Schengen Visa at German Embassy Manila Experience
My German Embassy Manila Experience
I wrote this post to give you an idea on what to expect on your interview. For the steps on how to get your Schengen visa, check my post here.
My visa interview was March 2, 2016 10:30 AM-11 AM.
Since I work night shift, I went straight from work to the embassy carrying all the requirements with me. I live in Makati City and the embassy is just located in RCBC. It was a mere 30 minutes away but I decided to travel two hours before the appointment just to avoid the traffic. I arrive at the lobby around 9:00 AM the guard told me to come back around 9:50 a.m. They won’t let you loiter inside the building so you have to arrive just 30 mins before the interview time. I went to Moonleaf to buy a milk tea and just surf the net to kill some time.
Guys, my tummy was aching because I was so nervous.
I didn’t even finish the large milk tea so I asked the staff if she could keep it inside their fridge and I’ll just come back later. LOL! I can’t be wasting any more money because this visa application alone cost me a lot!
I went back inside RCBC and went straight to the guard manning the German embassy desk. Then, I presented my visa appointment form they emailed on my account. They will confiscate your umbrella, laptop, and tablet before you go to the embassy itself. I left my umbrella and proceeded to the 25th floor of the RCBC Building.
When you arrived at the 25th floor, you will be greeted by two guards on your left side. Here, your bags will be checked and you will have to submit your declaration to the lady in the window. She will give a priority number and will ask you to proceed to the right side. There is a lady guard who will confiscate your phone, charger, power banks, etc. and will give you a small key for your locker. I went inside the interview section and surprisingly, there were less than 10 people. The one in front of me was a Chinese couple and they were interviewed for only 10 minutes. Then, it was my turn. Not verbatim but here are the questions asked:
Interview questions:
Jack: Good morning!
Consul: Good morning. Purpose of travel?
J: For vacation.
C: *types, types* For how long?
J: xx days
C: Nakapunta ka na ba ng ibang bansa? (Have you ever been abroad?)
J: I’ve been meaning to travel before but I had just received my corrected birth certificate and…
C: *she cuts me* —-So, hindi pa? (—-So, you haven’t?)
J: *smiles* Yes, I haven’t.
C: Ano ginagawa mo sa trabaho mo? (What are you doing in your job?)
J: Almost everything digital. I do email automation, email campaigns, Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter audience targeting, SEO, copywriting, and sometimes I do web and graphic designs.
C: Magkano sahod mo? (How much is your salary)
J: xxxxxx pesos
C: Per month?
J: Yes
C: Gross na ba ‘to or net? (Is this gross or net?)
J: Net
C: So, you had an error in your gender? *encircles the gender on my birth certificate*
J: Yup, but it’s now fixed.
C: What did you finish in school and what school?
J: Communication at Adamson University
C: What year?
J: Until 4th year (HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA OMG I’M SO DUMB!)
C: No, I mean what year did you graduate?
J: Oh, 2015. Last year. Sorry!
C: *types, types* How old are you?
J: 21 po.
C: Any kids?
J: None.
C: Okay, here’s your tracking number. We will just deliver your passport next week.
J: Thank you.
As you can see, it was a very chill interview. The consul might seem to be super intimidating but that’s their job – to intimidate you! When you’re planning to be an illegal immigrant, they can get into your head and you will be nervous but why should you be nervous when you don’t plan on doing something illegal? I was so chill the entire time and I was smiling. By the way, they will not get all of your documents. They didn’t even ask about my aunt and family friend who will accommodate me to make their home as my home base! Just pass the documents if they asked for it but if not, don’t insist. To check what they got and what they didn’t, check my post here.
After that, I went back to the milk tea place and went straight home. I’m glad it was over and I’m feeling very positive.
Tips in applying for a Schengen Visa in German Embassy:
- Arrive early but not too early. 30 minutes will do.
- Don’t bring too much electronics
- Make sure that you have your visa appointment and visa declaration printed
- PHOTOCOPY EVERYTHING – I MEAN EVERYTHING! I made a mistake of not doing so. Now, I no longer have my original certificate of employment, ITR, etc.
- Wear an appropriate clothing but don’t overdo it because it might look like you’re too desperate. I wore something like this but in olive green.
- Arrange your documents to how it’s written on the embassy website
- Don’t be nervous! Unless you’re planning to do something illegal, there’s no need to be nervous!
- Be honest! The embassy knows more about yourself than you do yourself lol so there’s no need to lie!
- Thank the consul after your interview
- Do not call the embassy to ask for your visa status! Just wait patiently! Call 2Go and they might have a word on your visa status but refrain from bothering the embassy.
Waiting for the Schengen Visa from German Embassy
I received my visa after 3 business days. Kudos German Embassy Manila for my good visa experience. They granted me multiple-entry and added a few days to what I requested.
