Not sure how to apply for a Schengen visa via the Dutch Embassy? Here's how I got mine.

DISCLAIMER: I am not part of any embassy or travel agency. I am not an expert on visa application. I just like to share my personal experience. This blog entry is only applicable for tourist/visiting friends or family visa type. 

I just came back from my two-week vacation in Netherlands and, while I am thinking about how to compose my travel blog entry, I thought of writing about how I got my Schengen visa. As you may know, Philippine passport holders need a visa in order to enter countries within the Schengen area.

What is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is an authorized document issued to interested party for them to be able to visit or travel to countries within the Schengen area. The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries:


When and where to apply for a Schengen visa?
Generally, you can apply for a visa three months before your planned trip. If you are already sure that you are going to any of the countries above, I would suggest to apply as soon as possible.
As to where to apply, you need to apply to the country where you will be staying the most number of days during your trip. You can also apply to the country you are entering first. There may be a slight difference on the process of the visa application among each embassies. Once you know where you will be applying, have a thorough research on the process of that embassy for higher chances of getting approved.

How to get a Schengen Visa via the Netherlands Embassy?
Since the main purpose of my trip was to tour around and visit a friend living in the Netherlands, I applied via the Dutch Embassy.

All Tourist and Visiting Family and Friends visa applicants should pass their requirements via VFS Global. If you have further questions in the application, I find their site very informative -> click here.

Scheduling an appointment
First, schedule an appointment using the VFS Global Schedule an Appointment site.

If you are a first time applicant, you need to create an account (just click New User? and follow the registration steps).
Once signed in, click the "Schedule Appointment" tab.  If you are a Tourist or Visiting Family and Friends choose the 'Netherlands Visa Application Centre, Makati' as the application center.
On the next screen, click "Add Applicant" to input your data. Make sure to supply information correctly. Then, choose for the date and time that is available and feasible for you to pass the requirements.
Once you are done with setting the appointment, you will receive a confirmation via email. You need to print and bring it on your chosen schedule along with the requirements.

What are the required documents?
1. Application form. A completed and signed Schengen application form -> download it here. 
2. Your Philippine passport. Make a copy of the personal page, issued visas and all stamps.
3. A passport photo that meets the Dutch requirement. It must be taken within 6 months.
4. Proof of Travel
     > You need to have a valid flight reservation. It is advised not to pay for a full priced travel ticket yet because some applications do not get approved. As such, you just have to get a flight reservation. I got mine from dreameurotrip.com. You can check more information and avail it here.
     > Travel documents. For Tourist applicants, provide your travel plan/itinerary and all travel documents and reservations (ex. paid museum or tourist attraction tickets, train tickets etc). For Visiting Friends and Family, you can provide an invitation letter.
     > Hotel Reservation
     > Bank statements for the last three months
     > Certificate of Employment from your employer
     > Documents proving the you are returning to the Philippines after your trip.
     > For Visiting Family or Friends, if your trip will be sponsored by your host or if you will be staying at your host's residence, you need to pass a completed proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation form. This is a form that should be signed by your host. Then, it must be submitted and approved by the Dutch municipality where your host is registered.
In my case, since I will be staying at my host but will be paying for my expenses while I'm there, I provided my bank statements and proof of income plus the proof of private accommodation from my host.
5. Health Insurance. Your health insurance must be valid throughout the Schengen area during the duration of your visit. Value must be 30,000EUR including hospital care, emergency treatment and repatriation (including in the event of death). I got the Travel Master from Malayan Insurance.

During the Appointment Date
Make sure you have a copy of all the documents that you will pass during the appointment date. Be at the VFS Global center earlier than your appointment time. Once there, you will be required to show your appointment confirmation. Then, the receptionist will give you a number. Once your number is called, pass all the requirements to the VFS Global agent. The agent may ask you some questions for verification. After that, you will be asked to pay for the processing fee, visa application fee and delivery fee (optional). Then, you will be asked to fall in line again for the biometrics.

And, that's it! The waiting game will begin!

VFS Global - Netherlands Address:
Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, Philippines,1231.

How much is the visa fee?
Here are the fees. Aside from the visa fee itself, you also need to pay the VFS service fee.

There will be extra fees if you will avail other services like SMS notification, photocopy services and passport delivery.

Is there an interview?
Since VFS Global is like an agency, there will be no interview during your appointment day. Once you have passed all the required documents, they will forward it to the Netherlands Embassy. If the embassy have further questions, they will schedule an appointment for the interview and you will be required to show up at the Netherlands Embassy here in Manila.
With regards to the interview itself, I don't have an idea with the kind of questions that they will ask because I was not called for an interview.I got my visa with no hassle within a week! Lucky me! :)

Visa Processing time
The standard processing time is 15 calendar days. But there are cases that it may take shorter or longer than this.
You will receive an e-mail once your documents are ready for pick up. If you opt to have it delivered, you will also receive an e-mail regarding the delivery status.

Personal Notes
> Plan ahead. Make sure all your documents are valid and complete.
> If you are asked questions, either by the VFS Global agent or the interviewer at the Dutch Embassy, answer them honestly
> SMS/email notifications will only inform you of the status of the passport (forwarded/processed/ready for delivery etc) but it will not inform you if your application is approved or not.
> If you have questions, check the VFS Global site or call their hotline.

So, that's it! Good luck on your visa application and enjoy the Netherlands!