italian tourist visa from philippines

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Visa Information

Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.

Airport Transit Visa (A)

Documents required, download forms.

The airport transit visa allows a foreign national subject to the obligation to enter the international transit area of airports without entering the territory of the Contracting Party which issued the visa.

(Maximum duration of stay: 24 hours, Applicant cannot leave the airport)

This kind of Visa is also granted to Seamen who need to embark a ship docked in an Italian Port.

Seamen are not required to book an appointment to lodge their application for transit Visa and they can walk-in as they can benefit of our dedicated counter.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional charge of PHP 1169 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.
• All Fees will be collected in cash or debit/credit card at the application submission counter.

Note: In case of failure to grant the visa, the amount paid is not under any circumstances refundable.

• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of Euro 80 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.
• For children between six and twelve years of age, the visa fee is 40 Euro.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Transit Visa:

Checklist for the documents

Please click here to see the list of the recognized Travel medical Insurance Companies.

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, Click here

Tourist Visa (C)

Tourist visa is granted for those where the intention is to visit Italy for tourism and sightseeing.

(Maximum duration of stay: 90 days)

Applicants falling under this category must book an appointment to submit their visa application and have their biometric data registered at VFS Visa Application Center on their chosen appointment date and time.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.
• All Fees would be collected in cash at the application submission counter.
• children under six years of age;
• Spouses and Parents of Italian or EU / EEA citizens.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Tourist Visa.

List of Accredited Insurance Companies

Photo Requirements:

• 2x2 or passport size,
• Must NOT been used to any visa application,
• White background,
• Mouth closed,
• With collared shirt or blouse,
• Both ears exposed,
• No eyeglasses, and
• Hair must not cover collar.

Introduction Letter (applicant must address to the Italian Embassy)

Indicating the following:

• Occupation,
• Source of income,
• Family background,
• Travel history,
• Travelling companion,
• Purpose of travel,
• Length of stay requested, and
• Other important details.

Please affix signature, contact number and e-mail address.

For Minors:

• 2 valid id’s,
• Complete Business Documents or COE and ITR ,
• Copy of the PSA Marriage Certificate , and
• Bank Certificate supported by Bank Statements of the parents.
• Embassy Checklist,
• Introduction Letter, and
• Application Form.
• For students , Enrollment Certificate with approved leave of absence. If they will travel during vacation, they need to provide a copy of school calendar and school id.

Complete Business Documents needed:

• Complete set of DTI/SEC Registration . Must include Article of Incorporation and General Information Sheet ,
• BIR Certificate of Registration ,
• BIR “ASK FOR RECEIPT” Plate ,
• BIR Permits and License ,
• Company’s Financial Statements, and
• Company ITR.

*If applicant will be entering UK first, or in between, they need to apply for UK VISA first (also provide proof of accommodation)

*For non-appearance: only for those with previous Schengen Visa-Manila issued only .

*For applicants through representative, must provide an Authorization Letter authorizing the person with copy of valid Id.

*For Retired applicants , proof of retirement.

Business Visa (C)

A business visa is granted for those who are invited by an Italian company / business partner to visit Italy for business purposes for a short period of stay (not more than 90 days).

Note: In case of failure to grant the visa, the amount paid is not under any circumstances refundable

• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of € 80 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Business Visa:

Sport Visa (C)

This visa is issued to sports people (athletes and trainers) invited to participate in competitions (both professionals and amateurs) only for a short-term period of time, maximum 90 days. The issuance of this visa must be requested by the competent Italian Federation and duly authorized by the Italian National Olympic Committee (C.O.N.I.).

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional charge of PHP 1169 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application. In cases where a visa is not granted, the passport must be picked up in person at the Visa Section of the Italian Embassy and the amount will not be refunded.
• All Fees would be collected in cash or debit/credit card at the application submission counter.

Study Short Stay (C)

This visa allows an applicant to enter Italy to study in Italian universities or other eligible institutions/schools or for professional trainings for a short period of stay.

• An additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Study Visa:

Official Invitation ( C )

Official Invitation Visa is granted for those where the intention is to visit Italy for official purposes. Applicants falling under this category are the members of official delegations invited to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations, or exchange programs.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Official Invitation Visa:

Religious Purposes (C)

Religious Purpose visa is granted for those applicants, invited by religious organizations, to visit Italy for religious purposes.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for the Italy Religious Purposes Visa.

Visit Family/Friends (C)

This kind of Visa applies to those who are invited to visit family/ friends in Italy.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for Visit family and friends Visa:

Spouse and Parents of an Italian Or Eu/EEA Citizen (C)

This is intended for an applicant who is travelling to Italy as the spouse of an Italian or EU/EEA national. This visa is given for a travel period of maximum of 90 days.

Checklist for the documents for Spouse

Checklist for documents for Parents

CHILD-OF-ITALIAN-EU-Citizen_rev

This is intended for an applicant who is travelling to Italy as the child of an Italian or EU/EEA national. This visa is given for a travel period of maximum of 90 days.

• In addition to the fees paid for the visa, an additional VFS charge of PHP 1701 (including VAT) is applied for each visa application. In cases where a visa is not granted, the passport must be picked up in person at the Visa Section of the Italian Embassy and the amount will not be refunded.

Mission (C)

• The visa of Mission is granted to the foreign national who, for reasons linked to his/her function in politics, government or public utility, has to travel to Italy.
• Therefore, foreign nationals who hold government posts or who are employees of public administration, public institutions or international organizations, and sent to Italy for reasons related to their functions, have access to such visa.
• For Missions of 90 days, download the request form of the Schengen Visa, C, and provide the following documents.
• For Missions of more than 90 days, download the request form of the National Visa, D, and provide the following documents.

Seafarer- Transit ( C )

• For foreign overseas workers who are to embark ships carrying an Italian flag, please subject to the provisions relating to transit visas, and for contractual employees of foreign companies recruited to embark on Italian cruise ship for complementary services (referred to article 17 of the law 5 December 1986, n. 856), take note that the specific dispositions of the law that respects the matter are to be observed and an authorization to work is not necessary. Furthermore, they permit permanent boarding in the ship, even if the same ship sails in territorial seas or docks in a national port.
• The foreign overseas workers, who intend to disembark from a ship carrying an Italian or foreign flag in national zones or around the Schengen area, need to leave the transit visa in the border with the presence of the ship to the responsible captain of the Italian port. In case the disembarkation of the foreign worker is within Italian territory, the general rules on entry and residence applies basing on the Testo Unico sull'Immigrazione.
• This visa is given for a period of time of less than 90 days.

Please check the following link to understand the documentation required for Seafarer-Transit (C)

List of requirements for maritime agency accreditation

Long Term Visa

Family Reunion - Child

• Family Reunion - Parent/s
• Family Reunion - Spouse
• Mission Visa ( Long Term )
• Re-Entry Visa ( Long Term )
• Religious Visa ( Long Term )
• Study Visa ( Long Term )
• Subordinate Employment ( Long Term )
• Work Visa – Seafarer
• Applicants must pay a visa fee for the equivalent of € 116 in local currency Philippine Peso at the exchange rate set by the Embassy that can change periodically.

Family Reunion - Parents

Family Reunion Spouse

Mission Visa – (Long Term)

Re-Entry Visa (Long term)

Religious Visa (Long Term)

Study Visa (Long Term)

Subordinate Employment (Long Term)

Work Visa - Seafarer

Relatives of Italian / EU Nationals

In favor of the spouse/child (also of the spouse)/parent of the Italian citizen, having verified the kinship/spouse bond, may, on the other hand, be issued a short-term Schengen visa (up to 90 days, type C) for tourism, with multiple entries. This visa is, therefore, intended to allow the foreign national to enter Italy, in case he needs an entry visa, for the sole purpose of crossing the external border of the Schengen space.

*If the purpose is for petition, the Visa fee is FREE of CHARGE.

Checklist for Children of Italian / EU Citizen

Checklist for Spouse of Italian / EU Citizen

Checklist for Parent of Italian / EU Citizen

Child of Italian/European Citizen

Parent of italian/european citizen, spouse of italian/european citizen.

ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA Requirements & Application Process (VIA Center)

When we first toured Europe, we visited 16 different countries with a Germany-issued Schengen visa. But to our surprise, there was one destination that totally captivated us — ITALY. This boot-shaped Mediterranean state spoiled us with its delectable cuisine, jaw-dropping architecture, awe-inspiring sights, and enlightening history. We stayed in Italy for two weeks, but we knew from Day 1 that it would not be enough and that a return trip was bound to happen sooner or later.

Sooner, it turned out. Just a couple of years later, we found ourselves collecting all the documents needed to complete another Schengen Visa application. But this time, we were praying to the visa gods of Italy.

This wasn’t the first time we applied for a Schengen visa, but of all our visa applications, this made us the most nervous. Italy is notorious within my travel circles as one of the strictest when it comes to evaluating applications. I can only assume that the main reason is the sheer number of Filipino workers in Italy, around 170,000 documented OFWs plus tens of thousands undocumented. If online sources are to be believed, Italy has one of the highest rejection rates, along with France and Spain. But our plan involved staying in Italy the longest so we had to try.

We’re thankful that we did. As we began preparing, we realized that — yes, it is strict — but the process is also a lot easier and more straightforward. We applied via the PIASI VIA Center (Visa Information and Application Center). No prior appointment needed and no soul-crushing interviews. It was pretty fast too. I was granted a visa after only 4 days!

Anyway, here’s how to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ITALY-ISSUED SCHENGEN VISA?

Apply for an Italian Schengen Visa only if one of these apply to you.

• You’re going to Italy or Vatican City ONLY and will not visit any other country.
• You will visit two or more Schengen countries but you will stay the longest in Italy.
• You will stay in multiple Schengen countries for exactly the same number of nights, but Italy is your point of entry (first in your itinerary) in the Schengen area.

I noticed that Schengen embassies count the number of nights when determining where the applicant would be staying the longest.

LIST OF ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. valid passport.

• Current passport and previous passports
• Must have at least 6 months validity (as required by Philippine Immigration)
• Must have at least 3 months validity remaining from the target end of the trip or target visa expiry (as required by Italian Embassy)

2. Accomplished Application Form

You can do it online or by hand.

• If online, you can fill it out here .
• If by hand, you can download from here .

Make sure that you don’t leave blanks. If the field does not apply to you, write NA or N/A.

For minors, the form must be signed by BOTH parents.

3. Recent Photo

• Both passport-size and 2×2″ photos are accepted. I submitted 2×2; Vins submitted passport-size. They accepted both.
• Colored ICAO standard photo with white background
• Ears should be visible. Lips must be closed.
• You must be wearing collared shirt or blouse.

4. Introduction Letter

This is highly encouraged. Because there is no interview with the consul or visa officer, you won’t have a chance to explain your purpose of travel in detail or clarify things you think they might find confusing. Having a cover letter can help your case.

Here’s a sample:

5. Proof of Available Accommodations

• Hotel booking under the name of the applicant. You may book from hotel booking websites and choose properties that allow FREE CANCELLATION so you can cancel easily in case the application is denied.

IF INVITED BY SOMEONE IN ITALY

• Letter of invitation. I think the letter has a standard format, but we don’t have a copy.
• Proof of citizenship or permit of stay of the inviting party
• PSA/NSO documents to prove relationship, if the inviting person is a relative. These may be birth certificates, a marriage certificates, or combination of them.

