How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Singapore

Filipinos who wish to visit Europe for Tourism purposes must apply for a visa before doing so. If you intend to visit several countries in Europe, you must apply for a Schengen Visa at the consulate of the country that is your main destination. My initial entry was Paris that was why I applied for a Short Stay Visa at the Embassy of France in Singapore, three months before my intended travel date. Here is the list of the documents that I prepared.

1. A short stay Visa Application form which was fully filled and signed. Visa Applications are available and can be downloaded online.
2. 1 Identity Photograph. The photograph should be coloured and recently taken, which should be affixed to your Visa Application Form.
3. Travel document (Original and Photocopy of the Identity Pages). Your travel document should be valid three months after the departure date, with at least 2 blank pages remaining.
4. Identity Card (Original and photocopy). – S Pass card.
5. Flight Itinerary (Original and Photocopy) showing the confirmed dates of travel.
6. Proof of accommodation (Photocopy). This shows the confirmed hotel reservation for my entire stay in all Schengen Countries. Address and dates should be stated. I booked my accommodation through booking.com.
7. Financial Guarantee (Original and photocopies). I provided my last three (3) months bank statements (Savings Account). 
8. Certification of Employment (Original). I requested a copy of Certificate of Employment from my employer stating my annual salary, position, date of employment and date of leaves.
9. Travel Insurance (Original and photocopy). I purchased mine online via the Ace Group in Singapore’s website.
10. Additional Document. I included a detailed itinerary of my trip too.

To avoid rejection, you have to ensure that you have completed the documents required before proceeding to the embassy. If you are going to apply at the Embassy of France in Singapore, you have to make an appointment at the visa section which can be done online. If all the requirements were met, your visa will be granted and issued after 5 working days (depending on your Nationality.) For more information about Visa Application and processing times, please check here.

The application fee for all short stay visas (less than 90 days) is fixed at 60 euros, which is payable in Singapore Dollars. The amount varies according to the current exchange rates. For more information about application fees, check it here.