As explained by the authorities, the longer waiting times come amid the high demand as well as due to the approaching high tourist season.

Submit Applications as Early as Possible, Embassy Says

To make sure that travellers do not face any inconvenience, the French Embassy in Manila advised everyone to submit their application as early as possible.

The same recommended that applicants have a clear timeline, allowing them to adjust their travel plans proactively.

Despite the Embassy saying that the waiting time for a visa appointment at the centre in Manila is estimated to take at least six weeks, applicants should keep in mind that this period can increase as we approach the summer months and extend up to a couple of months.

France opened its visa application centre in Manila in December 2023, with TLS Contact being its service provider. This means that those interested in applying for a French Schengen visa need to make their appointments via the outsourcing company.

Filipino Nationals Filed Over 200,900 Schengen Visa Applications in 2023

Nationals of the Philippines file a large number of applications each year, with 2023 not being an exception.

According to statistics published by EU Helpers, in 2023, Filipino nationals filed a total of 200,973 Schengen visa applications, ranking 13th among nationalities that submitted the most applications.

Of the total number of applications, 35,591 of them were submitted for a French Schengen visa. In 2023, France issued 32,721 visas and denied 2,356 visas for Filipino nationals.

It is estimated that in 2024, Filipinos also filed a large number of applications for a French Schengen visa. However, data is yet to be shared.