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Both the Netherlands Embassy website and the VFS Global Services website contain useful information on the application process for a Schengen visa. (VFS is the company that assists the Netherlands embassy in processing visa applications.) It can be a little confusing, navigating both websites and all their visa-related pages, so we put together this step-by-step guide.
To secure a Schengen visa for a trip to the Netherlands, here’s a summary of what you need to do:
- Before anything else, make sure you’re applying for a Schengen visa at the right embassy. The Netherlands must be your main destination.
- Pay the visa fees at Unionbank.
- Schedule an appointment through the VFS website. Wait at least 1 business day after paying the visa fees before making the appointment.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Go to the embassy at the appointed time to personally lodge your application and submit your requirements.
- Wait for the decision.
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Should you be applying at the Netherlands embassy?
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A Schengen visa allows you to travel to the Netherlands and/or any of the other countries in the Schengen Area. In other words, once you obtain a visa from any of the Schengen countries, you can travel to all of the Schengen countries. That said, you can’t just apply for a visa in any Schengen country. The rule is: your visa application should be lodged at the embassy/consulate of the country that constitutes the main destination of your trip in terms of purpose or length of stay.
- Are you traveling only to the Netherlands?
- Is the main purpose of your trip in the Netherlands, even though you will be visiting other countries?
- Is the Netherlands the country where you will be spending the most time?
If you answer yes to any of the questions above, then, yes, you should apply for a visa at the Netherlands embassy.
Please note that “purpose” in no. 2 usually refers to business or some other official engagement. If you spend 3 days in Amsterdam and 4 days in Paris, you need to apply for a visa at the French embassy, no matter how much you protest that the main purpose of your trip is to see a windmill.
If you are spending equal time in 2 countries — say, 3 days in the Netherlands and 3 days in Belgium — that is when other factors are taken into consideration, such as where your flight from the Philippines will actually land.
Pay the visa application fees.
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The total fee for an adult is PHP 4,540 — this includes the actual visa application fee (PHP 3,700), the VFS service fee (PHP 740), and the bank charge (PHP 100). This amount is payable at any Unionbank branch in the country. Bring your passport with you when you make the payment, and fill out a bank payment form (download it here) in advance.
Schedule an appointment.
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First of all, take note that you need to pay the visa application fees before scheduling an appointment. The appointment system will require your receipt number and date of payment, so it’s just not possible to make the appointment before paying. Second, you need to wait at least 1 business day after paying, to make sure that your payment details have been entered into the system.
When deciding on your appointment date, there are certain factors you need to consider:
- A visa application may only be lodged 3 months prior to intended departure at the earliest. (I know — the suspense kills me too.)
- After lodging your application and requirements, you will usually receive a decision within 10 calendar days. That said, you may be asked to submit additional documents, or your application might need to be referred to authorities in the Netherlands, which will certainly take time. Procrastinate at your own risk.
- Your embassy appointment is when you will be handing over your requirements. Make sure you give yourself enough time to secure things like bank certifications, confirmed hotel reservations, etc.
- If you need to fly to Manila, make sure there are flights available on your appointment date.
Ready?
You can schedule an appointment here. Again, you will need your Unionbank receipt number and your payment date, so have those info on hand.
Prepare your requirements.
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Here are the documents you need to submit in support of your visa application:
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form with photo. (Application Form | Consent Form | Photo Specifications)
* - One passport picture, 35 x 45 mm, white background — this is in addition to the photo attached to your application form.
* - Valid passport. Schengen countries require that your passport be valid a mere 3 months from the end of your intended stay. However, be aware that some countries (including those you might have a layover in) require 6 months’ validity. In addition, your passport must have at least two blank pages available; otherwise, you need to get a new one. (A passport with only one page left — oh, what a nice problem to have!)
* - International travel insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The Netherlands embassy doesn’t specify that your insurance should be issued from Schengen-approved companies; however, it’s best to cover your bases. Here’s a helpful list of Schengen-approved insurance companies from the French embassy. (I used Blue Cross, as it is extremely easy to apply for their insurance online. See the following articles for more info: Travel Insurance for European Trips | Sample Itineraries and Prices from Blue Cross.)
* - Detailed travel itinerary. This means where you’re planning to go on which day (and “why” might be something they’ll ask during your interview). Make your itinerary as detailed as possible; it’s one way you can reduce the risk of being suspected of planning to stay in the Netherlands illegally. I put in flight numbers and train schedules; whenever possible, I actually specified which station the train was departing from, the coach number, and the seat number. (I don’t know if that really helps but…I got a visa. With no fuss. So.)
* - Documents proving sufficient means for the entire visit — at least 34 euros per day of your trip. The VFS website just states “such as bank statement or copy of bank book” but, again, it’s best to cover all your bases. Get bank certificates and statements of account; prepare a copy of your latest income tax return too, just in case.
* - Copy of hotel reservations for the entire trip, including in any other Schengen country you will be visiting.
* - Copy of flight booking. (“The Embassy advises you not make any payment for…flight tickets before you are granted a visa.”)
* - Letter of employment or other proof of livelihood, such as your official business registration.
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PLUS
* - 1 copy of all the documents above. For the passport, photocopy those pages with your photograph, personal data and previous visas.
Download the VFS checklist here.
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Show up at the embassy.
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Before you ask, yes, you have to be there in person, even if you have a travel agency handling your application, because the embassy needs to get your fingerprints.
I was lucky enough to be interviewed at the Netherlands consulate in Cebu on the very last day that they were accepting visa applications. (The Cebu visa desk was closed on November 11, 2013.) It was actually less of an interview and more of making sure that all my documents were in order. The papers were examined thoroughly but there were no raised eyebrows or suspicious tones. The lady who interviewed me was nice enough; she even gave me a chance to tweak my itinerary (long story) and come back later that day. It was a pretty straightforward interview and, overall, a more pleasant experience than the one I had at the French embassy.
Wait for the decision.
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After your documents are accepted by the embassy staff, they will be sent on to the Regional Support Office in Kuala Lumpur, which will decide on the merits of your application. Processing time is usually 10 calendar days. You can track your application here.
One week after I filed my visa application, I received a package from the Netherlands office in Kuala Lumpur. My fingers trembling, I tore open the plastic and anxiously examined my passport…and there it was, a Schengen visa issued by the Netherlands. At that time, Typhoon Haiyan had just struck the Philippines and I was up to my neck in relief operations; my birthday was also coming up in a few days. The visa felt like a birthday gift and a pat on the back from the universe at the same time. Small pleasures, I guess, but for someone who loved to travel, who had spent the last few months researching and organizing and preparing, who desperately needed a break…that visa could not have come at a better time.
Good luck with your visa application!
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Getting a Schengen Visa at the Netherlands Embassy: What You Need to Know
© Small-Town Girls, Midnight Trains. All rights reserved. Contents verified as of 08-April-2014.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience with the Dutch Embassy.
Do you know how it is when you apply together as a family? Are the applications evaluated separately? My sister and I applied last April 7, Monday. She already got her visa yesterday but mine has no news yet. I’m really worried why mine is taking some time. Is it because my sister applied for the purpose of “business” (she will be attending a conference) while I applied for a tourist visa? How long does it usually take for them to process the visa? Thank you!
