Tourist Visa in Germany From Philippines

My most recent Schengen visa (2022) was applied through the German Embassy. I was actually a bit nervous about this one as I heard that Germany is one of the countries where Schengen visa is harder to get.

Even with three previous Schengen visas, I was still a bit nervous (thanks to many immigration officers across the world who contributed to this trauma). However, I knew getting a visa from Germany would help strengthen my passport.

To my surprise, it was easier than ANY of the Schengen visas I had applied for before. It’s also the fastest one. In just two working days, I received a message that my passport was ready to be picked up.

In this article on A tourist visa in Germany from Philippines, I will walk you through everything you need to know, such as cost, process, requirements, and tips to enhance your chance of getting approved.

BASIC INFORMATION ON TOURIST VISA IN GERMANY FOR FILIPINOS

Before you fill out a form or make any travel arrangements, you should get some more ideas on the process of getting and applying for a tourist visa in Germany for Filipinos.

The next section will address many important topics, such as difficulty, cost, processing times, and more. Then, after that, I will show you the list of requirements, and we’ll finally discuss the steps to take to send your application.

ALSO READ: General guide on Schengen visa application for Filipinos or apply through Lithuania consulate in the Philippines

Visa difficulty

Because of my personal experience in 2022, I’m giving Germany a 5 out of 10 in terms of visa difficulty. I would say that if it’s your first time applying for a Schengen visa, Germany might still come out to be a challenging one.

But if you had Schengen visas from other countries prior to this, then Germany might give you an easier time.

In 2023, SchengenVisa.com claimed that Germany has one of the highest approval rates for Schengen visas. This was a big surprise for me. I’ve been travelling since 2013, and Germany has always been known to have a strict policy when it comes to visas and tourism.

Regardless, this is good news. According to SchengenVisa.com, Germany is also a great place to submit your visa application if you’re looking for a multiple entries.

Multiple entries means you can enter in and out of the Schengen more than once. Let’s say you plan to enter through Germany, then go to Romania, and finally enter back to Germany to catch your flight home.

Since Romania is not part of the Schengen Area, going there and entering back to Germany or other Schengen countries, you need a multiple entry visa.

The thing is, you won’t actually find out if your visa was approved until you receive your passport.

How much does German tourist visa cost

Just like any Schengen visa, the cost for applying at a German Embassy is the same. For adult, it’s €80 (4,900 PHP), children between 6 to 12 is €40 (2,400 PHP), children below 6 is free.

The price doesn’t change whether you’re applying for seven days or a maximum of 90 days. However, I honestly don’t recommend you seek the 90 days especially if it’s your first-time applying for a Schengen visa.

The most realistic as a tourist is 2 to 4 weeks. The higher the number of days you apply for, the higher of risk in getting a denied visa.

How long does German tourist visa take to process

According to the official website of the German Embassy, it takes them 14 calendar days (meaning including weekends and holidays). But you should also keep in mind that the counting starts when the embassy receives your documents from the VFS.

I submitted my documents at VFS on a Friday. By Tuesday, I received a text from VFS that my passport was ready to be picked up. Depending on the workload, it could be as fast as that, or it could take up to 14 days.

Where to apply for a German tourist visa visa

You will have to fill out the form online at the German Embassy’s website and then submit all your documents at the VFS office in Makati.

Once your passport is processed at the embassy, they will send it back to VFS, and then VFS will either send it via a courier or wait for you to pick it up from their office.

How soon can I apply for a German tourist visa

You can send your application for a tourist visa in Germany from Philippines as early as 6 months before your intended travel date.

Let’s say you plan to leave the Philippines on July 1 from Manila. This means that you can apply as early as January 1.

On the other hand, you must send in your application no later than 14 days. So, for a travel date of July 1, you must apply by June 15 and no later than that. Submitting a bit later can really affect your travel plans.

REQUIREMENTS FOR TOURIST VISA IN GERMANY FROM PHILIPPINES

What you need to prepare to apply for a tourist visa from Germany is not much different from any other Schengen visa except for one. It’s important that you buy travel insurance from approved German insurance companies.

