Michi Photostory

Our family loves to travel but we prefer a visa-free country to save money because we all know that visa application is not cheap. And if ever we apply, there is no guarantee that our visas will be granted because it will always depend on our documents and who will review our applications. All we can do is pray and hope that our documents are enough to prove that we are genuine tourists and we have strong ties in our country. 

This was my third time applying for Schengen Visa at VFS Global Norway but every time I apply for a visa, there are always minor changes so I always feel like a first-timer. The visa fee is now 80EURO compared to 55EURO and the Royal Norwegian Embassy is now located in Bangkok Thailand so visa processing takes time. 

This blog post is sitting in my draft for more than a year already. I was so excited to share this last year because we got a Multiple Entry Japan Tourist Visa but my excitement was gone when COVID19 news broke. We’ve been planning to go back to Japan so we can experience Spring, Fall, or Winter season there. 

Applying for a visa is a nerve-racking experience especially if this would be your first time or if you are not a frequent traveler. I always feel nervous every time I applied for a visa and fortunately, all my visas were approved. I feel happy even they only give me a single-entry visa, it is better than a visa denied.


Few months ago, we applied for a Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway and I’m the one who claimed for our passport. The staff gave me the envelope and advised me to check the information so I opened the envelope and immediately checked the Visa Sticker.

It is very important to check if all the information is correct. 

1. Check if your name is spelled correctly.
2. Check if the passport number in the visa sticker is the same as the one in your passport.
3. Check if the plane ticket or reservation corresponds with the entry and exit date indicated on the visa sticker.
4. A visa is issued for one, two or multiple entries, in accordance with the document need for entries.

* If you plan to leave and re-enter the Schengen area during your stay, you will get a visa with two entries. If you have documented a need for multiple entries during the validity period, your visa is issued multiple entries.

* If the information regarding your name, passport number or travel period is wrong, please inform the Embassy immediately, so that any errors can be corrected.

How to Read the Visa Sticker 

Duration of Stay - DAYS indicates the number of days you may stay in the Schengen area. The days should be counted from the date you enter the Schengen area (the entry stamp) to the date you exit the Schengen area (exit stamp).

* Based on my visa sticker, I applied for 60 days and they gave me 60 days.

The period of time between ”FROM… UNTIL” is usually longer than the number of days printed in the “DURATION OF STAY” field. The difference in period is meant to give you the flexibility to plan your entry into and exit from the Schengen area, but your stay in the Schengen area must never exceed the exact number of days in the “DURATION OF STAY….. DAYS”. No matter how many days yo have stayed in the Schengen area, you must leave no later than the date printed in the “UNTIL” field.

* Based on my visa sticker, they gave me 75 days from the day of my flight.

Controls at the border 

You short-stay visa allows you to travel to the Schengen States, but the final control of the entry conditions is done when you cross the Schengen border. A visa does not automatically entitle you to cross the Schengen border. It is therefore recommended that you carry with you the copies of documents which you presented when you applied for the visa ex. Invitation letter, travel confirmations, or other documents stating the purpose of your stay. This will help to make the border control procedure easier and avoid delays at the border.

* I agree with this because, on my third visit to Norway, the Immigration Officer asked for my Invitation Letter and Return Ticket. For my two visits, IO only asked me about our purpose and how long are we going to stay and she stamped our passport but on my third visit, she asked for documents. So it really depends on the IO, it is better to be ready with your documents to avoid delays and long lines. 

Note: You must follow the period of stay allowed by your visa. If you need to stay longer, please contact the local police for further advise well in advance of the visa expiration date. Persons who wish to stay longer than 90 days during any period of 180 days should apply for a residence permit from the Philippines.

If you apply for a residence permit while in the Schengen area, this deemed a violation of the conditions of your visa approval. Even if a residence permit is granted, it may result in future visa application/s being refused.

