Schengen Visa for Filipinos

 

I'd like to share with you my experience in applying for a Schengen Visa. I submitted my application last March 12 and got the decision last March 19 (5 working days). It was so tiring as I only had 2 weeks to gather/prepare all my documents, but it's all worth it. ️ 

Things you must remember: 

• Secure an appointment at VFS Global website

• On your appointment day, submit all the required documents. 

• Please note that you are not directly submitting your documents at the Dutch Embassy. VFS is the application center handling all Netherlands Schengen Visa applications. 

• VFS officer will thoroughly check your documents and will ask necessary questions when needed. In my case, no questions were asked. 

• After documents submission, you will be asked to pay the Visa Fee + VFS Processing Fee (P5190). This is non-refundable in case of visa denial. 

• Wait for your name to be called for Biometrics. VFS officer may ask some questions during this process. I was just asked when do I intend to visit the Netherlands. That's it.

• It is also important to note that your documents will be forwarded by VFS to the Regional Support Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hence, the 15 working days processing timeframe. It can be extended depending on your case. I got mine in just 5 working days. 

Here are the documents I submitted: 

1. Cover Letter/ Letter of Intent - this is where you'll explain the purpose of your travel. 

2. Checklist 

3. Application Form

4. Passport - (new & old) my old passport is no longer available. I just provided photos of my travels. 

5. Passport Size picture (2 pcs)

6. Proof of Travel Itinerary - you're only required to submit a flight reservation. I got mine from Arcticket for only P550 valid for 72 hours (can be extended). It's not recommended to book your flight yet. 

• Daily Itinerary in Europe - indicate your activities. 

• Hotel booking reservations or

• If you are visiting a friend/family, submit a letter of invitation and 

• Proof of Sponsorship (must be signed by their municipality)

• Proof of Relationship - photos and correspondences. 

7. Means of Subsistence

• Bank Certificate - you can get it from your bank. 

• Bank Statement (at least 3 mos) - print out from your online account. 

• Pay Slip (3 mos)

• Latest ITR

• Credit Card statement

8. Proof of Rootedness

• Employment Contract

• Certified Leave of Absence

• COE with compensation details

• Welcome Letter for my recently purchased Condo Unit. 

• Sunlife Insurance with VUL Policy Details.

9. Travel Insurance while in Schengen Area

• I got mine from Malayan Insurance for P1,300+. 

I am not an expert on this matter. I am just sharing my experience. I have read a lot of blogs that guided me in completing my documents. ️

Beautiful Vietnam

Vietnam has always been part of my dream destinations. It's actually the very first country I'd like to visit. It has some kind of a charm that always attracts me to visit it. 

Saigon River. View from our hotel.

I had so much fun exploring this beautiful city. We arrived at around 7 in the evening. After checking in at our Airbnb accommodation, we went out for dinner and some beer. 

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Our first full day was spent for the Saigon Walking tour. After breakfast, we went first to the Ho Chi Minh City Hall. We then head over to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is about 8 minutes away from the city hall. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Just right across the cathedral is the Saigon Post Office. I managed to send out letters back to the Philippines. Felt great. I haven't actually sent out snail mail for the longest time already. 

Post Office

We also visited the Reunification Palace, War Remnant Museum, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. These three are not too close to each other. Hence, we opted to hire a motorbike to bring us to these places. 

Reunification Palace

War Remnant Museum

Jade Emperor Pagoda

From the Pagoda, we then had lunch at the 'Lunch Lady.' This place was featured by Anthony Bourdain in his show. It is a bit hard to find, it's just a street food stall. Their Chicken Pho was so delicious. 

After our sumptuous lunch, we continued with our talking tour and we headed to the Opera House. It's a bit of a long walk from the Lunch Lady. We got lost a few times. But I guess that's the beauty of exploring. 

Opera House

Ho Chi Minh's Shopping District

From the Opera House, our next stop was the Bitexco Financial Tower.  It is a skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City and is one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam. 

Bitexco Financial Tower

During our tour, ASEAN was being held in Vietnam. 

We ended our walking tour with some Pasalubong shopping at the Ben Thanh Market. It's a souvenir haven in Ho Chi Minh. Be sure to haggle. You'll be able to find cheap stuff here including the very cheap North Face bags. 

Mekong Delta River Tour

Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda

State of Budai (Bố Đại)

Sleeping Buddha

On our 2nd day in Ho Chi Minh, we availed of the Mekong Delta River tour. On our way, we made a side trip to the beautiful Vĩnh Tràng Temple. It is a Buddhist temple near Mỹ Tho. We spent about 20 minutes in this beautiful temple before we head over to the Mekong Delta River. 

Visiting Mekong Delta River was the highlight of my Ho Chi Minh trip. I am amazed by how simple life is here. The place itself is magical. After the quick side trip at Vĩnh Tràng Temple, we arrived at My Tho and embarked on a motorboat and headed to the Unicorn Island. 

Vietnam Flag

From Unicorn Island, where we had lunch we head over to the bee farm and had a taste of their delicious honey tea. 

Tea Tasting

We were then made to walk around peaceful villages and watch the life of people in Mekong Delta.

Mekong Life

The most exciting part of this tour is the 15-minute boat ride that will explore the canals of the Mekong Delta. You'll be mesmerized by the beautiful coconut tree landscape. 

Row row row your boat

Also on this trip, we were able to taste some of their tropical fruits and have been able to witness how coconut candies are made. 

I had so much fun with the Mekong Delta River tour. A day well spent. At around 5pm, we head back to the city. We had another round of pasalubong shopping. 

What I will miss most in Ho Chi Minh are their local street coffee shops. It's so laid back and refreshing.

Oh Saigon! You're amazing. You're enchanting. You're beautiful. I will sure be back and explore more of your beautiful tourist spots and culture.