Schengen Visa Application

[little_princess]

recently applied for a schengen visa for my trip to greece (old visa was expired), we had to wait so long because apparently that day, the ambassador wants to do the interviews herself. so when she called us, she looked at itinerary and just told us about the history, must see places, and the weather in greece. she talked for a good 15 mins or more and we were off and just have to wait for our visas

the other week, the consul did the interviews and he just said "enjoy your trip to greece and enjoy the food". 

[vhanya]

^sana lahat ng embassies ganyan lols!

[iamorange25]

Hi, i need your opinio regarding applying for Schengen Visa through Embassy of Greece
Here is my situation:
1. My sister works in a Cruise Ship, and their Company has a promo for their employees where family members can join the cruise for free.
2. I have an invitation letter from the company where my sister works, stating the dates of my cruise and the countries to be visited and that they will be sponsoring everything.
3. I am currently unemployed (for 2 years already). my source of income now is thru buying and selling, but i can say that my bank certificates will prove my financial stability in the philippines.
4. I have a son, hiwalay with the dad, but i have no supporting documents exept my son's birth certificate.
5. all other requirements are complete exept the employment stuff.
6. is there anyone here who experienced applying through embassy of greeece? my scheduled departure is June 3-11 and my port of Entry is greece, that's why i was advised to apply in this embassy
7. I called the embassy to schedule an appointment, but they said, they dont make appointments, i just have to go there and wait in queue.
8. Is it really like this? does anyone know how i can make an appointment with the embassy (special treatment kumbaga... hehe)... i am willing to pay extra cause i really hate waiting in line, its such a waste of time...

please help me mga sis... ang kulang ko nalang is the interview with the embassy... thanks!!!

[mama squeak!]

^sis, if you backread a little, actually two posts up from yours you'll see that little_princess just applied at the Greek embassy. Probably you can PM her if she doesn't answer your post here.

  

[iamorange25]

recently applied for a schengen visa for my trip to greece (old visa was expired), we had to wait so long because apparently that day, the ambassador wants to do the interviews herself. so when she called us, she looked at itinerary and just told us about the history, must see places, and the weather in greece. she talked for a good 15 mins or more and we were off and just have to wait for our visas

the other week, the consul did the interviews and he just said "enjoy your trip to greece and enjoy the food". 

Hi little princess, i was actually surprised reading how easy you got your schengen visa from embassy of greece. Could it be because you have traveled there before? I've heard some "horror" stories, people who get denied even though they provided all supporting documents to prove rootedness in the philippines.

Can you please give me an advice regarding your 1st interview? I really want to pass because i dont think there will be another chance like this, where i can travel for free... and if ever, this will be my first time to go out of the country. I just want to take advantage of the chance to travel for free...

how many hours did you wait at the embassy? so ganun talaga sa embassy of greece, walang appointment? did you call first before going there or you just really went there and waited til it was your turn? i was told by the embassy to go there between 9-12pm lang... what time when you were the one who went there? thanks for you help, sorry madami ako tanong...

[little_princess]

Hi sis! I have never heard of horror stories, I just usually do whatever is required and course it through our agent. The Greek embassy is first come first serve. Doors open 9AM but best to be there by 8AM to be first in line. That is what we did and we were the group that was "interviewed" first by the ambassador and that was past 11AM already.

We were not asked for any other supporting documents aside from what we submitted, she just basically made chica and wished that we would have a good stay in Greece (we're on a group tour). She told us that they will check with the computer how many days will the visa be valid but we are approved. You really can't predict how the consuls or the ambassador that day, just wish they are in a good mood and they'd grant you the visa.

The Schengen visa I have now is my second. The first one was issued in 2007 when I went on a European tour. At that time, there were no appearances but we had to have an appearance for our Swiss visa since they weren't part of the visa then. I think now it's the other way around or Switzerland is a part of the Schengen visa. The Swiss visa I got was pretty much the same, a lot of waiting and it was a Filipina who interviewed us. Didn't ask much and just told us that our passports would be forwarded to us afer x number of day.

I guess they also look at the background. I have traveled all over and I always end up coming back in the Philippines But since you have an invitation letter, it should be fine i think. Goodluck!

[iamorange25]

hi little_princess, thanks for sharing your experience.... wish me luck! im planning to go there this April 20... Although i have another question, what are the typical questions being asked by the consul/ambassador? im sorry if i have so much question! its just that i really want to pass this interview, and besides, its my first time to travel abroad if ever...  so ireally need a lot of inputs thanks in advance!

[chardonnay]

Anyone who has applied for a visa to Netherlands? How long is the processing? THanks!