Hi K! The usual processing time is 10 calendar days, but I got my visa after just 7 days. I don’t think you should worry before the 10 days are up. As long as you were able to fulfill all the requirements, I think it’ll be okay. 🙂 For family applications, I think they do evaluate each person separately. My husband and I applied together — he got a visa with 1 month validity, while mine was valid for 1 year, probably because I’d traveled to the Schengen area previously. In your case, it’s possible they will scrutinize tourist applications more than business applications. But, again, it’s not time to worry yet. 🙂 I hope you get your visa soon! (Will you let me know if you do? I love good news, even if it’s for other people. Hehe.)
Hi,
What kind of conference did your sister have? I am a PhD student and have an academic conference in Netherlands. Do you think that will qualify for a business visa? No appointment for tourist visa is available right now
Hi Gay! I also didn’t know that you could only apply for a visa 3 months prior at the earliest. I wanted to apply like 5 months prior hehe. Anyway, sharing with you my German Embassy experience http://dizzymae.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-to-get-schengen-visa-via-german.html =)
Dais! I’m so jealous! Naa pa ka diha sa Germany karun? (I figured May 9 + 6 days…hehe…) Maka-praning ang only 90 days before sah? Kung pwede pa lang ASAP para dili na mag-worry. 🙂 Were the German embassy guys strict? Someone told me they were daw, and that Germany is probably the strictest daw among Schengen countries, but I want to know what it was like for you. 🙂
I’m leaving Monday night pa Gay, excited na gani ko hehe. Yeah I heard that about German Embassy pud that’s why I was extra OC with my documents. But surprisingly (and thankfully) I had an easy time ra with the interview, around 15-20mins ra siguro ko. Maybe because of my work and it was an invitation from a friend who works in Deutsche Bank, and probably because my friend went ahead of me so gamay ra gyud ug questions sa ako. Naa sad siguro bearing nga I have a US visa. And I was told pa gyud to expect the visa within 5 days (I got it on the 4th day), unlike what I heard from others nga 2 weeks kuno ilaha and no indication pa jud if ok hehe. Honestly mas lisod pa ang pagapply sa US embassy cos daghan questions for single females. We applied as a family pero they had more questions for me and my sister.
I see! Hala, hala, excited pod ko apil haha! Happy travels Dais! 🙂
Hi, dizzymae is right. Applying for a US Visa is more difficult compared to applying for a German visa. My experience with the German embassy was easy and breezy. They only interviewed me for 7 minutes. I applied for a tourist visa, no invitation from someone whatsoever. As long as your documents are complete, it should be easy.
Thanks Jasmin! That’s great to know. Yeah, I think the documents are the most important part of the whole application.
Hi! How much does it cost for a multi-country trip in europe based on your experience? and how do you get an insurance? I don’t have any idea at all. lol Do you have any knowledge about the Swiss embassy? Are they nice or strict? or do you know anyone who tried to get a schengen visa in the Swiss embassy? Sorry for the questions. I really need to know some heads up ‘coz a friend just invited me to Switzerland ^^
Hi Dee! You can check out my cost estimate here: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2014/04/16/how-much-does-a-european-trip-cost/. The actual cost would depend on a lot of things, but that amount is a handy rule of thumb. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who has obtained a Schengen visa from the Swiss embassy. I’ve heard that some embassies can be strict and others not; I think what’s really important to make sure your documents are in order. You can start your research for the Swiss embassy here: http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vphl/ref_visinf/visphl.html. Take note that there’s a different checklist for those who are being sponsored by a relative/friend and those who are going as independent tourists. Finally, for the insurance, I just got mine from Blue Cross (https://secure.bluecross.com.ph/OQAPv2Prod/CheckEmail.aspx) as it’s very easy to obtain and pay online. 🙂 Best of luck on your Switzerland trip!! If you can, let me know how it goes. Crossing my fingers for you. 🙂
Hi! I wanted to ensure validity of my passport. I’m planning for embassy appointment 2nd week of October. If visa application will be approved I’m leaving 1st week of December and return on the 30th. but my passport will expire June 22, 2014. will it still be accepted? or do I need to renew my passport? salamat:)
Hi Eve!
I’m assuming you mean your passport will expire on June 22, 2015 (not 2014).
That’s kind of tricky because you will be returning on December 30, and June 22 is less than 6 months from your return date.
Now, the Schengen countries actually just require that our passports be valid 3 months from our date of return (see here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Philippines/tourist.html) so there’s no problem there.
What I’m not sure about is our own Bureau of Immigration. In their FAQs (http://www.immigration.gov.ph/index.php/faqs/travel-req), they state: “At a minimum, a traveler intending to go abroad shall be required to present a passport valid for at least six (6) months” but they don’t specify if they count the 6 months from your departure date or your return date.
I would recommend, to be sure, that you renew your passport OR you get a passport extension (although I’m not sure if extensions are still available).
Yes, I stand corrected for June 22, 2014
A Schengen visa will also cover Paris and Belgium. Good luck!
Thank you 🙂
Hi, is there a need to book a flight reservation befor calling the german embassy for appointment?thanks
Hi Ball! I don’t have personal experience with getting a visa at the German embassy, but I looked it up for you. It says here : “The Embassy advises that, within the framework of the setting of appointments, the data required for the visa processing is already retrieved from the caller. This reduces the duration of the personal interview at the Embassy and at the same time facilitates the issuance of more appointments, and therefore avoids an excessive waiting time for an appointment. In order to keep the telephone fee low, it is urgently advised to keep at hand all required documents for the visa application as well as the valid passport of the applicant when setting the appointment.” So there’s a chance they might ask for your flight information when you make the appointment, in which case you’ll need to make the flight reservation beforehand. Again, I haven’t tried it myself so I can’t be sure — it’s also possible they will just ask for your date of departure from the Philippines but not necessarily your flight details.
Hi i wonder if where kami mg apply ng kapatid ko and my husband kasama yung baby namin i think she will be 3months old na by the time na mag apply kami.. I was in netherlands for tourist sponsor last 2011 and this is my 2nd time now… I WAs interviewed at cebu also but now sabi ng agnecy ala na daw sa w sa cenu now in manila na direct. But i hear form you just wanna confirm kung meron pa sila dun or direct na sa manila? I just hope meron pa sa cebu. Do i meed appointment? Thank you 🙂
Hi Carrie!
Unfortunately visa applications are no longer accepted in Cebu (I was probably one of the last few people to submit application there!); in fact, the Netherlands consulate in Cebu has closed until further notice. More info here:
http://philippines.nlembassy.org/news/2013/november/closure-cebu-consulate.html
http://philippines.nlembassy.org/news/2014/may/closure-of-honorary-consulate-cebu.html
You’ll have to go to Manila. 🙁 I hope you guys get your visas! 🙂 Happy travels!
Hi! dd you had any problem with immgration since the place of issue is kuala lumpur instead of manila phil? my mom recieved her visa last week and we we’re confused of place of issue.mom called the embassy though and they said its correct but we are still uncertain with it..just make sure that she have a smooth travel..
thnk you
Hi Armi!
