa results and passport via courier. But VFS and the Embassy assumes no responsibility in case of loss of documents. This will require an additional fee of Php150.
NOTE: Payment of these fees DO NOT GUARANTEE an approval of your application. If your application is denied, or if later you decide to cancel your application - these fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Important Notes:
1. Visa fees and requirements are subject to change without prior notice.
2. The Royal Norwegian Embassy may ask you to appear for a personal interview after checking your visa application.
3. For applicants with an invitation from a relative or friend in Norway, the guarantee form (UDI) can be downloaded by the inviting person at VFS Global. Additionally, photocopies of passports with stamps, including the biographic page, should be provided to prove time spent together, which should be stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
4. Please submit the original documents along with photocopies, including a copy of the passport information page, pages with issued visas, and pages with immigration stamps. This is to avoid processing delays.
5. Once the visa application is filed, the passport will be in the possession of the Embassy, whether locally or internationally. Please ensure that you have no planned travel immediately before, during, and immediately after processing.
No time for DIY? We can help simplify your application process
We can help simplify the process and provide you with a cover letter, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation and round trip flight reservation. You may call us at 0945 397 4049 if you want to speak to our reservation officer or send us an email through our contact form.