Source: Flyer from Norway Embassy

Update December 2019: Starting February 2020, you can now apply six months prior to your Europe trip. The visa fee increases to 80Euro from 60Euro. For regular travelers with good travel history, possible multiple entry visas. You can read more information here.

I already blog about our experience in Applying for Schengen Visa via VFS Norway two years ago but I noticed that there are a few changes na, that is why I’m sharing with you our experience this year 2019.

What is a Schengen Visa? 

Schengen Visa is a short-term visa granted to applicants for up to 90 days. It allows him/her to visit 26 Schengen Countries for a family visit, tourism, business, or any reason with an intention to return to his home country afterward. The Schengen Member States Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

22 countries are part of EU (European Union)
4 countries are part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association)

Where Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa?  

1. Apply for the visa in the embassy where you will be staying most of your traveling days.
2. In case, the number of days is the same. Apply for the visa in the embassy that you will enter first.

Read: Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos

I checked the Tourist Visa Requirements and I saw the proof of accommodation and itinerary but our main purpose is to visit my mom in Norway so we chose Visit Mother/Father and Visit Other Relatives/Friends Checklist.

How to Apply For Schengen Visa Via VFS Global Norway 


Visitor's visa 

A visitor's visa allows you to stay in Norway or other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days over a period of 180 days.

Step 1: Print out the checklist and gather the necessary documents. You can check here the different requirements depending on the type of visa that you need.

Based on the checklist, these are the documents that we submitted.

Visit Mother/Father Checklist (Housewife) 

1. Cover letter from the Application Portal of Norway
2. One (1) passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original passport
4. Photocopy of original passport - bio page and used pages (with visas and stamps)
5. Letter of invitation from your mother/father (for Sweden: Invitation Form 241011)
6. Photocopy of PSA birth certificate
7. Photocopy of the passport biodata page of your mother/father.
8. Proof of sufficient funds of the applicant (or parents/legal guardian if the applicant is under the age of 18) - original bank certificates/transcripts and photocopy of credit card statements for the last 6 months.
9. Proof of sponsorship or (for Norway) UDI Guarantee Form for Visit plus a photocopy
10. Proof of family ties - photocopies of your PSA Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificates of your children (if applicable)
11. Photocopy of roundtrip airline ticket reservation
12. Photocopy of travel medical insurance

Visit Other Relatives/Friends Checklist (Employed) 

1. Cover letter
2. One (1) passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original passport
4. Photocopy of original passport - bio page and used pages (with visas and stamps)
5. Letter of invitation from your relative/friend (for Sweden: Invitation Form 241011)
6. Photocopy of the passport biodata page of your relative/friend
7. For visiting relatives - photocopies of PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. to prove the relationship.
8. Proof of sufficient funds of the applicant (or parents/legal guardian if the applicant is under the age of 18) - original bank certificates/transcripts and photocopy of credit card statements for the last 6 months. 9. Proof of sponsorship or (for Norway) UDI Guarantee Form for Visit plus a photocopy
10. Proof of family ties - photocopies of your PSA Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificates of your children (if applicable)
11. If currently employed - original Certificate of Employment or photocopy of work contract stating position, length of service, salary, and duration of approved leave of absence.
12. Photocopy of roundtrip airline ticket reservation
13. Photocopy of travel medical insurance

Visit Other Relatives/Friends Checklist (Student) 

1. Cover letter
2. One (1) passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original passport
4. Photocopy of original passport - bio page and used pages (with visas and stamps)
5. Letter of invitation from your relative/friend (for Sweden: Invitation Form 241011)
6. Photocopy of the passport biodata page of your relative/friend
7. For visiting relatives - photocopies of PSA birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc. to prove the relationship.
8. Proof of sufficient funds of the applicant (or parents/legal guardian if the applicant is under the age of 18) - original bank certificates/transcripts and photocopy of credit card statements for the last 6 months.
9. Proof of sponsorship or (for Norway) UDI Guarantee Form for Visit plus a photocopy
10. If currently a student - original certification of enrolment from school. If you will be going on a holiday during summer or semestral break, submit s certification of reservation or certification of enrolment to prove that you are enrolled for the next school year/semester. If traveling during the school year, a certificate of leave of absence from the school should also be submitted.
11. Photocopy of roundtrip airline ticket reservation
12. Photocopy of travel medical insurance
13. Photocopy of parent’s/legal guardian’s passport or government ID

