Poland Schengen Visa
Poland,  Schengen Visa,  Visa Guide

My Poland Schengen Visa Approved! 5 Steps for Filipinos

April 1, 2021

[UPDATE]: As of writing, VFS Global advises Schengen visa applicants to check the travel advisories and border restrictions of the respective destination countries in Europe. Read more information about Poland’s travel restrictions and announcements here.

I tagged along with my boyfriend on his business trip to Poland a few years back. I was hesitant at first because I thought that obtaining a Poland visa is as tedious and as strict as other European countries. To my surprise, I got my Poland Schengen visa in just four working days, without any hiccups. How did I do it? Let me walk you through the process of applying for a Poland Schengen visa for Filipinos.

Steps for Poland Schengen visa for Filipinos

Step 1: Gather all your Poland visa requirements

Poland Schengen Visa Requirements

Download the Checklist of Visa Requirements (Tourism) and the Schengen Visa Application Form. Do note that since there is no Polish embassy in the Philippines, all Poland visa applications will be coursed through VFS Global under The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Here are the Poland Schengen visa requirements I submitted:

  1. Completely filled out and signed Checklist of Visa Requirements

  2. Completely filled out and signed Schengen Visa Application Form

  3. Passport and photocopy of personal details page and previous visas and stamps

  4. Recent passport size photo (not taken more than 6 months ago)

  5. Proof of travel

– Round-trip flight reservation
– Hotel reservation
– Bank certificate and bank statement for the last 3 months
– Employment certificate with approved vacation leaves
– Cover letter explaining my intent to travel to Poland and return to the Philippines

  1. Travel health insurance (must be valid throughout the Schengen area, covers the entire duration of your stay with minimum coverage of at least €30,000/US$ 50,000/₱2.5M)

Step 2: Complete your Poland visa application form

Download and complete the Schengen Visa Application Form. This is an editable PDF file where you can tick and edit the fields. After putting all your information, print, and sign on the last page.

Step 3: Schedule your appointment online

VFS Global Appointment

Create your VFS Global account and fill in the needed information. Follow the steps and choose your preferred schedule. You can then confirm your appointment. Do note that the service fee is paid in cash at the VFS office on your scheduled date. Here’s more info about scheduling an appointment at VFS Global.

Step 4: Submit your Poland Schengen visa application

Go to VFS Global Netherlands Visa Application Centre located at Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave. in Makati City. When you arrive, the steps are straightforward, and the staff will guide you. Wait for the instructions on where to wait and process your documents and payment. The last step is getting your biometrics and that’s it.

Reminders:

  • Bring the completed checklist and A4 photocopies of all your supporting documents. Put all your documents in a long brown envelope but do not write anything on it.
  • Don’t be too early or too late. Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your appointment. You won’t be allowed to enter the office until it is your schedule.
  • Avoid bringing bags and unnecessary items. If you do so, you have to deposit in a locker for ₱100.
  • If you want to know your visa status, you can track your application.

Step 5: Wait for your Poland Schengen visa

It’s waiting time! So, how long does it take to get a Poland Schengen visa for Filipinos? Normal processing time is 15 working days but I got mine in four working days only.

You can pick up your passport at the VFS centre bringing your official receipt and valid ID. You can also have it delivered to you with an additional fee. When I applied, delivery fee was only ₱330. Do note that passport collection is from Monday to Friday at 2pm to 4pm only. Please read this for more info about tourist visa to The Netherlands and its represented countries like Latvia and Poland.

Breakdown of my Poland visa expenses

Visa application fee = ₱3,650
VFS service fee = ₱1,425
Courier fee for passport delivery = ₱330
Flight reservation = ₱2,000 (this could still go cheaper with other airlines)
Hotel reservation = ₱0
Travel health insurance for 7 days = ₱1,440 (US$ 28.83)
Bank certificate = ₱100
Photo / photocopies / prints = ₱400

Total = ₱9,345

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a visa expert. While I was granted a multiple-entry Poland visa, I still recommend that you visit the VFS Global Manila Office or the respective country embassies for your enquiries and concerns.