How to Apply for a Danish Schengen Visa for Filipino Tourists: Complete Guide
Filipino passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit Denmark. The process is standardized but document-heavy. This guide walks you through every requirement, step, and pro tip for a smooth Danish Schengen visa application via VFS Global Manila.
1. Confirm You Need a Visa
Philippines is not visa-exempt for Schengen. You need a Type C Short-Stay Visa (max 90 days/180 days). Apply at the Danish Embassy in Manila via VFS Global.
2. Determine Main Destination Rule
- Apply at Danish Embassy if: Denmark is sole destination OR longest stay OR first entry if equal stays.
- If visiting multiple Schengen states, Denmark must be primary destination (most nights).
3. Document Checklist (Exact VFS Manila Requirements)
Mandatory for All Applicants:
- Passport: Valid ≥3 months beyond return, issued <10 years ago, 2 blank visa pages. Submit old passports if any.
- Application Form: Completed online via ApplyVisa.dk, printed, signed (2 copies).
- Photos: 2 pcs, 35×45 mm, White background, 70–80% face, No glasses, Recent (≤6 months).
- Travel Medical Insurance: €30,000 minimum, Valid all Schengen, Covers entire stay + 15 days. Accredited: AXA, Europ Assistance, MAPFRE, etc. (VFS list).
- Flight Itinerary: Round-trip reservation (Not paid ticket unless visa granted). Include internal Schengen flights.
- Accommodation Proof: Hotel bookings (cancellable) OR Invitation Letter (notarized) + Host’s ID + Host’s Proof of Address (Utility bill) + Host’s Undertaking (Annex 1).
- Proof of Funds: PHP 50,000–70,000 (≈€800–1,100) per month of stay. Bank Statements (3 months, stamped), Passbook, OR Certificate of Deposit. If sponsored: Sponsor’s Bank Cert + Affidavit of Support (Notarized) + Sponsor’s ITR/Job Cert.
- Employment/Income Docs:
- Employed: COE (Salary, Position, Tenure, Leave Approval), ITR (2316), Business Permit (if employer).
- Self-Employed: DTI/SEC Reg, Mayor’s Permit, ITR (3 yrs), Audited FS, Bank Cert.
- Student: School ID, Enrollment Cert, Parent’s Docs + Affidavit of Support.
- Retired: Pension Slip, Bank Cert, PSA Marriage/Birth Certs.
- Civil Status Docs: PSA Marriage Cert (if married), PSA Birth Cert (if single), Annulment/Divorce (if applicable).
- Cover Letter: Personal, Detailed: Who, Why, Where, When, How Funded, Itinerary Summary, Ties to Philippines (Job, Family, Property, Business).
- Detailed Itinerary: Day-by-Day: Dates, Cities, Accommodation, Activities, Transport.
Additional for Minors (<18):
- PSA Birth Certificate.
- DSWD Travel Clearance (if solo/with one parent/non-parent).
- Parents’ Passports + Valid IDs.
- Notarized Affidavit of Consent (both parents) + Undertaking.
4. Book VFS Global Appointment
- Create account: visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/dnk.
- Select “Short Stay Visa” → “Tourism” / “Business” / “Family Visit.”
- Choose Date/Time (Book 4–6 weeks ahead – slots fill fast).
- Pay Service Fee: PHP 1,200 + Courier PHP 300 (optional).
- Print Appointment Confirmation + Checklist.
5. Attend Appointment at VFS Manila (Robinsons Place / SM Megamall / Cebu / Davao)
- Bring: All Originals + 1 Photocopy Set (organized per checklist order).
- Biometrics: 10 Fingerprints + Photo (Exempt if done for Schengen in last 59 months).
- Pay Visa Fee: €80 (Adult), €40 (Child 6–12), Free (<6). Paid in PHP at VFS rate.
- Receive: Acknowledgment Receipt with Tracking Number.
6. Processing & Decision
- Standard: 15 Calendar Days (can extend to 30/45 for consultation).
- Track: VFS Portal / SMS / Email.
- Possible: Interview Request (Phone/In-person) – Prepare: Itinerary, Finances, Ties to PH.
7. Passport Collection
- Pick up at VFS or Courier Delivery.
- Check Visa Sticker: Name, Passport No., Validity Dates, Duration of Stay (Days), Number of Entries (SINGLE/DOUBLE/MULTI), “SCHENGEN STATES.”
- Error? Return immediately for correction.
8. Common Refusal Reasons & Fixes
| Reason (VFS Code) | Fix for Reapplication |
|---|
| Justification of Purpose (1) | Stronger Cover Letter, Detailed Itinerary, Event Tickets, Invitation Letters. |
| Insufficient Means (2) | Higher Bank Balance, Regular Salary Credits, Sponsor with Stronger Docs. |
| Reliability of Return (3) | Stronger Ties: Employment Contract, Business Ownership, Property Titles, Family Dependents. |
| Document Authenticity (4) | Originals + Apostilles, Certified Translations, Consistent Data Across Docs. |
| Insurance Invalid (5) | Use VFS-Accredited Provider, Explicit “Schengen” Coverage, Full Duration. |
9. Pro Tips for Filipinos
- Show Rootedness: Employment > Freelance. Property > Rent. Family Dependents > Single.
- Bank Statements: Steady salary credits > Lump sums. 6 months preferred.
- Travel History: Previous Schengen/UK/US/Japan/Australia visas + entry/exit stamps = Huge plus.
- Apply Early: 3 months before travel. Not earlier (validity starts at decision).
- Be Honest: Inconsistencies = Automatic refusal + 5-year ban risk.
Denmark’s process is strict but fair. A complete, honest, well-documented application from a rooted Filipino traveler gets approved. Prepare meticulously. Travel joyfully.
Wanderlust World