It's visa application time again for me.  This time, I lodged my application at the German Embassy, as this is where my friend and I would be staying the longest.  After the long wait I had to endure when I applied a Schengen visa at the Italian Embassy, I had hoped this would be shorter.  True enough, I got my passport back with a visa after 3 working days.

Their visa application procedure and forms can be found in their website.

Visa Application Requirements

Tip: While gathering requirements, it might be better to schedule the appointment as slots may fill up fast.

This link contains the visa application requirements for the purpose of tourism.  Below is a preview of the requirements with some notes on what I submitted.

1.  Traveller Identity

     - Original passport valid for at least another 3 months upon completion of the travel, as well as old passports.  I also submitted photocopy of identity page, all visas and stamps in old passports.  My passport is new so it still doesn't have any stamps on it.

     - One current passport picture.  I actually submitted 2, one glued in the application form and another one which the visa officer asked when I submitted my requirements.

2.  Visa Application Form

     - Completed and signed application form.  The form has to be completed online.  If you cannot complete it right away, you could save it and load at a later time.  Don't forget to print as this will contain bar code that would be used when you lodge the application.  Glue/Paste one picture on the first page and affix signature on pages 4, 5 and 6.

     - Declaration according to Section 54 AufenthaltsG, fully completed and signed.  I had printed and signed a copy of this, but I was also given a copy when I arrived at the embassy for my appointment.

3.  Purpose of Travel

     - Details regarding travel destination and route.  Basically, the travel itinerary.  I did not have a detailed day-to-day itinerary but I had date ranges for each city/country, activities and accommodation.  I also included a cover letter to explain the purpose of my trip.

     - Details regarding means of travel for outward and return journey.  No need to do reservations.  They just need details of the flight you plan to take going to and from the Schengen area.

     - Hotel voucher or confirmation.  I submitted hotel booking confirmations I've done using booking.com.  I chose those that have free cancellation in case visa is not approved.

4.  Visa Fee

     - Euro 60 for applicants older than 12 years old, payable in PhP.  At the time of lodging, PhP equivalent was PhP3,110.00, paid to the visa officer.

     - Euro 35 for children 6 to 12 years old

     - No fee for children up to 6 years old

5.  Financial Coverage

     - Statement of account(s) for the previous 6 months, with a confirmation by the bank.  I submitted bank certificate with bank statement for 2 months.  BPI can only give up to 2 months for bank statement.  I also submitted 3 months of credit card statement since I checked credit card as a means of support.

6.  Travel Health Insurance

     - Travel insurance valid for all Schengen states and full duration of stay for which visa was applied for, with minimum coverage sum of Euro 30,000.  Philippine insurances must be accredited and given in the original with a xerox, German insurances are accepted as a xerox, fax or scan.  I bought my travel insurance from Pacific Cross (formerly Blue Cross).  When I lodged my application, I haven't received the original policy yet that is sent via mail by Pacific Cross but they gave me a soft copy via email.  I submitted 2 copies of the printout and they accepted it.

7.  Rootedness in the Phlippines

     Employed:

     - Most recent Income Tax Return.  I submitted the one for 2015 since I still do not have one for 2016.

     - Certificate of Employment

     - Certificate of Leave Availment

     Self-Employed:

     - Proof of registration and commercial activity of the company

     Student:

     - School certificate

     - Proof of enrollment

     - If applicable, letter of exemption from studies

8.  Additional documents for children below 18:

     - Personal appearance of both parents during submission of visa application with valid ID

     - Original birth certificate of the child issued by NSO on Security Paper

     If travelling without both parents:

     - Declaration of consent by the legal guardian, signed in front of a German consular officer

     - Passports of legal guardian (original and photocopy of data page)

     - Proof of legal custody (for minors with parents whose marriage was dissolved/annulled)

