How to Apply for a Switzerland Schengen Visa for Filipino Tourists (Manila, Philippines)

About a week ago, my request for a month-long Schengen Visa as a tourist was approved by the Switzerland Embassy, and I just loved how the application process was so swift and streamlined! (Switzerland Schengen Visa)

This Europe trip was a last-minute affair and my intended departure date was just 2 weeks away. I was clearly pressed for time, so you can imagine how anxious I was! Thankfully, the Swiss Embassy’s processing time is fast — in just 3 days, they have already given me the result of my visa application.

UPDATE: There are currently no entry restrictions to Switzerland — there is no longer a need for proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing. For more info, see here.

It helps to note, however, that I’m not going to stay in Switzerland for the whole month that I’m in Europe because I’m also planning on making the most of my stay as I visit other places like Monaco, France, Italy, Portugal, and Belgium!

So if you also want to get your Schengen Visa via the Switzerland Embassy as well, I hope that my visa application guide below can be of help to you.

But first, some disclaimers:

• NO ONE can give you the guarantee that your Switzerland Schengen Visa application will be approved— not even a lawyer, a consultant, a travel agent, or an embassy employee. Anyone who says otherwise is most likely going to be a scammer. So what I’m rather offering you here is a comprehensive guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that visa. Nothing more, nothing less.
• There are different types of Schengen Visas (for being a local’s fiance, for work, for study, etc.) but my main focus for this article will be a Schengen Visa for Tourism purposes only. To see a list of requirements for other types of visas for Switzerland, go here.
• Take note that additional documents could be asked from you if the Embassy deems it so; and of course, initial requirements might also change over time after this post’s publish date, so it’s best that you check the Embassy’s main website as well which is located here.
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Schengen Area

A Schengen Visa is a document that allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area or Zone for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in any 6 month period. This Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries (22 European Union member states and 4 EFTA member states) that have abolished passport and immigration controls at their common borders and they are namely:

These 27 countries are namely:

[1] Excluding Greenland and the Faroe Islands
[2] Excluding overseas departments and territories
[3] Excluding Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands
[4] Excluding Svalbard
[5] With special provisions for Ceuta and Melilla

There are certain nationalities worldwide that are exempted from applying for a Schengen Visa, but as Philippine passport holders, in order to visit one or more of these Schengen states, we are required to apply for the visa. (Remember, Schengen Tourist Visa holders are NOT allowed to live permanently nor work in Europe, they only have the right to travel as a temporary visitor within the allotted timeframe indicated on their visa.)

» READ: How to Stay Longer in Europe

NOTE: It helps to mention that there are non-Schengen members in Europe that allow entry to their country if you have a Schengen Visa, namely: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Turkey, and Vatican City.

HOWEVER, you must check these details beforehand since their rules might have changed. Plus, customarily, only multiple-entry Schengen visas are allowed. For starters, you can check this list for a list of countries you can visit with a Schengen visa.

» When should I apply for a Schengen Visa?

Apply as early as three (3) months or 90 days before your planned trip date departure.

You can apply several days before your trip, sure — but it’s always best that you give enough time for the embassy to look into your application. After all, you wouldn’t want to make plans only to have the embassy provide you with a visa that has a validity period that’s NOT within your intended travel dates.

» Where should I apply for a Schengen Visa?

For Schengen Visas that have the main purpose of visiting a friend/family/national or reuniting with a fiancé/husband/etc. in a Schengen state, naturally, you should apply in the corresponding Embassy of the country where that person comes from.

Meanwhile, if you are planning to visit several Schengen Countries for your trip, your application must be made at the embassy of the main destination country — meaning, the country where you will be staying the longest. If the length of stay is almost the same, it’s best to apply for the country that you will first fly or enter to.

For my case, I determined that I had to apply at the Switzerland Embassy because I will not only be staying in their country the longest, but my first point of entry will also be in their territory.

» Which Schengen embassy will I have a better chance of getting a Visa?

There’s no such thing as an embassy that would easily give away Schengen Visas. But, if it is a question of time — like which Embassy can you get application results the quickest — then that would be an easier query for me to answer, which then leads us to the question…

» How long does it take for Schengen Visa results to be released?

To the best of my knowledge, the following Embassies usually release visas earliest in an average of:

• Switzerland Embassy: 5 days
• French Embassy: 2-5 days
• Norwegian Embassy: 5 days
  – the Norwegian Embassy also handles Visa processing for Schengen countries that have no Embassies here in Manila such as Iceland
• German Embassy: 7 days
• Belgian and Netherlands (Dutch) Embassy: 15 days
  – the Belgian Embassy also handles Visa processing for Schengen countries that have no Embassies here in Manila, like Luxembourg and Slovenia
• Danish Embassy: 15 days
• Italian Embassy: 15 days

It can surely take longer if they need more documents or details from you.

