Navigating the visa process can be daunting, but armed with the right information, it becomes a manageable task. Having successfully secured two (2) Schengen visas from The Netherlands and one (1) from Germany, I see the pattern on how to get approved using the available data from the Schengen Information website. I applied for all of these visas on my own. I’d like to share my journey and offer some helpful tips.

Required Documents

While each country has its own specific visa requirements, here are the common documents you’ll need to prepare:

• Application form filled out online
• Flight ticket
• Hotel reservation and itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Job/employment letter with salary details, date of joining, purpose of visit, and attestation by the Chamber of Commerce
• Passport copy and signature page of the sponsor
• Previous visa and stamp copies
• Translated Resident ID or Iqama
• Exit Re-Entry Visa
• 6 months of bank statements

My Schengen Visa Validity

According to Schengen Visa Info website, Schengen Visa Trends from the Philippines (2014 – 2023), here are some interesting facts:

• The Philippines is the 13th country with the most Schengen visa applications filed in 2023.
• The Netherlands was the top destination for Filipino residents with 45,224 visa applications.
• The Netherlands granted the most visas to Filipino applicants (42,555 visas approved with an approval rate of 94.10%).

Moreover, we Filipinos lodged their Schengen visa applications the most in the Netherlands, with 45,354 visa requests in 2022. Of that number, 95.7 percent (43,387) were approved, with 1,535 applications rejected.

The reason why I applied twice in the Netherlands is because of the facts above. However, upon two applications, I only received 45 days and a single entry.

Why I Applied to Germany

Germany is among the top five countries in Europe that have received the most number of Schengen visa applications with the highest approval rate.

Top 5 Countries Popular to Filipino Residents with High Approval Rate for 2022:

1. Netherlands – 95.7 percent approval rate
2. France – 91.5 percent
3. Spain – 94.8 percent
4. Italy – 94.7 percent
5. Germany – 96.2 percent

The data above encouraged me to apply to Germany and gotcha! I got 61 days and multiple entries.

My Schengen Visa Validity

First Visa:

• Country: Netherlands
• Validity: 17-Nov-2023 to 1-Jan-2024
• No. of Days: 45
• Entry Type: Single
• Countries Visited Before Application: United Arab Emirates, Jordan, State of Palestine, Israel, Bahrain, Georgia, Armenia

Second Visa:

• Country: Netherlands
• Validity: 13-Sep-2024 to 28-Oct-2024
• No. of Days: 45
• Entry Type: Single
• Countries Visited Before Application: Above + Turkey, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Qatar, Egypt, Serbia, North Macedonia, United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Holy See

Third Visa:

• Country: Germany
• Validity: 2-Feb-2025 to 4-Apr-2025
• No. of Days: 61
• Entry Type: Multiple
• Countries Visited Before Application: Current Visa as of this writing. I traveled to Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia.

5 Tips for a Successful Schengen Visa Application (Based on My Personal Experience)

1. Complete the required documents: Create a personal checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
2. Consistency is key: Ensure that all information is consistent across your documents and online application form.
3. Detailed itinerary: A detailed itinerary with flight details can significantly strengthen your application.
4. Validity of Resident ID: Make sure your Resident ID is valid for at least 6 months.
5. Travel history: A strong travel history can enhance your application. Before applying for a Schengen Visa.

Embarking on a journey to Europe is an exhilarating experience, and getting your visa approved is the first exciting step. Follow these tips, stay organized, and you’ll be on your way to exploring the diverse and beautiful Schengen countries in no time!

If you found it helpful and would like to show your appreciation, you can buy me a coffee here.