Let’s start 2017 right by planning your dream trip to Europe! If you’re thinking of applying via the Norwegian Embassy, then you’re in the right page!
So much positive vibes for an introduction, huh? As a Philippine passport holder, it is a constant guessing game whether a lodged application for a tourist visa in any first world country will be approved or denied. As for me, I was first rejected a visa for Sweden (via Norwegian Embassy), but thanks to the appeal option, I was granted 10 days stay in the Schengen area.
The Schengen Countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
For this blog entry, I will focus on my personal experience applying for a Schengen visa with Sweden as my entry point via the Norwegian Embassy.
Norweigan Embassy in the Philippines handles applications for Norway, Estonia, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
VISA FEE: 60 Euros or Php 3,600 to be paid online via credit/debit card.
IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS FOR SWEDEN:
1. Cover Letter – It must be printed from the VFS Norway Application Portal and signed by the applicant. It has the receipt number which serves as the applicant’s proof of payment.
2. Schengen Visa Application Form – It must be completely filled out and signed by the applicant.
This form must be downloaded and printed from the Application Portal.
3. One (1) passport sized photo with white background and not older than 6 months. Edited photos are not accepted. Paste your photo (do not staple) on the upper right corner of the Cover Letter.
4. Photocopy of Original Passport – Biopage and used pages (with visas and stamps). Original passport should be submitted along with the application. It should be valid for at least 3 months after departure from
Schengen Area. Valid passport must have at least 2 unused pages (if approved, the visa will be affixed on said page/s).
If visiting a relative , submit proof of relationship
Photocopies of NSO Birth Certificates/Marriage Certificates
If visiting a friend,submit his/her photocopies of passport with stamps including biopage to prove time spent together. If both parties have spent time together outside the Philippines, both parties’ passports with stamps should be submitted.
Original Copy of Invitation form no. 241011 – Completely filled out and signed by the inviting person
This form can be downloaded and printed from the Embassy’s website.
Original Copy of Civic registration certificate (personbevis) of the inviting person
Photocopy of proof of sufficient funds of the inviting person/sponsor – three most recent payslips, pension statement, statement of account for the past three months
OR
Original Bank Certificate of the Applicant should be submitted if the inviting person will not financially support your stay. Applicant is required to have SEK 450/day. The requirement can be lessen if he/she already paid the lodging or boarding in advance or will stay with the inviting person in Sweden.
Photocopy of Roundtrip Airline Ticket Reservation – Do not pay for/buy the ticket until a visa has been granted.
Note: If the application is approved, the visa will be issued according to your roundtrip airline ticket reservation.
Photocopy of Travel Medical Insurance – can be bought from any insurance companies; should be valid in all Schengen States and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000/ PHP 2.5M/USD 50,000.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Photocopies of Previous Passports for the past 3 years – biopage and used pages (with visas and stamps)
Photocopy of the passport of the inviting person/sponsor – if not a Nordic Citizen, submit a copy of recent residence permit.
Letter of invitation from your relative/friend
Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Photocopies of Birth Certificates of your children (if applicable)
If currently employed submit Certificate of Employment stating position, length of service, salary and duration of approved leave of absence, photocopy of company ID, and payslips for the last 3 months.
If self-employed:
a. Corporation – 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
If currently a student submit Certification of enrolment from the school & school ID. If you will be going on a holiday during summer or semestral break, submit a certification of reservation or certification of enrolment to prove that you are enrolled for the next school year/semester. If travelling during school year, a certificate of leave of absence from school should also be submitted.
Photocopies of documentation of own means/properties (if applicable)
Hotel bookings – if there are side trips outside Sweden
Here are the links for the specific requirements for Sweden.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE NOTES
VISIT A FRIEND/FAMILY OR TOURIST VISA: For my Sweden trip, I opt to apply with the Visit a Friend option since I also have a childhood bestfriend/distant cousin who lives and works there. He provided all the supporting documents I needed like the photocopy of his passport with biopage, visa and stamps, letter of invitation, invitation form no. 241011, personbevis, payslips for 2 months and some of our old photos together. I went for this option because I wasn’t confident with my bank savings although based on experience, it might be easier if you go for the Tourist Visa option since the Visit a Friend option was one of the reasons why I was initially rejected.