     - If applicable, Death Certificate of the other parent

     - Travel Permit issued by DSWD

Lodging of Visa Application

1.  On the day of the appointment, I was already at the embassy 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
     - Register at the German embassy counter at the ground floor of RCBC Tower
     - Proceed to 25th floor, go through security check.
     - Present appointment letter and passport at the counter.  A number will be given and a copy of the Declaration according to Section 54 AufenthaltsG (just in case you forgot to print and sign it)
     - Go to the other side of the floor.  A locker is available to store cellphones and other electronics.  Keep the key until you're finished with your purpose.   
2.  Wait for your number to be called.
     - When I got there, the counters are still closed.  At exactly 8:00AM, 3 counters opened.  After another 3-5 minutes, another one opened.
3.  I submitted all the requirements arranged based on the order in the requirements list.
4.  I was asked by the visa officer questions regarding my trip i.e. when I'll be arriving Schengen territory, country of first arrival in the territory, what I did in Italy (since I got my previous Schengen visa from the Italian embassy), is it my first time in Germany.
5.  I was asked for another picture
6.  Paid the visa fee of Euro60 (their current conversion PhP3,110.00)
7.  A receipt was given to me, with a handwritten tracking number for 2GO.


Waiting Game

Based on reviews I read, the German Embassy processes application rather quickly.  So, on the 2nd working day after I lodged my application, I checked on the tracking website.  The tracking number is still not valid, meaning they haven't received my passport yet.  The next day, I checked again, and my passport has already been dispatched for delivery within the day.  I anxiously waited for it at midday.  Be prepared to pay for the delivery fee (I paid PhP170.00).  I didn't know this until the courier got to our house and informed me that I had to pay the amount.  I was a bit nervous while opening my passport and was glad that I was granted a visa for my intended vacation.


All in all, the experience was smooth and stress-free.  Finalizing plans now and eagerly awaiting for my vacation.

Early January, I still had no plans where to go for a holy week trip.  I got the idea of planning for a Europe trip from my friend who will be in the Schengen area until mid-2014.  And so, planning started.  Below is my experience on applying for a Schengen visa.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

Based on what I read, visa should be lodged on your main country of destination.  If going to multiple countries in the Schengen area, submit your application in the embassy of the country where you'll be staying the longest.  If the longest length of stay is the same for multiple destination, apply in the country which you would enter first.  Please note that they count the number of nights of stay in each country.

For example, the itinerary is Netherlands (2 nights), France (3 nights) and Italy (3 nights).  You should apply at the French embassy as you would enter that country first on the countries you'll be staying the longest.


Visa Application Requirements

The Italian Embassy in the Philippines has contracted PIASI to assist in the lodgement of visa applications (Source).  Their website, via.ph gives information on visa applications.  Their toll-free number (+ 632 845 9200) is also available to answer inquiries on visa requirements.

I found the tourist visa (short term) requirements during my time of application here.  Please check the site for updates.  For other types of visas, you can also find the requirements in their website.

Please note that only visa applications whose intended date of travel is within 3 months from the time of the application will be accepted.

General requirements for all visa applicants

1.  Valid passport with no less than 3 months validity over the visa expiration

2.  COMPLETELY accomplished form with one recent picture (2x2) with white background (Please DO NOT leave any blanks in the form.  Indicate "N/A" if answer is not applicable.)
As per checking with the information center, either 2x2 or Schengen (passport) size picture would do, but I was told that it has to be glossy.  Do not staple or glue the picture to the application form yet.  Visa application form can be downloaded here.
Notes on the application form:
- #2 Surname at birth - if single, it would be the same as #1
- #7 Nationality - should be Filipino, not country of nationality
- #11 National Identity Number - N/A for Filipinos
- #22 Member state(s) of destination - specify all Schengen countries you'll be visiting
- #25 Duration of intended stay - this include the days of departure from and arrival in the Philippines
- #31 Inviting person in member state or hotel - if hotel, indicate details for the hotel you'll be staying in the country you're applying a visa for, in this case hotel in Italy
- #32 Inviting company/organization - put N/A in all boxes if none
- #34 and #35 EU, EEA and CH citizen family member - put N/A in all boxes if none

3.  Original and photocopy of ALL documents required for each applicant (including passport and previous visas).
I guess you might ask if they'll give back the original ITR, they gave mine back so I guess it'll be the same for others.  This goes the same for other originals that you might need (e.g. travel insurance).