Note: For roundtrip airline ticket reservations. We just called KLM to reserve a ticket, the booking is good for three days only so by the time that we submitted our application, expired na yung booking but our visa was still approved.

Read: Where to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa
3 Ways to Get your PSA Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate

Step 2: Fill in your application online 

1. Go to UDI Application Portal and enter your User ID and Password. For first-time users, just create your account.
2. Click New Application (visas, residence permits, citizenship, immigrant’s passport, EEA registration).
3. Click Application forms for citizens of all countries (Application for visitor’s visa, residence permits, permanent permit, Norwegian citizenship, immigrant’s passport, or border traffic permit).
4. Choose the right visa application form that you need. I chose Visitor’s Visa for Groups. (Application for visas for groups visiting Norway and other Schengen countries.)
5. Click I accept the Legal Disclaimer and Go to the application form.
6. Fill in the application form.

Note: I fill in the 3 application forms and save them. I did not submit it yet because I’m waiting for my mom’s documents.

Step 3: Submit the form. 

Log in to the UDI Application Portal, click the individual/group application form, review the application and submit the form.

Note: You can no longer edit the application once submitted so don’t forget to review it. You must pay the fee to submit the application.

Step 4: Pay fee - via credit card only (Visa or Mastercard) 

Visitor's visa for adults and children over 12 years old (single or multiple entries) 60 euro
Visitor's visa for children between 6 and 12 years old (single or multiple entries) 35 euro

Total: EURO155 or PHP9484.82

Step 5: Book your appointment. 

I click the link for Schedule an Appointment, then VFS Manila and it leads me to the VFS site where I need to register.

Click new user, fill in the form and submit. 

First name
Last Name
Email
Contact Number
Password
Confirm Password

Note: The registration will expire after 30 inactive days from the last appointment date.

How to Schedule an Appointment 

1. Click Schedule Appointment

Enter the following details: visiting country, residing country, center, and purpose of travel, and click continue.

Update December 2019: Starting February 2020, you can now apply six months prior to your Europe trip. The visa fee increases to 80Euro from 60Euro. For regular travelers with good travel history, possible multiple entry visas. You can read more information here.

The first time we went to Norway, we only applied for Norwegian Visa and fortunately, we were granted 3 months visa. Then the second time we applied for a Norwegian visa, the Norway Embassy advised us to reapply by May because they are only releasing Schengen Visa.


At that time, we have no idea about Schengen Visa and we don’t want to reapply again because we need to prepare for our enrollment. We were already in college so we need to enroll on the scheduled date. In addition, it is very impractical to go to Norway for a few weeks because airfare is not cheap. Good thing my mom was able to refund our plane ticket.

That was the last time we planned to visit Norway. after that, we were so busy with our work, then we got married and the rest is history. But a few years ago, my son wanted to visit Norway because he wants to experience snow. So it became my goal to revisit Norway with my family.

Then last year, out of the blue, my mom asked me when is the start of summer break so she can book her flight. She said we can travel with her when she goes back to Norway. I was shocked and I said, “Wait lang, wala pa kami pamasahe”. Then she said, “sagot ko na si Ethan”. Yehey, of course, alangan magpaiwan pa ako, so we started saving for our airfare and visa application.

Since it’s been years since my last visa application, I was surprised when I checked the requirements needed. Ang dami pala, may travel insurance and may visa fee na. At that time, parang gusto ko na magback out sa laki ng expense, lol. Namamahalan na nga ko sa Japan Visa namin before, x3 pala sa Schengen Visa. Anyway, I started preparing the requirements 3 months before our intended trip.

