The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) successfully hosted a Visa Briefing at The German Club in Makati on the 17th of July 2025 titled “Opportunities in Germany: Understanding Schengen Visa Types and Requirements”. This session featured speakers from the Visa Section of the German Embassy Manila: Head of Visa Section, Ms. Laura Geißendörfer, Visa Decider for Work and Ausbildung, Ms. Jodie Karstan, and Visa Decider for Seafarers, Students, and Language, Mr. Alexander Riemer. The event intended to provide insight on the requirements and the application process for the different Schengen visa types for Filipino travelers.
The Visa Section explained that within the Schengen area, the Schengen visas are considered for short-term stays (covering stays of up to 90 days). In this session, the focus was exclusively on Schengen visas and it was highly recommended that the attendees visit the official website (www.manila.diplo.de) for up-to-date guidelines and information.
During the event, the following Schengen visa categories were explained by the speakers:
- Visit Visa
- Business Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Visitor/Exhibitor at Fairs
- Seamen Visa
For the differences and specific requirements of each, the Embassy advises to visit and read through their website (www.manila.diplo.de)
The event also addressed frequently asked questions from the attendees such as the different visa categories, which included Schengen visa types and National visa types. Other questions revolved around the application process. The speakers emphasized how important it is to submit complete documentation including specific travel details. This is because one of the most common causes of visa delays and rejection is due to unspecific and incomplete documentation such as unclear travel purpose, weak financial proof, or missing insurance from accredited companies. The standard processing time is two weeks, but applicants are encouraged to apply as early as six months prior through VFS Global with locations in Makati and Cebu.
Although appointments at VFS are usually available within a day, applications received will be processed in order of submission. Once approved, it is possible to travel to other Schengen countries, but only with Germany being the main destination. If there are unexplained changes in the itinerary, this may cause problems in future applications. The same standards apply to Seafarers and Transit Travelers.
Closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Kat Rodriguez Reyes, Head of Chamber Services, who thanked the speakers for the insightful session. The event highlighted GPCCI’s continued commitment in strengthening partnerships between Germany and the Philippines, and attendees were reminded that GPCCI remains a support for related matters.