Additional requirements for tourist visa

4. Letter of introduction to the embassy (document that introduces the applicant and reason for visa application; the letter should include contact numbers of the applicant)
The introduction letter should be addressed to The Honorable Consul.  It should include details such as applicant information (home address, mobile number, work information and personal e-mail), reason for visa application, overview of itinerary, countries you've been to outside of the Schengen area.  Do make sure that the itinerary would be consistent with your hotel bookings.

5. If employed: Certificate of employment and approved Leave of Absence
I've filed the leave of absence in our online system (as well as block my schedule for the said dates in our resource availability system), have talked to my manager regarding my leave and requested her to approve it before requesting for these documents from HR.  I got my documents after 2 days.

6.  If self-employed: Business license/permits, registration and financial statement

7.  Declaration of annual income (ITR), and approved leave of absence
I think the approved leave of absence here is just the same as that in #5.  ITR should be the most recent one.  I submitted ITR for 2012 since 2013 is not yet available.

8.  For students: certificate of enrolment and approved leave of absence.

9.  Proof of economic means: Bank certification for dollar and peso accounts accompanied by their corresponding passbook, statements of account.  If available, international credit cards, properties, land titles, etc.
This can be requested from the banks.  They provide those for a fee.  If you have more than one account with the bank, you could have all in one certification.  They could also provide bank statements, but I think they could only give up to 2 months for the bank statements.  You could also print the statement if you're enrolled in their online facility.  If you checked credit card as a means of support during your stay in Schengen area in the application form, I think it might be better to also submit credit card statements.

Now, I guess this would be my main problem.  I got some money in the bank but it does not sum up to hundred thousands.
 
10.  Birth certificate and Marriage Contract (NSO issued)
They do not require a recent NSO-issued document.  I used the one I got 2 years ago.

11.  Itinerary, confirmed round trip flight booking and hotel vouchers or hotel booking under the name of the traveler.
The flight booking for the dates specified in the application form must be consistent with the one in this document.  You can get one from a travel agent.  I know a travel agent so I got one from them.  I'm not sure if asking for it has a fee but I didn't pay anything for mine.  It is NOT required to pay for the tickets before visa application.  Please note that the thing here is that if the visa is approved, you have to get the flights specified in the booking certificate, at least that's what they say.
As for hotel bookings, we booked our hotels using booking.com.  We selected those that can be cancelled at a later time in case we got an unfavorable reply in our visa application, and does not require down payment.  Although, we've also selected those that we would be most convenient for us to stay in, in case we got our visa.

12.  A letter of invitation addressed to the Embassy (format of this letter may be secured at the Italian Embassy or downloaded from www.ambmanila.esteri.it) in case the traveler will stay in a friend's or relative's residence.  The invitation may be made by an Italian national or a foreign resident legally staying in Italy.  A document of identity or permit of stay should accompany the letter of invitation.

13.  For ALL minors NSO birth certificate, affidavit of Support and Consent from BOTH parents.  In addition, a DSWD clearance for minors not traveling with parents.

14.  Travel insurance with a coverage of at least 30,000 euros (with 15 days allowance beyond the travel period) obtained only from Schengen accredited insurance companies in the Philippines.  (Please refer to the current list of accredited insurance companies in the Philippines)
I got mine from Blue Cross (Prestige Euro plan).  I applied for it online and was supposed to get the policy after the payment as per the reviews I read.  However, I ran into an issue during payment and my credit card was rejected.  I was told by the credit card company that the transaction was approved and they gave me the approval code.  Next, I contacted Blue Cross (travelbilling@bluecross.com.ph) and it took more than a day to fix the issue.  Apparently, it was their payment partner which encountered the issue but when they were able to reconcile, they processed my transaction.  So what happened was that they needed more information from me as they cannot extract some of the information I entered online.  They sent the copy via email and was sent the policy via courier.  I think they expedited the process since I told them I needed it for the visa application in a few days.
Anyway, the number of days in the insurance should be the total number of days for the trip, including day of departure from and day of arrival in the Philippines plus 15 days.  You have to manually add 15 days in your travel dates so that the total number in the insurance coverage would already include the additional 15 days.  The countries you'll be traveling to is also specified in the insurance, as well as the layovers.

