Schengen visa requirements and application for Filipinos: Travel guide

Filipinos heading to any of the 29 Schengen visa countries for a visit of up to 90 days will need to submit a Schengen visa application based on their specific plans. This could

This guide walks through the Schengen visa requirements, which can vary depending on where specifically you’re going to, and important details like the Schengen visa photo requirements. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa allows non-EU nationals to visit a country - or multiple countries - in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period¹. Schengen visa validity is set at 90 days in a 180 day window for the single and multiple entry visa options.

There are 3 types of Schengen visa:

• Single-entry Schengen visa - to enter the Schengen area once only
• Multiple-entry Schengen visa - to come and go in and out of the Schengen area for as long as the visa is valid
• Schengen airport transit visa - to transit flights only. This visa does not let you leave the airport

Countries included in the Schengen visa

At the time of research there are 29 countries included in the Schengen visa. While these countries can change over time, the visa currently applies to the following:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

As you’ll see, this list includes many EU countries, but not all. Plus, there are some countries which aren’t EU members which are in the Schengen area. Check that all the countries you intend to visit are covered by Schengen, as some are notably left off the list - such as the UK.

*Details correct at time of research - 2nd June 2025

Do Filipinos need a visa to visit the Schengen area?

Yes. Filipinos need a visa to visit the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days, usually for tourist or business purposes. Different visas are needed if you intend to work or study in a particular country.

Schengen visa requirements for Filipinos

You’ll need to apply for your Schengen visa following the process of the country you’re heading to in Europe. This means that the exact steps you take can vary depending on your plans.

Generally, the Schengen visa requirements for Filipinos mean you need to show your passport, proof you can pay for yourself in Europe, and also evidence to show you’re planning on leaving once your visa expires. There’s also a Schengen visa fee to pay.

Is there a Schengen work visa?

The Schengen visa is not a work visa. It’s intended for short term visits for tourist purposes mainly. If you intend to work in Europe you’ll need to follow the work visa application process of the specific country you’re going to.

How to apply for a Schengen visa as a Filipino

Because the Schengen visa is a visa for a whole block of countries, rather than a single country, the process to apply for a Schengen visa as a Filipino might look a little bit different to other applications you’ve submitted in the past. Here’s an outline - bear in mind that the specific process used by one country may not be exactly the same as another. This means you’ll need to read the instructions carefully based on the country you’re applying to.

Step 1 - Decide how to apply

The Schengen area covers many different countries, so first you’ll need to work out which embassy you need to work with, to make your application. There’s not one single easiest Schengen visa for Filipinos - the details of where you apply depend on the country or countries you want to go to.

• If you’re going to only one country, you’ll apply at the consulate of the country you intend to visit.
• If you’re visiting more than 1 Schengen country you must apply at the consulate of the country where you will spend the longest time.
• If you’re visiting several Schengen countries for stays of equal length you will have to apply at the consulate of the first country you will visit.

Step 2 - Gather your documents

The documents needed for your application - and the process you follow - might vary a little depending on the embassy or consulate which handles your application. Usually you must provide:

• Your valid passport which must have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area
• Your completed visa application form²
• A recent passport photo
• Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation
• Supporting documents which depend on why you are travelling

The documents you need to prepare to make your application depend on the purpose of your stay in the Schengen area. You may need to show bank statements as evidence of your financial means, and details of your planned accommodation during your stay. Some visitors must also provide proof they’ll leave the Schengen area after their visa expires - such as proof of your job here in the Philippines, and an onward return flight ticket.

Step 3 - Make your application

The steps needed to submit your application depend on the country you’re going to. In many cases you can at least start the process online by filling in the country’s application form, and uploading documents. In some locations you need to complete the application in person, either at the embassy of the country you apply to, or at a visa application service center which they operate. Your fingerprints will be collected when you submit your application.

The normal processing time for a visa application is 15 days, but you can start your application at any time in the 6 months before you plan to travel.

Step 4 - Receive your Schengen visa

Once your visa has been approved you’ll be notified following the processes of the embassy you applied through.

Schengen visa application fees

The Schengen visa application fees which are set by the EC are as follows:

• 90 EUR for adults
• 45 EUR for children aged 6-12

If you’re applying through a visa service centre - a requirement in some destination countries - there may also be an additional service fee added. Check all the details before you start your application, with the country you’re applying to.

Travelling to Europe? Get more out of every peso when you make payments abroad with the Wise card

Once you get your Schengen visa, you’ll be looking for a way to seamlessly and conveniently spend in EUR, DKK, SEK and more with low, transparent fees.

With the Wise card, makaka gastos ka ng 40+ currencies sa mid-market rate, kasama ang USD, SGD, GBP at JPY. Kaya, siguradong makakakuha ka ng sulit na deal sa mahigit 150+ countries. Para makapagsimula, gumawa ka lang ng libreng Wise account, mag-order ng card, at mag-top-up ng PHP.

Maaari kang mag-order ng physical card ng Wise sa halagang 369.90 PHP. Kung mayroon kang physical na card, makakagawa ka ng chip and PIN payments, at may 2 libreng ATM withdrawals na aabot sa 12,000 PHP bawat buwan.

Kapag nasa abroad ka, puwede mong piliing gumastos ng direct as PHP at hayaan mag auto-convert, o i-convert sa gusto mong currency gamit ang iyong Wise account. Kahit ano piliin mo, makukuha mo ang rate na nakikita mo sa Google, na may kasamang low, transparent fees mula 0.57%. A cheaper and easier way to spend foreign currency.

💳 Kumuha ng Wise card

Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find the Schengen visa application form?

You can find the Schengen visa application form here, but it’s also worth checking the process based on the country you’re going to. Some countries have a fully digital application stage which allows you to submit your information directly into their system, rather than on a different form.

What are the Schengen visa photo requirements and size?

The Schengen visa photo size is 35 - 40mm in width³. Your head must take up the majority of the photo, and you need to be looking directly at the camera with your eyes open. You may wear glasses but they must not reflect the light in the image.

How long does a Schengen visa application in the Philippines take?

You can apply for your Schengen visa in the Philippines up to 6 months before you intend to travel. The normal processing time is 15 days, but this can not be guaranteed, so submitting your application early is a smart plan.

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1. European Commission - Schengen visa
2. Schengen visa application form
3. Schengen visa photo requirements