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Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

25 January 2012 1,191 views 48 Comments

Did you ever dream of going to Europe? To just travel and see the sights, from the tulips in Holland, to the ruins in Greece, the canals in Italy, and the wonderful castles in Hungary? I did too, but like most Filipinos who have to work to make a living, I thought it was a pipe dream.

Getting a Schengen visa, in the first place, is like a roll of dice. Only those who get lucky (like me) get it for the first time. (Of course, Filipinos with millions in the bank or in positions of power are not included in this statement. But they’re the exception.)

But you know what? I applied for a Schengen visa in the Belgian embassy last December, and less than a month later, I got the much-longed for email: “Visa Approval – Embassy of Belgium.” Here’s what I did.

Philippine passport

You would need a valid passport!

Choose Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa

There are 26 countries which belong to the Schengen area. These are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, German, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Choosing where to file depends on some factors. If you’re filing a tourist visa, for example, you can file in the country that you’re entering first, or where you’ll be staying longest.

Some people also chose the embassies where they heard were less strict. However, remember that the requirements and the process of filing for a visa remains the same whichever embassy you choose.

I filed in the Embassy of Belgium because my sponsor is a national there.

Types of Schengen Visa

There are many types of Schengen visas. I applied for the short-stay one, which is valid for a maximum of 90 days. Since I had a sponsor, the visa I chose was “Visit a Friend.” Other kinds include Tourist, Fiancee, Family Visit, and Family Reunification visas, among others. There are other requirements for these kinds of visas, so make sure to check the embassy’s list of documents needed. This post is for the visit visa only.

A sponsor can be anyone, not just a partner, as long as they can provide the requirements and the justification for their invitation to you. They also have to give assurance that they’ll make sure you’ll go back to the Philippines before your visa expires. This is very important, as most developed countries seem to think that given the chance, all Filipinos would want to stay illegally outside the Philippines.

Flag of Belgium

Flag of Belgium. ©fdecomite

Requirements in Filing for a Schengen Visa

In the Embassy of Belgium (and in others as well), the following requirements are basic:

  1. Personal appearance to file the visa. Applicants are required to set an appointment through the following contact numbers. Calling to set an appointment costs P35/minute (at least with Bayantel) so make sure you have your passport in hand when you call so that you won’t waste time (and money) looking for them when you get connected. PLDT—1 909 1014545, Bayantel—1 903 1014545, Globe—1 900 1014545.
  2. Passport (valid for at least 3 months on the date of intended travel)
  3. Filled up application form. You can download it with your embassy of choice.
  4. Recent 2×2 photos (2 copies) with white background. It would be best to use a collared shirt when you have your picture taken although it’s not expressly stated in the requirements.
  5. Visa application fee of 60euros. At the time I applied, I paid P3600.

I also submitted the following which were provided by my sponsor:

  1. A letter from him explaining the reason for his invitation + an assurance that I will not overstay there.
  2. Proof of his financial capacity. He sent me his payslips for the past 4 months.
  3. Original Affidavit of Support certified by his municipality.
  4. His Family Composition certified by his municipality.
  5. Photocopy of his Belgian ID card (front and back).

Aside from these basic requirements, I also submitted the following:

  1. My cover letter stating why I wanted to go to Belgium
  2. A travel booking (just reservations, not confirmed tickets!)
  3. My Certificate of Employment (with approved leave of absence; this is very important as well to establish the fact that you would be coming back to the country)
  4. Payslips for the past 3 months
  5. Credit card statements for the past 3 months
  6. Bank certifications (dollar and peso accounts, time deposit)
  7. Income Tax Return for the past year (ITR)
  8. Photocopy of my passport + all visas and entry/exit stamps of all countries I’ve visited (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore)
  9. Proof of relationship with my sponsor (photographs, etc.)

Once you have all these, photocopy them because the embassy will ask you to bring one original and one photocopy. In my case, I brought three copies because I wanted to keep one for my file. However, the embassy personnel only asked me for the original, so I have two copies with me now (which I’ll bring on my trip, just in case they’re needed).

The Process of Filing for a Schengen Visa

On the day of my appointment (7 December 2011, 9am), I arrived an hour early and had to stay outside the building while waiting for the embassy to open at exactly 9 o’clock. The Belgian embassy is at the 9th floor of the Multinational Bancorporation Building, 6805 Ayala Avenue, Makati. If you’re taking a cab from EDSA, get off at the last bus stop just before Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue.