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HOTEL RESERVATION: If no one is sponsoring your accommodation, it is best for you to provide an online booking reservation. I booked a hostel in Stockholm via Booking.com (City Lodge Hostel), which is just five-minute walk from the Central Train Station. It is advisable to use Booking.com for online reservations because you don’t have to pay in advance. You may also have the option to cancel your booking later on.
FLIGHT RESERVATION: They will only require you to present a tentative flight reservation. I got my Birmingham-Stockholm KLM flight reservation through a Dagupan-based travel agency for Php 350. Contact the nearest travel agency near you in order to get a much affordable rate. I end up booking a Birmingham-Stockholm flight through Lufthansa Airlines for the real flight.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I got mine from Standard Insurance via Explore8 for Php 1,800. The price of the travel insurance depends on the duration of coverage. I availed the 30-day quote (35,000 Euro Coverage). I was in a hurry that’s why I asked my friend Izah from Explore8 if she could send me a quote online. You can get a cheaper one by availing straight from Standard Insurance.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Honestly, I didn’t have that much money when I applied for a Schengen visa. I computed the required cost per day (SEK 450/Day or PHP 2,511/Day). Apart from my payslips for the past six months, I also submitted my bank certificate, ITR for 2014 & 2015 and some receipts of my Paypal transactions.
SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS
Applicants are required to show up in person at VFS Global – Manila. Make sure to be there in time for your scheduled appointment.
The VFS staff will only ask you a few questions related to your purpose of visit and how long you’re planning to stay. They will also double-check your documents before they submit it to Norwegian Embassy for review. Since there’s no interview, the officer-in-charge will decide based solely on the papers you’ve submitted.
In some instances, they might contact you again to submit additional documents or in case you were rejected and you want to lodge an appeal like I did.
The decision was made just two days after my application. I was initially denied a visa, but I sent an appeal letter explaining my side and submitted the additional documents they requested. I was granted a 10-day Schengen visa in two days. I was asked to visit the Office of the Norwegian Embassy this time.
Why did I choose Sweden as my entry point? ABBA! Haha 😀 I wanted to attend mainly for TBEX Sweden and I didn’t risk adding other destinations on my application since I don’t have enough funds to explore more in the Schengen area. For more information, I suggest that you read The Poor Traveler’s Schengen visa application FAQ post.
There you have it! I hope that in a way, this post inspired or helped you on your upcoming Europe trip! I want to explore more places!
NOTE: If you’re planning to visit multiple Schengen countries, I suggest that you visit The Poor Traveler’s Schengen visa application FAQ page!
IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS:
VFS Office Address:
Norway Visa Application Centre
Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg.,
Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila
1231 Philippines
Email: info.noph@vfshelpline.com
Helpline: +6327904902
Website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/philippines/
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila
12th Floor, Del RosarioLaw Centre
21st Drive corner 20th Drive
Bonifacio Global City, 1630 Taguig City, Metro Manila
Contact the Embassy
T: +63 (0)2 317 2700 / +47 23 95 47 00
Visa Section
T: +63 (0)2 317 2778 / +47 23 95 47 78
(Mon-Thu, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
E: visa.manila@mfa.no
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TOURIST VISA APPLICATIONS TO SWEDEN FROM THE PHILIPPINES (UPDATED 2019)
Effective May 1, 2019, all visa applications for less than 90 days from the Philippines to Sweden should be submitted at VFS Global in Manila and Cebu. The visa applications are then sent to the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok for decision. A decision to your visa application will normally be available within 15 working days. The Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok strongly recommends applicants to apply 3 months prior to intended date of departure.
VFS Global Manila
Address: Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Building
Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City
Metro Manila 1231, Philippines
VFS Global Cebu City
Address: Unit 503, 5th Floor, Keppel Center,
Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue
Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
For inquiries please contact the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok
Phone: +66 (0) 2 263 72 11
Email: visa.bangkok@gov.se
Address: 20th Floor, One Pacific Place
140 Sukumvit Road between soi 4 and soi 6
Bangkok, Thailand
Click on the link for further details https://www.swedenabroad.se/…/visiting-sw…/apply-for-a-visa/
Hi! Saw this blog post just in time for my application this Friday!