6. Photocopy of Passport Pages

• Photocopy of the bio page (page 2) and last page (In case of Emergency page) of the valid passport
• Photocopy of previous visas and immigration stamps on current and previous passports

7. Proof of Employment

IF EMPLOYED:

• Certificate of Employment
• Approved Leave of Absence
• Latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Approved Travel Authority (For government workers only. Ignore if not applicable.)
• Professional License Card (PRC Card, only if applicable. Ignore otherwise.)

IF SELF-EMPLOYED:

• Business license/permits
• BIR Registration
• SEC Registration (corporation) / DTI Registration (sole proprietor)
• Financial Statement with Company Income Tax Return
• GIS (General Information Sheet of company, if corporation)
• Articles of Incorporation (if corporation)

The copies of GIS, BIR Plate, and Articles of Incorporation are not in the official checklist, but we were told that they are also required. Thankfully, we had a soft copy of the docs they wanted so we just printed them out at a nearby computer shop and submitted the lacking docs that same afternoon.

IF STUDENT:

• Certificate of Enrolment
• Approved Leave of Absence (if traveling within school months)

8. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank certificate supported by corresponding statement of account or passbook, showing 6 months of account history
• International credit card statements
• Land titles or copy of proof of real estate property
• For minors, proof of financial means of parents or legal guardian

9. Travel insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 (with additional 15-day allowance beyond your travel dates).
• Must be valid and accepted throughout the Schengen area.
• Must be purchased from an accredited company.

PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus SUPREME plan is specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. It’s perhaps the easiest insurance to get online. The Poor Traveler readers can also enjoy a special rate when you book on the PGA Sompo website and use the promo code: WORTHIT .

10. Identity Documents

• PSA/NSO-issued birth certificate
• If married, PSA/NSO-issued marriage certificate
• If minor or student, notarized Affidavit of Support signed by BOTH parents
• If minor and not traveling with parents, DSWD Clearance

11. Complete Itinerary

Your itinerary must reflect the dates you indicated when you accomplished the application form. Below is a sample. This is the format I followed. You can also download an editable version here .

12. Flight Reservations

Including outward and return flights. We also submitted all the flights we plan to take within the Schengen area. Make sure your document has a Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).

To avoid wasting money, DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS until your visa is approved. You just need to reserve .

Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. In our case, we got all our flight reservations from Gazelle Travel and Tours. You can reserve flights here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

13. Visa Fee

Here’s the cost of Short Term Visa (Tourism/Visit) when I applied:

12yo or older = 60€ (P3519) 6-11yo = 35€ (P2053) 5yo or younger = FREE

However, there is a report that visa fees across all Schengen embassies have increased to EUR 80 per applicant.

In addition, you also need to pay the P1450 handling fee charged by VIA PIASI. According to their website and the matrices on site, the handling fee is only P1350, but we were charged P1450. I’m not sure if we were charged an additional P100 for something else.

Anyway, that’s a total of P4969 .

You can get FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, and TRAVEL INSURANCE online! We got in touch with Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency so they could easily offer these services to our readers. For the rates and more info, read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

Read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

How to apply for an italian schengen visa, 1. complete the required documents..

Gather all the requirements as listed above. You might also want to download this checklist , so you have an easy reference.

For easier processing, arrange your documents according to the order above. We also arranged the photocopies of our stamps and past visas according to how they appear on our passports.

Although there is no specified paper size, we decided to print all our docs on A4-size paper because it is the European standard.

2. Submit the requirements to the VIA Center.

Here are the addresses and business hours of the PIASI VIA Center in Makati and Cebu.

VIA Center Makati 3F Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines Phone: +632-845-9200 / +632-845-9215 Email: [email protected]

VIA Center Cebu 1004 Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines Phone: +63-32-412-7447 Email: [email protected]

You can schedule an appointment or you can simply walk in.

If you wish to book an appointment, you may secure a slot by phone. Here are the details:

Appointment Hotline: (02) 845 9200 Call hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm Closed: Sundays and public holidays

But an appointment is OPTIONAL. You can simply show up at VIA Center. That’s what we did. We simply walked in! They accept visa applications in the following times:

VISA APPLICATION HOURS Monday to Thursday, 8am to 2:30pm Friday, 8am to 1:30pm Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays

If you’re applying in Makati, go to the second floor. Although the main office is on the third floor of Allegro Center, their receiving area for walk-in applicants is on the second floor. Here’s our experience.

• Approach the first counter right after the door. The staff will briefly check your application form and photo.
• Register on their logbook.
• Get a queue number and information form. This short form will ask you about your application and how you want your passport to be returned: by pickup or by delivery.
• Take a comfortable seat and wait for your turn. Use this idle time to fill out the information sheet.
• Once your number is called, approach the counter and submit your documents. They will check each document meticulously so it will take some time. If you choose to have your passport delivered, you will have to take care of it here too. You will be asked to go back to your seat and wait for the Biometrics collection.
• Once called, approach the Biometrics counter where a staff will take your fingerprints.
• Climb to the third floor and find the cashier.
• Make payment! Cash only. Don’t forget your acknowledgement receipt AND official receipt.

That’s it! You’re done! VIA Center will then forward your application to the Italian Embassy, which will be the one evaluating it.

In my experience, the whole processing took 3 hours. It should have been 2 hours, but they said we were lacking a couple business documents so we had to go out, print out those docs, and wait for our turn again.

3. Claim your passport and visa.

When the results are in, you will receive a call from VIA Center telling you that the passport is already with them and that it’s ready for pick up or delivery.

We were told that we can only pick up our passports at these times.

PASSPORT RELEASING SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm ONLY.

We got a call from VIA only 4 days after we submitted our application. This was the fastest Schengen visa application I have experienced! But according to the VIA staff, the average wait is 15 days.

ITALIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. how long does the entire italian visa application process take.

According to the VIA staff we talked to, the average is 15 days.

Some take longer. In some cases, applicants have to wait over a month. Some get theirs much shorter — 10 days, 7 days, 5 days.

In our case, the whole thing took only 4 days! Here’s my timeline:

• July 23 (Monday) – Submitted our application at VIA Center Makati
• July 26 (Friday) – VIA informed us that our passports were ready for pickup
• July 29 (Monday) – We picked up our passport

I was super nervous at first because it was too quick, but according to a friend who used to work as a visa officer at a Schengen embassy, it does happen occasionally. It’s probably because this was my fourth Schengen visa and I had been to Italy before.

2. How early should I apply for an Italian Schengen visa?

The earliest you can lodge your application is 3 months (90 days) before your intended travel date . If you apply earlier than that, they will refuse your application and tell you to return at a later date.

Update: There is a report that you may now apply as early as 6 months before the trip, but I haven’t confirmed this yet.

3. How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

Depends on the itinerary you submit. The Embassy will decide based on your itinerary so take it seriously. Don’t make dummy itineraries. Make sure it’s really your plan.

4. Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?

Again, it depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations suggest you’re going out of the Schengen zone and then returning after, then apply for a double-entry visa. If you plan to go in and out of the zone many times, then go for the multiple entry visa.

Don’t apply for a multiple-entry visa if you intend to stay in Italy the entire time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.

5. How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The embassy doesn’t disclose the exact amount they need to see on your financial documents. It also depends on the length of your stay and what you plan to do.

I add the cost of all the flights and hotel reservations I submit and then add 60 euro per day of stay in Europe. Some embassies require USD50 per day, some USD 55 per day. But to be safe, I use EUR60 per day.

Once I have the sum of it all, that’s what I consider the minimum amount that I should have in my bank account. MINIMUM. I make sure I have much more funds that that because the embassy will have a very hard time believing that you are willing to spend all your money on this trip.

Because of this, my personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + cost of flights + cost of accommodations.

6. What are the reasons why my Schengen visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Italian Embassy but also other Schengen embassies:

• You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines . You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
• You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in a good financial standing.
• Your documents are inconsistent. Your application form may be stating one thing, but your supporting documents may be suggesting another.
• Your purpose in Italy or Europe is unclear or dubious . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

We have more detailed explanations in this post: COMMON REASONS WHY VISA APPLICATIONS ARE DENIED!

7. Do I really need flight tickets before applying?

No, you don’t need to plane tickets. If anything, you are DISCOURAGED from purchasing plane tickets so you won’t waste money in the event that your application is rejected.

Actual tickets are NOT a requirement. What you can submit is a so-called FLIGHT RESERVATION , which is different from actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.

Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online.

Our go-to travel agency for flight reservations (and travel insurance) for visa application is Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

8. do i need to submit the original copies of the documents.

VIA Center urges applicants to bring both the original and a photocopy of all documents. However, not all of the original copies will be kept by them.

Some requirements call for original copies like passports, bank certificates, birth certificate, and certificates of employment.

For others like land titles and business registration docs, they will only get the photocopy. But they will check the original copies for verification that the photocopies are indeed true copies of the original.

9. I’m applying with a group/family. Do I need to provide a copy of every document for each member?

YES. Schengen visa applications are assessed individually . According to the VIA Embassy website, each applicant must have their own set of requirements.

For example, if there are 4 members of the group/family and all of you will be using the same bank account as proof of funds, you can use that one bank account but provide 4 original copies of the bank certificate, one for each member.

10. Is personal appearance required?

Most of the time, YES.

Part of the process is Biometrics collection, in which they need your fingerprints, so the applicant must be there. However, according to the VIA staff that processed my bio, some applicants who have existing biometric records in the Schengen system may not need to show up. But because it’s hard to tell whether the copies are reliable, they still strongly recommend to personally appear to submit biometrics.

I had my biometrics collected when I applied at the Greek Embassy just over a year ago, but I was still asked for fingerprints.

11. I am visiting European countries outside the Schengen Zone and then re-entering the zone after. What should I answer to the “Indicate number of days” field on the application form: the total number of days in Europe or just the number of days within the zone?

I had this same problem. Our plan was to spend 46 days in Europe but only 22 of those would be spent within the Schengen area: 18 days initially then we’ll go out and re-enter the zone again and spend 4 more days inside.

Initially, I entered the total number of days in Europe, 46 days. But the VIA Center staff told us to write the number of days within the Schengen area, 22 days. But because I had already written 46 days, she instructed us to just add (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) , enclosed in a parenthesis, by hand. So my final answer was 46 DAYS (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) .

I’m not sure if that’s right. I just followed their instructions. We were still granted a suitable visa, so I guess it was okay.

12. On the Schengen Information section (Page 5) of the VIA online application form, what if I have more than one visas?

On Page 5 of the VIA application form, one field asks: “Schengen issued during the past 3 years?” It’s followed fields where you’re supposed to enter the validity dates of the past visas.

The problem is, it seems to be impossible to enter more than one visas.

What I did is, I just entered the validity dates of the latest Schengen visa that I had.

13. On the Fingerprint Information section (Page 6) of the VIA online application form, what am I supposed to answer?

There are only two fields on that page. Here’s what I answered:

• Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa for the past 3 years? – If you have applied for a Schengen visa before and the embassy (any Schengen embassy) collected your fingerprints within the past 3 years, answer YES. I answered YES because I remember the Greek Embassy took my biometrics 2 years ago.
• Finger Print Validity. – I don’t know what to answer here exactly, but I just entered the date my fingerprints were last collected by a Schengen Embassy.

14. What to answer to the PERMIT INFORMATION section (Page 7) of the VIA online application form?

I was perplexed by this too because there was no description. I didn’t know what to answer.

Thankfully, I found a Schengen Visa Application Form guide on the website of the French Embassy! The French to the rescue!

According to it, it’s specifically asking for: Entry permits for the final country of destination , where applicable.

