France Schengen Visa via TLScontact: A Filipino Applicant's Guide

Based on user experiences | Updated: August 1, 2024

Planning a trip to France from the Philippines? Applying for a Schengen visa involves specific steps, especially since France uses TLScontact as its application center, unlike many other EU countries that use VFS Global. This guide breaks down the process based on a recent successful applicant's experience, covering the timeline, costs, required documents, and essential tips.

Typical Timeline (Example)

Visa processing times can vary, but here’s a sample timeline from an applicant who applied in early 2024:

• Appointment Booking (Feb 18): Secured an appointment slot via the TLScontact website. Note that slots can be booked up weeks or even a month in advance.
• Submission Day (Mar 20): Submitted all required documents at the TLScontact center in Makati.
• Passport Pickup (Mar 25): Received notification that the passport (with visa) was ready for collection.

This applicant received a multiple-entry visa valid for one month, allowing a stay of up to 15 days within that period.

Estimated Costs (as of early 2024, in PHP)

Prepare for the following expenses:

• Visa Fee: ~₱5,440 (Paid at TLScontact via cash or credit card)
• TLScontact Service Fee: ~₱1,511
• Prime Time Appointment (Optional): ~₱2,290 (If you need an earlier slot than the standard available ones)
• Passport Photos: ~₱155 (Must meet Schengen size requirements)
• Travel Health Insurance: ~₱966 (Example using Klook's TravelJoy, ensuring it meets Schengen requirements)
• Flight Reservation/Booking: Varies (Paid ~₱9,145 for taxes/fees on a mileage redemption)
• Accommodation Booking: Varies (Paid ~₱10,285 for a flexible booking, 35% upfront)

Document Checklist

Based on the applicant's submission, prepare printed copies of the following:

• France-Visas Application Form & Receipt: Generated PDF after completing the online form (approx. 6 pages).
• Passport Copies: All pages, including visas and entry/exit stamps (approx. 25 pages). Include relevant travel history documents like US I-94 if applicable.
• Flight Itinerary: E-ticket confirmation. Flight reservations can often be obtained from travel agencies for a small fee or booked with free cancellation options.
• Detailed Day-to-Day Itinerary: A simple format showing date, planned activities, and accommodation for each day (approx. 1 page).
• Proof of Socio-Professional Situation: Certificate of Employment, recent BIR Form 2316, SSS contributions screenshot, Pag-IBIG MSAV (approx. 10 pages).
• Proof of Funds: Bank certificates, time deposit certificates, recent credit card statements (especially if used for travel), investment statements (e.g., stock holdings) (can be extensive, applicant submitted ~45 pages). While specific ADB wasn't the only factor, showing sufficient funds across various accounts including time deposits was key.
• Accommodation Proof: Booking confirmation emails (approx. 4 pages). Choose refundable options if possible.
• Travel Health Insurance Certificate: Certificate of Coverage from an accredited provider (approx. 3 pages).
• Extra Passport Photos: Bring spares, as one might be requested during submission.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Start Online at France-Visas: Create an account on the official France-Visas website. Fill out the application form accurately (you'll need your accommodation details). Submit it to generate the PDF application form and receipt. Note your application number.
2. Book Appointment at TLScontact: Create a separate account on the TLScontact Philippines website. Use your France-Visas application number to book a slot. Be aware that standard slots might be far out; 'Prime Time' slots offer earlier dates for an extra fee. Pay the service fee (and prime time fee, if applicable) online.
3. Visit TLScontact Center (Makati): Arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment (1 Proscenium Tower). No phones allowed inside. Go through security. The receptionist checks initial documents. You'll get a queue number.
4. Document Verification: Staff double-check your application details (travel dates, passport info). This is your chance to request corrections (e.g., changing requested entry type from single to multiple, though approval isn't guaranteed). They'll take an extra photo and seal your documents.
5. Visa Fee Payment: Pay the visa fee via cash or credit card. Keep the receipts.
6. Biometrics: Your photo and fingerprints will be taken. You'll sign forms, and they will take your document packet. Keep the claim stub provided. The process inside typically takes less than an hour.
7. Passport Collection: Wait for notification (SMS/email). Claim your passport in person at the designated window (bringing the claim stub) or opt for courier service (extra fee).

Helpful Tips & Considerations

• Finding Appointments: Securing a TLScontact appointment can be challenging due to high demand. Slots open up unpredictably. Tools like our TLSContact Appointment Booker extension can help monitor for openings automatically, saving you the stress of constant manual checking.
• Booking Flexibility: Use flight reservation services or book refundable/cancellable flights and hotels initially to minimize financial risk if the visa is denied or delayed.
• Insurance Refunds: Check if your travel insurance provider offers refunds in case of visa denial.
• Multiple Entry: You can request multiple entries during document verification, but approval depends on the embassy and your travel history/plans. Even first-time applicants might get it, but sometimes only for a short duration (like the 1-month example).
• No Interview: Unlike US visa applications, there's typically no interview for Schengen tourist visas submitted via TLScontact.

Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful preparation and patience, especially with documentation and securing appointments. Hopefully, this detailed walkthrough based on a real applicant's journey helps simplify the process for your trip to France!