15.  If not Filipino citizen, the applicant needs to show proof of permanent residency in the Philippines (ACR).

16.  Visa processing fee + service fee in form of Manager's check, payable to "PIASI"
At the time I called the call center to schedule the visa application, the rate was PhP4,951.00.  This includes the visa fee (60 euros or converted to PhP3,551.00 at that time) and the handling fee (PhP1,400.00).  Cash is accepted.  The call center told me to bring the exact amount.  Although, contrary to the other blogs I've read, they give out change.  I guess "no change" is only for those visa applications lodged directly in the embassies.


Lodging of Visa Application

To schedule for appointment on the submission of visa application, a call to their premium lines is needed.  A toll charge of about PhP32.00/minute excluding VAT is applicable.  I used my mobile phone to call so there are additional charges.  Before calling, make sure you have your completely filled-up application form and passport details with you.  Only the applicant is allowed to schedule for the appointment.  Also make sure that the travel date is within 3 months from the date.

FYI: One could also schedule visa application directly through the embassy.  I'm not sure how that process works.  It could be through a link in their website (where it is said you could book your visit to the embassy well in advance) or via email.

The call took about 15 minutes with more than one minute spent on the welcome message, then another 2-3 minutes waiting to be attended to.

On the scheduled date, I was there (VIA Center, 3/F Allegro Center building, Pasong Tamo Ext. - the building with Starbucks on the ground floor) around 30 minutes before the specified time.  The reception verified if my name is on the list and gave me a number, as well as 2 copies of the requirements.  I think I'm the 15th+ to be served.  They have a reminder to arrange the documents to be submitted as per the order in the list of requirements.  It took about 1 1/2 hour before my number was called.  I encountered an issue with my itinerary (they said I should be applying at the Spanish Embassy since I would be staying the same number of nights in both countries and will be entering Spain first) so I had to fix my itinerary, or submit the application at the Spanish Embassy.  So, from the original plan to just stay the night in Spain (as accommodation is cheaper there) and take the early morning flight to Italy, it was changed to spending that night in Italy instead.  The next day, I came back, got another number and waited again for 1 1/2 hour for my number to be called.  After they accepted my application, I went back to my seat and waited for my number to be called again (about 45 minutes), this time for biometrics.  It then took another 5 minutes for my number to be called for payment.  I was then told to wait for 10 days.

So now the waiting game begins.  In all, the initial cost of my visa application is as follows:

ID Picture	PhP 175.00
Call to schedule visa application (excl. taxes)	PhP 529.05
Travel Insurance	PhP 4,511.81
Visa Application + Handling Fee	PhP 4,951.00
Total Initial Cost	PhP 10,167.31

[Update] After more than 2 weeks of waiting (on mid-day Friday), I received a letter from the Italian Embassy via 2GO (which I paid for PhP215) saying that I need to go to the embassy (6/F Zeta Building, Salcedo Village, Makati) immediately for interview and clarification of documents.  I can go either Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between 12NN-1PM.

[Update] I went to the embassy for the interview (Tuesday after I received the letter).  I showed the letter to the guard in the ground floor so they let me in and directed to go to 6/F.  At the Italian Embassy reception, I was asked to leave my cellphone and gave me a number for retrieval.  I got there around 11:45AM and got called almost 1PM.  Some questions are (1) Do you have relatives outside the country? (2) Are you traveling alone? (3) Do you have any other bank accounts?  These are the questions I remembered.  There might have been 3 or 4 more but I forgot about it.  I remember these 3 as the visa officer told me to put the answers I've given her in writing (she gave me paper which I think has "Letter of Declaration" word on top).  I was writing the letter while she continues to ask me questions.  After I gave her the letter, I was told to wait for another 1-2 weeks.  Whoa!  I just hope it wouldn't take that long.

[Update] Passport was delivered by the same guy from 2GO (Friday on the week of the interview).  That was fast! And, thankfully, I was granted a visa valid from the date of departure from the Philippines to the last day of my insurance (so that's +15 days from the intended date of arrival) but only for the number of days stated in my itinerary +2 days.  They also returned the original NSO birth certificate.  Now, it's time to purchase those tickets!