“Fill this space only if you do not have the nationality of your country of residence and present your visa or your permit with a photocopy.”

Because I am a Filipino residing in the Philippines, it means it doesn’t apply to me. So I ticked NO .

15. On the Members Information section (Page 9) of the application form, there are tick boxes that read “by a applicant”, “by a sponsor”, and “means of support”. What are these?

The header of that section is missing. You’re supposed to fill in the blank. What it’s actually asking is this: “Cost of travelling and living during the applicant’s stay is covered ______.”

If you will be shouldering your travel expenses, tick “BY APPLICANT.” Then choose the means of support that you will be using. DO NOT tick the “BY A SPONSOR” box. That’s only for sponsored applicants!

16. What does an Italian Schengen Visa look like?

17. i earn this much per month, have this much funds in my bank account, have visited these countries and have these supporting documents. will my application be approved.

I have no idea. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

You can be adequately prepared for it, but sometimes, we just don’t know what the eff is going to happen.

Sometimes, no matter how qualified or how adequately prepared you are, you can still end up denied a visa. I have heard about cases wherein I just couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I have a friend who has a great travel history, financial records, rootedness proof. Everything was great, in my opinion. And yet her application was denied. And it’s not exclusive to Schengen visa. I know another who was applying for a Japanese visa for the third time. He meets all the items of someone who would surely be guaranteed approval, but was refused a visa, too.

18. What other countries can I visit using an Italian Schengen visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country. These are the countries who are part of the Schengen Zone:

Some non-Schengen countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey also accept double- or multiple-entry Schengen visas (with certain conditions about the visa types and length of stay, among others).

For more Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions, check out this post: Schengen Visa for Filipinos

This article is based on my own Schengen Visa application (Tourist) via PIASI VIA Center, the official service provider of the Embassy of Italy. If you have inquiries about anything outside my personal experience, I’m afraid I won’t be of help. However, feel free to post questions in the comments section below because some of our readers might know better.

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Fell in love with Italy on my first visit. I also have that feeling na kailangan kong bumalik ng Italy. Anyways, congrats on another Schengen Visa and Enjoy! Please italian dish for me❤️

Thanks, Ailea! We’re super excited to return! :D

Very informative and helpful. Thank you!

For the hotel reservations, you said it should be under the applicant’s name, and each applicant must have his/her own set of required documents for submission. But what if we are travelling as a family and booked a family room; can they also use the hotel reservation that is under my name? Thanks, Yoshke!

Hi Laila, I think okay lang. I-explain mo na lang sa letter. Ganun din yung sa amin ni Vins eh. Lahat ng hotels namin ay under my name, pero inexplain ko sa letter. We used just one letter na dalawa kaming signatories but tig-1 copy each kami na sinubmit. :)

Tip: If you are booking via booking.com there is a part “Guest Name” where you can specify the names of the guest, just put comma (, ) in each name, this way your hotel booking will show the names of all guest in a single hotel booking. That’s what i did when i applied visa for my mom.

Oooooooh! Thanks for sharing this!

Didn’t know this! Will try this next time!

hi. thank you for sharing. its very informative. my question is what additional documents are needed if one of the spouses is not employed, but is financially capable of travelling? thanks.

I’m a bit confused. Is it you who will be traveling but your trip will be sponsored by your spouse? Or is it your spouse who will be traveling? If it’s the latter, will you be sponsoring your spouse’s trip?

i got a schengen . visa already through Norway last 2014 i wasnt . able to . use my visa since i got . tied in my . schedule in USA is . that . gonna affect my . new application in Italian Embassy since i will be staying here longer

Hi Luisa, I’m not familiar with the complications of an unused Schengen visa if meron man. :S

Thanks for sharing your wealthy information,this is an useful article for all people

Hi! In your checklist, i saw you listed “Notarized affidavit of support” for means of support for students. Does it really need to be notarized? Thank you so much for this article btw very informative

Hi Andrea, i haven’t tried applying for or as a student, but that’s what the official checklist states, so i guess it has to be notarized.

Ok thank you again!

Hello po! Thank you very much for this very informative blog. I just have a question po on the intro letter. Me and my fiance are travelling this December and will be getting married this December yet too. This trip will be for our honeymoon. Since we have to apply for a visa now, technically we have to put single as status and leave the Philippines as married. Would there be any complication if we put honeymoon as reason in our letter? Thank you in advance.

I submitted my application just yesterday via the VIA center but I forgot that I have a flight on Oct 22 to Singapore.

They are saying that it will take around 15 working days for visa processing. Do you know of many instances where the visa was released around 4-5 days after submission?

Hi Jan Si, is it your first trip to the Schengen area? Did you receive your passport back with your visa yet?

In my case, it only took 4 days.

There are a few members of our Support Group who got theirs in under 5 days too.

Thank you for this blog. This gives me ideas about applying for the VISA.

I just want to ask, Sir if Financial Statement from my bank is still needed even though someone will shoulder all of my expenses in Italy? Does the Sponsor Letter not enough?

Thank you .

Yep, they will look for financial statements ESPECIALLY if you’re sponsored.

We explained the reason for that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

Hi! Do you know any embassy in Cebu which I can apply Schengen Visa? And is it possible to apply for a schengen visa for 30 days even though it will be my first time? I am planning to visit Europe in May 2020 with a planned entry in Paris. Thank you for your information

Hi Melody, naku, wala akong contact na travel agency sa Cebu. :(

Hi sir, ask ko lang po pano po gawin ulit since denied po application sa Italian embassy kahapon.. i need your thoughts lang po to advise me, what po mag apply ako ulit, since yung dating strong ties ko is my business pero hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR kasi hindi kasi yun sakin na land or place nakiki business lang ako dun, kaya proof ko lang sa business na yun ay Brgy. Business permit lang at DTI, sa next application ko po ilalagay ko parin po ba yun na business ko? Since wala naman ako ibang work kundi yun lang po. Or baka kasi ma dedisapprove na naman ako since hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR hinanapan kasi ni officer ng BIR sa business na yun . Need your advice lang po. Salamat sa mga sagot..

Hi July, naku, mahirap nga yan kasi pag yung proof of income or employment ang concern, mahigpit talaga sila.

You can try applying at another embassy na mas maluwag, pero baka maging problem pa rin talaga yung business mo since kulang ng documents.

Hi, so d ko masyado na gets to.

Pero if ng apply kame ng France VISA, then gusto namen pmnta ng ibang Schengen state. Should we need to inform the French Embassy? or upon getting the VISA automatic n un n pede kame pmnta kun san san? Thanks po.

If may Schengen visa ka na, pwede ka na pumunta anywhere within the Schengen zone basta within the validity period and allowed length of stay.

Hi Yoshke, hope you are well. just want to ask if we also need to book train tickets in italy when applying for schengen visa?or we can just indicate in our itinerary that we will buy train tickets when our visa is approved?and can we buy them in the train stations on the same date we travel?

Hi Anna, in our case, we didn’t submit train tickets. We only submitted the flights to and from Europe and flights WITHIN Europe, since may mga legs na lilipad talaga. Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train tickets. Not sure if ganun sa lahat or we just got lucky.

Did you submit confirmed flight details within schengen? Or just reservations lng? Wer po pwede mag avail? We are also planning to take the night train from Rome to Munich. Do we have to purchase the train tickets as well?

I submitted flight reservations to and within Schengen, not confirmed tickets. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/

I didn’t submit train tickets, though. Only flights.

Hi Yoshke, ok thanks sa reply :) another concern ko is yong husband ko is from myanmar and im here sa singapore ,nsa pilipinas xa (balikbayan visa holder)and dun xa mag aapply ng schengen visa,meron xang small business,talyer sa harap mismo ng bahay namin at nag bubuy and sell din xa,pede na kya un as source of income nia?wala xa BIR or ITR or whatever e,brgy permit lng ang meron siya,(in his name)but meron din xa sarili bank account which have enough funds.pede q nmn din siguro isama sa requirements nia ung funds ko?what do you think?we also owned properties.

I don’t know for sure, pero I think okay lang na isama yung funds mo kasi you’re married naman. If ako nasa position mo, I would probably write a letter explaining everything and that you’re traveling together.

Hindi ko alam how much it would help because the Italian Embassy is known for being very strict. But yun ang gagawin ko. That’s just me.

thanks so much Yoshke..cross fingers we’ll get the visa!merry christmas!

Happy Holidays! And good luck with your application.

Hello! I just want to say thank you because this article helped us in our visa application. My boyfriend & I applied last November 13, and our visa got approved last week of November. Italian embassy is very strict pero ‘pag complete naman requirements, there’s nothing to worry. Thank you!! Keep on helping. :)

hello, tnong ko lng po base sa experience nyo, nkatnggap b kau ng call gling sa italian embassy n ready na ung visa nyo? 2 weeks n kc akong nag aantay wla prin akong nrereceive na notif. thank you

Yes po. We received a call from VIA po na pwede na iclaim.

Congrats, Maria!

Saan kayo sa Italy punta?

Hi, hope you can help me. Would like to apply for a Schengen visa (still deciding which country where we were staying the longest.) My concern is, I am working as a freelance and just registered sa BIR last Oct so no ITR yet. I will be travelling with my ‘fiance’ and our minor daughter who were both US citizen (US passport) and does not need a visa to travel in Italy, Poland or Schengen zone. Of course my ‘fiance’ will be paying for everything. My question is how should I go about my visa application? Since my ‘fiance’ is paying for everything, can I just submit all his financial documents instead of mine?

I’d really appreciate your answer as we planning to travel next year around July. We have traveled together but only in Singapore and Thailand.

Yes, you can submit his financial docs but you will also need to submit yours. Hihingin pa rin nila yung sayo kahit sponsored.

But to be honest with you, I feel like the odds are against you. Schengen Embassies in general are much stricter sa sponsored applicants tapos working as freelance without ITR. If you want to still try, you can naman, but here’s my advice:

– Choose a less strict embassy. Given your situation, I think mahihirapan ka if mag-apply ka sa Italian or Spanish Embassy. – Submit an Affidavit of Support, notarized, and signed by your fiance – Submit proof of relationship. Since you have a child, I think you can submit the child’s birth certificate showing that you two are the parents – Submit more proof of travel history. Aside from the stamps, you can submit your photos together when you traveled to Thailand and Singapore. – Submit a cover letter

If I were in your shoes though, i-build ko pa muna yung travel history ko. I would visit other visa countries first na less strict before ako mag-Schengen. (Yun actually yung ginawa ko.) Thailand and Singapore kasi ay parehong visa-free. Makakatulong kasi if meron kang visas from other countries kahit Japan, Korea, or Australia lang.

It’s going to be an uphill battle. But I hope this helps.

Ito ay sa tingin ko lang po. Best to consult pa rin a travel agency kasi mas alam nila.

Good luck!!! Balitaan mo kami please if mag-apply kayo para makatulong din sa ibang readers. Hope na ma-approve! :)

just want to ask is it better to apply sa VIA center compared if i apply directly sa embassy ng italy? sayang din kasi yung fee na ibabayad sa VIA ehh. Although baka mas helpful ba mag check ng requirements beforesubmitting it sa VIA center?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi James, we haven’t tried applying directly so I can’t compare. But based on what I heard from friends who have, I think it’s less stressful to apply sa VIA. Sa VIA kasi, they will guide you talaga and tell you pag may kulang or need pa for better chances of approval.