Fingers crossed I won’t encounter any problems 🙂
Would you mind sharing the itinerary you submitted? I already have mine but I am not that confident. Will also be visiting Stockholm 🙂
Thank you! It is really hard to find a post that covers application for Swedish Tourist Visa via the Norwegian Embassy. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Hello!
The itinerary I submitted is just a simple one. I only mentioned the date duration I am staying in a place, purpose and my accommodation. (Ex. July 13-16, 2016 – TBEX Sweden – Radisson Blu Stockholm – City Lodge Hostel; July 17 – Stockholm Walking Tour and ABBA Museum, – City Lodge Hostel). Fix the format na lang. You make check The Poor Traveler for itinerary sample 🙂
Thanks 🙂
I just lodged in my application this afternoon and hopefully all goes well. I was just wondering, when you got denied, did they indicate the additional documents they needed from you?
Kinda scared but still hoping!!
They didn’t indicate specifically what they needed. I just sent them a scanned copy of other documents that I think will help support my appeal. Think positive lang 🙂 Goodluck! Stockholm is a fun place to visit!
It looks like a bloody visa process Mica! Bookmarking this post for future reference. Sana I can afford to go to Norway by 1st Quarter of 2018 T_T
Bloody process, but worth it! 😀 Push na ang Norway! Hehe I’m planning to apply for a Schengen visa too for 2018 😀
Hi, do you have a sample of the invitation letter that you used for your trip? If I understand correctly, this is different from the invitation form that can be downloaded from the swedish webstie right? Thanks
Hello!
Yes, those two are different. Just enclose a handwritten letter as in inviting the other person to come over (personal tone better) and indicate whether the person will be staying with you or you’ll shoulder expenses.
Hello! Good day! I just received an email this morning to the embassy na REFUSED ang application ko and less than a month nalang flight ko. May few question lang po. Did you do your own LETTER OF APPEAL or kailangan talaga ng lawyer for notarizing? What are the supporting documents that you send nung gumawa po kayo ng LETTER OF APPEAL? Thanks in advance. This will be a big help po. More power to the blog!
Hello! I submitted my letter of appeal via email. This is allowed if you apply via the Norwegian embassy. Check your refusal letter you will see an email address there.
The supporting documents naman I scanned them and attached it on the email. Just include the documents that you think can help back up the reasons you stated sa Letter of Appeal. Hope this helps 🙂
Hi, Miss Senyorita.
Mga P100k sa bank account, ok na ba for Bank Cert for Schengen-Iceland? I am planning to visit Iceland for 6days only on my own, no sponsors but free na air tickets ko Manila-Reykjavik-Manila. My trip is via London and got my approved UK tourist visa na since 6mos multiple naman binigay akin. Any idea?
Thank you,
Jeff
Sorry for the late reply, Jeff. I guess ok na yung Php 100K but much more important are the documents that you have na proving you’re going back to Manila. Goodluck on your application!
How long did it take for you to get the visa after making an appeal?
2 Days 🙂
Hi there. I recently got denied, after a week I have provided the supporting documents based on their grounds of refusal. I got a reply back that they electronically forwarded my appeal to UDI immigration for consideration/decision. Did you receive the same response? Worry is, they have indicated within 6 months then I get a decision and I am scheduled to visit 14th Dec until Feb 25. I am crossing my fingers, but very sad of being denied of entry. We are not refugees and terrorist for f*** sake just visiting!!!
I am planning to apply for Sweden via norwegian embassy im so nervous AF. Hopefully by 2018. I am getting married in Sweden and my fiance will sponsor my stay and mostly everything. I am quite nervous that they will deny my visa considering i work a home based job and i only receive invoices from my employer. Any advice? 🙂
Lizzy
Sorry for the late reply! My advice is to collect invoices (preferably 4-6 months) and ask your clients to write a certification of employment for you (just stating that you worked on a project with them). Make sure your sponsor will provide the important supporting documents. Better if you have ITR. Goodluck! 🙂
Hello ask ko lang po anung schengen country po ang pinakamadali kumuha ng visa yung dipo masyadong istrikto..based sa experience niyo po
Via Norwegian embassy pa lang kasi natatry ko 🙂
Panu po b kumuha ng tourist visa going to Sweden and what requirements I need to prepare and represent pls answer po tnx..