No, I didn’t have a problem with Immigration. If the Immigration guys ask, just tell them that the visa application was accepted by the Manila embassy but sent on to Kuala Lumpur for processing and issuance of the visa. (I can’t remember where I read that but that is actually what happens.)
Hi Thank you for the response. I just wanna know also if theres appearance for application of visa is there interview or just submit the requirements to the embassy?
Hi Carrie. Yes — there’s a section about it in the post, right after the map, under the heading “Show up at the embassy.” I described my own experience there, though I can’t guarantee it will be the same way in Manila.
Hi! I just want to ask your opinion 🙂 I’ll make it as detailed as possible. I’m in the States right now as an immigrant with a Philippine passport. We are planning a trip for Europe in April 2015 to visit my foster family in the Netherlands and tour around neighboring countries Belgium & France, but because I don’t have a US passport yet, I do need a visa to get there. Initially, I will be travelling with my husband and my son (who will be 2.3 years old by then) however, my
husband might only get 2 weeks off from work and we plan on staying there for 3 weeks max. I’m a stay at home mom at the moment also. The plan now is for me to travel with my son first then my husband follows a week after. With that I can spend a week with my foster family that I’ve known for years and years. My foster family will provide a letter of invitation for me as well. Here’s why I hope you can enlighten me with your valuable opinion. 🙂 Do you think I should mention in the papers and actual interview that I will travel with only my son in the first week? Even if my son is a US passport holder, I do plan on including him in my travel insurance as well since he will be traveling with me. Ok, so that’s the honest way. Another thing I have in mind is to just mention (along with itineraries) that I will be traveling with my son and husband since that is the original plan anyway.
Hello Deb! I’m hardly an expert so I can only tell you what I would do if I were in your place. 🙂 The visa application form doesn’t ask you who you will be traveling with so you don’t have to worry about that. They will require a plane ticket though, and obviously your ticket from the US to the Netherlands will only have your name and your son’s. I think you should also provide them with a copy of your husband’s ticket to the Netherlands, as well as a copy of the Netherlands-USA ticket that (presumably) contains all 3 of your names. If they ask you during the interview who you will be traveling with, I *think* it’s best if you mention outright that you and your son will be traveling ahead of your husband (because of his work commitments) and then this will be a good time to point out the tickets. I think it’s best that you volunteer this information, rather than just saying you will be traveling with your husband and son, because if they do look at your plane ticket to the Netherlands and notice that your husband’s name isn’t there, they might feel that you were withholding information from them. Again, that’s just my opinion, but that’s what I would do. 🙂 I hope this helps! Good luck with your visa. 🙂
Thank you so much!
hi. mai i ask where i can get flight reservations only? every time i search online i have to book the tickets right away when in fact i still don’t have a visa. thank you
Hi Leila,
The two times I applied for a Schengen visa, I actually took the risk of already buying the tickets because they were on sale.
KLM will refund your ticket if your visa application gets denied (though I’m not sure if this will apply to tickets bought on sale — I guess it depends on the conditions set during the sale. See http://www.klm.com/travel/ph_en/customer_support/customer_support/refunds_and_compensation/refund_of_ticket_cost.htm).
I asked Singapore Airlines (ph_feedback@singaporeair.com.sg) before and they said: “We can actually reserve the tickets and will give you an option for ticket issuance.” I’m not exactly sure what they mean though because I never got to following up my inquiry.
PAL will refund London tickets if the passenger is refused a visa by the UK embassy, but unfortunately they don’t fly to Schengen countries yet.
I think, to be sure, you can contact the airlines you’re interested in and ask them if they will accept reservations and hold them until you have your visa application results.
Hello! Do you have an idea whether unpaid hotel reservations like the one from booking.com are accepted at the netherlands embassy? Thanks!
Hi Jen,
Yup, those are fine. I’ve used booking.com myself a lot of times.
Hi, I am wondering how not to pay for flights (reserved flights) if you are to pay the flights right away when you booked it? They said not to pay any flights upon applying for visa, but they want the copy of booking, how is it possible? It’s weeks of waiting, so how can you reserve a flight for 3 months? The longest flight reservation I ever saw is 3 days. Just curious coz am also going to apply for a Schengen visa here in Thailand.
Hi Adrian,
I haven’t tried just making reservations either — all the flights I booked were on sale so I had to take the risk and pay for them right away.
You could try inquiring from travel agencies if they can hold reservations for you.
You could also see which airlines there will refund your ticket if you can’t get a visa. I know KLM will do that. http://www.klm.com/travel/ph_en/customer_support/customer_support/refunds_and_compensation/refund_of_ticket_cost.htm
hi Adrian, go to travel agent from where u buy flight tickets. tell him to issue u a dummy ticket for anywhere u want. he wil get some money and wil issue u the ticket which u r gona attach to ur other documents. u can get hotel reservation dummy from same travel agent. tnx
When i move on to the scheduling appointment page, all days are grown, just 5 days next week are green. Why? The appointments are all full in 2015 for Netherlands except for next week? I am anxious for any reply…
Hi Cisy,
I’m afraid I don’t know what the matter is — sorry. Maybe you could try calling them? I hope you get answers soon!
Hi,,just wanted to ask if kailangan pa i legalized ang mga documents na i submit?
Ok na pud ba ang bank certificate ,pay slip ug bank statement of accounts as proof of financial support? Naa pud noon koy sponsor…February 24 akong visa appointment,,hoping for the best..
Thank u in advance
Hi Leslie,
Yes, you can submit your bank certificate, statement of accounts and pay slips as proof of sufficient means for the trip.
Unsa imong pasabot nga dapat i-“legalize” ang documents?
If naa ka’y sponsor, it would be best if you get him/her to execute a notarized affidavit of support, and you should also present his/her financial documents.
Good luck!
hi, humayun here, ive submitted my visa for medical visa for netherlands on 9th feb 2015 and stil waiting for result. Im suffering from hepatitis C. pray for me so i can get visa and get well. tnx
Hi.
Ask ko lang if kinuha ba biometrics mo?
Hello. No, the Netherlands consulate in Cebu didn’t have the necessary biometrics equipment, and that’s actually the reason why they’ve stopped accepting visa applications. (We submitted our documents on the very last day that they were accepting applications.) But sa French embassy, kinuha yung biometrics ko.
May i ask mam/sir what if there’s someone who will sponsor you to go to the Netherlands, say a very special friend. He will be the host and everything, shoulder every expenses. Will it be difficult for me to get a tourist visa? Pleasei need your advises because this will be my first time to apply visa to the Netherlands. Thank you 🙂
Hi Manny,
It will not necessarily be difficult. Just make sure you have all the documents necessary. In your case, you won’t be applying for the basic tourist visa but for the visa needed for visiting family/friends. You can get more information here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Philippines/visiting_family_and_friends_visa.html
Again, just make sure you have all the documents required — that’s the most important thing. Good luck! 🙂
Good day! My wife will be traveling to Amsterdam for an official trip and is planned to stay there for 3 months. Her employer will pay for the accomodation. I plan to go with her (or after she is settled) but since we will be sharing accomodation when we get there, I don’t see the point of booking a hotel reservation for myself.