Hi, was wondering if you’d know this. If you submitted your application thru VIA, will you be notified of the status by VIA as well? Or the embassy will be the one to inform you? Will it be via a text message, a phone call or email? Thanks in advance! :-)

Hi Satchiko,

In our case, VIA informed us. :)

Hi, do you know if there’s any chance na pwedeng i pull out yung passport ko from the application in case the processing takes too long? I have another scheduled trip next month to South Korea. I’ll submit on Jan 13 and my trip to KR is on Feb 7. Or do you think it’s possible to request for expedited processing? Thank you!

Hi – i followed all your instructions. my flight is on 28 April arriving France on 29 April where I will meet my 2 Canadian Citizen sisters. We will be staying most in Italy in our 12-day stay including our 7-day Italy-Adriatic Western Mediterranean cruise.

I have complete documents already including confirmed cruise booking, hotel accommodation and plane ticket to France.

Do you think i can file my application/complete documents on Monday 27 January 2020 – since I will already be in Makati on this date.

I am a senior citize living and working in Muntinlupa City

thanks – Mrs. Cris

Di ko po alam sa ngayon. There was news that they would be extending the application period to 6 months before the trip, but I don’t know if that has been implemented yet. :S

How did you submit trains/plane reservations within schngen area? Do we really have a confirmed reservation? Or just right the time/date that we are planning to take? Thanks in advance!

Plane reservations, I submitted. (Not confirmed tickets. Just flight reservations.)

But for the trains, I just indicated the ones I wanted to take in the itinerary. I didn’t submit tickets.

I read your article as my guide prior to submitting my requirements to VIA. Once you received a call from them, will they tell you right away if your visa has been approved or denied?

Thank you! :)

Hi CJ, nope. They will only tell you that your passport is ready for pickup. They won’t say if approved or denied. You’ll only find out upon pickup.

Hi! Just for Info. New visa fee is Euro 80 for adult

Thanks for sharing!

Hi Yosh, planing to apply once better situation na. I read in the requirements na they need flight/trains bookings upon application.. ” If travelling across Schengen countries, please submit bookings of all trains, flights and car rentals from one country to another.”

Since we can apply visa 180 days before the expected date of arrival pa Do you know a way to book (not purchase) train reservations?

I will surely use this as a guide hopefully (when miss rona stops being a diva) for my next year’s solo summer trip in Europe. I’ll apply via VIA center in Cebu. I want to stay in Italy the longest. This will be my first time traveling to Europe and a non-visa free country. I’ve been to visa-free countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia. I just registered as a freelancer last May 2020. Do you think the odds will be in my favour?

Very informative blog!

Hi,we are a family of 6, planning to get a shengen visa. Is it ok to make the same cover letter for each member? I have a business that will support the family’s trip. However, my husband is currently not working anymore. Although we travelled as a family, to the US several times and other asian countries already. Wil it be a problem for him being unemployed?

I think that’s OK. When we apply as a group, we only use 1 cover letter with all our names and signatures. Then each of us submit a copy of that letter.

Regarding your other question, since it’s a family trip and you’re married and you’re traveling with him, I think they would be less strict since the purpose of the trip is very clear (assuming your docs are all good and your own finances can support all of you). But that’s just my take on it.

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I realy liked your blog, very informative.

Hi po! Required po ba sundin yung itinerary na isa-submit? Planning to spend 12 days in Rome, Milan, Assisi, and Sicily po kasi. Praning lang ako baka suspicious sa kanila yung andami kong pupuntahan so I thought of not putting it na lang sa itinerary na ibibigay for VISA.

Hi James! OK lang naman po yung maraming pupuntahan, as long as realistic naman. :)

Pwede namang mag-deviate from the itinerary, lalo na if within Italy lang din naman. Once you’re inside kasi, there is no way din naman to track it.

Even mag-flight po within the country ok lang na hindi i-include?

Sa case namin, we submitted lahat ng flights namin even within Schengen Zone. Wala naman kaming flights within Italy lang since ang dineclare namin dun ay mag-train or bus lang kami. (Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train/bus booking.)

Hi po ulit! Regarding naman sa travel dates, need po ba sundin yung in-indicate during VISA application?

As long as within the allowed period indicated sa actual visa.

Thanks for the awesome article! Is the Certificate of Leave of Absence optional? I will be providing Certificate of Employment and ITR documents.

Sa case namin, if my memory serves me right, hiningi sya talaga. Di ko lang alam if ganun din sa iba.

ma dali lang po ba ang pagkuha ng re entry visa?i almost 15years in italy last year nag bakasyon ako ang malapit nko bumalik uwe pero naaksidente nmn ako…

have you gone into an interview upon submission of requirements?

For Italian Schengen Visa, no. There was just someone from VIA who checked our requirements.

Question lang yung sa Proof of Financial means lahat ba yun kailangan? tas need ba under our name yung sa land titles?and we dont have credit card kasi,

Yung bank cert and bank statements ay required. ‘Yung ibang items under it ay kung meron ka lang.

Hi. Do you have experience in appealing an Italian schengen visa denial? Is it advisable to appeal a denial? Or would it be better to apply to a different schengen country?

Do I need an approved leave of absence during summer break? Usuallu we are free naman to have vacation at this period of time (Public Teacher) Is my profession enough considered as a rootedness proof?

Hello po! I have been previously granted a Schengen visa by the French embassy nung 2015 pero I lost the passport na. Should I mention that po sa cover letter?

If I were in your position po, I would mention it. Do you have a photo or soft copy of that visa?

Hello po! I have a copy but altered siya (read: redacted yung info as I sent a pic of it to a friend). So, yung ginawa ko na lang is in-attach ko yung orig copy nung insurance ko for that previous trip. We submitted our app last May 25 and we have yet to hear from them.

Hello! Just wanted to ask if you were required to present an approved Leave form when you applied for a Germany-issued Schengen visa? I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa and will stay in Germany the longest. Thanks.

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How To Apply For Schengen Italy Visa For Filipinos [Italy Schengen Visa Guide For Filipinos]

lPlan your next Italy trip ! Here’s our guide for Filipinos about applying for Schengen Italy visa with your Philippines passport .

Are you thinking of going to one of the most visited European countries ? Aside from France, Italy has proved to people that it is worth exploring over and over again. Who wouldn’t want to experience that gondola ride in the canals in Venice? Travel back in time at the ruins of Pompeii? Take a picture with the popular leaning tower of Pisa? Plus the Italian cuisines that are mouthwatering.

Everything about Italy is just wonderful and irresistible. So if you’re now ready to explore this country, this guide can help you with applying for Schengen Italy Visa with your Philippines Passport. No worries as even we, Filipinos, can get the chance to have a glimpse of this lovely country.

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Table of Contents

Who Should Apply for Schengen Italy Visa in the Italian Embassy in Manila

1. Tourists who will only visit Italy/Vatican in the Schengen Area;

2. Those who plan to travel around the Schengen Area but will be staying in Italy for the longest duration; or

3. Those whose point of entry is in Italy, if traveling to other Schengen Countries in equal duration.

Main Requirements in Applying for Schengen Italy Visa

1. Completed Visa Application Form

2. One recent passport photo with a white background

3. Old and Current Valid Passport

4. Photocopy of Bio-page and last page of the valid passport, previous visa, and immigration stamps in all countries

5. Daily itinerary and confirmed round trip ticket

6. Proof of Financial Capability (it can be your Copy of Real Estate Title, Car Registration, Condominium Title (if applicable); bank certificate supported by Passbook or Statement of Account for the last 6 months, International Credit Card Statements (if applicable), For minors: Proof of Economic Means of Parents or Legal Guardian.

7. Proof of Employment like COE and approved leave of absence if you’re employed, travel authority for government employees, Certificate of Employment and Approved Leave if applicable for students, Business Certificate and Income Tax Return for self-employed, and PRC ID if you have any.

8. Schengen Travel Health Insurance

9. Proof of Accommodation like your hotel booking or invitation letter ;

Supporting Documents in Applying for Schengen Italy Visa

• PSA Birth Certificates
• PSA Marriage Certificate
• Letter of invitation
• Proof of Sponsorship / Private Accommodation called Dichiarazione Garanzia Eo Alloggio (in Italian)
• Document of identity, proof of citizenship/permit of stay from the inviting person
• If invited by relatives, PSA documents to prove your relationship
• Bank Statement and Proof of Income
• Proof of Relationship

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Schengen Italy Visa

STEP 1: Complete all the documents stated above and photocopy them.

STEP 2: Lodge your application at VIA PH Center at the application center. They are the ones assigned by the Italian Embassy to collect the documents and biometrics. You can go there Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. No appointments needed.

STEP 3: Pay the Visa as well as the Processing Fee and just wait for the results!

STEP 4: Get your passport via the application center or courier.

Visa Processing Fee for Schengen Italy Visa

PHP 1,350 per application and this is paid on top of the Visa Fee.

Visa Fee:  PHP 4,528.00 (EURO 80) For 6-12 years: PHP 2,264.00 (EURO 40)

Processing time:  It is usually 15 days. However, the Embassy may take up to 45 days to process your application and may ask for additional documentation and further verifications.

Embassy in the Philippines

Embassy of Italy in the Philippines Address: 5/F, Tower B, One Campus Place, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines Contact number: (02) 8892 4531 Office Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Remember that you should submit all your documents to the VIA PH center. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Schengen Italy Visa

1.  How long can I travel with my Short Stay Visa?

You can stay in Italy for a maximum of 90 days for a 180 day period.

2. Is an interview mandatory?

It is not necessary. However, you may be called for an interview at the Embassy if they see something wrong with your documents or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.

3. Should I submit a cover letter?

It is not a requirement but it’s highly recommended. A Cover Letter can help you avoid an interview from the embassy which is obviously more difficult.

4. Do I need to buy a plane ticket prior to my application?

No. You only need a confirmed booking. Renting a flight is highly recommended.

5.   What is the best insurance to use?

AXA Schengen is the best one to use. They will completely refund your payment in case your visa doesn’t get approved. No risk at all.

6. What if my visa gets rejected? What should I do?

You can file a Remonstrance Letter or file another application from another EU Embassy.

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.

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Italy Visa From Philippines – How to Apply for Italian Schengen Visa Application Requirements Guide

Italy is a stunning Schengen country with an exciting and interesting history made present by a host of wonderful attractions like Pompeii, the Forum and the Colosseum to name a few. Beautiful beach resorts, world-famous cities and a whole lot more! In this article, learn more about how to apply for an Italy visa in the Philippines, Italy visa appointment booking, processing time at the Italy visa application centre, flight itinerary for an Italy visa , hotel bookings for an Italy visa, Schengen travel insurance for an Italy visa application, and Italy visa application process at the visa office in the Philippines.

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Italy Schengen Visas

In 2019, Italian embassies around the world processed 2,053,521 visa applications and rejected 157,557. The Italian Embassy in Manila received 24,170 and rejected 1,495.

Applying for an Italy Schengen Visa from the Philippines         

If you belong to any of the following categories, you can apply for an Italy Schengen visa from the Philippines:

• All Filipino citizens residing in the territory of the Republic of the Philippines, and all Filipino and Palauan citizens residing in the territory of Palau
• All nationals of other countries whose citizens who are legally residing in the Philippines with a visa
• All nationals of countries whose citizens are legally present in the Philippines on a temporary basis with a visa (if this applies, you need to justify why you are applying at the Embassy of Italy in Manila rather than your home country)

If you are a family member of a European citizen, you can submit your application to the Embassy of Italy in Manila. See the embassy’s website for more information.

