Do you want to visit countries in Europe but don’t know how to get a Schengen visa? Do you find the process daunting and need a step-by-step guide to successfully handle it on your own?
A trip to Europe is a dream for many and is undoubtedly exciting. However, not everyone can simply book a flight and go, as some nationalities require a Schengen visa to travel to Europe.
As a Filipina traveler who successfully obtained a Schengen visa, I’m here to help. If Europe is on your travel bucket list and you need tips to increase your chances of visa approval, this article is for you.
I’ll guide you through the process of applying for a Schengen visa, sharing my personal experience with applying for a Greek Schengen visa in Dubai, and providing you with essential steps to take before, during, and after your application.
Let’s make your travel goals happen!
What is a Schengen visa?
The Schengen visa is a mandatory entry permit for non-European Union (non-EU) nationals. It is an official document that allows you to travel to 27 countries that are part of the Schengen area.
You can think of the Schengen visa as an all-access pass to those countries. Instead of applying for a separate visa for each country, you only need to apply for one.
Before: 7 Important Steps To Strengthen Your Application
1. Determine the type of visa that you need.
Schengen visas are categorized into several types: Tourist visas permit short stays for leisure or visiting family and friends, Business visas allow for business activities, Student visas are for studying, and Working visas are for employment. Transit visas are for passing through the Schengen Area, with A-type for airport transit and B-type for travel through the area, while C-type visas can be single, double, or multiple-entry for short stays, and D-type visas are for long-term stays, study, or work.
Depending on your travel purpose, you will fall under these categories.
Tourism is under the Type C visa, which allows holders to travel freely in the Schengen zone for less than 90 days over a 180-day period. Depending on what is given to you, you can either have a:
• Single entry, which means the moment you leave the Schengen area, your visa will expire)
• Double entry, wherein you can enter the Schengen area twice during the validity period. The moment you leave on your second visit, your visa will expire.
• Multiple entry is what people are usually aiming for when applying for one. It allows the holder to enter and leave as many times as they want as long as each visit is a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period.
For stays that will be longer than 90 days (maximum of one year), a Schengen long-stay visa is required. Usually, work, family visits, and studying are the main travel purposes of those applying for this visa type.
2. Know which country you need to apply to.
When people want to go to Europe, they usually aim to visit two or more countries. Due to the efficient public transportation connecting the countries, you can do this, of course.
But you have to be careful about this as well, especially during your application process.
The general rule is you need to apply at the embassy, consulate, or visa application center (VAC) of the country where you will be spending the most number of days of your trip.
If it is the same number of days for both countries, then you must apply at the VAC of the country you will first arrive in.
Let me tell you my experience. When I was at the Greek VFS Center at Wafi Mall in Dubai, the manager told me that the number of days of my trip in Italy was more than the number of days in Greece.
Fortunately, the manager noticed and called my attention. On that same day, I was able to change my flight itinerary and reservations as well as adjust my hotel reservation with ease to lengthen my stay in Greece.
However, you must make sure of the number of days you are staying per country. This could easily be overlooked by those processing your visa application, so it is better that you double- or even triple-check this instead to avoid the same mistake I did.
You can watch my YouTube video here, where I discuss my experience and the mistakes I made while applying for a Greek Schengen visa at the Dubai embassy.
3. Schedule your appointment
Now that you know which country you want to explore the longest, it is time to book your visa appointment.
Take note that depending on your visa type and location, you could be applying directly to the embassy, consulate, or through their partner visa application center (VAC).
I paid 88 AED for the appointment fee for my Greece Schengen tourist visa in Dubai.
It is best to check online about the nearest VAC to you or contact them before through email or telephone to ensure that you are applying to the correct VAC.
For me, I decided to apply through the Greek VFS Center, which is located on the second floor of the Wafi Mall. For those wishing to acquire a Schengen visa through Greece as well, you can visit the official link of Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.
For those residing in the Philippines, a different VAC may be employed depending on the country. For example, those applying through the Netherlands will go through VFS, while those applying for Spain will need to apply through BLS.
Also, when scheduling your appointment, make sure that you will complete the list of the requirements before the day that you choose. This will save you the hassle of rescheduling your appointment and/or possible fees, as policies regarding the changing of schedule vary per country/VAC.