Read: How to Apply for Japan Visa

How to Apply For Schengen Visa via VFS Global Norway 

Before we personally applied to Norwegian Embassy but now all applications will be submitted to VFS Global Norway.

Step 1: You need to create an account in Application Portal.
Step 2: Login and fill out the online application form. I applied as a group.
Step 3: Click submit and pay the visa fee.

Visa Fees 

60 Euro 12 years old and above (single or multiple entries)
35 Euro Children between 6 and 12 years old (single or multiple entries) 
No Fee Children under the age of 6 (single or multiple entries)

Step 4: Once paid, you can now book an appointment.
Step 5: Print the cover letter, receipt, and checklist then gather all the requirements that you need.

Checklist for Visit Mother/Father in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal)
2. One passport-sized photo with white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. Photocopy of your NSO Certified Birth Certificate
5. Photocopy of Passport or recent Residence Permit of your mother/father.
6. Photocopy of the Passport of the Guarantor.
7. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
8. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant
9. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy a ticket until a visa has been granted.
10. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance

Read: Where to Buy Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa Application
3 Easy Ways to Get PSA Certificate

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18)

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of your previous passport for the past 3 years.
2. Letter of invitation from your mother/father.
3. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable.
4. Photocopies of Birth Certificates of your children if applicable.
5. Hotel bookings - if there are side trips outside Norway.

Checklist for Visit Other Relatives/Friends in Norway

Mandatory Requirements

1. Cover Letter (from the Application Portal).
2. One passport-sized photo with a white background and not older than 6 months.
3. Original and Photocopy of Original Passport. - biopage and used pages.
4. If visiting a relative submit proof of relationship.
5. If visiting a friend, submit his/her photocopies of the passport with stamps including bio page to prove time spent together.
6. Original UDI Guarantee Form for Visits plus photocopy. - stamped and signed by the Norwegian Police.
7. Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant.
8. Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation - Do not buy the ticket until a visa has been granted.
9. Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance.

Additional Requirements for Minors (under the age of 18) 

1. If traveling alone: Original letter of consent signed by both parents and photocopies of passports. Valid IDs of parents with signature.
2. If traveling with only one of the parents: Original Letter of consent signed by the other parent and photocopy of valid ID with signature.
3. If only one parent has the sole custody of the child: A photocopy of the Court Decision awarding custody to that one parent must be submitted.
4. If the other parent is dead: A photocopy of the Death Certificate must be submitted.

Supporting Documents

1. Photocopies of Previous Passports for the past 3 years.
2. Photocopy of Passport of the Guarantor.
3. Letter of invitation from your relative/friend.
4. Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate if applicable
5. Photocopies of Birth Certificate if applicable
6. If currently employed: submit Certificate of Employment stating position, length of service, salary and duration of the approved leave of absence, photocopy of company ID, and payslips for the last 3 months.
7. If self-employed 

A. Corporations - photocopies of SEC registration with attached present Articles of Incorporation and annual income.
B. Single Proprietorship - photocopies of Business Name Registration Certificate from DTI and latest Income Tax statement.

8. If currently a student: submit Certification of enrollment from the school and school ID. If you will be going on a holiday during summer or semestral break, submit a certification of reservation or certification of enrollment to prove that you are enrolled for the next school year/semester. If traveling during the school year, a certificate of leave of absence from school should be submitted.
9. Photocopies of documentation of own means/properties if applicable.
10. Hotel bookings if there are side trips outside Norway.

Since we will be staying in my mom’s place, I asked for the UDI Guarantee form. She went to Norwegian Police just to get this form so effort din. I received the form after two weeks, check below for my experience.

Read: How to Claim Parcel in PHLPost

Step 6: Personally submit your application on your scheduled appointment.