Here’s a list of approved Schengen insurance by the German Embassy in Manila. Together with that, you must also prepare the following documents:

• a valid passport (must be valid longer than 6 months from your intended travel date)
• printed copy of the online application form
• 2 identical passport photos (1.37 x 1.77 in /3.5 x 4.5 cm, no more than 6 months old)
• visa fee of €80 (approx PHP 4,800, bring about 6K and best to bring both cash and bank card for payment)
• bank certificate (certified by the bank)
• bank statement (last six months, you can just print this yourself)
• travel history (photocopy of your previous Schengen visa, if there’s any)
• work ID (if applicable)
• work certificate (plus proof that you were approved by your company to take leave from work) (if applicable)
• pay slip from your work (the last six months)
• ITR (if applicable)
• business registration (if applicable)
• land titles or other real state assets (photocopy)
• Ausländerbehörde (if being sponsored financially by someone living in Germany)
• invitation letter (if it has a sponsor)
• travel insurance
• day-to-day itinerary (better if handwritten)
• hotel reservations (all “nights” must correspond with a hotel reservation)
• cover letter (explain about your trip. If it is your first time visiting Germany, explain your strong ties to the Philippines, such as the reason why you need to come back to the Philippines, e.g your business, school, work, etc)

• school registration (if student)
• school ID (if student)
• PSA death certificate (if one or both parents are deceased, applicable to minors only)
• divorce or annulment court order (if only one parent has sole custody, applicable to minors only)
• DSWD letter (proof that you can bring your minor child/ren abroad with approval from your spouse)
• PSA birth certificate (for minors only)

Precovid times, a reservation of flight is required for a Schengen visa. But it seems like it’s no longer being required by the German Embassy as per their official list of requirements. If you’re feeling unsure, you can contact them for questions.

It’s most likely that the embassy will only ask for one copy of everything. But to be safe, take a photo of all the documents.

If your passport photos are not approved, you can get your photo taken there for an extra fee. You can find more information on the official German Embassy website.

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE PRINTED IN AN A4 PAPER.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON APPLYING FOR A TOURIST VISA IN GERMANY FOR FILIPINOS

VFS is the official third-party handler for Schengen visas for the German Embassy in Manila.

1. Fill out the online form with your personal details and travel plans. Double-check all the information to ensure it’s all correct before submitting. Save the barcode/application number. Make sure to use a valid and active email address.
2. Print the application form on an A4 paper size.
3. Book an appointment on the VFS website (click “book now). Create an account if you don’t have one.
4. Make sure that you select the correct country you’re applying to, in this case – the German Embassy in Manila.
5. Some fees might be required to pay online in advance (e.g. VFS fee, courier fee, passport photo fee), while others will be paid on the day of your interview (e.g. visa fee),
6. Prepare all your documents before your appointment date.
7. Show up on your appointment (here’s the Google Maps address). The VFS office will allow you to enter at least 15 minutes in advance before your time slot. Senior citizens might be allowed to enter earlier. If not, ask for the senior citizen/PWD/pregnant women waiting for area. Dress smart casual (covered shoulders, shoes, pants, or a skirt below your knees).
8. You can bring a bag and your mobile phone, but you will have to deposit the bigger bag in the “locker area” for a fee (after you enter the building). You’re only allowed to bring documents and a pen inside the actual office). I remember being allowed to bring my mobile phone with me, but this could have changed, either way, you can put it in the locker area.
9. Find the room for Germany; you will be given a queue number and courier slip to fill out (use a valid and active phone number if you want your passport to be delivered – you can also opt for passport pickup from VFS).
10. There are three steps inside: 1) Checking all your documents. 2) Your name or number will be called, and the documents and payment will be collected. 3) Your biometrics will be collected (a digital photo and fingerprints).
11. You will be given a receipt of receiving your documents and a courier slip.
12. If you’re picking up your passport, you will receive an email and a text when your passport is ready to pick up.
13. You won’t know the result until you receive your passport back.
14. The embassy or VFS might contact you if more documents are needed.
15. The process will take a maximum of 14 business days.

FAQ

• Do I need to book a flight for the visa application?
  • This is true before, but it looks like it’s no longer needed. Only the hotel reservations are now required to be submitted.
• Do I need to dress formal?
  • Not really, as long as you are covering your shoulders and knees and wearing closed shoes, you’re fine.
• Can I wear makeup?
  • A light makeup is fine.
• What if I’m running late for my appointment?
  • The guard at the building might not have the power to refuse you. So, you will be let in and see if the “Germany office” will allow you to enter the room/office.
• Can I pay with a bank card at VFS?
  • I remember paying with cash, but it is best to bring both cash and bank cards.
• What is the VFS address?
  • M01 Mezzanine Floor, Eco plaza Building, Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Manila, Manila, 1231, Philippines

FINAL TIPS

Applying for a tourist visa in Germany from Philippines is not too complicated. Is it hard? Well, that’s another question and can be very situational.

Now that booking or reserving a flight is no longer a requirement, this will make the application even better. I used to pay for a more expensive flight that allowed me to cancel it in case of visa denial.

Now, I’d be able to gather the documents, book a cancellable hotel, and submit my application. Overall, the cost will be a bit cheaper since I only need to pay for the visa fee and the hotel reservation near the VFS office.

This year, I planned a trip to France in the summer. This means that I will be applying through the French Embassy. I’ll keep you posted on how that worked out and will surely write about my experience to share some tips for you.