4. Prepare your documents
This is the most important part of the application process, as the documents you pass will be the primary basis of the consul in their decision-making.
It is important to submit complete, valid, and relevant documents to support your application. Here are the Greek Schengen visa requirements that I submitted:
- Appointment Letter – A document that confirms your scheduled appointment with the visa application center or embassy. It typically includes details such as the date, time, location, and purpose of the appointment.
I received mine after scheduling through VFS Dubai, which usually provides the appointment letter as part of their confirmation process. Always ensure you have the appointment letter in hand before attending your appointment, as it serves as proof of your scheduled time and date.
- Filled out application form – You can either fill it out online or print it and complete it by hand. I chose the latter. You can download the Greek Schengen visa application form here.
- Two passport photos. Depending on the country, they may have their own guideline on how to take your passport photo, so it’s important to check that country’s website. For Greece, they require a color photo that is 35×45 mm in size.
- Valid passport. Your current passport must still be valid for 6 months. Also, ensure that your passport still has two blank pages to affix a visa.
- Previous visas and stamps. This includes those in your old passport/s.
- Resident ID. If you are living in another country different from where you were born, you must also attach a photocopy of this and bring the original on your appointment day.
- Roundtrip flight itinerary. Depending on the country, a flight reservation might be accepted during the application process, but you will need to provide the original and confirmed ticket when you collect the visa.
You can verify this by contacting the VAC or the embassy. I initially made a flight reservation with Emirates Airline, but when I encountered issues with online payment, I decided to book it through a nearby travel agency that accepted cash payments.
In my experience, the embassy did not ask for original or confirmed flight tickets when I applied for the visa; my flight reservation was sufficient.
- Trip itinerary. This includes your day-to-day plans while you are staying in the Schengen area. This is usually the basis for counting the number of days you are staying in one country. It is important to allot time to research this, as some consuls check if your trip itinerary is well-planned and feasible as well.
- Proof of accommodation. If you are a tourist, this is your confirmed hotel reservation. If you are staying with a friend or a relative, they may require additional documents, such as proof of your relationship, where they are staying, and the like.
In my case, I book my accommodation through booking.com using the free cancellation and no prepayment method.
- Proof of sufficient financial means. This could be your bank statements showing that you have enough savings to fund your own trip, payslips to prove that you have a stable flow of income, or statements of account (SoA) of your credit card since most European countries use credit cards for day-to-day transactions.
If you are applying for a different type of visa, or for those with sponsors, the embassy might require you to submit your sponsor’s proof of sufficient financial means and a sponsorship letter as well, so prepare for this beforehand.
What I did, in addition to providing my payslip, was submit my latest 6-month bank statement and pay 105 AED to ADCB Bank to obtain it. Some banks do not charge for this service, however.
To support my visa application for a two-week trip to Europe, a five-digit dirham bank balance and two credit cards were sufficient as proof of financial means.
- Proof of employment. Some will require you to submit proof of your ties in your home country, and a big one is proof that you are employed. This shows that you have obligations in your home country, and ensures the consuls that you will return before your visa expires.
I submitted my employment contract, but you could also submit your employment certificate for employees. As for self-employed people and those who own a business, you may also attach pictures, tax applications, business registration documents, and so on.
- No objection certificate. For those who are employed, I also submitted a no objection certificate or a certificate stating that during the dates of my trip, I am completely on vacation leave and my employer acknowledges that.
Keep in mind that your NOC document must be officially endorsed by your employer, typically with a company stamp and signature, to confirm its authenticity and acceptance.
- Travel insurance. The Schengen Zone requires special travel insurance that has particular inclusions, such as a COVID-cover. Make sure that your travel insurance adheres to the policies set by the European Union. I purchased my travel insurance here.
- Proof of civil status. I also submitted a photocopy of my birth certificate, which shows my civil status. For those who are married or traveling with family, this is important to show as well as a marriage certificate.
- Cover letter. While this may not be an actual requirement of the embassy, I took the due diligence to create one. A cover letter, which is addressed to the consul, could strengthen your application.
It allows you to write about your reasons for traveling, and make your application look more personal. You could also explain in your letter specific financial circumstances, especially for those who will have sponsors for their trips.
Cover letters are a way for you to “talk” with the consul, but make sure to keep it short and concise as long cover letters are not likely to be read as well.