#1 Should I apply for a tourist visa? I am not sure if I will qualify for the ‘visiting friends/family’ since she is not a resident there.
#2 Do I still have to book my own hotel reservation as part of the requirement eventhough we are going to share the same place?
Thanks!
Hi Nardong Putik (nice notorious name!),
Yes, I think you should apply for a tourist visa, and no, I don’t think you need to book your own hotel reservation. I think you can just show them your wife’s hotel reservations, note down the whole explanation. If it’s possible for you to submit your documents at the same time as your wife, I think that will be best.
Hi there 🙂
Sorry if out of place akong comment..
I just would like to ask, if you happen to know,
how to get a Visa for Australia? and its process.
Im just going visit a cousin and attend a wedding..
First time travelling pako.
Hi bitz,
I haven’t tried applying for an Australian visa yet, but you can get information from this page:
http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/Visitor_Visas2.html
http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/files/mnla/0614%20sc600%20Visitor%20tourist%20stream%20checklist.pdf
Also — I’m not sure, but it looks like Philippine passport holders are among those who can lodge their visa applications online. See this page:
http://www.immi.gov.au/services/pages/visitor-e600-visa-online-applications.aspx
Hope that helps!
hi, I have schengen visa already. I recieved it last 2010 with 5years expiry (Dec 2015) Multi- 90days..
I haven’t counted in my passport on how many days I have consumed.
I got a visa because I am a seafarer. My girlfriend is working in qatar airways and I get to enjoy her discounts as well. Now, I want to travel, real travel like a tourist using this visa. Will this visa be fine for this planned travel to any schengen state?
I am hesitant because I have only used this visa for transit -joining vessel and signing off, usually a night stay in hotel then to vessel or airport.
dayon akong visa kay almost same sa imoha..pero after BNL2 nga line kay naay seafarer. pwede kaha ni gamiton akong visa.. sayang man gud..pero sure ko mga 45 days max pa akong nagamit..
Hi brickchuck,
I’m afraid I don’t know if pwede ra ba gamiton ang seafarer visa for general tourism purposes. What I know is that you guys have different requirements than ordinary tourists, but I don’t know if, once naa na ka ana nga visa, you can use it for other purposes bah. I would suggest you call na lang the Netherlands embassy para sure, kay bitaw, sayang pod imong visa if dili magamit, kapoy ra ba ug apply for another one. 🙂
Hello good day po!!!
Salamat sa mga post Nyo I learned a lots po but I just want to ask something regarding to my visa application po cause last April 24 2015 was my appointment in netherlands embassy but when the time I lodge them all my docs. They still asking some docs from my sponsor and me also I already sent them 1 day after my interview but I was wondering why some of my original docs they get it back to me after my interview. It is mean my visa was refused already or what pls help me I need ur advice thanks and God bless !!!
Hi Gei, maybe they don’t need/require those original docs that they returned to you, or they just need the photocopies. Do they still have your passport? If they haven’t returned your passport, that means they haven’t made the decision yet, so just wait for it. Good luck, God bless!
hello! thanks for the information that you have here! it was very helpful. I was wondering, was it easy to get an appointment scheduled, on your preferred date? for example, if i want to schedule my appointment on may 20, and it is now may 6, are there many open slots to schedule an appointment? in other words, is it difficult to get a slot? thanks very much! i wish you more travels!!
Hi Mike!
I’m afraid I don’t really have an answer to that because I applied for a visa in Cebu (on the very last day that they accepted visa applications; the Cebu consulate is closed now) and I didn’t have to set an appointment, it was walk-in, very easy.
So sorry I can’t be of more help. Thanks for your comment though and good luck with your visa!
Hi, great info. Would like to ask how did you present a flight booking without buying the actual flight?
Hi Ozzy,
Sorry for the really late reply, I’ve been having internet problems for over a week now. In my case, I actually paid for the ticket already. It was risky, but the ticket was on sale, so I thought it was worth taking the risk. Anyway, I believe you can buy a ticket from KLM and have it refunded if you don’t get approved for a visa. I think you can also ask travel agencies to make a booking that you can pay for only if you get the visa. Hope that helps. Good luck!
Hi there, just wanna ask if how much did you pay for your required travel insurance as I am quite unfamiliar with the whole insurance stuff?
And also, is it recommended to get help from travel agencies? If so, can u please suggest agencies? This is the first time I’m planning to travel to non-Asian country
Thank you, you post is really very informative
Hi! For the travel insurance worth EUR 30,000, I paid 44 euros. That’s with Blue Cross (which I liked because you can just do everything online).
Regarding the travel agency, I’ve never tried getting help from a travel agency because I like to plan my own travels and I can prepare my own documents. Also, because kuripot ako. Haha!
I have a friend, it was also her first time traveling abroad, like not even to ASEAN countries, first time talaga abroad, she recently went to UK and she did it all by herself. She also prepared documents for her entire family. Kaya naman talaga, step by step lang.
But if you don’t have time or you don’t want any hassle, okay din naman mag-travel agency. 🙂
Do you know if everyone needs a Schengen visa, or just some countries? If I wanted to travel to other countries and get a visa on arrival to, say, Netherlands, can I use THAT visa for other countries?
Just some countries — it depends on your nationality. If you have a Schengen visa issued by one Schengen member country, that will allow you to visit other Schengen member countries as well.
So do you know if I fly into, say, Amsterdam, do I automatically get a “Schengen” visa, or some other kind?
Well, the Schengen visa is the only kind I know. Instead of giving you a visa for just one country, they give you a visa that you can use to enter all the countries that signed the Schengen agreement.
OK…thanks…got it.
plz give answer if i have schengen tour visa to neatherland and they take my fingerprint in embassy can i apply for refugee in neatherland
Hi Saleh. I’m sorry, I am not familiar with the process for refugees. Good luck though.
Hi there!
May I ask if your original passport was submitted together with your documents during the processing of VISA..? or was it returned to you, while you were awaiting for the VISA release..?
Thank you
Hi. The passport was submitted along with the other documents and sent back to me (with the visa) by courier after ~1 week.
Hi, im a Filipino working in Thailand. I am planning to spend a 30 day vacation in NL this December becoz the school that i work for will also be closed for a month due to the holidays. A Dutch friend of mine had a document legalized in NL saying id stay at his place but it is i who would be paying for my trip coz i have sufficient fund thats at least a little bit more than 30days x 34 euros. I hope enough na yun. Just a little bit extra. He will also arrange the travel insurance for me in NL and he will just send me proof of the insurance. And i will show them my bank details, employment certificate, plus my re entry document to Thailand at the end of the trip. Sana magrant ako ng visa coz i really need a long break from work. Is 30 days too long for a 1st timer sa isang Schengen country? In the past like as early as 11 yrs old, ive already had two 5 year Us visas, 2 south korean visas, a korean 2yr student visa and a recently renewed n0n immigrant visa and work permit in Thailand. Will it help if i include at least a copy of all my past visas kahit expired na to show them that i do travel and follow visa rules? Mas ok kaya chances ko of being granted a “visit a friend” visa if i do that? Thanks! Hope to hear from you soon. Im planning to leave on Dec.5 and apply for a visa 1st week of Nov. Sana enough time na rin yun. 🙂
Hi Maggie! I don’t think 30 days is too long, I know of people who have stayed that long on their first visits, and anyway you’re staying with a friend so you won’t have problems with accommodations. You definitely should bring with you during your visa application all your previous passports with all your visas from your past trips, those will be helpful, and during my application they actually stapled all my old passports together and collected them together with my new passport (they will also return it together with the new passport). I don’t think you should have too much trouble with your application as long as all the documents required. Good luck and enjoy the Netherlands! I’m a little jealous of your trip! The Christmas markets should be interesting. 🙂
Thank you so much for the prompt response. I am also planning a little bit of Eurotrail travelling like to Belguim, France and Germany, each for a day or two lang. Di pa sure pero baka. Should i ask for multiple entry? Or ok lang na kahit wag ko na sabihin coz they are Schengen countries as well. Im worried kasi if they find out na i have plans of visiting a neighboring country then baka hingan ako ng mas malaking fund or show money.