Once inside the small room, you will see two embassy officers; one takes care of the application of seafarers, and the other takes care of the other applicants. Be at your scheduled time because if you’re late, they won’t accommodate you anymore.

When you’re called, submit all the documents that you have. They will look at it first and will call you again. The embassy officer will interview you on the spot (in full hearing of everyone else), so make sure you’re ready to answer questions. Since they are Filipinos, you can also speak in Filipino if you’re not comfortable speaking in English. Some questions that I remember were:

  1. Purpose of my stay
  2. My employment
  3. Details about my relationship with my sponsor, how we met and if we’ve seen each other in person
  4. My financial status
  5. My family composition
  6. Our plans when I’m there

After I paid the visa fee, I was given a receipt. You need to keep this as they’ll take this back when you claim your visa. I was told that they’ll email me the results. I applied on December 7, and got the email on January 3, 2012. The waiting time was almost one month, but it was okay, since they granted me the exact days I applied for—70 days! It was the perfect gift for the new year!

Before they issued the visa, though, they asked me to email my tickets and insurance coverage for 70 days. I booked at Qatar Airways, and got my insurance with Chartis in Cubao, Q.C. (cost: P5,600).

I’m leaving in less than 2 weeks for Belgium, and it will be an epic journey that I can only be grateful to my sponsor about. When the 70 days is up, I’ll be back in the Philippines, dreaming of (and saving up for!) another trip, perhaps to Australia/New Zealand or India, or perhaps back in Europe again. Only time will tell.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my experience filing for a Visit a Friend visa in the Belgian Embassy in Manila. The details may or may not be relevant to your specific needs. Always check the website of the embassy where you’re applying to make sure you have all the requirements they specify for your application.

 All photos and content here are intellectual properties of Aleah of SolitaryWanderer.com unless otherwise stated. They are not for reproduction without my knowledge and permission. If you would like to use any of my content or images, use the contact form on this site to ask for my permission.

48 Comments »

  • Liza said:

    al, this is so interesting! enjoy and hope for the best! God bless you and your trip, my friend. ingat ka lagi,ok?

    # 25 January 2012 at 3:05 am
  • Journeys and Travels said:

    Aleah, i have concerns with the Schengen visas. when you applied at the Belgian Embassy, the visa they gave you include which countries? Ilan countries sya at ung 70 days na un, u can enter other Schengen states or dun lang din sa mga states that you applied?

    When you applied at the Belgian Embassy, does it only give you enough leeway to include other countries nearby or just Belgium lang talaga and when you arrived there, you can go to other states na?

    thanks for this ha. I am wanting to see Europe pero un nga, the visa is one obstacle but this post is useful indeed.

    # 25 January 2012 at 9:04 am
  • Aleah said:

    @ Liz: Thanks. Hope to see you in the US or here in the Phils someday.
    @ Doc Wends: My visa is stamped “Schengen States” which means I can travel anywhere within the Schengen territory within the visa period, not just in Belgium. So around 26 countries. Of course, 70 days is not enough, esp since I’ll be spending a lot of time din in Belgium.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 25 January 2012 at 9:11 am
  • Journeys and Travels said:

    i love it! mag-apply na rin ako hahaha. Love the way you explained it to your followers and i am wishing you all the best.

    # 25 January 2012 at 9:19 am
  • Eileen/ Possibly Pinay said:

    Congrats! My first schengen was for Denmark — I knew na magagamit ko in the future the fact that I was granted one at some point in my life. Hopefully when I reapply again for a new one — for another epic eurotrip!

    It’s really such a pain to apply for damn visas – shet, to be a blue passport holder nga naman oh.
    Eileen/ Possibly Pinay recently posted..The Path to Location Independence: A Conversation with Mr. Headstand Man

    # 25 January 2012 at 9:42 am
  • Aleah said:

    @ Doc Wends: Thanks po!
    @ Eileen: Yeah, they say when you have had a Schengen visa, it will make it easier to apply again or to apply to other countries like the US or UK.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 25 January 2012 at 9:47 am
  • Violy said:

    Hi Aleah, I applied for my schengen visa in KL a year ago. They have asked for my bank statements, investments, confirmed round trip tickets and paid hotel bookings. Will have to apply na here in pinas next time, I’m planning to go back there soon, thanks for this post! Enjoy your Europe tour!! ;-)
    Violy recently posted..Crystal Cove, Laurel Island / Boracay Philippines

    # 25 January 2012 at 11:30 am
  • Shawi said:

    Hi Aleah,

    Enjoyed your eye for detail in the post and learned a few things as well. Hope you have a lot of fun in Belgium and Europe. Sniff some tulips for me in Holland, and should you make your way to Slovakia, get yourself some of their cheese. I can’t remember how it’s called, pero it’s easy to spot them ’cause they look like a braid of hair. haha.