[little_princess]

^ sis, i will still be in greece that time. when is your interview? i know the visa takes around 10 working days to be processed if i'm not wrong.

our interview, we weren't asked anything at all. but just be prepared with the usual stuff - where are you going, what are you doing there, who's supporting you, your job, etc etc

goodluck!

[mama squeak!]

^^Standard processing time for schengen visas is 15 working days or 3 weeks.

[iamorange25]

My schedule date of deaprture is June 3, i plan to have my interview April 20, i still have enough time, am i right?

[chardonnay]

^^ Thanks sis. di na ako aabot, pang asar kasi sa bagal renewal ng passport ngayon. Bye bye Netherlands trip 

[little_princess]

My schedule date of deaprture is June 3, i plan to have my interview April 20, i still have enough time, am i right?

lots of time

[Atticus]

Hi everyone! I have almost the same situation with iamorange25. my sister also works in a cruise company with the same benefits.  She's joining their ship's europe tour this april to september and she'd like me and my parents to take the cruise sometime this august. thus, our need to apply for a schengen visa.

i am not considering seeking assistance of a travel agent.  is there anybody who can help me with the list of requirements that should be submitted to the embassy (also, any embassy that you can suggest who processes schengen visa application without much hassle?).

I work for a government bank.  Me and my mother had already traveled to 3 asian countries - singapore-malaysia and thailand. while my father's first and only travel abroad was singapore-malaysia last december 2010. they are both senior citizens.   my father is already a retired teacher while my mother is still in the service.

do we need an invitation from the cruise ship? would an invitation letter from the cruise ship help ease and fast-track the processing of our visa applications?

thank you so much.

[mama squeak!]

^sis, please backread ka lang kasi na-discuss na yung mga tanong mo dito. If you need further clarification then ask again.

 

[dooonna]

Hi mga sis! I have a few questions  I will be applying thru the Italian Embassy

1. If meron akong sponsor sa Rome, importante pa ba 'yong savings ko sa bank? Kasi 'di ba siya na 'yong sasagot sa akin when I get there?

2. Malaking factor ba ang profession ko sa approval ng Schengen Visa? Kasi I'm a nurse and 'di ba ang daming mga tumatakas ngayon? Kasi ang alam ko sa U.S., kapag nurse ka or even student nurse parang bumababa ang chance ng approval ng visa.

3. Which has higher chance of approval, kapag sponsored or sarili mo lang? Gagawin ko kasi, I would really be the one to spend for the trip kaya lang takot ako baka 'yong funds in my bank account, hindi sufficient for them. That's why my friend who's living in Rome will be helping me. Sponsoran daw niya ko.

P.S. Vacation lang po purpose ng trip ko 

Thanks in advance 

[juana_antonia]

^Is your friend Italian?  Work? Kasi alam ko ang pwede lang mag-sponsor for vacation ay mga Italian citizen.  How many days?  Mas okay siguro if ikaw na lang mag-apply- outline mo ang itineraries mo during your vacation- as in be specific and where you're going to stay.  Pero dapat meron kang stable job and ties sa Philippines talaga for them to approve your visa.

[chelsee]

I've been trying to call the Embassy of France for 3 days now but walang sumasagot. I even tried to email them because i also have to request for a reschedule (since we're leaving earlier than expected), but i didnt get any reply...

I've been trying to call the Embassy of France for 3 days now but walang sumasagot. I even tried to email them because i also have to request for a reschedule (since we're leaving earlier than expected), but i didnt get any reply...

@ mommy_donya - wow parang ang tagal mo nawala.. fans ako ng mga babies mo  kaya lang di na updated yung sa multiply mo.. anyways, pano pag mag apply ng group?

[dooonna]

^Is your friend Italian?  Work? Kasi alam ko ang pwede lang mag-sponsor for vacation ay mga Italian citizen.  How many days?  Mas okay siguro if ikaw na lang mag-apply- outline mo ang itineraries mo during your vacation- as in be specific and where you're going to stay.  Pero dapat meron kang stable job and ties sa Philippines talaga for them to approve your visa.

Hi! Thanks for the reply  I have a Filipina friend who's living there na pero sabi niya they'd be asking help sa Italian friends nila for the sponsorship nga. Another question, may factor din ba ang previous international trips sa approval? Thanks!

[juana_antonia]

^Actually yung international trips not so- pinaka-importante sa kanila ang stability mo sa Philippines.  Lalo pa kapag tourist visa ang aapplyan mo and working age-- mas preferred nila na ikaw ang mag-apply without getting help from Italian citizens.