How To Apply For Greece or Portugal Schengen Visa With Philippines Passport
Dreaming of exploring Portugal’s scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and delectable cuisine, or discovering Greece’s ancient ruins and picturesque islands?
For Filipino travelers, both of these bucket-list destinations require a Schengen visa. Since Portugal and Greece are part of the Schengen Area, this single visa will allow you to visit not only these two countries but also other Schengen zone nations. Although applying for a Schengen visa might seem daunting, the process is much smoother with proper preparation and guidance, making your dream European adventure one step closer.
GET TO KNOW GREECE and PORTUGAL
Greece is a captivating country where the ancient world meets stunning natural beauty. Famous for its historical landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Apollo, Greece's influence on philosophy, art, and democracy still resonates today. Beyond its historical allure, Greece is a haven for nature lovers and beachgoers, offering crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, and unforgettable sunsets in places like Santorini and Mykonos. Whether you're wandering the streets of Athens or relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea, Greece’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming spirit make it an ideal destination for Filipino travelers.
Portugal is a country where past and present merge effortlessly, offering rich history, architectural marvels, and breathtaking coastlines. Known for its charming cities like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal boasts a diverse range of experiences, from exploring medieval castles and cobblestone streets to relaxing on the golden beaches of the Algarve. Filipino travelers will be drawn to Portugal’s vibrant culture, which is infused with Fado music, vibrant festivals, and delectable dishes like pastéis de nata and bacalhau. With its friendly locals, mild climate, and stunning landscapes, Portugal promises an unforgettable European getaway.
Quick Facts About the Schengen Visa
Validity
short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days
Entries
Single, Double, or Multiple Entries
Processing
within 15 calendar days or up to 60 days for exceptional cases
When to Apply for Greece and Portugal Schengen Visa?
Visiting one country
When you’re solely visiting Greece or Portugal
First Entry
When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area in equal duration but you’ll be first arriving in Greece or Portugal.
Longest Stay
When you’re visiting several countries in the Schengen Area but you’ll be staying in Greece or Portugal the longest
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
The list below is obtained from the
Greece Visa Application Center (VAC)
Application Form
filled-in in Latin characters (English language) and signed by the applicant (personally submitted and signed in front of the visa officer)
Online Application FormApplications of minors have to be signed by originally signed by both the parents/ legal guardians (personally submitted and signed in front of the visa officer)
Passport
signed passport, valid for at least 3 months after the departure from the Schengen area.
must contain at least 2 empty pages to affix the visa.
must be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen area
passports issued more than 10 years before are not accepted; in that case, the applicant first needs to get a new passport.
Old Passport with Previous Visas
Photocopy of the old passports with previous Schengen, Australia, Canada, U.S.A., U.K. visas with the stamps, if applicable.
Proof of Ties in the Philippines
Proof of social security contributions, if applicable.
Copy of real estate property – title-deeds, if applicable.
Proof of family ties in the Philippines (e.g., original birth certificate of children or original marriage certificate). These certificates should be issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
Proof of Current Occupation
For employees:
Original certificate of employment, not older than 1 month prior to the date of the application, specifying the date of recruitment and position in the company.
Original recent employment letter, with an original stamp and signature from the HR department of the company or from the employer, addressed to the Embassy of Greece in Manila, confirming the leave approval and specifying the dates of vacation and destination.
Copy of the recent individual Income Tax Return (ITR)
For self-employed/business owners:Copy of the business registration, issued by the Department of Trade Industry (DTI)/Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) registration of business
Copy of the business financial statement, covering at least 6 months
Copy of the recent individual Income Tax Return (ITR)
For students:Proof of enrollment at the school/ college/ university
In case the student/ pupil has the intention to travel during academic/ school year, a recent original letter from school/ college/ university addressed to the Embassy of Greece in Manila with original signature and stamp authorizing his/her absence.
Proof of Accommodation and Booking Details
Hotel/ holiday home confirmed booking confirmation
For Cruise: full itinerary with the passenger’s details from the company.
For Yacht/ Sailing: letter from sailing company/ skipper with itinerary for each day and details of applicants travelling for vacation. Yacht registration and a copy of the skipper’s passport is required.
Passport Photo
Recent (not older than 6 months from the date of application) passport-size colour photo in white or off-white background matching ICAO specifications
Copy of the Passport
Photocopy of the biometric data page and signaure page
Photocopy of visas and immigration stamps on the valid/ current passport
Travel Insurance
For a list of companies which meet the minimum requirements, please see the Recommended List of Insurance Companies.
If you choose a travel insurance from a different company, the insurance documents must show that all the listed requirements are met.
We recommend SafetyWing!Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Recent individual Income Tax Return (ITR)
Applicant’s original personal bank certificate with personal bank statements covering at least 6 months issued at least 1 week prior to appointment
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Detailed day-to-day itinerary for the entire stay
Return travel ticket reservation
We offer itinerary/route planning and flight reservations. Send us a message if you need help in obtaining these requirements.
CONSULAR FEES
Visa Fee as of Sept. 30, 2024 (may vary depending on the current exchange rate).
12 years old and above (90 EUR) - 5670 PHP
Under 12 years old - free of charge
Spouse of EU citizens - free of charge
Applicants also need to pay the Service Fee amounting to 1890 PHP per application on top of the visa fee
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the German Embassy in the Philippines
Gather Documents
Complete the application form online and collect all the documents stated above.
Set Appointment
Create and account and schedule an appointment at GVC World Website, the official visa application partner of the Greek Embassy in the Philippines.
We recommend to set your appointment at least 3 weeks from your travel date.Attend Appointment
Submit your documents and have your biometric taken on your appointment date. Make sure to be at the application center at least 15 minutes before your schedule.
Results
Wait for the results and track your visa application status here.
If you need help with your visa application, send as an email at visa@filipinopassport.com or schedule a free 15-minute consultation call
FAQs
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It is recommended to apply 2-3 WEEKS before your intended flight but you can submit your application at least 6 months before.
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It can be valid for a maximum of 90 days over a period of 180 days and the allowable stay will depend on your proposed itinerary. Please check your visa sticker for the concrete duration and validity dates.
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It is highly recommended to book your appointment with VFS.
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No, there is always a likely chance of getting rejected.
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You'll have to wait until you're back in the Philippines to apply.