All other applicants will submit their applications to the Visa Information and Application Center – VIA in Makati or Cebu. It is still the embassy’s job to process your application and make the decision about whether to grant your visa or not.

Applications are processed within 15 days for Schengen visas although it could take as long as 30 days. National visas are processed within 30 – 120 days depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

You should submit your application at least 15 days before departure. You may apply up to 6 months ahead, so don’t leave it too late!

Types of Schengen visas offered at the VIA Center/Embassy of Italy in Manila

There are different types of visas and the one you need to apply for will depend on your reason for going to Italy and how long you are going for.

If you are planning on visiting Italy for a maximum of 90 days, you will apply for a Schengen visa (C). For over 90 days, you will apply for a National visa (D). You may need a visa for any of the following reasons:

• EU relatives
• Seaman transit
• Visiting friends/relatives
• Family reunion
• Other visas such as adoption or mission purposes

You can find more information about each of these visa categories, so do your research to make sure you apply for the correct one.

If you are simply planning on catching a connecting flight in the Philippines, you will need to apply for an Airport Transit visa . With this visa, you are not permitted to leave the international zone of the airport.

How Can I Apply for an Italy Schengen Visa from VIA?

To apply for your Italy visa, there are 4 easy steps to help you:

• Step 1 – Check if you need a visa
• Step 2 – Start your application
• Step 3 – Lodge your visa application
• Step 4 – Collect your passport

The first thing to do is to check whether you need a visa in the first place. Go to VIA’s website and click on: “Italy”:

Click on the link:

Key in the requested information:

You will be presented with information about what documents you need to submit and fees etc. Read this information fully before you do anything else:

Go to VIA’s website and click on: “Step 2 – Start your application”:

Choose your visa type (short-term or long-term) and click on the link for the application form:

You will be directed to the online application form which you need to go through and complete fully.

Supporting documents

You will also find checklists for the documents required on VIA’s website. Refer to these to help you prepare your documents. Do that before you start to avoid missing anything as you prepare your documents.

You should also prepare photocopies as well as providing the original documents, so don’t forget to do that too!

Documents include:

• Completely filled in Schengen visa application form
• Passport photograph – One (1) with white background and not older than 6 months
• Old (if available) and current valid passport with an expiry date of three months longer than that of the visa requested but please consider the 6 months validity as required by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration
• Photocopy of biographical and last page of passport, previous visa and immigration stamps in all countries
• Complete itinerary confirmed round trip flight booking
• Proof of financial means – copy of real estate property –title-deed (if relevant), bank certification or statement of account (six months account history for frequent traveler). If available, international credit cards statements, properties, land titles etc. For minors: proof of economic means of parents or legal guardian
• Proof of occupation: If employed, certificate of employment & approved leave of absence, income tax return (ITR). For applicants who are government staff, approved travel authority. If Self-employed, business license/ permits, BIR registration and financial statement/income tax return & Professional License Card (PRC Card) if any. For students, certificate of enrolment and approved leave of absence (if travelling during school year)
• Travel health insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros ( with 15 days allowance beyond travel period) for expenses for emergency hospitalization and repatriation expenses, valid throughout the Schengen area
• Hotel reservation under the name of the traveler
• Letter of invitation and document of identity, proof of citizenship or permit of stay from the inviting person. If invited by relatives, documents to prove relationship
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• For all minors & students: Notarized  affidavit of support and consent from both parents
• Proof of family ties in the Philippines
• DSWD clearance for minors not traveling with parents
• If you are not a Filipino citizen – proof of permanent residency in the Philippines (ACR)

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

• Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
•  Submit the travel details and make the payment online
• Receive flight itinerary in email

Once you have completed your application and gathered all the required supporting documents, it’s time to lodge your application to the VIA center for processing.

When you submit your application you will need to remember the following things:

• Take originals and photocopies of all the required documents
• Take both your original old and most recently issued passport
• Photocopies of the first page and last page of both the old passport and most recently issued passport are required
• Photocopies of previous visas and immigration stamps from countries previously visited are required
• Each applicant must have their own file
• Fill in your application form accurately. Indicate N/A for items that are not applicable. Do not forget to sign the document

Your application must be arranged in the following order:

• Application form with picture
• Introduction Letter
• If invited by friends/relatives: (1) invitation letter (2) copy of proof of identity (3) proof of relationship

Or, if you are staying in a hotel: (1) Hotel Booking

• Copy of Passport, visas and immigration stamps
• Proof of Occupation
• Proof of Economic Means
• Travel Health Insurance
• Certified NSO documents
• Flight Booking

Please note, you do NOT need an appointment to hand over your documents. All you need to do is visit the VIA center during their available hours for submission of visa applications which are:

• Monday to Thursday – 08.00 am to 2.30 pm
• Friday – 8.00 am to 1.30 pm

You will also provide your biometric data which is a 10-digit finger scan and a digital photograph. If you have provided this information within the last 5 years, you should not have to provide it again.

Once you have submitted your application to the VIA center, it will be sent to the embassy for processing. The embassy may call you for an interview if they need to verify any of the information you have provided. At the interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What do you know about Italy?
• Are you going to work there?
• How much do you earn?
• Are you traveling alone?

Don’t panic! Simply answer any questions put to your honestly and be clear!

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

All fees are non-refundable even if your application gets rejected. You will pay the fees when you submit your application in cash in Philippine Pesos.

When your passport has been returned to the VIA center, you can collect your passport or have it returned to you via courier for an additional fee.

The decision will be either:

• Approved – your visa will be inside your passport
• Rejected – this would have been for a specific reason and you can appeal the decision

Common rejection reasons include:

• No invitation letter – if you are being invited to Italy by someone, you must provide an invitation letter
• Passport invalid – if your passport is invalid in any way, you must get a new one before applying for a visa
• The purpose of your trip is not clear – the reason you are going to Italy must be clear and you should provide documents such as an itinerary to show this
• Your intent to return to the Philippines is not clear – you must show that you have ties to your home country and that you will depart from the Schengen zone before your visa expires

How to contact VIA in the Philippines

Address: 3rd Flr Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines

Email: [email protected]

Tel: (02) 88459200 – Setting an appointment/(02) 88459215 – General inquiries/(02) 88459214 – Seafarers/(02) 88459211 – Legalization of documents

Address: 1004, Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Tel: +63-32-412-7447

To apply for a Schengen visa for Italy in the Philippines, follow these simple steps:

Once you get your visa, you can enjoy counting down to your trip to Italy!

At Visa Reservation , we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa , travel medical insurance , hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides , Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

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Visa application guide: Getting a Schengen visa from the Italian embassy in PH

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Truly, Italy is a traveler’s dream. It’s a country that can satisfy a variety of tastes, from an audience with the Pope to a feast of art in Florence, a stroll through Tuscan vineyards or a gondola ride in Venice. And, of course, literal tastes too: gelato, risotto, pizza, pasta, coffee and wine, all day, everyday.

To travel to Italy and/or other European countries that belong to the  Schengen area – such as France, Germany, Spain, and Greece – you will need a Schengen visa. This visa lets you enter any of the Schengen countries, so you won’t need separate visas for, say, Spain and Italy.

Where should you apply for a Schengen visa?

Even though a visa from one Schengen country is good for all Schengen countries, you can’t file your application just anywhere you wish.

It should be lodged at the embassy or consulate of the country that constitutes the main destination of your trip. For most tourists, this means that the country you’re staying in the longest is where you should apply for a visa.

For example, see:  11 Days in Europe: Paris, Venice and Rome Sample Itinerary – if you’re following this itinerary, you should get a visa from the Italian embassy.

The good news is – if you’re only visiting Italy or staying there the longest – applying for a Schengen visa through the Italian embassy is a fairly straightforward process.

First of all, unlike for many other Schengen countries,  you don’t need an appointment to submit your documents at VIA Center, the facility that handles the visa application process for Italy. Another good thing is that VIA has offices in both Makati and Cebu, so you can choose whichever location is more convenient for you.

(In my case, I submitted my application in Cebu: I walked in after lunch, was entertained right away, and finished the whole process within an hour.)

Get a visa in 3 steps:

1. Prepare the required documents (see list below).
 2. Go to your VIA Center of choice – submit the requirements and have your biometrics taken.
 3. Wait for your passport (with the visa, hopefully) to be delivered to your address.

What documents do you need to prepare?

The VIA website  contains comprehensive information for all types of travelers to Italy and other Schengen countries, including: 

• Short-term visitors (tourist visa, business visa, mission visa, religious visa, study visa)
• Long-term visitors (family reunion visa, mission visa, religious visa, study visa, subordinate employment visa, re-entry visa, visa for spouse/parents/child of Italian citizen)
• Seafarers (transit or work visa)

For tourists who will be staying in the Schengen area for 90 days or less, these are the requirements*:

• Visa application form 
• One (1) recent colored photo – passport-sized or 2×2 – with white background
• Travel documents
• Valid passport, plus photocopies of biographical page, last page, and pages with visas and immigration stamps
• Old passport(s) if available
• Complete, detailed, day-to-day itinerary (get a sample template here)  
• Confirmed round trip flight booking
• Proof of financial means of the applicant (or, if a minor, of the parents or legal guardian)
• Bank certification – supported by passbook or Statements of Account from the past six months
• International credit card statements, if available
• Real estate property title-deed, if applicable
• Proof of occupation
• For employees: Certificate of Employment and approved Leave of Absence
• For self-employed: business license/permits, BIR registration and Financial Statement/Income Tax Return
• For government employees: approved Travel Authority
• For professionals: PRC card
• For students: Certificate of Enrolment and approved Leave of Absence (if traveling during the school year)
• Travel health insurance
• Coverage of at least 30,000 euros
• With 15 days allowance beyond travel period
• Should be issued by  Schengen-accredited insurance companies 
• Accommodation
• Hotel booking under the name of the traveler
• If staying with a relative:
• Letter of invitation (format) 
• Document of identity, proof of citizenship or permit of stay from the inviting person
• NSO documents to prove relationship
• Birth certificate issued by the NSO/PSA
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) issued by the NSO/PSA
• Proof of family ties in the Philippines (such as birth certificates of children)
• For minors and students: Affidavit of Support and Consent from both parents
• For minors not traveling with parents: DSWD clearance
• Visa fee – €60
• VIA service/handling fee – P1,100

*Note: This list of requirements is valid as of 7 January 2017. If you are reading this article at a significantly later date, please verify the list of requirements at the  VIA website . 

Other documents that are not specified in the  VIA checklist  but would be helpful and might be required: 

• Cover letter, addressed to the Italian consul, explaining the purpose of your trip (get a sample here) 
• Transfer tickets (train/coach/plane/etc) within Schengen cities
• Latest personal income tax return (ITR)

Is personal appearance needed? Generally yes, because your biometrics will need to be taken.

How much “show money” should I prepare? That’s a tricky question and it needs a longer answer. See: “Show Money” for tourist visa applicants: How I do it (and you can, too) .

What if someone else is paying for my trip? Ask him/her to execute an Affidavit of Support and have it notarized/authenticated. (Get a sample here.) 

I have documents X, Y, and Z — will I be able to get a visa? The only person who can answer that question with absolute certainty is the person who has reviewed all the documents you’ve submitted and is actually the one who will approve or deny your visa application. No blogger or travel agency can give you a legitimate guarantee of approval.

However, I’ve found that the consulates of most Schengen countries are generally fair and will carefully consider all the information you’ve submitted. Moreover, the people who will receive your documents – in my case, the wonderful ladies at VIA Cebu – will go through them one by one to make sure they’re complete and will advise you if there’s something you can do to improve, say, your cover letter.