• • •

Application Process for Switzerland Visa

Step 1: Determine the type of Switzerland Schengen visa you need to apply for

There are, of course, various types of Schengen Visas out there that you can apply for: a visa for family reunification, a visa for studying, a visa for work, a visa for transit, a visa for being a spouse, etc.

For this particular guide, I will only be discussing the requirements for a tourist visa since it’s an experience that I’ve gone through myself. (I will also include visit visa information since it’s almost similar to a tourist visa).

If, however, you have a different situation or purpose of visit, it’s best that you head over to this page of the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines for more information.

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Step 2: Schedule your appointment online with VFS Global

When it comes to the Switzerland Embassy, they do visa applications via their external service provider, VFS Global. Unfortunately, you cannot just walk into their office to lodge an application because you need to book an appointment first online.

UPDATE 2021: The new link for registration and booking of appointment is now moved to this site: http://vfsglobal.com/

Here’s how you can secure a time slot:

1. Visit the VFS website here and click the text that says ‘New User‘.
2. You will be lead to a registration page where you need to create your own VFS account. Provide your first name, last name, email, contact number, and intended password for your account. Click the button that says ‘Submit‘ once done.
3. The page will load by itself and show you the log-in page. Enter the email and password that you set up and click the ‘Continue‘ button.
4. On the next page, you will see a list on the left. Select ‘Schedule Appointment‘. You will then have to pick your application center.
   • Under ‘Select visiting country’: Switzerland
   • Under ‘Select residing country’: Philippines
   • Under ‘Select application center: Switzerland Visa Application – Manila
   • Under ‘Select visa category’: Tourists (or ‘Visiting Family’ if applicable to you)
5. Once you have input all the necessary information, click ‘Continue‘.
6. The next page will show the ‘Applicant List’ page. If you’re applying together with family or friends, you can only add 4 more applicant data (other than you) on this page to schedule a group appointment.
7. Proceed to click ‘Add Applicant‘ and input all your relevant details. Afterward, click ‘Submit‘ and proceed to secure your intended date for your appointment. Rest assured, there’s an option to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

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Step 3: Prepare the required documents for your application

From what I’ve noticed, Schengen Visa requirements are almost similar, but with only a few tweaks or changes; so, you must ensure that you follow and provide everything that the Switzerland Embassy requires.

Depending on your circumstance, click the symbol ‘+‘ below to view the corresponding requirements for each section and the proper order that they need to be in. Make sure that you have authentic, original, and complete documents at all times. For the copies, you must submit them in A4 paper format.

Make sure that you have authentic, original, and complete documents at all times. Do NOT staple any of the documents below and submit them in the order listed in this checklist.

(Section A) Switzerland Schengen Tourist Visa WITHOUT Any Guarantor/Sponsor

1. Visa Application Form. You can download and print this form here. Make sure that it is duly filled out, dated, and signed by you.
   • Write only in block letters and use either black or blue ink only.
   • In the case of a minor, the page must be signed by both parents.
     .
2. 2 Passport-sized Photos. These photos must be identical and in color on a white background. It must also be recent (less than 6 months old) and taken from the front without obstruction; hence, it must be a close­-up of your head and the top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70­-80% of the photograph. The size must be around 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.
   • Please do NOT staple the photos on the form.
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3. Philippine Passport. Make sure that it is valid at least three (3) months after the end of the planned stay in Switzerland or another Schengen Member State, and that it has at least 2 blank pages to affix the visa sticker.
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4. Philippine Passport, photocopy. You must photocopy the first page containing your personal information. Other than this, do provide photocopies of the following…
   • ALL the additional pages that contain visas and stamps that are both valid and expired.
   • The back or last page that contains important reminders, signature, and other passport information.
     .
5. Old Passport(s). Previous passport(s) or any used or expired passport(s). Do NOT bind two or more passports with a stapler to avoid getting it damaged. Instead, you may bind them together using rubber bands.
   .
6. Old Passport(s), photocopy. You must photocopy the first page containing your personal information. Other than this, do provide photocopies of the following…
   • ALL the additional pages that contain visas and stamps that are both valid and expired.
   • The back or last page that contains important reminders, signature, and other passport information.
     .
7. International Travel Insurance, copy or original. This can be purchased locally, internationally, or in Switzerland. You just have to ensure that it has a coverage of at least 30,000 EUR / 50,000 USD / PHP 2.5M to cover expenses for personal accidents, urgent medical treatment, urgent admission to a hospital, or urgent repatriation on medical grounds; with coverage including ALL Schengen member states.
   • The validity period of the insurance coverage must be for the ENTIRE duration of the intended stay including entry and exit day of the Schengen area. The Embassy of Switzerland only accepts the insurance policies of the following Philippine Insurance companies. (Just visit their website by clicking the links below, and then email them to start your inquiry. Don’t take insurance that is on a reimbursement basis because the Swiss Embassy only accepts CASHLESS settlements; as such, only take from any of the local companies below.) The list below has been updated as of April 2022.
     • Assist-Card
     • Malayan Insurance Company, Inc.
     • MAPFRE Insular Insurance Corporation
     • MPioneer
     • Oriental Assurance Corporation
     • Pacific Cross Insurance, Inc.
     • Pioneer Insurance and Surety Company
     • Standard Insurance Co
     • Starr International Insurance Philippines