Godbless
Hello! Nasa blog post po lahat ng information 🙂
Hi, I just read your blog.. My mother plan to visit here in Sweden, my uncle a swedish citizen will provide the invitation letter but i will provide her travel expenses and i will support her financially, my question is they ask me affidavit of support and financial documents, can i submitted only my payslips? Or i need to submit also bank statement? About the affidavit of support It is needed to sign by the lawyer here in Sweden. Thank you..
Hello! I am going to apply for a visa to visit my friend (Swedish citizen). I don’t have a bank account and currently unemployed. But my friend will sponsor and handle all of the expenses. He has enough money in the bank and he sent me his bank statements and all other supporting documents. Do you think I’ll have a chance?
helu maam senyorita, pa advise p.o. aku my boyfriend is a Swedes siya ang magig sponsor ku po.,anung website ang aku maka fill up ng apliacation ang simple easy p.o..worried Lang p.o. kc Hindi cya mkapunta di to sa pinas Baka Hindi ma aprove ang visa ku..my tendency ba n.a. I deny ng embassy ang vissa ku? salamat po..
Tru UDI VFS NORWAY..
in my case they grant me for 90days.. my bf is my sponsor. Goodluck to your application:)
Thanks for this. Really helpful. Question. For your letter, to whom did you address it to? The Swedish Embassy in Manila? Thanks
Also which checklist did you use? I find different checklists online. Thanks!
Do have an interview?
Hi poh,Ask lng poh,I’m planning to take a week vacation to Norway and Taiwan is my port of entry via Norwegian embassy.I really don’t have any idea how to start the visa application.Patulong nmn poh.And mga mgkano kaya kelangan sa bank accnt as proof of funds.
If you don’t have any idea, if its your first time for visa applications, you can avail the service of travel agencies who can advice you and check your application but this is not required,, rhat’s what I did on my first application. Proof funds? just make sure you have enough for hotels, airfare , food and tours plus pocket money 🙂
Share my experienced lang po:)
My bf invite me to vist him in sweden.
I was worried might they dont grant my visa because i dont have work. But luckily after 2days sent sms/email that they grant me for 90 days stay. Thank God!
All my document i passed is from my bf, but i gave a copy of my property(just 1property) i dont have bank account, i feel that they will not grant me…
Hope for the best!
Question po, We applied for a group visa for norway. Yung members po ba sa group application parepareho lang ang result o may chance na madeny yung iba dun sa group visa application?
Thank you po sa sasagot
Nice helpful blog you’ve got here!
Btw, it’s been almost 10 days since I applied for a visa at the Norway Visa Application Center in Chino Roces. What’s the best way to follow up on this? I’m starting to get worried since I need to use my passport first week of Aug for another trip.
10 working days, total of 14 days overall. 🙁
Were you able to get a visa? How many days before the result was released? Thanks!
Hello Ms. Senyorita,
I am planning to visit Iceland for 9 days is 115,000php enough? also i actually applied online last September 12, 2018 .. and my travel is December 14, 2018 .. is this too early ? or the 90 days early application will be the appointment date?
Please help 🙁
Hi po! How about visit visa for studying in sweden at sponsor po ng college school lahat ng gastos! I have an invitation letter and tha bank statement also.. it is possible na ma denied pa ang application ko? Thanks for helping me! Have a nice day!
Hello po. My fiance is planning to get me to Sweden this coming April. My time date is April 25 to July 23,2019, 90 days. I worry since there is too little time left fot the embassy to review my application, which until now I haven’t submitted yet. Hopefully I can complete the documents soon , at least before the end of March. But my desired date to leave is April 23. Most ly ideal for me since I be back to work on August. Will it be alright to send my application with only less than a month left?
Aside from that I have had been denied previously because we haven’t met (my fiance and I ) . But last summer of April he went over here and stayed for a month. In that way, we have seen each otger and I can have the chance to get to him this April of 2019.
Will this be possible to pursue with my application? Sine there is no more two months left for the processing time.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you and regards.
Oli