Norway Visa Application Centre,
VFS Global Ground Floor,
Ecoplaza Building
Don Chino Roces Avenue,
Makati City, Metro Manila
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/philippines/
Helpline: +63 2 790 49 02

Experience with VFS Global Norway


Our scheduled appointment was 8AM and we fell in line at 7:30AM. I just showed them the cover letter and passport, then they gave us a number. Then we went inside the office, they called our number before 8AM. The staff checked our requirements, one at a time.

She advised that the processing time is 15 calendar days, and we will receive a text or email regarding the application. Then she asked if we want to avail of the courier service but I chose pick-up para mas tipid. Then she asked for the VFS service fee which is P1405 x 3. I waited for the receipt and we went to the biometric section.

Step 7: Biometric Data Registration. The staff took our pictures and fingerprints. No fingerprints for my 8-year-old son. We were finished as early as 8:15AM.

After that, I’m hoping and praying that our visa will not be denied, or else I will cry a bucket of tears because I spent P20k+ on this Schengen Visa application.

Feb 21, appointment date
Feb 23, I received an email and SMS that my visa was approved so I checked my son’s email and I asked my husband if he received an email too.
Feb 24 onwards - you can pick up the passport at VFS Global from 2 to 4PM.

Yehey, two days processing only. Insert happy dance. We got a Single Entry Schengen Visa. My son and I got 60 days and hubby got 16 days. We applied for 47 days and 12 days' stay. The visa was issued in accordance with the roundtrip flight ticket reservation and travel medical insurance submitted along with the application. 
Step 8: Collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre by bringing your official receipt and a valid ID.

If a representative will pick up the passport on your behalf, please hand in the following:
Official receipt
Copy of your valid ID
Signed authorization letter with complete details
Original valid ID of the representative

Note: 

1. I waited for my mom’s UDI Guarantee form before I paid our visa application. I already accomplished the online application form but I did not submit it until I got the UDI guarantee form.
2. I bought our Travel Medical Insurance from Malayan Insurance. Applied online and paid via credit card. After few minutes, you will receive your travel medical insurance in your email.
3. My husband called KLM for booking reservations. The booking is only good for 48 hours. Yes, we submitted an expired booking but still, visas were all approved. If you want you can book your ticket the day before your appointment.

Read: How to Apply for Schengen Visa for your Europe Trip

What is a Schengen Visa?

Schengen Visa is a short-term visa granted to applicants up to 90 days. It allows him/her to visit 26 Schengen Countries for a family visit, tourism, business or any reason with an intention to return to home country afterward.

The Schengen Member States

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

22 countries are part of EU (European Union)
4 countries part of the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) 

Where Should You Apply for a Schengen Visa? 

1. Apply for the visa in the embassy that you will be staying the most of your traveling days.
2. In case, the number of days is the same. Apply for a visa in the embassy that you will enter first.

Read: Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos
Understanding your Visa: How to Read the Visa Sticker

Our family loves to travel but if you are an old follower of this blog, you will notice that we only visit those countries that do not require a visa. We always travel on a shoestring so applying for a visa is still an additional cost. There are so many countries that Filipinos can travel to without a need for visa application.

Read: Visa-Free Travel for Filipinos

Gone are the days when traveling is only for rich people and retired ones. Thank you for the cheap airfares, seat sale, and long weekends because it gives us a chance to fly and see the world. 

Traveling out of the country is not cheap because we have to pay a travel tax, terminal fee, and visa. Visa is not cheap, aside from the visa fee you need to spend money on other requirements like a photo, bank certificate, travel medical insurance, and other expenses. 

The sad part is if your visa is denied you cannot refund the expenses that you have spent. But don’t worry according to Wikipedia; here are the countries that are visa-free for Filipinos and some countries that issue visa-on-arrival with a minimal fee.

Photo from freepik.com

Asia 



Africa



North America