I think it won’t do any harm if you just tell them that you’re planning to go to those other countries. And I’m not sure if you need a multiple entry visa for that, kasi those other countries are within the Schengen area naman, so you’re actually only going to enter the whole Schengen area once (unless you are also going to a non-Schengen country like the UK). And if you’re traveling by train, you won’t need to go through Immigration each time you go to another country within the Schengen area.
Salamat talaga for your time and great advice. God bless ! Update kita kung successful. 🙂
You’re welcome! And good luck! Looking forward to hearing about it.
Hi, ive already submitted my application and documents yesterday. Apparently, nagbago na rules dito sa Thailand sa Embassy of the Netherlands. All short term visa applicants don’t need to go directly to the embassy na. Sa VFS Visa Center na. And walang interview na nangyari. Nagsubmit lang ng docs and biometrics. Lahat ng docs, yung agency na mismo yung magfoforward sa embassy and may additional payment pa yun. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing kasi what if there are questions, imbes na masagot mo directly or immediately, hindi. 🙁 Im quite worried about this.
Hi Maggie! I think a lot of the embassies are doing that na these days, like recently I submitted my UK visa application through a VFS office here in Cebu. I believe if they have questions or if they want additional documents, they will just contact you. Of course it’s better if talagang you submit all the documents that you can submit agad, para no delays na. But I actually think it’s better that way, that they just look at your documents, kasi sometimes if may personal interview, the biases of the interviewer might come into play. Like if talagang nerbyosa kang tao but the interviewer perceives it as parang guilty ka of something. Looking at the documents I think is a more objective way of assessing visa applications. Don’t worry about it! 🙂
Tama ka dyan, mas objective and transparent kung ganun. Thank you!
hi po!ask ko lang po if mabibigyan po ba ako ng visa para sa netherlands?.a friend of mine is inviting me to visit netherlands and sagot po niya ang lahat ng gagastusin sa pagstay ko sa holland,sa bahay po nya ako magstay,.ala pa po akong trabaho.,sana po masagot ang tanong ko.,salamat po and Godbless
Hi Renelyn, hindi ko masasabi kung mabibigyan ka ba ng visa ng Netherlands embassy. Wala namang imposible, just make sure na kumpleto yung mga documents mo at maipapakita mo na pupunta ka lang talaga doon as tourist, at may sasagot sa lahat ng gastusin mo, at babalik ka sa Pilipinas after sa bakasyon mo.
Hi renelyn asan ka ngaun sa holland ka na ba? kasi for the mean tkme nag asikaso po ko ng papel ko to netherland my mag sposor then po sa akin ano po ba yong ana mo ginawa thanks hope to see your reply too thanks agian im fe
Hi, i got my schengen visa already after waiting for a little bit less than 2 weeks. Happy weekend from Maggie in Bangkok and soon happy holidays from the Netherlands. Thanks a lot and God bless you and your awesome blog!
Yay!! I’m so happy for you. Have a wonderful time in Europe. 🙂
Hi , im planning to make a visa application in netherlands embassy, im married in polander and im a filipina , but im little worry because i already tried two times before we got married but both refused visa ..do you think this time i will have ? Now that we are married ?
Hello! I think you would have a better chance now that you are married. Just be diligent in submitting the documents required for whatever visa category you are applying for. Good luck!
Hello po. Ask ko lng po kung may interview pa na ginagawa kung business visa ang aapplyam ko? Thank you so much.
Hi Khimpot, I’m sorry I’m not familiar with the procedure for a business visa. Lahat dapat talaga mag-personal appearance kasi kukunin nila yung fingerprints mo, etc., but whether merong mas extensive na interview, I’m afraid I don’t know.
Hello! When you submitted your Blue Cross Travel Insurance docs, did you just submit the OCC (Official Confirmation of Coverage), or did you submit the TACTIC (Terms and Conditions of Travelsafe Insurance Official Confirmation of Coverage) as well? Both documents say that one is not valid without the other so I’m not sure if we have to submit both to the (French) Embassy. Thanks!
Hi Anna! We only submitted the OCC, but, just to be safe, I would suggest bringing along a copy of the TACTIC. Just in case. 🙂 Good luck!
Hi
Iam working in singapore for 6 years and I just got my UK visa last week but suddenly my brother informed me who is a Uk resident that we’ll be travelling for 1 day in Amsterdam from london.I applied yesterday in VFS singapore for a Schengen visa and all my documents was completed and sent to KL netherlands embassy but I didn’t submit any hotel booking in Amsterdam because i am thinking it is just a 1 day travel and we’ll be back to london right away. Do you think they will issue the schengen visa I requested even without my 1 day hotel reservation in Asterdam?I am anxious that they might decline my application.
Thanks
Hi sgtraveller! Do you mean that you are going to Amsterdam and going back to London on the same day? If that’s the case, and you submitted a copy of your ticket/booking for whatever mode of transportation you will use to travel between London and Amsterdam, then I think it should be obvious to the embassy that that you have no need for hotel accommodations. If, on the other hand, you mean that you will be staying one night in Amsterdam, I don’t know if the fact that you didn’t submit a hotel booking will impact your application negatively. Hope it goes through. Good luck and happy travels!
I got my approved Schengen visa application… Thanks a lot
Yay!!! Very happy for you. Enjoy your trip! 🙂
what are the requirements needed for applying visa because i wanna attend world youth day this coming july 2016, im still 17 right now but dis coming may i will be 18 na, so my eldest brother sasagutin na nya lahat ng expenses his birthday gift for me, so i willl be there for 3 or 2 weeks only because i need to back here and im still studying. me and my friend will be together, i hope u give me some tips for documents and interview. Godbless
the venue is in krakow, poland
Hi Janela! I don’t have an article yet on getting a Schengen visa for Poland — all I know right now is that you have to apply through the Netherlands embassy and the requirements are similar — but I will do research on it so I can give you a full answer. 🙂 Please subscribe to the blog so you will get a notification when I’ve published a post on it. Cheers.
Hi Janela!
Here’s the link to the post I made for you: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2016/02/26/how-to-get-a-schengen-visa-for-poland/
God bless!