UPDATE: According to the Embassy, the following international insurance companies are some of which they acknowledge. The benefit of obtaining insurance from them is that it’s easier to purchase online:
– HeyMondo (click this link to get 5% off)
– ERV
– DR-Walter

8. Roundtrip Flight Ticket Reservation, copy. Do NOT buy flight tickets before the visa is issued because the Switzerland Embassy would NOT take any responsibility for the costs you’ll incur if your visa gets denied.
   • You can easily get a flight reservation online with OneWayFly for a small fee of only Php 1,000~. I highly recommend them because they are fast, easy, and legitimate; plus, I have been using them for years for all of my visa applications! (Read here for more info).
   • Later on, in case you want to book your final flight details, my go-to platform is Skyscanner given that they offer the best flight deals:




Ensure that the flight reservation indicates your name and reservation number. If applicable, provide proof of intra-Schengen flight (OneWayFly can also provide this), train itinerary, or car rental.

9. Proof of Accommodation, copy(ies). These are confirmed hotel reservation(s) only for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen countries containing the name and contact details of the hotel(s) as well as the reservation number.
   • I usually reserve my hotel stays via Booking.com and/or Agoda.com. With them, you can reserve a hotel with NO pre-payment and you can even cancel the booking a day before your arrival with NO cancellation charges at all. So yes, you can make reservations without any payment, you can change the reservation anytime, and you can cancel them at no cost as well if in case your visa is not approved.
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10. Day-to-day Travel Itinerary. At this part, it’s good practice to include a cover letter along with this itinerary document so that you can properly explain the purpose of your trip. Here’s a sample cover letter and travel itinerary (you can download the file here)..

Doing a packaged tour? Provide documents proving such as well as any advance payments/downpayments to the tour company.

11. If employed: Certificate of Employment, original. This must be from your employer, printed on official company paper with a header, signature, date, and other details such as address, telephone, and fax numbers of the company, your name, position, annual salary, and years of service, and approved leave of absence.
    .
12. If self-employed: Proof of Business, original. You must provide:
    • If applicable, Business license or organization code or institution legal person certificate (DTI/SEC registration).
    • Financial statements
      • Rest assured, the Switzerland Embassy will return your original documents.
        .
13. Income Tax Return, copy. For employed people, provide BIR form 2316. For self-­employed people, provide BIR form 1702.
    • If you do NOT have an ITR, include in your cover letter an explanation as to why you’re unable to submit it (examples: you’re newly employed, etc.)
    • Start filing your local taxes as early as NOW — after all, a lot of embassies (not only Switzerland) require an ITR. So if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience on Philippines tax compliance, I suggest registering with Taxumo because they can take care of literally everything for you: tax forms, payments, and submissions. I’ve been using them for years now and it has been such a time-saver.
      • Come sign up with my code AILEEN and you can get a 10% discount on all their subscription plans!
        .
14. Personal Bank Statements, original AND copy. You can request this from your bank and it should show the cash flow for the past six (6) months in A4 size paper and with a stamp. (If you have a credit card, provide credit card statements for the last 6 months as well).
    .
15. If married or traveling with spouse: Marriage Certificate, original AND copy.
    • Rest assured, the Switzerland Embassy will return your original documents.
    • *For spouses of Swiss / EU / EFTA nationals, other than the marriage contract, you must also provide a family book or any other document proving the relationship, which must be issued by a Schengen / EU / EFTA member country. A copy of the family member’s passport and/or ID card must also be provided.
      .
16. If studying: Student Certificate, original. This is your proof of enrolment and it should mention a leave of absence from school (if you’re traveling while classes are ongoing).
    • Provide a photocopy of your student ID card as well
      .
17. For a minor or for parents traveling with their children: Birth Certificate of the child, original AND copy.
    • If not traveling with both parents, a written consent letter of the other, non-traveling parent, or legal guardian certified by a public notary
    • If minor is traveling alone, a written consent letter of both parents or legal guardian certified by a public notary; as well as a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clearance
    • Copies of passports of both parents or legal guardian
    • For children under 21 years old of Swiss / EU / EFTA nationals, other than the birth certificate, you must also provide a family book or any other document proving the relationship, which must be issued by a Schengen / EU / EFTA member country. A copy of the family member’s passport and/or ID card must also be provided.
      .
18. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) & Re-Entry Permit, copy. This is ONLY if you’re a foreign national who has a valid residence in the Philippines.
    .
19. If applicable, Valid Visa(s) to your next destination.
    • This is ONLY if you’re NOT traveling back to the Philippines after your trip to Switzerland or the Schengen territories. As such, if your airline reservation and itinerary indicate the next destination to be a different country other than the Philippines, please provide proof of a valid visa for that destination.

