Here's How To Apply for A Spain Tourist Visa If You're A Filipino

With the Philippines’ historical ties to Spain, it isn’t a surprise that Filipinos have this European country at the top of their travel bucket list. From the breathtaking vistas of Barcelona to the rich cultural heritage of Madrid, Spain offers a treasure trove of experiences for travel enthusiasts. But before you set off on your Spanish escapade, there's an important prerequisite you’ll have to get: the Schengen visa.

If you're ready to immerse yourself in enchanting España and flex your Spanish skills, scroll on for our full guide to getting that much-needed short-term visa for Philippine passport holders.

Aside from Spain, what other countries can I visit with a Schengen visa?

The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries. Other than Spain, this means you can also visit Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Switzerland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. 

There won’t be any border checks at internal borders between two Schengen states. If you plan to visit other countries, you should apply at the Spanish embassy only if you intend to stay in Spain longer than in other countries. If the length of stay is equal in all countries, apply at the embassy of the country which will be your first destination.

How long is the validity of a Spain short-term visitor visa?

Short-term visitor visas have a maximum stay of 90 days. 

When should I apply for a Spain visa?

You can apply up to 180 days prior to your intended date of travel. All applications should be submitted at least 15 days before you plan to enter the Schengen area.

What are the basic document requirements for a Spain visitor visa?

1. Long brown envelope - Applicant’s surname, name, and contact number written in bold letters on the upper left corner

2. One original and photocopy of your signed Schengen visa application form pasted with a passport-sized photo (35mm x 45 mm, white background)

3. Cover letter explaining the purpose of your intended trip

4. Proof of Economic Means

   1. Original bank certificate

   2. Photocopy of bank books

   3. Original statement of account (including the movements of account in at least the last six months)

   4. If employed: Original certificate of employment, authorization of leave of absence, Income Tax Return duly validated by BIR

   5. If self-employed: Photocopies of business permit, SEC, DTI, company Income Tax Return duly validated by BIR and business financial statement

5. For participants in events and studies for less than 90 days:

   1. Commercial fair or cultural/sports event: Name of invited person (including function), contact details, name, and position of the countersigning person, length and purposes of the visit or activity

      ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

   2. Studies, research, and internship: Certificate of admission or registration at an educational establishment

6. Two-way airline ticket reservation - It is strongly recommended not to buy the flight ticket before receiving a visa.

7. Detailed itinerary - Only itineraries with Spain as the main destination (longest stay) will be processed.

8. International travel health insurance - See the accredited Philippine insurance companies here

   1. Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (approximately 1.8M pesos)

   2. Must be recognized in all Schengen states

   3. Valid period of the insurance coverage must be for the duration of the intended stay

9. Proof of accommodation

   1. For tourists: Confirmed hotel reservations (for the entire stay in the Schengen area)

   2. If invited by family/friend: Invitation letter issued by the Spanish Police, or an invitation letter including the photocopy of the sponsor’s passport and/or D.N.I., or residence card and registration of residency (“empadronamiento”).

10. Proof of identity and marital status

    1. If single: Birth Certificate

       ADVERTISMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    2. If married: Birth Certificate and Marriage Contract

11. For minors:

    1. Birth Certificate issued by the PSA

    2. If traveling alone or with only one parent: Written consent of the non-traveling parent/legal guardian or proof of sole custody of the traveling parent or legal guardian. If the name of the father doesn’t appear on the PSA-issued birth certificate, no consent is required.

    3. Copy of bio-data page of parent/s or legal guardian’s passport

    4. If traveling alone: DSWD clearance

    5. If traveling during the school year: Certificate of leave of absence

12. Valid passport

    1. With three months validity from the end of the intended stay, must contain two empty pages

    2. Photocopy of bio page, previous visas, and entry and exit stamps

13. For non-appearance: With a previous Schengen visa issued in the last three years: The representative should provide an authorization letter fully signed by the applicant.

How do I book an appointment?

First, complete the appointment form on BLS International’s website, the Spain Embassy's third-party service provider. It will ask for your preferred visa center, email address, and mobile number. A verification code will be sent to your email, which you should enter in the box provided.

After that, you’ll be redirected to the appointment booking form, where you’ll have to fill out pertinent personal information, as well as your desired appointment date.  

How much is the visa fee?

For short-term visitors, a visa fee of P4750 is required for adults, and P2370 for children between six and 12 years old. However, children below six are free of charge. Note: The applicable visa fee is as per the current exchange rate, so it’s subject to change!

What are the other fees I have to pay?

BLS International offers optional services meant to ease your visa application process.

• Premium Lounge - P1500
  Additional services include: form filling, SMS service tot rack application status, photocopying of documents, newspaper and magazines for reading, and light refreshments and beverages
• Doorstep Service - P7500 (less than 10 applicants), P6000 (more than 10 applicants)
  Applicants who are unable to visit the center can apply for this service.
• Courier Service - P370
• Photobooth - P200 for four photos
• Photocopy - P5 per page
• SMS tracking updates - P150
• Internet kiosk - P150
• Printing service - P25 per page
• Scanning service - P30 per page
• Prime Time service - P1500 
  Submit your applications beyond the regular submission hours from Monday to Thursday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Flexi Hours Collection - P250
  Collect your passport beyond the regular passport collection hours from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sim Card - P2000

Where should I submit my application?

Spanish Schengen visa applications should be submitted at the BLS International centers nearest them, with branches in either Manila or Cebu. Following your schedule, submit your application from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Monday to Thursday) or 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. (Friday) No walk-ins are allowed, so don’t forget to book an appointment.

Manila

Spain Visa Application Centre

Unit 1903, 19th Floor,

Philippine AXA Life Centre,

Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines

Cebu

Spain Visa Application Centre

12th Floor, AppleOne Equicom Tower,

Mindanao Avenue cor. Biliran Street,

Cebu Business Park, Cebu City 6000,

Cebu City, Philippines

BLS International also offers a doorstep visa service, where applicants can submit their documents from their home, office, or any other preferred location. This is priced at P7500 for less than 10 applicants, and P6000 for more than 10 applicants.

What should I know before entering the visa application center?

1. Bring your brown envelope containing your passport and supporting documents, along with some cash to pay your visa application and other fees. They won’t accept other payment methods.
2. Be there 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time.
3. Mobile phones, laptops, electronic books, photo and video cameras, storage devices, and other electronics aren’t allowed inside the center. There won’t be any facility to store these either, so it’s best to make arrangements before entering the center.
4. Sealed envelopes, packages, suitcases, bags, food, and drinks will not be allowed inside.
5. Companions are generally not permitted inside unless you have special needs (accompanying hearing-impaired, physically challenged, elderly applicants, minors, or applicants requiring interpreters).
6. Your biometrics will be taken inside the center, including your fingerprints and a digital photograph. Remove any jewelry and contact lenses here!

I’ve submitted my application and already paid! How long should I wait for my passport?

Congrats! Now we wait. Short-stay visa applications may be processed within five to 15 working days. It may also take up to 45 days when needed.

How do I track my application?

Head to BLS International’s tracking page and enter your reference number. Those who applied for the additional SMS update service should receive regular updates through text.

I opted for pick-up. When should I go to the center?

Once you receive the notification, head to your designated center with your receipt during the regular passport collection time, which is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday to Friday. 

If you can’t go yourself, a representative can receive it provided that they have the receipt, an authorization letter from you with their name, and a photocopy of their ID.

Good luck and happy travels!