So: just prepare your application as meticulously as you can and you will have as good a chance as possible of getting a Schengen visa.

Good luck! And don’t forget to toss a coin into the Trevi fountain so you can come back. – Rappler.com

Gaya is a travel blogger from Cebu whose background in psychology and medicine has taken a backseat to her passion for writing and traveling. Her main occupation is spamming her friends’ Facebook feeds with travel articles she’s published in her blog  Small-Town Girls,  Midnight  Trains , but for bread and butter she takes on writing and healthcare-related projects from home. Her bucket list includes taking her family to Rome, seeing the northern lights from the Scottish highlands, and walking the Camino de Santiago.

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ITALY TOURIST VISA FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS

Table of contents.

Ciao!  A common greeting in Italy, the country of romance and history. So, what is Italy known for? Foods like pasta and pizza, artwork like Michelangelo’s Statue of David, landmarks like the Colosseum are amongst the most famous things Italy is known for. But Italy’s culture has also worked its way into an abundance of modern movies, art and fashion, too.

In order for Filipinos to travel to this gorgeous country, one must need a Schengen Visa for Italy to make it possible. In this article, I will guide you on how to apply for a Italian Schengen Visa with your Philippine Passport.

Who is eligible to apply for an Italian short-term visa?

• Your main destination  –  Sa Italy lang kayo pupunta and will not visit any other country.
• The country with a maximum period of stay –  you will visit multiple Schengen countries, but you will stay the longest in Italy.
• Your country related to the main purpose of travel – you will visit multiple Schengen countries, but the main purpose of your journey is in Italy. (Example: you will attend a wedding or a conference in Italy, but you plan on going out to other Schengen countries while you’re there.)
• The State of first entry – you will stay in multiple Schengen countries for the same number of days, but Italy is your first point of entry, meaning, Italy will be your first entry. 

Note : You can’t apply at the Italian Embassy when the only country you’re visiting is France. You can’t apply at the Italian Embassy if you’ll be staying in France for one week and in Italy for two days.

Important Documents to Prepare

1. A duly filled out and signed Italian Visa application form  through this  link.

2.  Two current biometrical passport photos (35-45 mm width) –  have your passport photo taken. The embassy is very strict on their photo specifications. Fortunately, they have a  page  on their official website dedicated to explaining this. Bring at least two copies or more, just in case. One photo should be glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.

• Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or contact lenses, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
• The subject should have their mouth closed  (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows).  

After which, paste your photo on each of the electronic visa form that you completed online  (1 original and 1 photocopy of the form).

3.  Original Passport and a Photocopy of it  as well as the Bio Page– The embassy requires that your passport is valid for at least another three months on the date the visa application is submitted. It also must have two empty pages for them to stamp your passport. If you have renewed your passport, bring your old one/s with you. These are needed especially if you have previous overseas trips.

4. Proof of travel/ Travel plan (travel destination, route, proof of accommodation, and itinerary) –  a copy of the roundtrip airline booking with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Italy. With the necessary documents needed, this should clearly state the purpose of your travel. You just need to show a flight itinerary from the Philippines that should cover your entry and exit to and from Italy and to all Schengen countries of destinations, including your exit and entry from MANILA TO MANILA (EX. MANILA-ITALY-FRANCE-ITALY-MANILA). 

• A  cover letter addressed to the Italian Embassy Consul. If you are a first-time traveler to Italy, please submit an informal declaration through a cover letter explaining your willingness to return to the Philippines before the expiration of your visa: What exactly will be an incentive for you to return to the Philippines, and can you submit proofs for these circumstances?
• Your day-to-day itinerary  – be specific in indicating the place you will visit and the tours you will join or take. A good convincing itinerary requires planning and time to create. If you need help how to create one, watch my video:  https://youtu.be/kME1VdZdRiw 
• Flight reservation  – Reservation ONLY . Do not pay for your flight reservations until your visa is approved. You can avail of my services for a dummy ticket so that I can assist you with your flight reservations.  Get a flight reservation here .

5.   Proof of accommodation or Hotel reservations  – you would need to show hotel bookings, but this does not mean that you must pay for your hotel reservations this early. 

• For  Tourist , you would need to show Hotel Bookings, Hostels, Airbnb or apartment.

➜ Document of identity, proof of citizenship/permit of stay from the inviting person: either a photocopy of the sponsor’s passport/  residence card/  registration of residency ➜ your host/ relative/ partner who is based in Italy– the content should include the host’s exact address of residence, the purpose of your travel, and the full duration of your travel and stay at your host’s country.

6. Travel Insurance  –  the coverage must be applied during the entire duration of the trip in Italy and must be valid for all Schengen countries. Coverage sum must be AT LEAST EUR 30,000 (Php 2.5 million or USD 50,000). I highly recommend Pioneer Insurance which you can avail yourself through me. Feel free to directly inquire through JASTravel  on Facebook and I would be very glad to assist you. 

For the list of recommended Schengen insurance companies in the Philippines, you can also check it through  https://www.vfsglobal.com/Italy/Philippines/pdf/New-Insurance-Visit-Family.pdf  .  And it is also great to know that Pioneer Insurance is one them!

7. Proof of vaccination – As most European countries have decided to welcome vaccinated travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means that the following vaccines are accepted in Italy:

8.  Proof of Funds or Financial Capacity  –  these documents are necessary to prove that you can either support yourself or your sponsor can cover your expenses financially during the whole duration of your travel.

• Bank statements  – must show records of the past six months. A bank statement shows your transactions in your account at a specific period. It will show debits (withdrawals, payments, taxes, service fees) and credits (deposits, interest earned.) Bank Statements can also be seen online especially if you have a registered account. There is no signature for the manager or a bank officer.
• Bank Certificate  – it is  a confirmation by the branch manager  or a bank officer that you have an existing account in their bank. It shows the account number, the type, and other details such as the opening date of your account, your account balance as of the date of request, and your average daily balance. 
• Other proof of income (supporting documents)  – although it is not really required, you can submit invoices and pay slip equivalent to prove that you earn enough to support this trip financially. 
• If applying as a Tourist or as a Visitor with a Sponsor  – this means that your host and/or sponsor (family, friend, partner, or fiancé) pledges to take full responsibility to cover all the expenses that you will incur during the whole duration of your travel.

If you maintain a bank account for a long time, better maintain it . Kahit na may sponsor ka, of course, plus points pa din sa visa application mo if idadagdag mo din bank statements mo, payslips from our employer, and other proof na financially capable ka din and most importantly, it proves deep rootedness as well.

Sponsorship Letter which should state the fact that he/ she is inviting you to come   over, your relationship with each other, and that he/ she is willing to sponsor you during your trip. Of course, it needs to have documentary proof. 

Original Affidavit of Support , legalized by the Italian municipality where the sponsor is registered 

The sponsor’s copies of: passport including the biodata page and travel history   (passport stamps) and Resident ID card

Recent proof of income of the sponsor   (3 last months’ salary slips, etc.)

If your sponsor is from Italy, make sure to request: Proof of Sponsorship called Dichiarazione Garanzia Eo Alloggio (in Italian) you can download it here- https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/Moduli/it/DICHIARAZIONEALLOGGIOGARANZIA.PDF

To know more about additional requirements that you would need from your sponsor, check out my YouTube video:   https://youtu.be/SEad8VHVkLk

9.  Proof of Civil Status  – Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate of the spouse, etc. These documents must be issued on security paper (SECPA) by the Philippine Statistics Authority, see   http://www.psaserbilis.com.ph . 

Note:  The birth certificate does not need to be authenticated by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

10.  Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines  – Evidence of deep-rootedness a.k.a. strong family and social ties to your home country, is  one of the most critical requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa . It is what the Consul will look for in your visa application. So how do you prove that you are firmly established in the Philippines and that you will go back to your home country?

• Employment or Work contract and bank account statements or payslips showing the transfer of your last six-monthly salaries 
• Certificate of Employment which should include the employer’s full name, complete address, telephone number with area code, details regarding the position, income, and employment duration
• Approved letter of approved leave signed by your employer (Leave of Absence letter)
• Optional: Signed No Objection Certificate which states that your employer has no objection for you to travel to Italy and that they have approved your leave request
• Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR) 
• Optional Supporting Documents: › Government Mandated Contributions – SSS, Pag-ibig, Philhealth Contributions › If with existing loan – SSS Loan or Pag-ibig Salary loan
• DTI Business Name Registration Certificate
• Barangay Business Clearance
• Mayor’s Business Permit from your Municipality where the business address has been registered
• Business activity of your company for the last 6 months – invoices and bank transactions
• Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR)
• Pension statement for the last 6 months
• Retirement Certification
• For Solo parents: › A copy of your birth certificate- PSA Authenticated › A copy of your child/children’s birth certificate- PSA Authenticated › Solo parent ID › Barangay Certification as Solo parent › Notarized Affidavit of Solo Parent with Undertaking › Money remittances to support your dependents
• For those who are supporting or watching over the health/well-being of the family: › A copy of my parent’s birth certificates- PSA Authenticated › If parents are already Senior Citizens: a copy of their Senior Citizen ID and Barangay Certification as Senior Citizens › If parents have sickness/ illness: Medical history of parents (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
• Affidavit of Support by parents or Legal Guardian with their proof of means
• Proof of Enrollment and certificate of leave of absence

DSWD Travel Clearance

Helpful tips: Additional document requirements for a minor :  https://youtu.be/aVUq5nbmQig

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Italian Schengen Visa

STEP 1:  Determine whether you will apply for a TOURIST VISA or a VISIT VISA by going to this link   and have a look at the checklist of requirements to gather all the documents that you need to submit. Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category. 

Note : Once you have completed all your documents based on the checklist, make sure to secure another copy for each document. 

• VIA Center Makati Address: 3rd Flr Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines
• VIA Center Cebu Address: 1004, Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

STEP 4:   Show up on your appointment date at and bring all your documents as well as a photocopy of each . They will then collect your documents as well as your Passport, get your biometrics, and collect the Visa Fee.

STEP 5:  Wait for the result and collect your passport.  You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection from the visa center where you applied.

Quick Facts

• Validity of Visa : Short-stay Schengen visas allow people to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days every six-month period
• Processing time: The average processing time is 2 weeks, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where visa staff work on a skeletal schedule, it may take between 2 to 4 weeks.
• Where to lodge your application:
• VIA Center Makati Address 3rd Flr Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines 
• VIA Center Cebu Address 1004, Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
• Address: 5/F Tower B, One Campus Place, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
• Contact Number: 0063 (0)2 8892 4531-4
• E-mail Address: [email protected]
• Website: ambmanila.esteri.it
• Above 12 years old:  PHP 4,510 (80 Euro)
• 6 to 11 years:  PHP 2,260 (40 Euro)
• Children under 6 years: Free of charge
• Additional Visa processing and biometric fee: Php 1,350  per applicant (inclusive of return courier & all applicable taxes)

Recap and Tips

So, just  a quick recap and a reminder , please don’t forget these TIPS: 

Helpful tips: You can also watch my Vlog about how to apply for Italy Tourist Visa on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Go3oXCI6Bw

So, that’s it! I hope that I was able to guide you on how to apply for an Italy Schengen Visa with your Philippine Passport. If you ever need help, you can avail my   visa application bundle ,  and I will be glad to help you through the process!