I can’t wait to save up more money after this trip and apply again! 🙂
Hello! Very informative interview, thank you. May I ask, during the interview…were you seated or just standing by a counter? Thanks in advance for replying.
Just standing 🙂
Hi!super love ko na kayo.. hihi literal talaga ang details.. keep up the good work po Ms. JACKYLNNE!!☺
Thank you, Myrene! 😀
Hi Jacklynne, thank you very much for this very informative blog. I’ll be having my interview on the 15th of June, 2016. Please include me to your prayers! 😊
Yes!! Sending you good vibes! 🙂 Update me! 🙂
Hi, is the one interviewing you a Filipino as well? Thanks!
Yes, the consul is a Filipina.
Hi naghahanap din ba sila ng bank statement ? Or super strict sila pagdating sa pagpapakita na may enough money ka
Yep. You have to present bank statements and it’s a must. 😉
Jack, what if kng invitation letter lng ang document n isusubmit ng sponsor? pero very detailed nman, nilagay nya sa letter n cya mgpprovide lahat ng travel expenses, cya mag bobook ng ticket once the visa result is approved.
thans to ur blog 🙂
I’m sorry, I’m not so sure but whatever is written as a requirement, there’s no negotiation and you should bring that. Good luck!
Hello Ms. Jacklynne! Regarding po kung ano natapos, kailangan po ba magdala ng copy sa TOR during interview? O hindi na kailangan? Curious lang po. Salamat. 🙂
Not really unless you’ve just recently graduated. Like 6 months ago! 🙂
Hey Jack,
Consul ba yung mga nag iinterview sa counter?
Hi. Eh kung di pa graduate, ok lang kaya? Ma-approve kaya? And if homebased ang work, ma-approve kaya?
Hi Ms. Jacklynne!
I also graduated from Adamson University with a degree of Civil Engineering. Upon reading, you already funded 200k for a span of 7 months only? Oh my! I envy you. You must be paid well in your company. Anyway, I am so happy that you are such an inspiration to many. Keep soaring high! 🙂
I work for an American company so USD ang rate. 🙂 Thank you, dear!
The chance would be slim but I dare you to try it. As long as you have proofsof coming back, you can always try.
Yes! 🙂
I was looking for the part where you have to prove that you’re not going TNT. Weirdly, it’s not during the interview. I believe it’s not also in the cover page since you mentioned that it’s just a 1-paged letter.
My COE, ITR, leave of absence, and other requirements proved that.
Hi Jacklynne , how did u get your appointment?
Through the German Embassy website 🙂
hi thanks for writing your experience. any idea on how did you complete the health insurance requirement? thanks
Hi, tagalog talaga yung questions? Thanks! 🙂
Yes! 🙂
I bought the insurance through Care Concept Germany.
Original copies lng po ba ang kukunin nila?
Hi jacky! Original copies lang po ba yong kukunin nila? 🙂
Both original and photocopy
hello Miss Jacky,
upon receiving you passport With visa on it, did They sent you back some documents that you have submitted to them?
ive had a uk tourist visa before and upon delivery of my passport They also included some of the documents that i submitted to them. so im wondering if They also do the same?
another thing is, is there an option to pick up the passport in the embassy itself or the only option is to send it back to your home?
hope to hear from you
God bless
They sent me back my ITR 🙂 I highly advice to photocopy everything twice.
I don’t think that German Embassy offers a pickup option for your visa.
hi
im going to apply next month at german Embassy but i dont have a job and no Bank statement
only my Boyfriend will pay all the expenses…
may chance ba na makakuha ng schengen visa?
Anyway nagsama na kmi for 2 years sa bf ko sa Australia.
thanks for ur time.
If your boyfriend will shoulder the expenses, you should present his financial documents to prove that he can afford to finance you on your vacation. I’d be honest, not having a job here is a huge red flag in applying for any visa. However, who knows? If you can prove that you won’t stay there illegally, then maybe they can grant you one. 🙂 Good luck!
Actually i still have a tourist visa in Australia do you think it will help to get a visa i have been two years in Australia already.. By the way where did you get your flight reservation which company?
Paano ba ang delivery of documents 2Go lng ba siya or pwede rin sa LBC for pick up?
Thanks for ur time.
I got my flight reservation from Dream Euro Trip! 🙂 2GO option only for German Embassy. 🙂
Hi Jacklynne, regarding the flight details did you have a flight reservation? if y es, where did you book them? 🙂
Yep! From Dream Euro Trip! 🙂
Im going to apply schengen visa for tourism for atleast 90 days/3 months..
is it possible also to take some language course for at least 8 weeks and then after that sight seeing and travel to germany? i will shoulder all my expenses..
because my boyfriend is a permanent in Australia so he want me to go by myself in germany..
what would be the possible it is?
