Applying for a Schengen Visa at the Dutch Embassy: What to do?

Hey guys! I just want to share to you my Schengen visa application experience. I think that you will find this post helpful especially to those Filipinos with Dutch partners who plan to visit Netherlands in the future.

I have applied for a Schengen visa twice back in 2012 and 2013 at the Dutch Consulate in Cebu. During those times, the Dutch Consulate in Cebu still accepts visa applications. But now, all application must be submitted in person at the Netherlands Embassy in Manila after making an appointment via VFS Global.

The documents that I had to prepare before and the current visa requirements are more or less the same. I will focus on the documents needed if you have a sponsor in the Netherlands for this was my case.

Here are the documents that you need to prepare:

1. Duly filled out and signed Schengen visa application form (original and photocopy)
2. Two recent passport-sized photo that meets Dutch requirement (35 x 45 mm with white background)
3. Current passport with at least 2 blank pages and at least 3 months valid upon return (make it at least 6 months just to be sure)
4. International Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of Eur 30,000 (my partner took care of this one)
5. Copy of round trip airline reservation (buy your tickets only when the visa is granted)
6. Letter of Invitation from your sponsor 
7. A sponsor declaration (Proof of Sponsorship and/or Private Accommodation). This declaration form must be obtained and the signature legalized by the municipality where the sponsor resides. The sponsor must have a sufficient and long-term income.
8. Bank certificate (if you have a sponsor there's no need to have a huge amount of money in your account)
9. Photocopy of sponsor's passport

If you are employed please include the following:

1. Certificate of Employment
2. Certificate of Leave of Absence 

In addition to the above-mentioned documents, I also made a cover letter stating the purpose of my trip and how I know or meet my partner, secured a copy of my partner's employment contract and payslips. The embassy may ask additional requirements to support your application.Also, secure a copy of all your documents.

Securing all those documents will take much time, so I suggest that you prepare all the requirements a few months before you make an appointment. Having the right documents will give you more chance of getting a visa.

How much is the cost?
For the visa fee click here

A week after my application, I got a package containing my passport with a visa. Yeheey!!!

Schengen Visa

For more information please visit the website of VFS Global and the Netherlands Embassy in Manila

Goodluck with your visa application!!!

Visa Free Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

Going somewhere?

If you are planning to visit another country and you need a visa for it, then you need few months to prepare everything. But if time is not on your side,or you just simply don't want to waste your time, money and effort in getting a visa, then  visiting a visa-free country would be your best option. So here are the lists of visa-free countries for a Philippine passport holder.

ASEAN – (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) 

• Brunei Darussalam - 14 days
• Cambodia - 21 days
• Indonesia - 30 days
• Laos - 30 days
• Malaysia - 30 days
• Singapore - 30 days
• Thailand - 30 days
• Vietnam - 21 days

Non-ASEAN member

• Armenia - 120 days visa on arrival
• China, Shenzhen - a visa for 7 days if arriving from Hong Kong, and is valid in Shenzhen area only.
• Hong Kong - 14 days validity
• India - 30 days visa issued on arrival
• Iran - 15 days, must obtain an e-visa pre-approval code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Israel - 90 days
• Laos - 21 days, visa on arrival
• Macau - 30 days
• Maldives - 30 days visa issued upon arrival
• Myanmar - 21 days
• Mongolia - 21 days
• Nepal - 21 days visa issued on arrival
• Republic of Georgia - 90 days visa will be issued upon arrival, 360 days visa free to those who have temporary residence of Qatar, Oman,
• South Korea - 30 days, if arriving at Jeju Island or after visiting Korea 4 times with visa
• Sri Lanka - 30 days, but must get an Electronic Visa Authorization prior to departure.
• Taiwan - 30 days, if holding a permanent residence certificate or an unexpired visa from: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States.You need to register online at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ before hand.
• Timor-Leste (East Timor)- 30 day visa is issued at the Dili airport and seaport

Oceana

• Cook Islands - 31 days
• Fiji - 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival and can be extended
• Marshall Islands - 30 days visa issued upon arrival and can be extended
• Micronesia - 30 days
• Niue - 30 days
• Palau - 30 days visa issued upon arrival, additional USD 50 for extension   
• Samoa - 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Tuvalu - 30 days visa issued upon arrival
• Vanuatu - 30 days 