One thought on “ ITALY TOURIST VISA FOR PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDERS ”

I have been watching you vlogs on youtube. In fact I only referenced your videos when I applied for my first Schengen Visa for Italy. Unfortunately, it was denied as I had no sufficient means of subsistence and proof of ties here in the Philippines. I was invited by my Italian partner (we are gays – unmarried) in December 2022 and he promised to cover all of my travel expenses which the documents I submitted from him were enough. I did not file for an appeal as I know I still have to improve my situation.

These the are the plans that I have for this year before I will apply for another short-term visa in June or July 2023.

1. I am saving money with a targeted amount of Php 177,000.00. 2. I acquired an apartment unit. Someone pawned it to me for 2 years. I have the contract that I am the owner of this unit for a period of 2 years. Currently, this apartment is rented by somebody. 3. I will acquire another property in March 2023. It’s a farm land over a hectare. This property will be pawned to me for 5 years. 4. I have a job and I will try to get an approved leaves 5. I will travel to Thailand in April just to get a passport stamp.

Please let me know if with the plans I have, will I have a higher chance to get a Schengen Visa approved? I just want to be reunited with my partner.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA WITH PHILIPPINES PASSPORT [Updated 2022]

[SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION: EUROPE ITALIAN VISA FOR FILIPINOS]

For most, Europe is an absolute bucket list destination. With its rich history, charming towns, impressive architecture, varying landscapes, and ease of transport – it’s a destination that offers so much. No wonder it’s a dream for many!

For Philippines passport holders like me, it can be a bit of work to turn this dream into reality. It takes a lot of effort, but it’s definitely doable and not to mention absolutely worth it!

If you’re planning to apply for a Schengen (Italian) tourist visa with a Philippines passport but have no idea where to start, you came to the right place. This article is helpful for those applying under the following categories: tourist visa, visit visa, employed, self-employed, students, freelancers, honeymooners, etc.

Below is my 5-step guide on how a Filipino citizen can apply for a Schengen visa. Let’s jump right to it.

[DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional travel agent and in no way affiliated with Schengen visa processing agencies. What I’ll share are guidelines and tips that worked for me. Applying for a visa is on a case-to-case basis, so nothing will ever guarantee your approval. My best piece of advice? Honesty is the best policy, always.]

About Schengen Visa

Having a Schengen visa lets you travel to 26 European countries with no border control, making it the largest free travel area in the world. It’s a short-stay visa that allows a tourist to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days per stay.

A holder of the Schengen visa can travel to the following 26 European countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Polan, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

It’s a powerful visa that lets you travel to the most beautiful destinations in the world, so it’s understandable that this is one of the most sought visas among Philippines passport holders.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: identify the type of visa.

There are different types of Schengen visas, varying according to purpose and number of entries.

Generally, short-stay visas are those issued by visa service providers – embassies, consulates, and appointed external providers. It allows the holder to stay or travel freely within the Schengen territory for less than 90 days over a 180-day period.

Tourist Visa

This guide is for those applying for a tourist and visit visa (both under the category of short stay visa), either single or multiple entry.

A tourist visa is for tourism or holiday purposes, while a visit visa allows you to visit family or friends living in the Schengen territory.

The basic requirements needed across all short-stay visa types are more or less the same – cover letter, financial means, occupation etc.

Even if you’re applying for a tourist or visit visa, make sure to read on!

Single VS Multiple

Single-entry means you can enter the Schengen territory only once. If you leave, your visa will no longer be valid even if the validity period is not yet over. In short, any exit is final.

A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and leave as many times as they want, within the validity period given.

Note that I mentioned Schengen “territory” and not “country”. It’s a common misconception that with a single-entry visa, you can only enter a country once and cannot go back after.

The Schengen area has no internal borders so having a single-entry means you are free to leave and re-enter a country as long as it’s within the territory

For first-time applicants, it’s ideal to apply for a single-entry visa if you have no intention of going outside the territory and traveling back. In my case, I applied for a single-entry visa but I was approved for a multiple-entry the first time.

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT EMBASSY TO SUBMIT A VISA APPLICATION

Applicants should choose the embassy if: (according to priority)

• The country is the sole country of destination
• In case your trip includes multiple Schengen countries, choose the main destination in terms of length or purpose of stay
• In case no main destination can be determined, choose the country where you’ll enter the Schengen territory

Your choice of embassy should reflect on the documents that you submitted: your flight reservations, the accommodations you booked, your itinerary etc.

In my case, I flew in and out of Milan and I also spent most of my days traveling within Italy. I submitted a paid roundtrip ticket to Milan. The detailed itinerary and activities that I created mainly cover Italy.

STEP 3: SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE (VIA Center or VFS Global)

Two agencies handle the Schengen visa processing in the Philippines: VIA Center and VFS Global.

VIA Center only process the Italian visa. VFS Global process the rest of the countries within the Schengen state. My experience was with VIA Center.

Applying with VIA Center

VIA Center contact: 02.85720235 / 02.85720238 / 09998896021 / 09175763103

With VIA Center, you can only book an appointment by calling their lines and speaking with a representative. I called their hotlines and the officer asked for the following details, so make sure to keep them handy:

• Contact: number and email
• Passport details: passport #, birthday, date of issue and validity date
• Countries/cities you’ll visit
• Travel dates
• [Group Appointment] Travel companion/s – if applicable, be ready with their contact and passport details as well
• Your preferred date for visa application

After this, I received an email that contains the following:

• Appointment confirmation with reference number
• List of required documents to submit
• Schengen application form – print the form and fill out
• Two pdf files of family/friends visit visa checklist – even though you’re applying for a tourist visa, make sure to print these two files and submit during your appointment, this will serve as the consulate’s checklist for the documents you submitted.

Applying with VFS Global

VFS Global’s website is straightforward and provides a step-by-step info on how to apply for a certain country. To start your application, go to VFS Global – select which country you’re applying from and the country of destination.

On the new web page, you should be able to do the the following:

• Register for an online account (linked to the country of your choice) where you will be guided through the whole process by on-screen explanations
• Log-in to your VFS account, and click ‘Start New Booking’
• Application Details: ‘Manila Center’, ‘Short Stay’, ‘Tourist/Visit’
• Your Details
• Book Appointment: enter your preferred slot
• Services: pick out an additional service you prefer
• Review and Pay

When your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an Appointment Confirmation email along with the letter of your appointment, which you need to print and bring with you on your application date.

If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group. 

Make sure that at this point, you have at least started drafting a rough itinerary and preparing your documents. Make sure that you have enough time to complete your requirements until your application date.

STEP 4: PREPARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

I listed below everything that I submitted to the embassy. It may sound overwhelming for first-time applicants so I wrote a separate guide explaining each item off the list. Check out my comprehensive Schengen visa requirements guide.

The Wknd Travel

Making weekends count

Tuesday Tips for Filipinos / Philippine Passport Holders: Do-It-Yourself SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA Application with VIA ITALY [now VFS]

Hey, long time no Tuesday tips ! Yes, it’s back! I shared in my 2022 wrap-up that my friends & I flew to Europe for 3.5 weeks & explored Paris in France, Rome, Florence & Milan in Italy & Barcelona in Spain. We stayed longer in Italy so we applied for our visas from the Italian Embassy here in the Philippines. Today’s Tuesday Tips post will discuss how to apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa by yourself with VIA Center Italy. [ 2024 UPDATE – The Italian Embassy in the Philippines has changed their visa processing provider to VFS Philippines . More details below.]

In case you missed it, I’ve been to Europe in 2019 for an 18-day DIY trip & spent less than ₱120,00 all in . Crazy, right? I got my 1 st ever Schengen Tourist Visa from the Dutch Embassy through VFS & I did the whole application & submission process by myself. Check out this Tuesday Tips post to know more about the previous tourist visa application .

As someone who wants to avoid ridiculous travel agency handling fees, I always try to apply for tourist visas by myself. Applying for a tourist visa can be both exciting & daunting. I take these visa application procedures as a challenge to my backpacker self & I find it rewarding when I get a favorable application result. This Schengen visa application wasn’t any different. I prepared the required documents, itinerary, accommodation bookings, etc. for weeks; I’m glad I got my visa granted.

A quick reminder – you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa to the embassy of the country you’re first entering to if the number of days of stay in all countries to visit are the same (example – 4 days in Netherlands, 4 days in Belgium, 4 days in France & 4 days in Italy) or to the embassy of the country where you’re staying the longest (example – this trip where we stayed in Italy for 13 days, 5 days in France & 5 days in Spain) during the trip. Now you might be wondering how I did it; here’s how.

[ 2024 UPDATE – The Italian Embassy in Manila has changed their visa processing provider to VFS as of late last year. In fact, in December 2023, the embassy opened their visa processing center at Ground Floor, One Campus Place, Building A, McKinley Town Center, McKinly Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila . The embassy also opened visa application centers in Cebu ( Unit 1001C & 1004B, 10th Floor, Kepwealth Center, Samar Loop, cor Cardinal Rosales Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu ), Batangas ( Unit F01, Block J, Ground Floor, The Outlets at Lipa, LIMA Technology Center, Barangay Bugtong na Pulo, JP Laurel Highway, Lipa City, Batangas 4217 ), and Davao ( FES 07, Second Floor, Alfresco Area, Felcris Centrale, Brgy., 40-D Quimpo Blvd, Davao City, 8000 ).]

Step 1 – Set an Appointment

[ 2024 UPDATE – Appointments are now made online via the VFS portal . First, you need to create an account at the VFS Portal . After that, please choose your preferred appointment schedule and time. If I remember it right and am not sure if it has changed, VFS opens visa appointment slots at least a month before.]

The Embassy of Italy in the Philippines has authorized VIA Center to act as the middleman in all visa-related services for the country. All Schengen visa applications & document requirements are submitted to & released by VIA Center for the embassy. Unlike VFS, the VIA Center in Makati City & Cebu City only accept visa appointment schedules via phone call. Here are the contact numbers of the said offices:

VIA Center Makati –Landline: +632 8572 0235 / +632 8572 0238 | Globe: +63 917 576 3103 | Smart: +63 999 889 6021

VIA Center Cebu – Landline: +6332 412 7447 | Globe: +63 945 394 1606

The hotlines are open on regular working days from 8:00am to 4:30pm. These hotlines are busy throughout the day. Please do not give up on your first try. Also, please get ready with the following details which will be asked by the agent when setting the appointment: Full Name of the Applicant, Passport Number, Contact Number & E-mail Address.

After setting the appointment, the customer service agent you spoke to will send a confirmation e-mail including the appointment details, appointment reference number, application form, list of necessary documents to submit & all other details needed for the application.

TIP : Schengen tourist visa applications are accepted as early as 6 months before the intended trip dates. To be safe, I suggest that you schedule your visa application with VIA Center at least 2-3 months before your planned departure date.

Step 2 – Book Necessary Accommodations & Travel Insurance

Schengen visa applications need confirmed accommodation bookings. They ask for the details of your accommodation (name of hotel or hostel, address & contact details) during your stay in Europe. Make sure to book accommodation right before you start with the application form.

TIP : Book your accommodation with Agoda & Booking.com & choose those with free cancellation options. You can always cancel these bookings after & choose your accommodation of choice once you get your visa. I booked all my accommodation with these 2 websites & I didn’t have any trouble during the application process.

Tourist visa applications also require travel insurance coverage for all people travelling to Europe. Applicants must secure travel insurance that will cover the trip (+15 days of allowance beyond travel period specific to Italy Visa applications only), that can cover up to €30,000 in expenses valid within the Schengen zone & that allows cashless settlement of claims. The center includes the list of accredited insurance companies in the visa appointment e-mail confirmation.