Hi! Just want to ask if you had trouble getting an appointment through the website? I punched in my receipt number plus passport number UB12345XX1234567 and it won’t validate. I paid last Monday at around 1pm and today is Wednesday. I let one full business day pass. Could I be doing it wrong? 😛
Hi Ian! It’s been some time since I scheduled my appointment and I did it over the phone so I can’t help you there, sorry… Good luck though!
Meron pa bang interview sa netherlands embassy in makati after po ba mag submit ng docs for visa application? Thanks
Hi Becky! Sa pagkakaalam ko, usually wala na’ng interview. The VFS website only says that people going on certain diplomatic missions may be called for an interview. Besides, yung visa application dun yata sa Kuala Lumpur pina-process, so I think an interview is unlikely. It’s not impossible but it’s unlikely.
Ah oki po. Thanks. Another question po. May idea po ba sila if gaano po kalayo ang available na appointment sa netherlands embassy? Fo example po, nagbayad po sa bank today? Weeks lng po ba o months? Thanks po
I have no idea, sorry. If you want, you can call VFS to find out, pwede namang mag-inquire muna. Good luck!
Hi,
I have a concern. Do you think it is enough to submit a 3-month bank statement versus 6-month? Was just wondering since I just recently opened a bank account. Thanks!
Hi Kristina. I have tried submitting only a 3-month bank statement (because some embassies only require 3 months) and they were fine with it. However, my bank account is already maybe a decade old. If your bank account is new, that might be a cause for concern, like they might suspect you just borrowed “show money” from someone else and the money isn’t really yours. So, if your bank account is new, it will be up to you to find additional ways to prove that the money in the account is really yours and that you really are financially stable enough for your trip. Good luck!
Hello! How about you don’t have enough money in your account and the person who invited you to come shoulders everything that you need. I was being invited by a friend and she’s going to shoulder everything including my food. Is it possible that your visa can be approved?
Hi Charice! It’s definitely possible that you can get a visa even if you aren’t shouldering your own travel expenses for as long as you’re meticulous about your documents. In particular, aside from presenting proof of your friend’s financial capability and intent to sponsor you, you must show that you are only visiting her for tourism purposes (and not because you’re looking for a job or anything like that) and that you are definitely returning to the Philippines. Good luck! 🙂
Hey, do you know how long do you have to wait until you saw a status of your application on the tracking website? I applied for mine a few days ago but it was an urgent application and I am anxiously waiting to hear/see about the progress. Cheers!
Hi Albert! I’m afraid I don’t know how soon they will put up updates on the tracking website, sorry. I hope you get approved!
Hi, I’m glad I found your blog while doing some research on Schengen visa application. Very informative indeed 🙂 I will be married in October, and my future husband said we should visit his sister in Netherlands and at the same time have our honeymoon in Europe. Do you think I should include the visit to my future sis-in-law in a cover letter, or should I just say for tourism purposes? My husband (Australian citizen) will be paying for the trip. Do I have to include his details in my application? Your advice is much appreciated. 🙂 Be blessed!
Hi elemar0522! First of all, thank you for your kind words. Second, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! As for your questions — if I were in your shoes, I would personally just say it’s for tourism purposes, as long as you are not staying with your sister-in-law while you are there. (If you are staying with her, you would probably need to submit additional requirements like an invitation and other documents from her — a bit more hassle.) If your husband is paying for the trip, it would be best if you include his financial papers (like bank statements) in your application. Good luck and have a wonderful honeymoon. 🙂
Thank you for replying and for the good wishes 🙂 I plan to apply by 3rd week of July; will let you know how it goes …
Hi , ask ko lang regarding sa schengen visa going holland, balak ko pumunta ng august ,di pa ako nkapag appointment kc wait kpa ung invitation ng bf ko po , may nabasa kc ako bago mag apply kailangan before 3months ?
Best regards,
Lai
Hi Lai! Pwede ka lang mag-apply within 3 months before your trip, hindi before 3 months. So if your trip is in August, pwede kang mag-apply May, June, or July. Hindi pwedeng March or April pa lang, mag-a-apply ka na, dapat within 3 months of your departure date. So pwede ka pang mag-apply ngayon if your trip is in August.
Hello 🙂 can you share why the lady adviced you to tweak your itinerary and let you come back later that day? Just want to be sure with the do’s and dont’s in preparing my travel itinerary. Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Ana! Sorry for the super-delayed reply, I’ve been really busy. The general rule is, whichever country you’re going to spend the most time in, that’s your “primary” destination, and that’s where you should apply for a visa. They would only factor in the point of entry/exit if you are spending an equal number of days in two or more countries. My original itinerary showed that I was going to spend more time in France than in the Netherlands, so even if my point of entry/exit was Amsterdam, I would still have needed to apply for a visa at the French embassy. I revised my itinerary so that I would be spending the same amount of time in France and the Netherlands — that way, I could then justify applying for a visa at the Dutch embassy because it was my point of entry/exit. Good luck with your own visa application and have a great trip!
Thank you for your help 🙂 Got my visa na! This is actually my 3rd Schengen visa but the first one from the Netherlands embassy, the first two were from French embassy. They gave me 3 years multiple entry this time. Was so shocked haha! Thank you again 🙂
Niiiice! Congrats and enjoy your trip! 🙂
Hi, i’m a filipino but i’m in japan. About the travel insurance can i get that in the philippines or do i have to get that here in japan?
Hi Kris Ann. If you are applying for a visa in the embassy here in the Philippines, you should probably get travel insurance here. If you’re applying in Japan, try to check the rules of the embassy there and see which companies they will accept over there.
Hello! Is it possible for me to pay for the vfs fee in Unionbank if I haven’t secured my passport? My passport appointment is set on Oct 19 🙁 Thanks!
Hi Allyssa! I’m not sure because back when I was applying for a visa, I had to bring my passport to Unionbank. Maybe you can call the Dutch embassy and verify with them, just to be safe. Good luck!
The union bank needed your passport number because when you set appointment, you will be combining the union bank ref. and your passport number. So you need to get your passport first.
Thanks! I made my passport application be an express one, so I'”” get it early. I’m scared of the bank statements tho. Can I use my payroll account? My colleague said they just need a consistent flow of money, though I only earn 28k a month. My boyfriend’s mom will be sending me money for the whole duration of my stay (35 euros x 7 days) in that same bank account. Do you think I have good chances of getting approved? That’s the only requirement I’m worried about.
Hi Allyssa! Sorry for the super-late reply. Submit bank statements for all the accounts that you have. If your boyfriend’s mom is paying for the trip, it might be a good idea to have her execute an affidavit of support — make sure it mentions why she’s paying for your trip, how long you and your boyfriend have been together, those details that would help explain why someone who’s not related to you would be helping you with the expenses for your trip. If you feel that your bank balance is not big enough, try to make a detailed budget for your trip to help you prove that how much you’re planning to spend during your trip is well within your means. I can’t predict if you’ll get approved or not but just try to be meticulous with your planning and paperwork. Good luck!
Hi po,, good day! Ask k lang po sana what if ung daughter ko age 5 years old ay ang magsasama sa knya ay auntie nya ( sister ko ) kc naissuehan din po kme ng travel clearance na inallowed xa na pede nya ilabas ang baby ko..lahat ng docu po kc ay sister ko..kailangan po ba talaga ng netherland embassy na mag apperance din ako dun o hindi? Baka naman po may situation na ganito dito..thank u po!
