I’ve been receiving a lot of messages in the Schengen Visa Facebook group I’m part of, asking about my Schengen visa application to the Czech Republic through VFS. So, I thought I’d post this here to reach more Filipinos like me who are planning to apply for a Schengen visa and want to know how to successfully navigate the process. This isn’t my first time—I’ve successfully obtained my Schengen visa from both the Netherlands and Germany embassies, and their processes are almost the same. This time around, I applied for a one-year visa through the Czech Republic Embassy. Here are some tips and things I did to get that one-year visa.
Visa Type: Short Stay / Tourism
For context, this visa is for short-term tourism, allowing the holder to explore the Czech Republic and visit other Schengen-area countries during the validity of the visa.
My Schengen Visa Application Timeline
September 19 2024: Submission of Documents
I went to the VFS Global center in Manila, where I submitted my documents. There was a minor hiccup, though: I had initially filled out the application form for The Netherlands Embassy, not realizing that there were small differences in the forms across Schengen countries. I had to redo the form on the spot (and yes, my handwriting is far from perfect). But that’s okay—VFS was very understanding, and I quickly fixed the mistake.
In the afternoon, I received an email from VFS confirming that they had forwarded my application to the Czech Republic Embassy in Makati City.
September 24 2024: Updates from VFS
By the morning, I got another email from VFS letting me know that the Czech Embassy had processed my application and forwarded it back to VFS. Later in the afternoon, I got a second email saying that my passport was ready for dispatch.
September 25 2024: Visa Approved!
The very next day, I received my passport back via LBC (you can either pick up your passport in person for free or have it delivered via courier for a fee), and with it, a Schengen visa valid for one year! I honestly wasn’t sure if they’d approve my request for a one-year visa, but they did—and I couldn’t be happier.
Documents I Submitted for My Application
I want to share the full list of documents I submitted to help other applicants. Here’s what you’ll need for a Schengen visa application via VFS for the Czech Republic:
Completed Application Form (make sure it’s the correct form for your embassy!)
Cover Letter – I specifically requested a one-year visa in my letter.
Day-to-Day Itinerary – Detailed travel plans for my trip.
Flight Reservation – Proof of flight booking (doesn’t have to be a fully paid ticket).
Travel Insurance – Must cover the entire Schengen zone for the duration of your stay.
Photocopies of Passport Stamps – Including past Schengen visas (weirdly, VFS asked for these copies even though they were in my current passport).
Certificate of Employment – To show proof of stable employment.
Leave of Absence Certificate – Proof that I’m on approved leave for my travel.
Income Tax Return (ITR) – For the year 2023.
Payslips – I submitted payslips for the last six months.
Bank Certificate – From my savings account.
2 Bank Statements – One from my savings account and one from my payroll account (from October 2023 to July 2024).
Credit Card Details – Photocopy of the credit card page showing the credit limit for the last six months.
SSS Member’s Data Page – This was downloaded from the SSS website.
Life Insurance Policy Page – Also downloaded online.
Maxicare Coverage – Not sure if it made a difference, but I included it anyway.
Photocopy of Birth Certificate – Standard requirement for ID verification.
It’s worth noting that the VFS staff requested photocopies of some of these documents, even though they were already in my passport. They were also very thorough in checking everything.
My Thoughts and Tips for Fellow Applicants
To be quite honest, I was confident about getting my application approved, but I wasn’t sure if I’d get the one-year validity I requested. So, I was really relieved and happy that they granted my request.
My advice for anyone applying is to double-check—or even triple-check—each form and document before submitting them. If possible, have someone else double-check them for you as well. Every detail counts. I believe that consistency and accuracy are key here.
To anyone waiting for updates or still in the process of applying: Sending you all positive vibes! 🍀✨ Stay confident, stay organized, and most importantly, don’t lose hope!
