How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in the Philippines

by Shawi Cortez

  
Previously, I wrote about my boo-boos when I applied for a Schengen visa in the French Embassy. Here, we take another look on how to apply for a Schengen visa, but in the Austrian Embassy.

The Austrian Embassy is discouraging applicants to have their visa application processed by travel agencies, as they have higher risks of refusal.

The visa application has to be filed in person, with all the authentic documents in hand.

When I applied for a Schengen visa last year (2012), I only had to request an appointment through an email.

However, in a recent visit to their website, they have implemented a new system if you wish to schedule for an appointment. To book an appointment online, please visit https://appointment.bmeia.gv.at/?Office=Manila

What are the requirements for a Schengen visa?

After successfully booking an appointment, prepare the following documents to bring with you:

1. Application form completed & signed by applicant or legal guardian

2. Passport (+ photocopy of data page and previous Schengen visa) valid 6 months beyond expiration of requested visa and with at least one blank page to affix it

3. Old (expired) passports

4. 2 recent & identical color photographs
35mm x 45mm in dimension, well contrasted, frontal facial view, neutral facial expression, mouth closed.

5. Marriage certificate, if applicable + photocopy

6. Flight reservation, corresponding to intended duration of stay stated on the application

7. All-risk travel insurance + photocopy, valid for all EU-countries, Norway and Switzerland, with a minimum medical coverage of Euros 30.000,--, and valid for 15 days beyond your travel itinerary.

Be informed that you may be asked by the immigration authority to present a valid insurance policy upon arrival.

Apart from all major insurance companies in Austria, the following Philippine carriers are accepted (in no particular order & subject to change without notice):
- Fortune General Insurance Corp.
- Federal Phoenix Assurance Co.
- Blue Cross
- EVEREST Int’l Group Admins.
- MAPFRE
- MAA Insurance
- Paramount Life & General Insurance Co.
- World Wide Travel Insurance Plans
- PNB General Insurers Co., Inc.
- ACE Secure
- Malayan Insurance
- BPI
- MS Insurance Corp.
- Standard Insurance Co.
- ASSIST Card
- UCPB General Insurance Co.,Inc.
- CHARTIS Philippines Insurance, Inc. (for Travel Guard, formerly AIG Assist Travel Plans)

8. Proof of accommodation at your travel destination(s)
e. g. hotel reservation(s), lease agreement of host, extract from land register of host

9. Sufficient financial means
- bank certificate, recent
- bank book dating back one year + photocopy
- proof of employment
- leave of absence, approved by employer
- pay slips of previous 6 months + photocopies
- business license (in case of self-employment) + photocopy
- tax statement for the previous year + photocopy

10. Consular fee in cash, non-refundable and payable upon submission of application
(please provide exact amount)

How much is the Schengen visa processing fee?

€60, payable in cash, depending on the prevailing Peso rate.

Any suggestions on what to wear to the interview?

Smart casual. You don't have to overdo it, other applicants even came in jeans.

What do I expect during the interview?

Compared to my French embassy Schengen visa application, my interview here was more relaxed. Perhaps due to the Austrian's hospitable culture, they are more interested in relationships. The ones who came before me were asked personal questions. When it was my turn, I was asked about how I was related to my sponsor host.

Are the interviewers strict and scary?

After my experience with the French Embassy, I made sure that I brought all my documents. Austrian embassy is not really strict with that. The interviewer even returned some of my papers, saying "Nah, we don't need that." I only had one missing document (my host's residence permit), and he said, "I'm gonnna give you a Request for Amendment, you can just send that to us through email within a week. Once it's in, that's when we start processing. You don't need to come back to submit it."

How long does it take for the Schengen visa to be released?

5 working days. Part of the suspense here is that they don't tell you if you've been approved or denied. When I received a call from the Austrian Embassy, all they said was that my passport was ready for pickup. I had to wait until my passport was actually in my hands, and I had to leaf through the pages to find my coveted Schengen Visa.

Any further suggestions?

Lessen your chances of getting denied: Like most embassies I guess, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you intend to come back to your homeland, and not overstay in their country.

General Information

Here are downloadable forms from the official website of the Austrian Embassy for more information on Schengen visa requirements:

Schengen Visa Form (doc, 237.5 kb)

 Visa Requirements Austrian Embassy 2012 (pdf, 246.25 kb)

General Information on Schengen Visa (pdf, 21.79 kb)

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Romantic Italy: For the Backpacker and Keen on Off-the-Beaten-Paths

by Shawi Cortez

It's my first time to step foot in Europe. The past weeks, all I have seen are buildings and castles that Europe is known for. To me, they have already lost their allure and I could not appreciate another if you take me to one.