Hi Majoe. I don’t know of anyone else who has been in a similar situation, but since it’s your daughter, it would probably be the more prudent thing to do to be with her at the embassy. Kung sila na mismo ang magsasabing it’s not necessary for you to be there, then you can just wait for her outside the embassy. At least nandoon ka, just in case they need you to answer questions.
Hello. Just want to ask what if you want to stay with your relatives for a week for a vacation does it need to have an itinerary, affidavit of support, etc? Thanks.
Hi Ruth! Yes, you will need to submit your travel itinerary as well as proof of sponsorship. You can see the checklist here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Philippines/pdf/VISITING-FAMILY-FRIENDS-check-list-F.pdf
Hi poh..just want to ask if kuha ng long term visa for Netherlands mag exam muna.what if I didn’t pass the exam?how many days poh need to wait to retake the exam.?
Hi Glenda. I’m sorry I’m not familiar with long term visas; I only have experience getting a short term tourist visa.
Hi,
Ilang travel insurance po ba ang kailangan para sa processing para sa tourist visa sa NL? Kailangan ba ng ng 2 mag kaibang insurance from Philippines at bukod parin ung para sa Schengen Travel Insurance?. Sa pagkakaintindi ko kasi isa lang based duon sa nakalagay sa website pero may info ako na nabasa na sabi 2 types of insurance daw ang hinahanap sa embassy. totoo po ba un? thanks
Hi Peach! Based on my experience applying for a Schengen visa in 3 different embassies (including Netherlands) and sa mga nababasa ko rin na requirement nang ibang embassies, isa lang talaga ang kailangan mong insurance for any Schengen country, but dapat yung nag-issue ng insurance mo is isang Schengen-approved insurance company.
hi,
thanks for your response! i have more questions to ask i hope u won’t mind 😉 i just had my appointment to the embassy. Nagsubmit ako ng requirements for tourist visa then lahat ng expenses including board and lodging sagot ng host. Ngayon sabi sa akin ng personel duon na kailangan ko pa daw mg provide ng roundtrip ticket since it is my first time to apply. Naka lagay naman clearly duon sa check list nila na “Travel itinerary (travel reservations in your name, not a ticket).
Note: make travel reservations which you can cancel.” Hindi rin naman possible na hotel reservation kasi nga my host ako na magprorovide ng lahat. Hindi ko maintindihan kasi NOT A TICKET daw tapos hihingan nila ako ng ticket. Nkakafrustrate lang kasi wala nmn na ako ibang documents na pwede ipresent sa kanila. Maybe you have any idea kung ano pang other documents na pwdng valid para dito?? Upon your application before nag provide karin ba ng plane ticket?
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Peach!
Siguro kung first timers, gusto nilang maka-siguro na babalik ka so kailangan nga actual plane ticket, hindi reservations lang. I don’t think that’s their *official* policy — kaya iba yung naka-state sa checklist — but I think based na rin yun sa experience ng VFS personnel na kapag first timer at walang ticket, malaking chance na made-deny.
Sa personal experience ko, the 3 times that I applied for a Schengen visa, I really had an actual ticket na, not just reservations, kasi binibili ko ang tickets ko on sale. Kung maghihintay pa ako ng visa bago bumili, the sale will be over na, sayang din yung discount. 🙂 Yun nga lang, risk talaga.
Ako din recently, when I applied sa Italian embassy, may other things na wala sa official checklist, like may pina-add pa sila na info sa cover letter, etc. Sinunod ko na lang kasi they usually know best naman.
If you want, you can buy your tickets from KLM kasi the last time I checked, they will refund your ticket if your visa application gets denied.
Good luck!
Hi! didi you apply for tourist visa?
Im planning to visit my friend and family there but would not be asking support from them.
Though I plan to stay in their place. what;s your advice for me? Should I apply for tourist visa? and just prepare sufficient money in my bank?
Hi Laine. Will your friend/family be able to provide a letter of invitation and the necessary documents? If not, if I were in your place I would just book a hotel (one you can cancel later) and apply for a tourist visa.
Hi smalltowngirl! Permission to post my blogsite regarding my experience on visiting family/friends visa. It might a great help for her. Thank you. https://simplylav84.wordpress.com/…
Hi Val! Thanks for posting this link. I’m sure people will find it useful indeed. 🙂
Thanks too Gaya 🙂
Hi.
Today may natanggap po aq na email
Visa application tracking ID oooo-your processed passport is now available at VFS Global . You may pick up your passport by bringing your receipt and ID. For Representative, please bring said documents together with a signed authorization letter and representatives ID. If you opt for courier kindly disregard this message.
W
Wala pong sinabi if approve or refused..
D2 kc aq sa mindanao mga ilang days pa bgo q mrcv passport q..
Pg approve po pa, ssabihin ba sa email na approve?
Hi Jennette. No, hindi nila sinasabi yan sa email or sa text. Dun mo na makikita sa passport mo kung meron bang visa.
Salamat laine 🙂
Hello! I am about to send my application next week. I would like to know if this checklist (see the link) is required, and if it should be signed by me or the personnel in the embassy. Thank you!
http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/pdf/Business-Visa-check-list-1.pdf
Hi Stan! It’s been over 3 years since I applied at the Dutch embassy and we used a different checklist then, but from looking at this current checklist — which has a declaration at the end that the applicant has to sign — I’d guess that yes, it is required and it has to be signed by you. (And even if it isn’t required, you would lose nothing by filling it out anyway.) Good luck!
Hi! Thank you for this very detailed post! I just wanted to ask, will they keep your original documents while processing your visa? I’m a bit worried that they (VFS or embassy) might misplace the originals. Thank you and hoping for a speedy reply!
Hi Kari!
First of all, this post was written back in 2014 — I haven’t had time to update it yet — so just in case you haven’t already seen the current list of requirements, here’s the link: http://www.vfsglobal.com/netherlands/philippines/pdf/Tourist-visa-check-list-1.pdf
As to your question, do you have a particular document that you’re worried about? They definitely need to keep your current and old passports but I’m pretty sure they will take care of those, I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone whose passport was damaged during visa application. Most of the other requirements are documents that you can really just reprint or request another copy of, but for irreplaceable documents like land titles, you can definitely just submit a photocopy and just bring the original for verification.
Good luck!
Hi, good day! May I ask, after setting an appointment with VFS Global, how long was the waiting period for personal appearance at the Netherlands embassy? Pwede ka ba pumili ng date if urgent , or sila magbibigay ng available dates? Planned to apply last year, pero hindi natuloy. I am overseas and can only go home to Manila next month to apply for the visa to attend husband’s niece wedding in Holland on June 10. Worried I have to wait for several days before I get the appointment, then wait again for visa release. Thank you again 🙂
Hi Elemar! You choose your schedule, depending on availability. I would suggest you set your appointment as soon as possible so you can have your choice of schedule. You can have your passport with the visa mailed to you after their decision.
Hello. Nice blog. Very informative for us. Pwede ko ba mahingi itinerary for your Netherland and France, as you have mentioned dun sa post nyo. Please please it will be a big help po.