    Safe Travels!!!
    Shawi recently posted..Frankfurt: How to Be a German for a Day

    # 25 January 2012 at 1:36 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Violy: Thanks, I’m already very excited. Who can file a visa in KL? Any Filipino tourists, or do they require you to be working there?
    @ Shawie: Thanks, I’ll be staying some time in Belgium but will really find the time to go to Greece and Italy.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 25 January 2012 at 2:36 pm
  • Catherine said:

    Hi Aleah!

    An informative post indeed! I will go on a trip of my own for Europe this summer and though I’ll be applying to France, just thought it would be nice to see how yours went. ;)

    Just be prepared for the weather dear. Mainland Europe is colder than the UK. Sila na ang may snow ngayon! hehehe I know you’ll have a wonderful time!

    Cheers,
    Cat
    Catherine recently posted..Bohol: A 3D2N Adventure!

    # 25 January 2012 at 4:14 pm
  • Moon92111 said:

    I am sure you will have great time in Europe. And you have explained everything succinctly in this piece, this will help many people in the future.

    # 25 January 2012 at 4:41 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Cat: It’s snowing and raining now in Belgium :’( I hope the weather will improve when I’m there! Otherwise I can’t bike around :’(
    @ Moon92111: Thank you. Good luck in filing your own as well.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 25 January 2012 at 5:31 pm
  • Eigroj Stain said:

    Very Informative… I’ve been to Belgium last Dec.2011. My hubby is from there but we live in The Netherlands… I think applying for a schengen visa was not difficult at all as long as u meet all the requirements..
    Eigroj Stain recently posted..CITY SIGHTSEEING BRUSSELS

    # 25 January 2012 at 6:33 pm
  • Gil Camporazo said:

    This is a detailed information on how to get entry to other countries. This is very informative. This is what I like for fellow bloggers who are very willing to help their fellows. Well-taken. I would say, “approve without thinking!”

    # 25 January 2012 at 7:26 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Eigroj Stain: Yeah I think it’s lack of requirements, among other things (like a document that would prove they will come back to the Philippines), that make it difficult for others to get a visa.
    @ Gil: Thank you. Always aiming to help, since I, too, turn to blogs when I need to know something.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 25 January 2012 at 7:33 pm
  • Rafael said:

    Aleah congrats! I just got back from my 2 week Euro trip. It’s actually easy to apply for it as long as you have all the docs required. It is relatively easy to apply for a Schengen visa except for France, Italy and Germany. The rest would be very easy. If you do not have a sponsor, as long as you have a round trip ticket booked, insurance and accommodation, it’s really easy. I applied mine through the Netherlands Embassy. AXA Life has a 30 Euro travel insurance with a coverage of 30k Euros as required. Bank accounts as I notice wasn’t much of an importance, I literally had 20k pesos in my account when I applied :) .. Anyway hope you enjoy Europe! If you stay there until August we can meet!

    # 25 January 2012 at 11:12 pm
  • Ryan Mach l Pinoy Wandering Boy said:

    Bookmarked! I might need this helpful information in the near future.
    Ryan Mach l Pinoy Wandering Boy recently posted..Alone in Forest Camp

    # 26 January 2012 at 7:47 pm
  • Stephanie said:

    This post makes me want to try my luck with the Shengen states as well! Maybe after my graduation from college, who knows. ;) Thanks Aleah for all the information and congratulations in getting approved! I can’t wait to see all the beautiful pictures.

    So far I’ve only been to England and that was an educational trip (I was 16 back then). It looks like I’ll be needing something similar to a CoE, so the dream of going back will have to wait.

    Good luck and have fun! :)

    # 26 January 2012 at 9:33 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Rafael: Just two weeks? Where did you go that time? Good to know you didn’t have difficulty. All of the people I talked to really had to go through the eye of a needle to get the visa. I think there may be other reasons for your easy approval, like if you have a US visa already, or perhaps Canada or UK. :) And I only have 70 days, so by August, I’ll be in the Philippines. Hope to see you in CS meet-ups!
    @ Ryan Mach: Sure, you can also share this to friends.
    @ Stef: Thanks. Just remember all the preparations prior to applying for a visa :)
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 27 January 2012 at 12:19 am
  • Mommy Pehpot said:

    a very detailed post on applying for visa :) pag work related ung pupuntahan mo madali din mag apply :)

    # 27 January 2012 at 10:39 am
  • Rey said:

    The waiting time is quite long. So if, ever we are planning to go there, would you advise at least maybe 6 months in advance or more?

