🇵🇭PHILIPPINES

🏳SEPH-SE

Do Philippines passport holders need a visa to visit SE?

Q: Does ETIAS apply to Philippine passport holders?

No. ETIAS, launching in late 2026, is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Filipinos require a full Schengen visa instead.

Q: Where do I apply for the Sweden Schengen visa in the Philippines?

Through VFS Global in Manila or the Swedish Consulate in Cebu; the Swedish Embassy in Manila makes the decision.

Q: Does a Sweden Schengen visa let me visit other European countries?

Yes. A Schengen visa covers all 29 Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, provided Sweden is your main destination or first entry point.

Q: How much does the Sweden Schengen visa cost?

The adult visa fee is EUR 90 (paid in peso equivalent), plus a VFS service fee and the cost of mandatory travel insurance.

Philippine ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Sweden for tourism. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option, and ETIAS does not apply because Filipinos are not visa-exempt. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, and Philippine ordinary passport holders are not on the EU's visa-exempt list. You must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Category C) visa before travel. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen states, not just Sweden. Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Manila or the Swedish Consulate in Cebu, with the Swedish Embassy in Manila as the decision-making authority. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90 (paid in peso equivalent) plus a VFS service fee. You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should apply at least 15 working days ahead; standard processing is around 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days in peak season. Travel medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 is mandatory. ETIAS (launching late 2026) is for visa-exempt nationalities only and does not replace the Schengen visa for Filipinos.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult) + VFS service fee

consular fee only

Processing time

~15 calendar days (up to 30-45 in peak season)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; often up to the dates of travel or longer for multiple-entry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose and gather core documents

Identify your trip as a short tourist/visitor stay under 90 days. Prepare a passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area with at least 2 blank pages.

· Tourism / visit· Under 90 days

/02

Book appointment via VFS Global or Swedish Consulate

Submit your application through VFS Global in Manila or the Swedish Consulate in Cebu. Create an account, complete the online application form, and book a biometrics appointment.

· VFS Global Manila· Consulate Cebu

/03

Compile supporting documents

Prepare flight reservation, accommodation booking, proof of funds (bank statements), employment/business proof, and travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000.

· Insurance EUR 30,000· Proof of funds

/04

Attend appointment and submit biometrics

Appear in person to submit documents, pay fees, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics valid 59 months if recently enrolled).

· Biometrics· In person

/05

Pay the visa and service fees

Pay the EUR 90 visa fee in peso equivalent plus the VFS service fee. Keep all receipts.

· EUR 90· Peso equivalent

/06

Wait for processing and collect passport

Standard processing is about 15 calendar days. Track your application online and collect your passport once a decision is made.

· ~15 days· Track online

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2+ blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

Two recent biometric passport photos

required

Travel medical insurance, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage

required

Round-trip flight reservation

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)

required

Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, last 3-6 months)

required

Proof of employment / business / school enrollment

recommended

Detailed travel itinerary

recommended

Visa fee + VFS service fee payment

required

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Paid in PHP equivalent at embassy rate; ~PHP 5,400

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service fee~PHP 1,500-2,000Non-refundable; never waived even if visa fee is reduced

Travel medical insurance~PHP 1,500-3,000Must cover at least EUR 30,000; varies by duration

Total estimateEUR 90 (~PHP 5,400) + service fees — ~PHP 10,000+ incl. service & insuranceincl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

~15 calendar days

Typical decision time after biometrics submission; apply at least 15 working days before travel.

Peak-season processing

30-45 days

Longer during summer and holiday peaks; apply up to 6 months in advance to be safe.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Philippines is not visa-exempt for Schengen

The EU does not grant visa-free entry to Philippine ordinary passport holders, so a Schengen visa is mandatory.

High

/02

Sweden is a full Schengen member

Entry to Sweden follows uniform Schengen short-stay rules, including the 90/180-day limit.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply to Filipinos

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationals; Filipinos must still obtain a full Schengen visa.

Medium

/04

Mandatory travel medical insurance

Schengen rules require insurance of at least EUR 30,000 for visa issuance.

Medium

/05

In-person biometrics required

First-time and lapsed applicants must enroll fingerprints in person at VFS Global.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

Philippines to Sweden route verified

Confirmed via the Swedish Embassy Manila (Sweden Abroad) and EU ETIAS portal that Philippine ordinary passport holders still require a Schengen Type C visa for Sweden; ETIAS (launching late 2026) does not apply as Filipinos are not visa-exempt. Fee remains EUR 90.

/09 — The questions