Greece is one of the top 5 countries in my bucket list (followed by Egypt, Jordan, South Korea and Italy). I’ve only seen it on photos and movies before. And finally, it’s a dream come true and I’m really excited. Mamma Mia, here I come!
As a Philippine passport holder, I need to get a Schengen visa (Greece is part of the Schengen region) for me to enter the country. Since I’m travelling with my husband (a British citizen), the requirements is not as strict compared to the standard tourist visa. Basically, as long as you’re travelling with your EU/British spouse, it should be easy to apply.
Before booking an appointment to the visa centre, I made an application online. You can visit this website. After answering the required fields, I submitted the application. The website generated a pdf copy of my application, then I downloaded and printed it. Don’t forget to sign the application form.
After my online application, I immediately booked an appointment. Please take note that family members of EU/EEA/CH Nationals do not need an appointment during Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00-14:00 (except public holidays).
I booked my appointment in Manchester (50 Devonshire Street North, M12 6JH Manchester) since it’s the nearest visa application centre. I don’t have many holidays left at work so I squeezed this appointment after my driving theory test!
I arrived 15 minutes prior to my schedule. Make sure you have your appointment form to present in the reception. I submitted the following documents:
1. Printed application form
2. 1 passport photo
3. Original passport of applicant and copy of bio page
4. Original passport of British spouse for verification; only the copy of the bio page needs to be submitted
5. BRP card for verification; only the copy needs to be submitted
6. Marriage cert for verification; only the copy needs to be submitted
7. Travel details; only the copy needs to be submitted
Please take note that you need to submit confirmed travel details with references. There were no bank statements or employer’s letter asked from me. It was that easy. The fees I paid were:
£20.02 – Service Fee
£14.95 – Courier Service
A total of £34.97
A receipt of the transaction and tracking number were handed to me by the staff. You can track your visa application status in the website. Make sure you type ‘UK’ in caps for a result to come up (it’s case sensitive). I received my passport after 5 working days. Greece here I come!
Ohhh amazing! Can't wait to see the Greece pics!
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