Yes, that's right.  It's really Visa x 3.  It took about 6-7 weeks to prepare for requirements, submit application and get the results.

It was the start of January when I was thinking of where to go for the Holy Week (IKR, it's too early to plan).  I was watching Rated K then and they had a feature on Korea.  "Why not?" I thought.  I wanted to experience the cherry blossoms! :)  I asked my mom if she wanted to go with me, and without asking twice, she said yes.  It would be my mom's first time to apply for a visa so we just tried our luck.

While preparing for our requirements, a friend of mine told me that she's going to be assigned in Japan and invited me to visit her during her stay.  Guess what?  She would still be there during Holy Week.  There's this "why not?" thought again.  This would mean free accommodation.  However, the challenge here would be the visa application.  But, it would be worth a try.

Since I would already be preparing for visa applications, I've decided to apply for a US visa.  And so, the preparations began... bank statements, certificate of employment (yes, I've requested for CoE every other week), birth certificates, itinerary.

Below are links on my experiences in applying visas for South Korea, Japan, and United States:

- Applying for a South Korean visa
- Applying for a Japan visa
- Applying for a US visa

To start with, I have an expired L-1 US visa and had been in the US a number of times.  

The first time I applied for a tourist visa was in 1990 and was denied at that time.  It might be because I haven't been to any other country then, meaning I haven't established a reputation that I would be going back to the Philippines.

Fast forward to today, after having been to different countries, I decided to try my luck in applying for a tourist visa (B1/B2). 

Here is the application process from the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines.
 
Here are the basic requirements:

• Filled up DS-160 form (submit online and print out)
• Passport (at least 6 months valid from the date of intended departure); all prior passports and US visas, if available
• 2x2 photo (photo requirements) 

Payment for the visa can be made via BPI (online or through their branches) or BancNet online.  I paid for it at a BPI branch, and in this case, presentation of passport is required.  The visa fee is valid for one year after the date of actual payment (interview must fall within this period).  You might need to wait for some hours before the payment is posted and for you to proceed with the application.

Next, you would need to schedule your interview.  On the day of your interview, please make sure you are at the embassy at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.  Do not bring any electronics (i.e. cellphone, iPad, USB thumb drive), unless it's ok with you to leave these things to those persons outside the embassy offering to keep it for you for a fee.  It might also be better to have another government-issued ID to present upon entry.
 
There is no mention of supporting documents but it would be better to have them ready for the interview.  Here's what I prepared:

• Certificate of Employment
• Bank Certificate
• ITR
• Birth Certificate  

These are mostly the same documents I prepared for the other 2 visas (Japan and South Korea) I applied for.

Minutes before the scheduled time, there would be a line outside the embassy depending on the schedule.  Prepare your Appointment confirmation, DS-160, payment receipt and passport.  It would be checked there.  Then, you will go through security check.  After that, you would proceed to a window where you would be given a number.  Once you have a number, you would now have to proceed to the waiting area.  Be alert when your number (or within the number range) is called by a staff.  They'll let you inside the building even before your number is flashed on the screen.  The first time your number is flashed, your documents (DS-160, passport) will be checked by the embassy personnel.  The second time would be for biometrics.  The third (and last) time would be for the interview with the consul.

I've been asked a few questions by the consul and after that he gave me a slip for claiming of my passport.  Woohoo! I passed (parang exam lang).  He hadn't even asked for additional documents.

So now I proceeded to the payment for the delivery of my passport.  Since there might not be anybody to receive it at home, I preferred to just pick it up at 2Go Megamall branch.

The whole process could take hours, depending on the number of persons already in the embassy when you got there.  So, it's better to select an early schedule.  Also, visa approval is not guaranteed, that still depends on the analysis of the consul/embassy.

After 3 or 4 days, I received a message that my passport is already available for pick-up in Megamall.  I'm very thankful they gave me a 10-year multiple entry visa.  Now, it's time to save up for a US vacation. 

Japan visa is next.  I've done some research and the only way to apply for a Japan visa here in the Philippines is via an accredited travel agency.  Since I've already dealt with Reli Tours at SM Megamall before, I decided to go there and inquire.