* * * * * *

* * * * * *

* * * * * *

NOTE: If in case you are a Philippine national living or residing in a foreign country and you wish to avail a Schengen tourist visa, kindly inquire with the appropriate Schengen Embassy in the country that you’re living in about the requirements and procedures that you need to take. (It’s highly likely that it will be the same).

Also, the Switzerland Embassy may request for more information or additional documents in order to verify the contents and truthfulness of the documents you’ve submitted; so, be prepared for that..

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Step 4: Submit your application at VFS on your appointment date

It helps to arrive early for your appointment. VFS is open from Mondays to Fridays, 7AM to 4PM (except public holidays) and their address for Manila is:

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd
30th Floor, The World Centre
Sen Gil Puyat Ave
Makati City, Metro Manila

The process usually goes like this:

1. Arrival and waiting period. Once you arrive at VFS, the security guard will confirm that you have an appointment, and then he/she will usher you to the waiting area and advice you to wait for your name to be called.
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2. Submission of documents. Simply hand out your documents to the VFS staff and he/she will check the documents that you prepared and then ensure that everything is complete.
   • If in case you have any missing documents, the staff will inform you about that.
   • The person will provide you with a 3-page questionnaire which you have to answer in a small private room. It’s basically your interview but in written form.
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3. Biometrics. All Schengen embassies in the Philippines have to capture your biometric data (finger scans, digital signature, and portrait photo) and it will be kept in the Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years.
   • If you have applied previously for the last 59 months you do not need to re-enroll your biometric data. However, there will be cases where you may need to re-submit your biometric data even if you have enrolled in it previously. In such cases, VFS shall get in touch with you.
   • Do NOT wear colored or magnifying contact lenses which could alter your appearance.
     .
4. Visa payment. This must be paid in cash and it helps to prepare the exact amount in Philippine peso only. Once paid, they will give you a payment receipt (that has your application reference number and details) which you should keep. If you lose this receipt, VFS will not release your visa and passport; they will only release it after you give them a notarized affidavit of loss.
   • There are 2 things you need to pay for: first, the visa fee and second, the VFS service fee. As of 2019, the total fees are as follows and they only accept it in cash:
     • Adults = Php 4,784
     • Children up to 12 years old = Php 3,284
   • Be advised that payment of these fees is NOT a guarantee that the visa will be granted. It also helps to note that these are non-refundable and non-transferable if your Switzerland Schengen Visa application is denied or if you decide to terminate your application.
   • They also offer other services such as courier return/delivery (Php 330) and SMS (Php 110).

The Swiss Embassy still reserves the right to ask you to appear for a personal interview after checking your Switzerland Schengen Visa application.

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Step 5: Wait for the results of your Switzerland Schengen Visa application

Once the Switzerland Embassy is done assessing your application, they will send back your passport and your other original documents to VFS. Consecutively, VFS will send you a text message that you can now pick it all up. Make sure to bring your ID and the payment receipt when claiming your passport and the document detailing the decision on your application.

NOTE: Please don’t inquire with VFS if your application has been approved OR denied because they would NOT know the results themselves. (Just think of them as a middleman between you and the Switzerland Embassy). However, you can track the status of your application via this link.

Applications accepted at VFS will also be submitted the next working day at the Switzerland Embassy. The time required to process Visa Applications is up to 7 to 10 working days however as per Schengen Codex it can take up to 15 working days.

Naturally, the Switzerland Embassy will NOT assume any responsibility if your visa application is rejected. And if it does get rejected, you will be given an information sheet that shows the procedures you can take in order to ask for an appeal.

The Swiss representation still reserves the right to ask you to appear for a personal interview after checking your Switzerland Schengen Visa application.

• • •

Booking Essentials

Booking.com

TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)!
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However, take note a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

• • •

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• • •

» Top Switzerland Tours «

Jungfraujoch Day Tour
Visit this famous mountain from Zurich!

Interlaken Paragliding
Day Tour from Dubrovnik

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Applying for a Schengen Visa via the Swiss Embassy is easy, and I hope that with this visa guide, I can help you prepare your documents and requirements better.

Let me know how it goes! Good luck!