"A dream will remain just a dream if you don't act on it."

It's a dream of many Filipinos to go on a European tour, including me. It's a tedious process since you have to prepare almost everything before applying for a visa. Add the fact that you already have to procure the travel insurance before this.

This year, it has came true for me. The planning took about a month (itinerary, flight and accommodation options). Once we had everything planned out, we prepared the documents needed for the visa.  My Schengen visa application took almost 3 weeks, my friend who applied in Singapore got hers in 3 days.

And so, after months of preparation, we were on our way to Europe.  Have we not taken a chance on planning and applying for a visa, this would still be just a dream for us.


The Hassle in NAIA Terminal 1

I got to Terminal 1 about 2.5 hours before the flight.  Check-in was a breeze.  There was a line in the terminal fee counter, but that was tolerable.  The issue came at the immigration line.  The line had gone past the terminal fee counters and is moving too slow.  Had I known, I would have been at the airport earlier.  It took almost 2 hours for me to get past immigration.  I was really worried since flight time is already in a few minutes.  I was rushing past security then through the gates.  I guess all flights are delayed as most of it are waiting for their passengers who were still in the immigration line.  My flight was delayed for almost an hour, then almost another hour from waiting at the runway.  And, finally, the plane took off.

My friend was already waiting for me at KUL airport, we would be on the same flight to Paris CDG.  She was getting worried as it's already boarding and my flight still hasn't landed.  10 minutes before the scheduled time of my connecting flight, I was running out of the plane and to the gate.  It turned out that there are other passengers from the Manila flight going to Paris.  Woohoo! We made it.  My friend, who was already inside the plane, was happy when I showed up.


Arrival at CDG


After hours of flight time, we reached our destination.  Paris, here we are!

But then came another problem, which I already had in mind, my check-in didn't make it to the flight.  We filed a report at the luggage services counter, left the address of the hotel we're staying for them to deliver it.  We were assured that the luggage would be in the next available flight, which is same time the following day.  Good thing I got extra set of clothes in my backpack, which I think would be a must now that I know it's importance. [Update: It was delivered afternoon of the next day.  I'll be filing a claim with the insurance for baggage delay.]


Itinerary

Apr 4-5	Manila (MNL) to Paris (CDG) via Malaysia Airlines
Apr 5-7	Paris, France
Apr 7	Paris (ORY) to Barcelona (BCN) via Vueling Airlines
Apr 7-9	Barcelona, Spain
Apr 9	Barcelona (BCN) to Rome (FCO) via Vueling Airlines
Apr 9-13	Rome, Italy
Apr 13	Rome (FCO) to Prague (PRA) via Smart Wings/Czech Arilines
Apr 13-15	Prague, Czech Republic
Apr 15-16	Overnight train from Prague to Budapest
Apr 16-18	Budapest, Hungary
Apr 18	Budapest (BUD) to Eindhoven (EIN) via Wizz Air
Apr 18-20	Holland, The Netherlands
Apr 20-21	Amsterdam (AMS) to Manila (MNL) via Malaysia Airlines

I'll update the itinerary links as it becomes available.


[Update #1: I've submitted a claim for baggage delay at Blue Cross' annex building in P. Burgos Street, Makati (blue building almost at the end of P. Burgos near Makati Avenue).  Together with the Notification of Claim, I've also submitted the Property Irregularity Report (document given to me by Malaysia Airlines personnel when I filed the baggage delay at CDG airport), the luggage tag that came with my bag when it was delivered (I have no proof of the time of arrival of the luggage, but the luggage tag shows some date and time so that's what I submitted) and my flight itinerary (which shows the date and time of my arrival in CDG).  I was told that verification would take 3-5 working days and processing of payment would be from 2-3 weeks.  So, that's about 4 weeks of waiting.  I opted for the payment to be a check payment in USD (no option for Euro) so I would need to pickup the check at their office.  I would be notified via email when the check would be ready.  Note: They can do direct deposit to HSBC/BDO/Metrobank accounts but since I don't have those, my only option is check payment.]

[Update #2: After almost 3 weeks after filing of claim (and 2 follow-up calls), I received an email that the check is ready for pick-up.  The amount of check was Euro70, but converted to USD (about USD96).  I picked it up at the 4/F of their main office, which is just around the corner from where I filed the claim.  This office is the one along Makati Avenue.]

[Update #3: The check given to me by Blue Cross was not accepted by BPI, I forgot their explanation about it.  They could encash the check but minimum is USD100.  So, what I did is to just encash the check on the nearest HSBC branch.
 

An International Driving Permit (IDP) allows the holder to drive in another country.  Some countries allow tourists to drive in their country for a certain number of days during the visit but there are also some who require IDP or International Driver's License.

Here in the Philippines, IDP is being issued by Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP).  For one to be able to apply for IDP, he/she has to be a member of AAP.  It is a benefit given only to their members.

Please note, as per notices I've read in their office, that Philippine International Driving Permit is not accepted in Taiwan and there are some limitations in other countries (e.g. Japan).

Requirements:
- AAP Regular Membership (New enrollee - PhP1,500) [An annual membership fee has to be paid by members]
- Original and photocopy of Philippine Driving License
- Two pieces 2x2 or passport size color ID picture [I think it's better to have 2x2 so that the picture wouldn't be stretched to become square]
- Processing fee (PhP300) 
- Optional: OR/CR of vehicle

Above mentioned requirements are for Filipinos applying personally at their office.  More information on IDP can be seen here.

I have not much time left before my trip so I opted to go to their EDSA office.  As per their website, it only takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to process IDP in this office.  Other offices take around 2+ days to process since they also forward those applications to the EDSA office.

Note: If applying for IDP and is a new member, you can just submit IDP application form.  That would also serve as your AAP membership application.  You can download the form here or you could submit your application online.

Getting there:  It is in EDSA Southbound, after Ford EDSA.  It's in the odd-shape building that's colored blue and yellow (at least for now?).

Building facade from the website

Validity:
The IDP would follow the expiration date of your license or will be valid for one year, whichever comes first.

If you're license is about to expire, have it renewed first.  I have planned to renew my driver's license before going there.  Unfortunately, DLRC in SM Megamall has already closed so I hadn't been able to renew my license.  Since I don't have time to do this at some other day before my trip, then I just got IDP even if it expires in September.

I was told that if I need an IDP after September, then I would need to pay PhP1,500 (PhP1,200 for the extension of my membership for another year and PhP300 for the processing fee of IDP valid for one year).


Process:
I got there around 1:30PM on a Friday afternoon.  There's a reception when I entered the building (entrance along EDSA).  Application forms are also available there.  The guard will check your requirements and ask you to proceed to Window 2.  Applications and driver's licenses are received in this window.  

You will then be given a number and have to wait.  Although, the website states that processing only takes 30-minute to an hour, mine was 1 1/2 hour.  This might be attributable to their system slow down during that day and a higher number of applicants since they were closed yesterday.  My number is the 15th on queue.  Good thing there's free coffee for visitors (at the back of the waiting area), you just have to get a cup on a cubicle near it.


Alas, after about 1hr 15minutes, my number was called in Window 3.  I was given back the paper and proceeded to Window 4 for payment.  Total payment was PhP1800 (PhP1500 for first-time AAP membership and PhP300 IDP processing fee).  Then, I went back to Window 3 for claiming of my membership card, insurance, an AAP member sticker for my car and IDP.

AAP Membership ID

Insurance

IDP

There goes, I'm now a member of AAP and have my IDP (valid until my license expires in September).  Don't forget to check the details of your documents before you leave.

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!