Tourist visa is gratis, however, there is a handling fee (ours is PhP1200/person but it depends on the type of visa being applied for) that has to be paid to the agency at the time of the submission of requirements.  We've been given the list of requirements and application form.

Here's the list of documents I submitted:
- Filled-up Application form
- 2x2 photo with white background (glued to the application form)
- Passport
- Birth Certificate (from NSO)
- Marriage Contract (from NSO), if applicable
- ITR (Form 2316), original and photocopy
- Bank Certificate
- Certificate of Employment
- Daily itinerary in Japan

Oh yes... the last one is the hard part.  Since this would be my first time in Japan and will not be joining a tour, I had done more research to come up with an itinerary.  To give you an idea on your future Japan travels, here's what I came up with.  

Since we would be going to South Korea, this itinerary is from/to Seoul.  You also need to put in the hotel name and contact number.

Also, if you have more than one person in your group and you're applying for the visa at the same time, you could attach the list of applicants in your itinerary so that you only need to print it once.

We submitted our visa applications to the agency on a Sunday.  Come Tuesday afternoon, I received a message that our passports are ready for pick up.  That was fast!

My mom went to Megamall to pick our passports.  However, I forgot to give her the receipt.  I called the travel agent and told her about it.  Good thing they released it to my mom as she's one of the passport holders and she was with me when we applied for the visa.  Whew!

And the result... we got our Japan visa! Now, we could insert a short trip to Japan on our Holy Week itinerary.

Japan Visa

Please click here for the Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Our planned trip for Seoul was Holy Week, so it's better to apply for a visa as early as January (within 3 months of the trip, as visas are normally valid for 3 months).  It'll give me more time to prepare or change plans depending on the result of the visa application.

Below are the requirements (these are actually the basics) I've prepared/submitted when I applied for the visa:
- Filled up Visa Application Form (fill up all spaces)
- Passport size photo (attached to the application form with a glue; do NOT staple)
- ITR (Form 2316) of the previous year; photocopy and original
- Certificate of Employment
- Bank Statements
- Original Passport (6 months valid from the date of entry) and photocopy of the passport's first page (the one with personal information)
- Photocopy of valid visa and/or arrival stamps from OECD member countries within the past 5 years, if you have any

If you're submitting an application for someone else, it might be better to have an authorization letter from that person, in case needed.

The Korean Embassy is located at McKinley Hill (along C5) in Taguig and visa applications are only accepted from 9-11AM, Mondays to Fridays.  Please bring an ID when going there as you have to leave one when entering the premises.  No appointment is needed, it is on a first come-first serve basis.

Address:
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, 
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
(63-2) 856-9210 
Click here for location and address from the embassy's website

Upon entering the premises, follow a short path to the visa office and some personnel would be checking your documents and give you a number.  Those who have been to Korea before or have been to OECD member countries are assigned to a different window (window 3) than first-time travellers (first time in Korea or does not have valid OECD country visa).  Since this would be my 2nd time in Korea, I've been assigned to window 3.

Here are some reminders from the embassy's website:

As soon as your number is flashed, go to the window and hand in your documents.  The consul will examine your documents.  Since I would be sponsoring my mom, I was asked for a proof of relationship -- my birth certificate.  Good thing I have one and submitted it together with the other documents.  I have my mom's authorization letter but maybe since I would be the one sponsoring the trip, she hadn't asked for it.

I was given a slip that contains the date of the release of passports.  This does not guarantee that we have been granted a visa.  We would be able to know it at the time of release.  I submitted our applications on a Monday and the release schedule given to me was a Thursday.  That's just 3 days processing time.  Please note that processing are from 3-5 days.

Come Thursday, I went back to the embassy to claim our passports.  Releasing is from 2-4PM.  Don't forget to bring your release stub.  Again, you would be given a number, go to the window as soon as your number is flashed.

Upon receiving your passport, make sure you get the correct passports.  Woohoo! We've been granted visa!  And it's a multiple entry visa! :)  Our visa is valid up to January of 2015.  Checked the personal information on the visa just to make sure it's correct.  

Korean Visa

Now, it's time to do some planning (buy plane tickets, reserve a hotel and plan itinerary).

Click here for the latest information on Korean visa applications in the Philippines.