Hi Jack! I’m a freelance virtual assistant (for two different individuals – one from the PH and the other one is from Atlanta) and social media manager (for an Australian company). This is actually my full-time job after college (Before, I worked as a photographer and social media manager for a wedding photography company for 2 years). I’ve been at this for around 6 months already and I think I’ll be doing freelance for at least the next 5 years of my life haha. I loooove the freedom that comes with the job.
My salary is, for me, more than enough for a 22-year old fresh graduate, which is why I’m thinking of saving for two years and then apply for a Schengen Visa.
Do you think my chances of getting a visa would be low? Considering that my job is… well freelance. And to top that, I don’t have any assets/business here in the PH. I’m a bit afraid that the embassy would think I’d look for a job overseas since I have no legit company in the PH that I have to get back to.
Not sure if tourist visa can be used to take courses. Isn’t that under student visa?
I’d be honest that majority of the freelancers have a hard time getting a visa but it’s not impossible. Just present your PayPal earnings and a contract if you have one. 🙂
Hi! I’m a 4th year college student. Yes! Okay lang kahit hindi ka pa graduate as long as you can support yourself with the appropriate bank statements/you have a sponsor who may submit a formal obligation. Bigger chance, I may say, because you have that tie in the Philippines, you’re only a student, so probably you’re not so much of a threat with regard to overstaying.
Hello, may I know how many months or years does the visa gave to you? And is it tourist? Thank you.
Hi! They gave me 75 days ata, I forgot na. Yes, it’s tourist 🙂
Hello miss jack ofw po ako tapos pagkatapos ng contract ko u2wi ako sa pinas at mag aapply ng tourist visa ma approved po kaya?
Employment is really a big plus in applying for a visa. Make sure you are employed or have your own business when you apply.
Hi Jack, u hav such a nice & very informative blog ! Actually im using this now as a reference & guide as im also planning a trip to europe this year……anyways, my question is did u happen to use/purchase Eurail Global/Select Pass on this trip ?
Hi Jack, u hav such a nice & very informative blog ! I really thank u for this coz this is a big help to others like me who are also planning to go to europe……my question is if u use/purchase Eurail Global Pass or any Pass on this trip ?
Also, i happen to visit Dream Euro Trip site yesterday. But now my IP Address was blacklisted & i dont know why. I wanted to avail their flight & hotel reservation for my visa application.
Will wait for ur reply & advise. Thank u very much in advance. 😊
I contemplated on getting the Eurail but I’ve been told that it’s not practical. I just bought individual tickets on the station.
Btw, I’ve also messaged DJ – the owner of Dream Euro Trip regarding your situation. He’s looking into it now. 🙂
Hi Jackylynne!
Did you really followed the itinerary you provided to the embassy vis-a-vis your actual trip? Especially the target date you intend to enter schengen countries and length of stay on each country?
Thanks Much!
Yes, I did! 🙂
Hello Jackylynne,
I established a business last 2014. My ITR is saying that i have negative annual income but still have a million in savings account from my separation pay on 2013 as employee. My wife will be touring with me and the one having a fixed income. Do i still have a big chance of granting an income?
I can’t say for certain. You just have to prove that you will come back. It’s better to have stable income here than a big amount on the bank, in my opinion.
Hi Again 🙂
How many “additional days” did they give you? 🙂
A month extension ata, I forgot na haha!
Hello! Im planning to go to Germany on July 2017 and im preparing all my other requirements. My aunt and her family will sponsor my trip so they sent me via mail a formal obligation and insurance. She said that their agency advised them that these are only the documents they needed to send to me for my application. Is it enough for my application? I also have in hand my approved leave of absence, COE, ITR & payslip. Thank you!
Pass all that you can to prove rootedness in our country. Good luck!
Hi Jacklynne! Thank you so much for this. It really helps me a lot. I have an interview a while ago between 1:30 to 2:00 pm. And before my appointment I always visit your website to know more about the documents and etc. And thank God I survive the interview. And the Consul said it will deliver 3 to 5 days. Is that so? I’m approved? Because she didn’t told me that my visa is already approved but she said that they will deliver my Passport. So i’m looking forward for what will be going to happen. I’ll just wait for my passport to be arrived. Jacklynne, thank you so much. Because of you I have an idea of what I am going to do if I am already in the Embassy. Thank you very much. 😁
Should documents/certificates (certificate of employent,bank certificate,etc) be addressed to the German embassy in Manila or the phrase “To Whom It May Concern” would be enough?
If they didn’t give you back your passport, that means you’re approved! Congratulations!
Better if addressed to German Embassy. 🙂
Hi ms jacklynne! When you got your visa 3 business days after your interview, that’s through courier already? Did you have to pay any courier fee at the embassy? Also do they notify you that the passport has been dispatched or you just have to wait for the passport&docs to be delivered to you? Thanks so much!