- Visa fee: 382 AED or 103.98 US Dollar. This fee is required to process your Schengen visa application and is generally non-refundable.
5. Research about your application center
Before your appointment day, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with your application center. There are factors that you have to consider, namely the location, nearby establishments/amenities, and policies.
For the location, you must research how you will get to the application center early. Is it usually an area where heavy traffic jams happen? If so, then you will need to adjust and allot more time for your commute so you will not be late.
If you are taking public transportation, you must also research how to go there, especially if you are riding the trains or buses and their corresponding operating times. Remember that it is best to be there earlier, as you don’t want to risk being late for your appointment.
Learning about the nearby establishments and amenities is also important. In my experience, I was grateful that there was a visa service center right in front of the Greek VFS, and I was able to adjust my application documents on the same day.
There might also be instances wherein you may need copies of a specific document, or you forgot to print something. I also suggest that you look for a nearby ATM, in case you may need to withdraw more money for the visa fee and related expenses. If you are using your car to go to the VAC, I suggest that you research for possible parking areas near the visa center. This will lessen the time you need to search for an area where you park your car and will help to keep your peace of mind before your appointment.
Also, some application centers have different policies, such as when it comes to your bag. You are normally expected to come with a small bag and your envelope where you place your documents. Some VACs may even have a luggage service to place your bags, and this could be mandatory for some centers.
In my experience, I was required to leave my belongings in a designated area before entering the visa application center, and taking pictures or videos was strictly prohibited.
6. Prepare for an interview (if any)
Some visa types may have an interview on your appointment day, such as sponsored visas. Depending on the country, interviews might be mandatory. This is usually the case for those applying for a fiance or a visitor visa.
While we cannot predict the questions that the consul will ask, we can prepare for the possible scenarios and list our answers to help guide us on the day of the interview.
For a partner visa, this may include questions about your partner, such as their residence, their occupation, and their financial capabilities. The consul may also ask about the timeline of your relationship. They may also ask about the country you are going to, especially if they want to test your knowledge and how well you have researched.
For those visiting their friends/relatives, then you might also be asked the same line of questions. The consul might confirm your relationship with the person you are visiting, their capability to finance your trip, and so on.
7. Read the experiences of other people
Part of our research is to learn from the experiences of other people. Just like how I am sharing my application experience, you can learn from my mistakes and avoid doing the same.
When you are applying for a Schengen visa, especially if it is your first time, the experiences of other people are valuable. There are usually social media groups and online forums where people can join to discuss visa concerns, and those who got approved also share the process.
There is no better way to learn and increase your chances of approval than by following the steps of people who already got approved. For sure, they will have techniques or strategies that help them secure their visa.
But there is a danger here as well. For example, you see a post that added additional documents to their application. Their documents might be specific to their circumstances, so adding the same documents to yours might not be relevant to your application. This can do more damage than good.
It is important to practice discretion on which pieces of advice apply to you and your situation.
During: What To Expect On Your Appointment Day
Arrive early
It is best to wake up early on your appointment day. This way, you have enough time to eat breakfast or have a meal before you go to the VAC. Sometimes, the lines can be long and there might also be delays, so it is better to come with some food in your stomach.
If your visa appointment is scheduled for the same day as your work, as it was for me, make sure to get your employer’s approval to attend. I requested an early leave to manage both commitments.
Follow the instructions of the staff
More often than not, guards will be the ones to tell you if you should go inside the VAC already, as they are the ones who manage the crowds and the number of people present in the VAC.
If you are not sure if it is your turn to go inside, you can always approach the staff of the VAC.
Comply with any missing requirements
Once you are inside the VAC, you will be redirected to wait for your turn. Once you are called, the staff will ask you questions regarding your identity such as your name, and sometimes the general purpose of your trip.
After this, you will be asked to submit your prepared documents and pay the visa fee. The staff will then check the documents for completeness and organize them.
In my personal experience, this was when the mistake I mentioned was pointed out. I was fortunate that it was brought to light, because honestly, if it was not, it would have negatively impacted my visa application.
If you have any missing information that you have to fill out, or you have any inconsistencies in your application like what happened with mine, then it is best to correct that on the same day rather than returning and rescheduling your appointment. This is because there are different policies for rescheduling and we would not want this to affect your timeline.