Africa

• Burundi - 21 days
• Cape Verde Islands - 21 days
• Comoros - 21 days
• Djibouti - 30 day visa issued on arrival
• Gambia - visa issued upon arrival
• Kenya - 90 days visa issued on arrival
• Madagascar - 90 days visa issued on arrival
• Morocco - 90 days
• Mozambique - 30 days visa issued on arrival
• Saint Helena - visa issued upon arrival
• Seychelles - 30 days, must show sufficient funds & proof of accommodation
• Tanzania - visa issued on arrival
• Togo (Togolese Republic) - 7 days, visa issued on arrival. Requires yellow fever vaccination
• Uganda - 90 day visa issued on arrival at Entebbe Airport
• Zambia - 90 days visa issued on arrival

North America

• Costa Rica - 30 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Dominica - 21 days
• Haiti - 90 days
• Nicaragua - 90 days visa issued upon arrival
• Saint Lucia - 6 weeks Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 30 days visa issued upon arrival
• Turks and Caicos Islands - 30 days

South America

• Bolivia - 90 days
• Brazil - 90 days
• Colombia - 90 days
• Ecuador - 90 days
• Peru - 183 days 
• Suriname - 90 days  

Have you made your decision? Great! Then, you have to prepare other important things for your travel ahead of time to avoid problems. Be sure to check the immigration website of the country of choice for more updates and information. Have fun!

Philippine Passport Renewal

You can apply or renew your passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs main office at Roxas Boulevard corner Libertad, Pasay City or at any of its Regional Consular Offices near you. 

So here are the lists of requirements as seen from the DFA website:

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Personal appearance
2. Confirmed appointment
3. For NCR-based applicants, present your printed application form downloaded from DFA Appointment System
4. Most recent expiring or expired passport
5. Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Brown Passport or passports issued prior to 01 May 1995:

• Bring original brown passport and photocopy of passport pages 1,2,3,4 and last page
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA, to determine complete middle name. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA if born abroad

Green Passport or passports issued after 01 May 1995:

• Bring original green passport and photocopy of data page and last page of passport

Machine Readable Passport (MRP) issued in the year 2007:

• Bring original passport and photocopy of data page and last page of passport
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) to determine complete place of birth. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable
• Electronic Passport (E-passport)
• Bring original e-passport and photocopy of page 2 (data page).

For women who would change their civil status from single to married:

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable.

• Report of Marriage duly authenticated by PSA if married abroad

• Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance (required for women with foreign national husband).

For married women who would like to revert to their maiden name:

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA if born abroad.
• If already widowed: Death Certificate in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) of the deceased husband
• If marriage is annulled: Annotated PSA Marriage Contract and Certified True Copy (CTC) of Court Order effecting the annulment.
• If divorced: Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Divorce Decree duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate where the divorce was obtained or by the concerned foreign diplomatic or consular mission in the Philippines. Certified True Copy (CTC) of Philippine Court recognition of foreign divorce decree must also be present and the PSA Marriage Contract with the annotation of the Divorce Decree.

For minor applicants, requirements for first time minor applicants are still prescribed, in addition to the passport of minor 

Applicants who availed of Dual Citizenship under RA 9225:

• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA if born abroad.
• Identification Certificate (Derivative of Parents)

For Muslim Applicants

•  Same general requirements stated above

For converts who would like to use their Muslim name:

• Annotated Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bearing the Muslim name
• National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Certificate of Conversion

If you are living abroad, you can apply or renew your passport at Philippine Embassy or Consulate where you are situated.

Useful Links:
www.dfa.gov.ph
www.passport.com.ph

2015 Requirements for Philippine Passport Application

I first got my Philippine passport at the age of 19, during that time it was still  a green passport. A friend of mine told me that there will a Passport Mobile Services scheduled in my city. So I gave it a shot, prepared all the necessary documents and showed up in the city hall the day after. Luckily, my application was approved without problems. Getting a passport requires much effort and patience but it is very important if you wish to travel abroad. So it is best to gather all the necessary documents ahead of time before you make an appointment.