    # 27 January 2012 at 11:24 am
  • Aleah said:

    @ Pehpot: Yeah, if work-related it would be very easy as your employer would verify it. Unfortunately, if you have a conference for example, the visa would only cover one extra day before and one day after the conference. If you want to travel as a tourist after that, you’d have to file a separate visa. Strict masyado no?
    @ Rey: You can file the visa at the earliest 3 months in advance. So, no you can’t file 6 months in advance.
    Aleah recently posted..Embassy of Belgium—How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Manila

    # 27 January 2012 at 1:13 pm
  • Clarence said:

    You are right on what you have said that it is so difficult for an average living Filipino to get a visa because of the money you need to spend. Thank you for sharing this post and for giving some tips.
    Clarence recently posted..Learn More About How To Watch Satellite TV On Computers

    # 27 January 2012 at 3:05 pm
  • Things You Need To Know Before Going on a Solo Road Trip | Solitary Wanderer said:

    [...] heading for Europe, however, check out if you need a visa. Here’s how to file a Schengen visa so that you can have your road trip in Europe without any [...]

    # 27 January 2012 at 11:29 pm
  • Sionee said:

    This is a very helpful post. Galing! I’m looking forward to hear about your Europe escapades! More photos to look forward as well. :P
    Sionee recently posted..Vintage Barbie Party

    # 30 January 2012 at 2:32 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Clarence: Thanks for dropping by my blog. Feel free to share any of my posts :)
    @ Sionee: Thanks. Do keep updated with my posts through my Facebook page!
    Aleah recently posted..Things You Need To Know Before Going on a Solo Road Trip

    # 30 January 2012 at 2:39 pm
  • KC Canlas said:

    Congrats for getting approved for a Schengen Visa. I want to do a Euro-trip someday but that’s still a long shot. Oh, these third world pains…
    KC Canlas recently posted..Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion in Singapore

    # 30 January 2012 at 2:44 pm
  • Traveling Morion said:

    I wil follow dis blog para n rin aqng nag europe;) stay safe always and of course enjoy;)
    Traveling Morion recently posted..Morion’s Travel:The Sugar Capital of the Philippines -Negros Occidental!

    # 30 January 2012 at 3:17 pm
  • chrisair said:

    congrats sis, you are so lucky to get their approval in just a month. Thanks for sharing I might use it in the future, wehehe, feeling lang na makkalibot din sa Europe

    # 30 January 2012 at 3:18 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ KC Canlas: I can relate with the “third world pains” so much LOL
    @ Jeffrey: Thanks for your support! Excited na ko!
    @ ChrisAir: Yeah, I know a lot of people who apply and get rejected again and again.
    Aleah recently posted..Things You Need To Know Before Going on a Solo Road Trip

    # 30 January 2012 at 3:30 pm
  • ROMELO said:

    hindi na ako mahihirapang mag-aplay ng visa ngayon sa embahada ng belgium… salamat ng marami :D
    ROMELO recently posted..E-Book Cover Designs For Invest For Living

    # 30 January 2012 at 4:03 pm
  • Simurgh | Ang Pala-lagaw said:

    I dream of going to Europe!!
    Heck,I even think of living in there when I get the chance..
    Pero medyo lame pa ang excuses ko, I’m still scred of goign out of the country alone..
    And I’ve been putting off getting my own passport for the longest time.
    I admire you though Aleah, you’re sense of adventure far surpasses mine!
    Simurgh | Ang Pala-lagaw recently posted..Photowalk | SM Mall Of Asia

    # 30 January 2012 at 4:11 pm
  • lakwatsero said:

    One of the most useful post I have read in a while. Lalo na dun sa may plans talaga to go to Belgium. The question is…will I ever?Ha ha, wish ko lang. :)

    # 30 January 2012 at 4:24 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Simurgh: Thank you. Solo travel, especially abroad, can be a lot of fun. Try it sometime!
    @ Lakwatsero: Malay mo di ba? Keep on dreaming!
    Aleah recently posted..Things You Need To Know Before Going on a Solo Road Trip

    # 30 January 2012 at 4:35 pm
  • chin said:

    i dream of exploring europe too. pero hindi pa ngayon . I am looking up to you when it comes to backpacking . I hope to see you again in one of your trips soon

    # 30 January 2012 at 4:53 pm
  • Enzo said:

    This post gives me a lot of knowledge as to how the process should go. With this background knowledge that I have, I think I am now ready to look for some sponsors for my European tour. lol…

    Kidding aside, this one is really informative.