We are waiting already 14 days for the passports of my daughter and her mother !
They applied for VISA on March 30.
The tracking on 2go is always negativ / invalid.
Contacting 2go was also unsuccessful.
Contact to the embassy is impossible, they dont reply.
Can it take so long time to get VISA from the german embassy ?
Weird. All I know is that it should be 1 week max 🙁 Try calling the Embassy again.
Delivery fee is included in the visa fee na ata. They will give you the tracking number, just track that. 🙂
How do you track the VISA?
https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx
Hello, Jacky!
This is very helpful. I want to ask a question regarding the travel agencies. The German Embassy website has list of accredited travel insurance in the Philippines that can be found in this link below: http://www.manila.diplo.de/contentblob/4483040/Daten/6400378/ListeHealthInsuranceSchengen.pdf
I’ wondering if the travel insurances found online that are accredited by Schengen Visa (but not found on the german embassy website) are also accepted?
Hope to hear back from you.
Thank you very much!
I don’t think my travel insurance made it on the list but I still got approved. 🙂
Thanks for this, Jacky! I just had my interview done yesterday. Although I feel my interview went well, there was one answer I am confused until now if that what if I could have said more about it.
I have all the documents needed from my sponsor.
If the consul said “Ok, we will deliver your passport in one week Ma’am, this is your tracking number”, may I ask if it’s negative or there’a chance that my application is approved?
Hi, they always say that whether it will be approved or not. For now, just pray. Good luck!
Hello! I did my internship at an Asian embassy. For privacy reasons I will not divulge which country. I was assigned at the Consular Section. The common misconception is that the “consul” is the one conducting the interview. No, the interviewer is simply a consular section officer or visa section officer. They are not diplomats. They are locals from where the embassy or foreign mission is located. The foreign consul is in his enclosed office (just to give an idea on what it looks like inside an embassy).
I discovered your blog while searching for “Schengen visa application” and smiled upon seeing MULT in your visa. My friend applied at the German Emb also and he got his visa in 2 days.
I enjoyed reading your blog. Safe travels always!
Thanks for the info! You learn something new everyday. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi po!Question lang po Miss Jacklynne,my husband is seaman pero d n sya nagbabarko ngayon kc nag business sya ng pigery farm,possible po b n yon ang gamitin nya for his source of income? Thank you
Just present DTI or Mayor’s Permit of the business.
Hello po! I’m an undergraduate student planning to do an unpaid internship for 70 days in Sweden. Schengen visa pa rin po ba ang kailangan na visa or iba na po?
Also, kailangan ko po ba mag avail ng travel insurance and makapag present na ng round-trip plane ticket? thank you po!
Schengen but not tourist visa. Not sure about the requirements.
Hello Ms. Jacklynne. Thank you so much for this blog. It is very helpful. My visa interview will be on the 24th of May 2018. Please pray for me. 🙂
Hello Ms. Jacklynne! I would like to ask you about the sponsorship. Do I need to prepare my bank statement even if I have a sponsor? Please help me. Thank you!
How did it go? 🙂
No need! 🙂
Hi Jacky, can my immediate supervisor approve the LOA or is it the HR? I will be applying for a visit visa for DK next month and it’s the only requirement I’ve yet to comply. Thank you so much.
Hello Ma’am Jacklynne,
Paano po kung meron nag iinvite sakin sa Germany, kailangan ko pa po ba ng self employed requirements? Salamat!
Hi Miss Jacky.. may bf po ako nameet ko sya through online. At pinapapunta nya ako sa Italy pra doon kami mag meet, 8 months in relationship na kmi. Nkapag apply na sya sa agency doon to fix my documents sabi wait kmi 3 months. May chance kya na maapprove yun schengen visa ko gnun na di pa kmi ngkikita personally?
Hi Jackylynne! I watched your videos and read blogs about this schengen visa application. Im planning to Visit my childhood dream, Paris France. Any suggestion where can i apply here in the Philippines? thanks in advance. Btw, hope i can email you one time if this conversation goes well. thank you again! 🙂
Anong country sa eu na pinuntahan mo for schengen ?
6 digits naman ata pala ang salary hehe.. jk! thanks for info po very informative! 🙂
Hahaha 😀
Hi there! Super late ko nakita post mo, and I’m amazed! I have a three-week Europe trip coming soon with the Netherlands as my point of entry. Hindi ito first out of the country ko (fifth), but sobrang worried ko about getting interrogated sa immigration natin. Can you share your personal experience kahit onti on what happened when you faced the IO when leaving? Single, female, and 21-years-old lang din ako.
Feeling ko never naman ako nahirapan before makaalis, pero sobrang worried ko this time dahil ang laking money nagastos for the trip already. Huhu.