It is a good thing that visa application centers are usually near shops that cater to same-day modifications. VACs will usually have a pay printer or there will be a separate establishment providing for flight itineraries, and hotel bookings.
However, if you have a requirement that cannot be processed on the same day or a document that you would ask from another person, then the best way to go around this is to ask the staff about options for you to reschedule, or if there is a way for you to supply the document at a later time.
So far, the visa officers at the Dubai Greek embassy I’ve encountered have been kind and very helpful, so I can only offer my sincere praise for their excellent service.
After: Overcoming The Anxiety of Waiting
I understand that it can be so overwhelming during the waiting period. I know, because I have experienced this as well. The anxiety is much worse, especially for families or partners who want to see each other again.
While waiting for the outcome of your visa, the best thing to do is to occupy yourself with other matters. This way, you will not have to spend every moment of the day overthinking the results.
My mindset about this is I have already done my part, especially during the preparation stage. I have given this application the best that I could given my circumstances, and if it gets approved, then well and good for me. However, if not, then it is not yet the right time and there is something better waiting for me.
Of course, everyone wants to be approved and to see a visa stamped inside their passport. What we can do best is to stay hopeful while waiting, but also never be too attached to the results. Regardless of the outcome, the results do not define you.
Clarify delivery process
This is another part of the visa application process that is often overlooked. Depending on the country and their partner application center, they could offer both pickup or delivery when it is time to get your passport.
Usually, they will only have an option for delivery. However, since your passport is an important document, the delivery company will not just “leave” it on your front door. Someone has to accept your passport, either you or an authorized representative.
If you live alone, you might want to inquire about options for picking up your document at the VAC instead. Be sure to provide a valid ID, as it is required to confirm your identity.
Biometrics
Once you have submitted your documents, it is time to do the biometrics. You will be called from another room where the staff will confirm your identity. After that, your photo will be taken and the staff will ask you to scan your fingerprints.
After that, they will tell you that you are free to go and that you can wait for a text or an email to update you about the visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we apply for a tourist visa as a family?
Yes, you can. You can submit your applications together, but they will still be assessed individually. You need to provide copies of each required document for every family member. The cover letters for yourself and your spouse should include details about how you will fund your travel and confirm that you are the sponsor.
For your child, the letter should state that she is traveling with you as part of the family and that you are the sponsor. Depending on the embassy where you plan to submit your application, a sponsorship letter may also be ideal.
How long do I have to wait before I get my results?
This is very unique to your application. Usually, you will have to wait for 15 days or so for your application to be processed, but this could be affected by several factors as well.
One factor is when you have missing documents. Like what happened to me, the embassy contacted me about the need to change the dates in my travel insurance. I was able to submit the required document the next day, so I got my passport back after 9 days from the day I applied. Missing documents can add processing time to your application, as well.
Your location can be another factor. If you live far from the application center, it could add time to the delivery. For instance, in the Philippines, the VACs are usually located in Manila. If you live outside of Luzon, this could add a day or two in delivery time.
It could also be the case that the number of applicants is higher than average. If there is a surge in the applications, then the embassy will also take longer to process.
Remember, most of these factors are outside of your control. The best thing to do is to occupy yourself with other things while waiting for an update.
Will I receive updates about my application?
The day after I applied, I received a text message that my application was already under process and was forwarded to the embassy of Greece in Abu Dhabi.
Usually, they will send out an email or a text message once your passport is received by the embassy. Also, some VACs like the VFS in Manila, will have SMS services, where they will send out messages at each stage of the visa application process. I have not personally tried this one, so it is better to directly ask the nearest VAC to you.
You will also receive a text message when your passport is already with the delivery company and it has been dispatched.
If you think your application is taking a longer time than what is normal, then you can always initiate an email and send it to the VAC or directly to the embassy. However, there is no assurance that you will get a response immediately as well.
Once you have submitted your application, expect a processing time of at least two weeks or longer, depending on the various factors at play.
Your Travel Goals Are Waiting For You
I want to leave you with these words: do not let the fear of rejection be greater than your desire to achieve your dreams. This applies to most of life, but especially so for visa applications.
You never really know what the results are going to be, so do not preemptively disqualify yourself.
Who knows? You might be in front of your dream destinations one day. Live your dreams.