    # 30 January 2012 at 6:21 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Chino: Thanks. Hope to see you too in one of the future Bagets/PTB trips!
    @ Enzo: You’re so funny haha. Thanks!
    Aleah recently posted..Things You Need To Know Before Going on a Solo Road Trip

    # 30 January 2012 at 6:25 pm
  • The Shades of Grey | Elal said:

    Europe! *drools* Will surely use this after ng bond ko sa DOST!
    The Shades of Grey | Elal recently posted..Changed URL: The Shades of Grey | Elal

    # 30 January 2012 at 8:17 pm
  • Blair Villanueva said:

    wow really interesting and very helpful! I will noted this coz i might need this for our future travel, well luckily my fiance have his visa.. ako n lng. hehehe thanks!

    # 30 January 2012 at 9:32 pm
  • Nancy said:

    WOW! Congratulations to your Schengen Visa! Ang galing naman… and with all your travel backgrounds parang andali na lang makakuha ng visa anywhere you wish to go.

    Good luck and have a safe sweet trip to Belgium!
    Nancy recently posted..Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa

    # 30 January 2012 at 11:34 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Elal: Good luck! Grabe pa naman kumapit ang DOST haha
    @ Blair: Thanks!
    @ Nancy: I wish it were easy nga to get a visa anywhere. I would like to backpack in Australia next :)
    Aleah recently posted..Manila Bay Sunset Cruise: A Romantic Valentine’s Day Date

    # 31 January 2012 at 1:20 am
  • Jenny O'Toole said:

    Schengen Visa – Easy as 123. I applied thru on-line last year I completed Schengen Visa the form, insert cheque, visa picture, my passport, our bookings like places we are going to stay, state the purpose of visit. Then post it. After 14 days visa is approved. No show! No show money! No need for personal appearance.

    BTW thanks for posting your article VERY USEFUL. I bookmark your blog incase somebody back home is interested to go to Europe.
    Jenny O’Toole recently posted..Blackpool Tower

    # 31 January 2012 at 2:20 am
  • julie said:

    That’s A LOT! And I don’t think I’ll have the patience to get through it. But thanks for sharing it here. I might want to consider Europe someday. It will all boils down to moolah and time.
    julie recently posted..Tel-Aviv Daily: Street Performers

    # 31 January 2012 at 3:50 am
  • Kathy Ngo said:

    This is really very helpful. I’m soon seeking help on how to get to migrate to NZ since my brother wants to live there.
    Kathy Ngo recently posted..gratitude # 2

    # 31 January 2012 at 6:59 am
  • Aleah said:

    @ Jenny: Your circumstances may again be different, but good for you that you find it easy. You’re certainly in the minority! Where did you file yours?A personal appearance is required here in the Philippines.
    @ Julie: If you really want it, you’ll get it :)
    @ Kathy: I think if you have family member it’s easier to get a visa.
    Aleah recently posted..Manila Bay Sunset Cruise: A Romantic Valentine’s Day Date

    # 31 January 2012 at 9:02 am
  • Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days | Solitary Wanderer said:

    [...] with the help of a very good friend last year who became my sponsor in getting a Schengen visa, I am now living my dream: backpacking in Europe for 70 days. Because I could still earn from my [...]

    # 13 February 2012 at 1:06 am
  • mercy said:

    thanks for the info, its right time or us because we were invited by our friends in Belgium his letter of invitation arrives yesterday together with our insurances (the 3 of us)our intended travel is schedule on July 24 this year my question is when shall we pay our visa before the interview or after the interview. because in US embassy before we will be interviewed we have to pay first in the bank our visa and bring or present it during the interview. thanks.

    # 22 February 2012 at 9:10 pm
  • Aleah said:

    @ Mercy: You’ll pay the visa fee on the day you submit your application (which is the same as the day of your interview). You can file for a visa 3 months before your intended departure. Make sure to call for an appointment!
    Aleah recently posted..The Legend of the 3 Copper Pots of Olen, Belgium

    # 22 February 2012 at 10:34 pm

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