Salamat.
Hi Kristina, thanks for your kind words!
Our itinerary then was more than just Netherlands and France — we went to Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, Venice, Nice, and Paris, and also dropped by Milan, Monte Carlo and Brussels — and it involved a lot of trains so I’m not sure if it would be helpful if you’re not following the exact same itinerary.
If you’re looking for a pre-made detailed itinerary that includes Paris, you might consider getting this itinerary — https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2016/01/18/11-days-in-europe-sample-itinerary/#11-day-itinerary — and then just swapping Venice/Rome with the Netherlands.
Hello there,
I was supposed to comment on the Poland visa on your page, but couldn’t navigate to comments section. Anyway, I have an AIESEC internship in Poland on May 15th June 28th. However, I will only be able to apply for a visa with complete requirements on May 5th. Do you think that processing for less than 10 days is possible? I am very worried. Also, would you know if I should apply for student visa Type C or tourist visa? I will really appreciate your response. I’m a bit in panic mode. Thanks! 🙂
Hi TJ. Congratulations on your AIESEC internship! If you’re doing an internship then you probably need more than a tourist visa. The Schengen countries are supposed to give you a decision within 15 days but I don’t know if they will be able to do it within 10 days. I think it would depend on how busy they are, ie the number of applications they’re currently processing. If May 5th is the earliest you can apply for a visa, then there’s really not much you can do about it, just apply and hope for the best. Wishing you the best of luck!
hi,
we submit documents to vfs after we go to netherland embassy for interview?
for poland tourist visa did netherland embassy decide for it or they send documents to Malaysia?
No, usually you just submit your documents to VFS, and then you will just be informed if you need to go to the embassy for an interview, but a lot of the time, they just make a decision based on your documents and don’t call for an interview. My tourist visa application for the Netherlands was sent to Malaysia for a decision, so I imagine they would do the same for Poland too, but I’m not 100% certain.
Hi Smalltowngirl! Ask ko lang if nagsubmit ka ng ITR on your visa application? Thank you 🙂
Hi! The time I applied at the Dutch embassy, no. 🙂
Hello. This is really nice blog. I have a dutch Gf, and we’ve been together for 1 year. She just left the Philippines 3 days ago, and stayed with me for 3 months. We have a lot of proof about our relationship, like traveling together in Thailand, Laos, and staying together here in Philippines. I plan to get short term visa to visit her in holland, for 2 and a half months. Her mother will send me invitation, sponsorship letter, her bank cert. , payslips, copy of passport, then copy of my gf birth cert. Can they send it to me via email through scan? Is it enough?
And do you know how the invitation works? Should it be written in Dutch? Address to the Dutch embassy in Manila?
Since I have my sponsor, is it enough financial support? Or still have to give bank cert? I just dont have much money in my bank.
I am employed during season, but July to September is off season that’s why I’ll be gone for long. I plan to set appointment this June, and leave around July.
It’s my first time Visa application, so you think I need actual roundtrip plane tickets? Or ticket reservation is enough?
Is it ok to tell the embassy that we are a couple? Or just friends? We’re both girls. I asked these because i just wanna do it myself, without travel agent, because it will cost me more money.
I hope you can help me and answer my questions.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Jessie! I haven’t tried applying for a visa with a foreign sponsor so I don’t really know the ins and outs of it — like if scans would be fine, or if original documents are needed — so I would suggest that you get in touch with VFS Netherlands directly so you can get the answers straight from them. Anyway, VFS is not the one who will be deciding on your application, they just receive your documents, so it’s not like you will be harming your chances of approval if you ask them these questions. What I do know from experience is that the Dutch embassy appears to be less strict than the embassies of some of the other Schengen countries, so hopefully you won’t have too much trouble. Good luck and have a great trip!
Hi, Good day! I just want to ask if there is still netherlands visa application centre in Cebu? Thanks
Hi Cynthia! The honorary consulate closed around 3 years ago and I don’t think they’ve opened a visa application center here yet.
hi Gaya permission to post. Since I have a personal experience with a foreign sponsor, i hope my blog regarding my own experience might help some of your followers with the same situation as mine… i hope u don’t mind me giving my website – http://www.newideasandexperiences
Thank you so much and Godbless!
i mean http://www.newideasandexperiences.com
Hi Val!
I’m very sorry for the super-late reply. I was on a trip recently and had to catch up on work when I got back, so I’ve just gotten around to replying to comments.
Anyway, thanks so much for the link to your blog. I’ve received some questions from visa applicants with foreign sponsors and I couldn’t give them an answer based on personal experience, so I’m sure it would be very helpful for them to read about your experience.
God bless!
Hi po kc yung bf ko from netherlands nag-invite sya sa akin na pumuntang netherlands and sya ang mag-i-sponsor ng lahat. Problem ko po is first time ko ito na lumabas ng bansa and unemployed ako, walang ari-arian na maipakita or negosyo as in wala. May chance kaya ako na magrant yung visa?
Hi Cristina! Pasensya na ngayon lang ako naka-reply. Nagbakasyon kasi kami at ngayon lang ako nakapagsimulang mag-reply sa mga comments dito sa blog. I think may chance ka naman, as long as kumpleto yung mga requirements mo, particularly yung mga documents na galing sa sponsor mo. Good luck!
Hello
Thanks for ur info, am asking you this fingerprints for embassy does it effect if future to go in europe and let netherlands refugee assylum does they have thse finger prints and why they need these fingerprints
Thanks
Hi Fanile. This is for tourists; I’m not sure what the procedure would be for refugees seeking asylum. I suppose they need fingerprints to verify the identities of the persons going to their country. It’s standard procedure for most countries and I don’t think it really makes a difference unless one has something to hide.
Hi!
I was recently denied schengen visa. do you have any idea if it is wise to apply to another member state? Thanks
Hi Collette! I know a friend who was denied by Italy, reapplied at the Dutch embassy, and was approved. But you’ll have to assess your situation and the reason you were denied in the first place. If, for example, you were denied because you lack sufficient ties to the Philippines, but you feel like you can prove to another embassy that you really do have sufficient ties, then…go for it. 🙂 Good luck!
Hi,
Thanks for sharing the info. Very helpful! I have one question, though: Is it required that the travel insurance provider be among the providers in the accredited list? I will be traveling to the UK + Schengen countries and have recently paid for my travel insurance with Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc (PGA). Their insurance coverage is indeed comprehensive and meets all travel insurance coverage requirements for Schengen visa application. Grateful for your advice.
Thanks!
Hi Bryan!
I don’t know if the Dutch embassy is strict about this requirement (I’m assuming you’re applying at the Dutch embassy since you left a comment in this particular article) but generally speaking, Schengen countries require visa applicants to have insurance from Schengen-accredited companies.
However, the embassy of Norway *does* include Prudential in its list of accredited insurance companies — see here: https://www.norway.no/contentassets/8734d090cf154328961860654a57e054/list-of-schengen-accredited-insurance-companies-in-the-philippines.pdf — number 25. And this list was updated October 2017 so there’s a good chance it’s still valid.
Just to make sure, though, I would suggest you call the embassy where you’re applying for a visa and verify if they accept Prudential.
Good luck!