As of July 2018, TLSContact does not process the Switzerland Schengen Visa anymore. I learned a hard lesson on this. When you do a search for Switzerland Visa Philippines, TLSContact always pops up. I first filled out their online form and found it weird that their online appointment dates are all filled up. I then tried calling their call center but I did not receive a callback. We would also get the answering machine at the Switzerland Embassy. So I decided to fly out earlier and check out the TLSContact address, only to find out that it's already closed for business for good. Luckily, when my sister called the Switzerland Embassy, someone picked up and redirected us to VFS Global.
VFS Global is the external service provider handling the processing of Switzerland Visa now. They are in a separate location to the busy and crowded VFS Global in Ecoplaza Building. The Swiss VFS Global is now located on the 30th Floor The World Center Sen Gil J Puyat Ave Makati City, Metro Manila. It has a laidback and friendly environ. They even entertain walk-in applicants!
Visa's can be lodged as early as three months before the intended date of departure to a week before. The visa is then released after 5 to 10 working days after lodging. I got mine after six days. However, I do not advise you to do the latter because you might run out of time.
Visa application is on an appointment basis only so here is the flow on how to do this:
1. Login to VFS website ( http://www.vfsglobal.ch/Switzerland/Philippines/ ) and create an account. you can also call the Visa Hotline (02) 790-4914, Mondays-Fridays, from 8:00am to 5:00pm except during public holidays.
2. Choose whether you are getting a tourist or business visa. Official travels, training, workshops, and seminars are under a business visa.
3. Pick a convenient schedule and print out the Appointment Letter.
4. Print out the checklist for the issuance of Schengen Visa according to your visa type.
- Tourist Visa Requirements: http://www.vfsglobal.ch/Switzerland/Philippines/pdf/Checklist-For-Tourism-Document.pdf
- Business Visa Requirements: http://www.vfsglobal.ch/Switzerland/Philippines/pdf/Checklist-for-Bussiness-Document.pdf
5. The visa requirements for both tourist and business are almost the same. Prepare the needed documents beforehand. Do not staple the papers. You will need the original and photocopy of the following visa requirements:
- Visa Application form. A print out of the Visa Application form and completely and properly filled out and signed.
- 2 Passport Photos. They ask for two but actually just need one. Paste (do not staple) this photo to your Visa Application form. The photo should comply with these requirements:
- Must be a colour photograph printed on normal photographic paper
- Should be passport sized 3,5 x 4,5 cm
- Close up to your head and top of your shoulders so that your face takes up 70-80% of the photograph
- Full face taken straightforward 30 - 36 mm from point of the chin to head of hair
- Taken against a white background
- Without sunglasses
- Without hat or other head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons
- Spectacles should not have toned or reflecting glasses
- The frame of the spectacles may not cover the eyes
- The mouth must be closed
- Valid passport. Photocopy the inside cover containing the holder's personal info and photo, the stamped pages, and the inside back cover containing "important reminders" and emergency contact details.
- Old passports. Photocopy the inside cover containing the holder's personal info and photo, the stamped pages, and the inside back cover containing "important reminders" and emergency contact details. If you've had a Schengen Visa before, inform the processor which page it is one. Do not bind the passports with staplers. Use rubber bands instead.
- Photocopy of all visas. I've even photocopied my Israel, Hong Kong, and Macau visas.
- For spouses or children (below 21 years old) of Swiss / EU / EFTA nationals, the following must also be submitted:
- photocopy of the marriage contract (spouse), birth certificate (child), family book or any other document proving 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.
- If traveling with spouse and/or children:
- marriage contract
- birth certificate of the children
- If employed: certificate of employment with leave of absence from the local company or organisation showing position, date of hiring, salary as well as date of return to work.
- If self-employed: proof of business (DTI/SEC registration, income tax return, financial statements)
- If still studying: proof of enrolment, leave of absence from school (if travelling while classes are ongoing)
- For foreign nationals who have valid residence status in the Philippines:
- one (1) copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR)
- Re-Entry permit
- Proof of financial resources of the applicant:
- latest bank statements showing cash flow from the last 6 months with stamp/signature of Bank in original needs to be submitted on A4 size only. you will be submitting the original copy of this.
- bank books
- latest international credit card statements (last 6 months)
- Income tax return
- Signed Invitation by the business partner/official contact/host in Switzerland. This should contain the complete travel details arranged by the host company like:
- purpose
- duration of stay
- proof of travel and accommodation arrangements like hotel reservation and tickets for tours, shows or transportation
- financial guarantee like
- day to day itinerary
- Confirmed roundtrip air travel reservation. This is also known as mock ticket or fake ticket. You can get this done by a local travel agency for a small fee. I got mine at Viaje for 350php. Thanks Marj! There is no need for you to buy the real ticket. If you get yours online, the minimum charge is 15USD. In Iraq, I got mine for free.
- Detailed day-to-day itinerary of planned trip/schedule of activities. Mine looks like this:
- If applicable, valid visa(s) for the country(-ies) of destination after leaving the SCHENGEN territory based on the planned itinerary.
- International travel insurance. This can be purchased locally or in Switzerland. The coverage must be at least EUR 30’000.-- / USD 50’000.-- / PHP 2.5M to cover expenses for personal accident, urgent medical treatment, urgent admission in 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. I usually get mine from Tokio Marine or World Nomad. However, I recently discovered that it is so much cheaper (like 75% of the price I pay online) to get Standandard Insurance. They sell this at VFS Ecoplaza and I also saw this being sold at Viaje.
7. The receptionist at the VFS will give you a Queue Token Receipt and an SMS Solution-Application Form to fill up. This gives VFS the consent to send you updates regarding your visa application.
8. You will have to leave your bag at the lobby. However, you can bring your documents, wallet, and your phone in silent mode with you.
9. Once your number is called, you will submit it for checking.
10. Pay the Visa Fee of 3700USD.
11. You will be asked for the preferred passport collection process. This may be via courier or pick up. If you choose via courier, this will set you back 300php.
12. You will be ushered to another room for biometrics. Your picture and fingerprints will be taken.
13. Wait 5 to 10 working days for the SMS confirming or denying(hopefully not) your Schengen visa.
14. Go to VFS Switzerland from 14:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Fridays to pick up your document. Prepare the following documents when you pick up your passport:
- Pick up by main applicant. Present an original valid ID and OR receipt.
- If representative will pick up: authorization letter, VFS Receipt, Photocopy of valid ID of participant and original valid ID of representative.
The border authorities are obliged to examine if the prerequisites for entry no longer apply. If you are unable to provide relevant evidence like your letters of invitation and travel confirmations, you might be refused entry even if you are in possession of a valid visa.
Good luck and have fun in Europe!
***If you have applied for a Schengen Visa in the last 59 months you can opt to lodge it by post. Check out the instructions here.
Good luck and have fun in Europe!
***If you have applied for a Schengen Visa in the last 59 months you can opt to lodge it by post. Check out the instructions here.
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