But you insist. You say, "This is different." I believe you.

In the first place, I wonder why you took me to Napoli. Although Naples is one of the largest cities in Italy, it has quite a  bad rep for its garbage. Yes, the garbage that are left sprawled on the streets, and never picked up for days.

As we hike up to Castel Sant'Elmo, I muttered, "This is no different than the other castles."

You eye me hesitantly, seeing the expression on my face. Instead of frowning, you try to encourage me with a faint smile.

We reach the courtyard and climb a bit more until we are on the top of castle. There are a handful other visitors, as the castle is closing soon. A smile breaks my grumbling expression. And you know you are right bringing me here.

I let the wind blow on my face. I fell silent. But you already know that my silence means I am happy. You know that after all the endless buildings I have seen, I would appreciate the sight of a volcano, and the sea would make me feel at home.

"I have another surprise for you," you announced. "But you have to wait until tomorrow."

The following day, you told me to meet you at the jetty. 

You're already waiting when I arrived, and proudly showed off two tickets for a ride to Isola di Capri. We take the almost 2-hour ride to Capri, and as we crossed the waters to the island, I think about your choice. Why Napoli, not Venice? Why Capri, instead of the more popular Sorrento or Amalfi Coast? Then it hit me. I was tickled pink that you remembered. I only mentioned it once, but you never forgot that I said I prefer off-the-beaten destinations over crowded places. I smile at the thought.

As the ferry docked, we do not waste any more time and head towards the funicular. The crowd was beginning to build. We reach the top and the view just took my breath away. I never imagined this place could be so beautiful. I am at a loss for words as I see hues of blues and greens. The sky is clear, the water is a mix hue of blue and turquoise with dashes of white brought about by the boats sailing by. The weather pleasantly warm.

"Come," you said as you reach out your hand to hold mine. We stopped by a bakery and you ordered some sandwich and bottle of drinks. We left soon as they handed you the bag, while I was left puzzled wondering why didn't sit down to eat. 

"It's a lovely day for a walk," you said trying to ignore my quizzical look. And indeed it is. We pass by the posh shops and are led to the narrow streets. Taking the footpath via Tragara, we soon reach the viewdeck to "Faraglione" We take a moment to enjoy the view and walk back to the fork and explore the other trail.

viewdeck

The natural path is becoming steep but we are soon covered by the leaves of the trees. It is a welcome treat, as the sun is scorching in high noon. We reach "Arco Naturale" and bask in its beauty. 

Arco Naturale

We find a shaded area and you take out our lunch. I sigh. Nothing beats sharing a meal over a view of the seascape. The hearty meal and the warm breeze makes me drowsy so you signal me to lay my head on your lap. I fall asleep instantly.

I rouse from my sleep by a hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see my sister. I'm not in Italy, but in my bedroom in Ilocos, Philippines.

"You slept in front of your laptop again," she gently reminded me.

And I remember, I still have to finish this post and beat the deadline.

in Capri, Italy. 2011.

This is my entry to the February 2013 Carnival of Europe hosted by Aleah Taboclaon of Solitary Wanderer with the theme "Most Romantic Places in Europe".

Google

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Funny Road Signs in Italy

It was a clear June summer day. My migrated cousins were dutifully showing me around their second hometown, posh Milan.

We did every tourist-y thing one could think of: visiting the castle (Castello Sforzesco), riding the red tourist bus, cooling off with a gelato, strutting the high street of Montenapoleone.

Yet, if there's one peculiar thing that Italy should be known for (which I presume only a few tourists observe), it would be the creative road signs.

Let the pictures speak for themselves. Here, I borrowed the shots of my talented cousin, Alvin Corpuz.

His photos are just crisp and I wouldn't do justice to his craft if i edited even a piece of it.

Warning: others might find this offensive

did not click with me.
my Italian speaking cousins
had to explain that
tetta means "breasts"

Have you seen funny road signs in a foreign country?

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You Know You're in Europe When...

Whichever part of Europe you visit, there will always be these mainstays. You know you're in Europe when you are surrounded by the following...

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EUROLINES Bus Stations: Are Their Facilities Traveler-Friendly?

After having been to eight (8) European countries via Eurolines bus, I have seen enough of their bus stations to be able to give you a rundown on what to expect. Some are just traveler friendly, others are harsh. Read on to find out.

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Budget Europe: Getting Around European Countries

If you're planning to backpack around several European countries, the cheap options you have for travel are:

1. Eurail (train pass for international travelers)

2. Cheap flights (easyjet or ryanair)

3. Bus

Taking the bus is usually the last thing in mind for most backpackers, but it was the simplest option for me.

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