I got my travel insurance for this trip from Mapfre Insurance Philippines . I got their Schengen Completo Plan that covers claims up to €35,000. I paid ₱1,969.43 for the whole trip coverage & including the additional 15-day allowance required by the Italian Embassy.

ANOTHER TIP : You can easily purchase this travel insurance from Mapfre Insurance’ official website. Let me know if you want to avail this through an agent. I can share with you the name of the agent I dealt with; I initially got errors when I tried to purchase it online.

Step 3 – Prepare the Required Documents

After booking your trip accommodation & buying your travel insurance, the next step is to complete the list of requirements needed for the application. Here is the list of the documents I submitted. Please take note that these documents need to be in A4 or long size paper & need to be photocopied.

Accomplished Application Form – I will discuss this in the next step.

Photo – The colored photo can either be 2×2 inch or passport-sized. Also, the photo must be taken within the last 6 months & must have a white background.

Current Passport – Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel. It must also have at least 2 blank pages.

Old & Expired Passports – They ask for the old & expired passports of the applicant.

Photocopy of Passport Bio Page – One copy is enough.

Photocopy of All Passport Stamps & Visas – I submitted a copy of all my passport stamps & visas from both my current & previous passports. Please also include the bio & last pages of previous passports.

Bank Certificate & Statement – I submitted both my bank certificate & bank statement for the last six months. These bank documents must be original.

Credit Card Statements – I submitted only a month statement of all my credit cards. This is just a supplementary document.

Proof of Social Security Contributions – I copied & printed the recorded contributions from my online SSS account.

Certificate of Employment & Certificate of No Objection – I submitted my certificate of employment detailing my position, length of employment & my salary. Our company HR officer also gave me a certificate of no objection where it stated that my employer knows this trip & they are not objecting against the trip. It also stated when I am on leave from work & when they expect me to report back to work.

Income Tax Return – I submitted a copy of my 2021 BIR-stamped income tax return.

Proof of Airline Reservation – The Embassy requires proof of airline reservation for the application. Unlike my 2019 Schengen Visa application, I only provided a proof of reservation & booked my ticket with Emirates after I got my tourist visa. I got my proof of airline reservation from GVCA Travel & Tours . Feel free to message them to ask for their services.

Proof of Accommodation – I submitted all the accommodation bookings I had for the trip. Make sure that all details (including the dates) are consistent with that from the application form.

Cover Letter – A cover letter is not required but is highly encouraged. I still submitted a cover letter detailing the purpose of my trip as well as how long I will in the Schengen territory.

Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary – I submitted a dummy day-to-day itinerary for my trip. It should include where you’ll stay on the specific date & the contact details of these accommodations. Make sure that the details are the same & consistent with that from the application form.

NSO Birth Certificate – The Embassy requires each applicant to submit a PSA-certified birth certificate.

Travel Insurance – I submitted a copy of the travel insurance I got from Mapfre Insurance Philippines.

NOTE : Certain types of applicants such as minors, those invited by relatives, business owners, self-employed individuals & foreigners may have additional requirements. Feel free to reach out to VIA Center to know more about these additional requirements.

TIP : Arrange these documents according to the order mentioned in the confirmation e-mail. The person who will check your documents may or may not get the photocopies. In my case, they got the old & current passports, the original copies of the following: application form, current passport bio page, bank certificates & the certificate of employment, plus the photocopies of the other documents. On the other hand, my friend told me that the visa center agent got all the original copies of the documents & gave back all the photocopies.

ANOTHER TIP :  You can submit as many financial documents as you can so show your strong ties here in the Philippines. In my case, I submitted statements of all my 4 credit cards, copies of my 2 life insurance policies & 2 certificates of my current stock investment accounts. The agents won’t prohibit you from submitting all these documents.

ANOTHER TIP v2 : Make sure your transfers between countries are either booked or indicated in the daily itineraries. I submitted my flight tickets from Paris to Rome & Milan to Barcelona. I also indicated in the itinerary that I will take the bus between cities

Step 4 – Accomplish the Application Form

Fill out the application electronically & print it on an A4-sized paper. You can also print the application form & fill it out manually. The second option is prone to errors, so best to go with the first one. Make sure that all details in your requirements & itinerary are consistent with the one in the application form.

TIP : Fill out each question or option slowly & surely to avoid errors.

Step 5 – Go to VIA Center on Your Scheduled Appointment

[ 2024 UPDATE – The Italian Embassy in Manila has opened four visa application centers in the country. Here are the updated locations:

VFS Visa Application Center – Taguig Ground Floor, One Campus Place, Building A McKinley Town Center, McKinley Hill Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Metro Manila 1634

VFS VFS Visa Application Center – Cebu Unit 1001C & 1004B, 10th Floor, Kepwealth Center Samar Loop, corner Cardinal Rosales Ave Cebu City, Cebu 6000

VFS Visa Application Center – Batangas Unit F01, Block J, Ground Floor, The Outlets at Lipa LIMA Technology Center, Barangay Bugtong na Pulo JP Laurel Highway, Lipa City, Batangas 4217

VFS Visa Application Center – Davao FES 07, Second Floor, Alfresco Area Felcris Centrale, Barangay 40-D, Quimpo Blvd Davao City 8000

Please make sure to choose the visa center near you.]

Head to the VIA Center on your scheduled appointment date. The VIA Center Makati City & Cebu City addresses are as follows:

VIA Center Makati 3rd Floor Allegro Center, 2284 Chino Roces Ave Brgy Magallanes, Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines 2284

VIA Center Cebu 1004, Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Ave Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City Cebu, Philippines 6000

I arrived at VIA Center Makati a few minutes past 9:00am & the guard had already allowed me to go inside. All applicants fall in line outside the visa center. The guards only allow 2 people at a time. Upon entering the VIA Center premises, someone checked my appointment schedule & documents. After checking, I was given a queue number & was asked to go inside the document submission room.

TIP : You may arrive at the visa center even before your scheduled appointment. The guard may allow you to queue early if there are not a lot of applicants.

Step 6 – Submit Your Documents & Biometrics

Head to the designated counter or desk once your number is called. The agent will check your application form, documents & all other details. Once done, he/she will ask you to seat down & wait for your turn in the biometrics section.

TIP : The agent might ask questions relating to your application or your trip.  He/she will also confirm your departure date & confirm the mode of claiming the passport – whether by pick-up or courier delivery. Please answer them truthfully.

ANOTHER TIP : Bring a pen with you because he/she might ask you to sign or write something.

ANOTHER TIP v2 : Make sure your documents are organized in the order that the confirmation e-mail indicates. This helps the agent check your documents faster. In my case, the agent assigned to me was happy & impressed with my documents. She gladly accepted all the papers & made sure everything went smoothly.

Proceed to the biometrics section once your name is called. The agent will ask for all of your fingerprints. He/she will give you a slip which you will then use when paying for the visa fee.

Step 7 – Pay the Visa Fee

[ 2024 UPDATE – The Embassy has changed providers to VFS Philippines. Here are the updated fees as of 23 January 2024: visa fee costs ₱4,821 (€80) & VFS handling fee costs ₱1,688.]

After your turn in the biometrics section, you may now proceed to counter 17 to pay for the visa fees. At the time of the application, the visa fees cost ₱5,844 . The visa application fee costs ₱4,494 (€80) while the visa handling fee costs ₱1,350 per applicant. The fees already include the courier service fee for those who opted to get their passport results via courier. Once done, you may now leave VIA Center.

TIP : VIA Center only accepts payments in cash. Pay in exact amount for faster transaction.

ANOTHER TIP : Visa application fees change every quarter. Please refer to your appointment confirmation e-mail for the updated visa fees.

Step 8 – Claim Your Passport / Wait for Passport Delivery

[ 2024 UPDATE – Notifications are now sent by VFS via email. You may also receive a text message if your passport is now ready to be claimed. Applications can now check the status of their application here by putting their reference number and last name.]

The waiting game begins. The Embassy of Italy here in the Philippines’ standard visa processing time is 15-30 days. Those who opted to claim their passports will get a text message from VIA Center once your passports are ready for pick-up. Those who availed the courier service will get a notification from the courier once the passports are out for delivery.

The visa assessment timeframe per applicant varies. I got a text message from VIA Center 16 days after I submitted my application. My friends took nearly a month before they got their passports back. I asked my sister to pick-up my passport (complete with the necessary authorization letter & IDs) & voila, I was told that I was granted a multiple entry visa valid for 25 days.

Do you have any questions about the visa requirements or the process with VIA Center? Feel free to contact them in the details below:

E-mail Address for both offices: [email protected]

[ 2024 UPDATE – The Embassy of Italy has changed their visa processing provider to VFS as of last December 2023. Here are the updated contact numbers of the new visa processing center.

Contact Number: +632 8528 2520

Email Address: [email protected]

These hotlines are open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.]

I got super happy & excited when I found out that I was given another Schengen visa. I got a favorable result & everything paid off in the end. I don’t mind doing it again in the future.

Have you applied for a Schengen visa on your own? Which embassy / application center did you go to? How was the application process? Are you applying for a visa soon? Do you have any questions about the application process or requirements? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. I will try to answer them as soon as I can. If you’re shy, feel free to send your questions & clarifications via email to [email protected] .

Thanks for reading today’s Tuesday Tips post. Watch out for my Europe 2022 blog posts coming soon! Before you go, can you visit my social media channels – Facebook  &  Instagram  – and like or follow them? Thank you & see you in the next one!

PS.  Photos were taken using my  OnePlus 9 Pro .

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BI: Tighter visa rules for Chinese tourists to also help ensure national security

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday that tightening the visa requirements for Chinese tourists would also help the Philippines protect national security, considering the illegal activities involving Chinese nationals.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval explained that while tourism is very important to the Philippine economy, the government also needs to implement stricter measures to protect public interest.

“We also have to look into the national security issue, the safety of the country. Kung merong mga ilegal na ginagawa [if there are illegal activities], I think it’s also important to have strict measures kung may nakikita na tayo na kakaibang nangyayari [if we see anything different happening] or mga activities that are probably inimical to national security or public interest,” she said.

Sandoval made the remark in reaction to the statement of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could “ discourage tourism and hurt businesses.”

She said that the BI has always been strict in inspecting arriving foreign nationals, particularly those involved in illegal activities.

Several Chinese nationals have reportedly been involved in organized crimes such as human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and fraud. Some of them were also linked illegally working for a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

This prompted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to tighten the Philippines’ visa requirements for Chinese tourists amid a high number of fraudulent applications received in its embassy and consulates in China.

The DFA, however, ruled out ongoing tensions with China in disputed areas in the South China Sea as the reason for imposing more stringent visa measures for Chinese visitors.

Sandoval welcomed this development, saying it would add a layer of security in the Bureau of Immigration’s assessment of foreign nationals entering the Philippines.

“Nakikita natin na malaking bagay ang karagdagang paghihigpit ng DFA doon sa pag-iisyu ng visa [the DFA's tighter restrictions on visa issuance as a big thing]. It’s really an added layer of security in assessing arriving, incoming passengers,” she said.

In assessing incoming foreign nationals, Sandoval said that the BI generally checks their documents, demeanor, and statements. If they see anything doubtful, she said the foreign nationals are sent out of the Philippines.

Last year, she said around 3,300 foreign nationals were denied entry to the country due to doubtful purposes of travel. —KG, GMA Integrated News