Philippine passport

Here are the 2015 Requirements for Philippines Passport Application as taken from the Department of Foreign Affairs' official website:

I. FOR FIRST TIME PASSPORT APPLICANTS
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Personal appearance
• Confirmed appointment
• Duly accomplished application form – may be downloaded from the DFA website, www.dfa.gov.ph
• Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. (REPORT OF BIRTH DULY AUTHENTICATED BY PSA IF BORN ABROAD)
 • Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs and List of Supporting Documents)

In Case of No Birth Record

If born in or after 1950 (January 1, 1950 or after):

• Apply for the delayed registration of birth at the local civil registry office located at the place of birth of applicant
• Submit authenticated Birth Certificate from PSA and supporting public document/s with correct date and place of birth (i.e. Form 137, Voter’s Registration Record, Baptismal Certificate with readable dry seal or National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) with photo and readable dry seal for Muslim applicants).

If born before 1950 and below (December 31, 1949 and below):

• Certificate of Non-Availability of Record from PSA
• Notarized Joint Birth Affidavit of Two Disinterested Persons
• Any public document/s with correct full name, date and place of birth (i.e. Baptismal Certificate with readable dry seal or NCMF Certificate with photo and readable dry seal for Muslim applicants)

For Married Women:

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or original and photocopy of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable.
• Report of Marriage duly authenticated by PSA if married abroad
• Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance (required for women with foreign national husband).

Applicants who availed of Dual Citizenship under RA 9225:

• Identification Certificate of Retention or Re-acquisition
• Oath of Allegiance
• Order of Approval

Applicants who elected Philippine Citizenship:

• Identification Certificate of Election
• Oath of Allegiance
• Affidavit of Election of Philippine Citizenship

Applicants who has been Naturalized:

• Identification Certificate of Naturalization
• Oath of Allegiance

For Minor Applicants (below 18 years old):

General Requirements:

• Confirmed appointment (except for 1 year old and below)
• Personal appearance of the minor applicant
• Personal appearance of either parent and valid passport of parents (if minor is a legitimate child)
• Personal appearance of mother and proper ID or valid passport of mother (if minor is an illegitimate child)
• Original Birth Certificate of minor in Security Paper issued by PSA or Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. Report of Birth duly authenticated by PSA is required if minor was born abroad.
• Document of identity with photo, if minor is 8-17 years old (for first time and renewal applicant) such as School ID or Form 137 with readable dry seal

For minor applicants who never attended school, a Notarized Affidavit of Explanation executed by either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / by mother (if minor is an illegitimate child) detailing the reasons why the child is not in school, is required

• Marriage Certificate of minor’s parents duly authenticated by PSA (for legitimate child)
• Original and photocopy of valid passport of the person traveling with the minor

Additional Requirements:

If minor is not traveling with either parent or alone

• Personal appearance of either parent (if minor is a legitimate child) / of mother (if minor is an illegitimate child)
• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion and relationship to the minor. If minor will be traveling alone, ASC must be executed by either parent, stating that his/her child will be traveling alone. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
• There is no need to secure a DSWD Clearance if the minor traveling abroad has parents who are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he / she is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa / pass / identification card or permanent resident visa / pass / identification card which serves as proof that he / she is living with parents abroad.

If both parents are abroad:

• Affidavit of Support and Consent (ASC) executed by either parent indicating the name of the traveling companion (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General). If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the ASC.
• Special Power of Attorney (SPA) with an attached photocopy of either parent’s valid passport (authenticated by the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General) authorizing a representative in assisting the child to apply for a passport. If minor is illegitimate, mother should execute the SPA.
• Original and photocopy of DSWD Clearance
• There is no need to secure a DSWD Clearance if the minor traveling abroad has parents who are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he / she is holding a valid pass such as a dependent’s visa / pass / identification card or permanent resident visa / pass / identification card which serves as proof that he / she is living with parents abroad.
• Proper ID of the duly authorized representative (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs)

If minor is legitimated by subsequent marriage of parents:

• Authenticated Birth Certificate from PSA must include annotation regarding new status as legitimated and the full name of the child

If minor is illegitimate but acknowledged by father:

• Birth Certificate from PSA reflecting surname of father with Affidavit of Acknowledgement and Consent to use the surname of father

Foundling:

• Certificate of foundling authenticated by PSA
• DSWD Clearance
• Passport of the person who found the applicant
• Letter of authority or endorsement from DSWD for the issuance of passport

Orphaned minor applicant:

• Authenticated Death Certificates of parents from PSA
• Court order awarding guardianship of the orphaned minor applicant or substitute parental authority under Article 214 & 216 of the Family Code
• DSWD Clearance

Abandoned minor applicant:

• Court order awarding guardianship of the abandoned minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance

Legally adopted:

• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of PSA Birth Certificate before adoption
• Original and Certified True Copy (CTC) of the PSA amended Birth Certificate after adoption
• Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Court Decision or Order on Adoption and Certificate of Finality
• DSWD clearance for minor applicant, if traveling with the person other than the adopting parents

In case the applicant is for adoption by foreign parents:

• Certified True Copy of the Court Decree of Abandonment of Child
• PSA Death Certificate of the child’s parents or the Deed of Voluntary Commitment executed after the birth of the child
• Endorsement of child to the Inter-country Adoption Board by the DSWD
• Authenticated Birth or Foundling Certificate

Minor applicant whose parents are annulled / divorced:

• Court order awarding guardianship of the minor applicant or substitute parental authority
• DSWD Travel Clearance
• PSA Marriage Certificate with annotation on nullity or annulment decree

Minor applicant whose mother is likewise a minor:

• Personal appearance of mother and maternal grandparent/s
• PSA Birth Certificate of minor applicant and mother
• Affidavit of Support and Consent executed by the maternal grandparent/s indicating the name of the traveling companion
• DSWD Clearance if minor will be traveling with the person other than the maternal grandparent/s
• Proof of identity of mother and maternal grandparent/s (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs)

For Muslim Applicants (same general requirements stated above)

For late registered Muslim applicants:

• Certificate of Tribal Affiliation from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)

For converts who would like to use their Muslim name:

• Annotated Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) bearing the Muslim name
• National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Certificate of Conversion



LIST OF ACCEPTABLE IDS (At least 1 of the following):


• Government-issued picture IDs such as the following:
• Digitized SSS ID
• Driver’s License
• GSIS E-card
• PRC ID
• IBP ID
• OWWA ID
• Digitized BIR ID
• Senior Citizen’s ID
• Unified Multi-Purpose ID

Other acceptable picture IDs such as the following:

• Old College ID
• Alumni ID
• Old Employment IDs LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (Old documents issued at least one year prior to date of application that show correct name, date and place of birth, picture and signature of applicant, at least 2 of the following):

• PSA Marriage Contract
• Land Title
• Seaman’s Book
• Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal
• Government Service Record
• NBI Clearance
• Police Clearance
• Barangay Clearance
• Digitized Postal ID
• Readable SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
• Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and Voter’s Registration Record (please attach receipt)
• School Yearbook

Passport Fees
             
Express Processing - PHP 1,200 (10 working days)

Normal Processing - PHP 950 (20 working days)

I hope that this post helps in your journey to discovering the rest of the world. Enjoy your future travels!

Useful links

http://www.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/consular-services/passport-information/passport-requirements

http://passport.com.ph/

http://www.gov.ph/services/passport/

A Life Unexpected

When I was a child, I used to dream about going to different places in the world. Every time I signed a slam book from one of my classmates before, I always get excited filling up the "places that you would like to visit" part. I would always write...somewhere in Europe. I would start to imagine walking in a street made from cobblestones or bricks, and being in places that I can only see in television, a travel magazine and my old history book. Never did I imagine that one day that old childhood dream would come true. Guess what?! Here I am, living in a small yet beautiful and multicultural country in Western Europe...The Netherlands.

It's been more than a year since I moved here to be with my Dutch partner. We've finally made it after 5 years of long-distance relationship. My first year in Netherlands was really a huge adjustment. I need to adjust with the climate (I am originally from a tropical country called Philippines), the Dutch culture and of course, the language! Fortunately, I am not picky when it comes to food so I have no problem eating Dutch foods that my partner prepares...(how sweet!). As of the moment, I enjoy living here in Netherlands. I am well-integrated in the community, made few but real friends, have a happy and healthy relationship with my partner and most of all, I am ready to see the rest of the world.

This unexpected event in my life gave me an insight on how dreams come into reality in various forms. Opportunities exist in order for us to seize them. We just have to take some risks and not be haunted for not doing so. Life is uncertain. Don't give up on your dreams. There are still more to come in my life and more challenges to take but until then I will continue to enjoy it and face tomorrow with a smile.

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I write poems, stories and just any good ideas and insights on pieces of paper that always end up in the trash bin. I guess I am just afraid of being criticized about my ideas. I want to overcome that by writing my own blog. So here I am now, sitting in front of my computer trying to make a blog with an open-mind, never to fear about being criticized again.