DFA reminds Pinoys on Schengen visa limits

Filipinos traveling on package tours to Europe are advised to make sure they have the appropriate visas to countries of their destination or transit point. The Department of Foreign Affairs reminded on Friday that a Schengen visa does not entitle the holder to enter Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Although these are all EU members, they have not joined the Schengen visa system. Filipinos traveling to these countries must have the appropriate visas. Visas are also required when traveling to or transiting through non-EU countries: Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The DFA said travelers should make sure that their travel agencies or tour operators are well-informed on the tourist or transit visa regulations within the European Union. Traveling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. Visitors to the Schengen area enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. The name "Schengen" originates from a small town in Luxembourg. In June 1985, seven European Union countries signed a treaty to end internal border checkpoints and controls. More countries have joined the treaty over the past years. At present, there are 15 Schengen countries, all in Europe. The 15 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries except Norway and Iceland are European Union members. With a Schengen visa, you may enter one country and travel freely throughout the Schengen zone. Eastern Europe is a popular tourist destination, particularly for Filipinos joining pilgrimage tours. Filipinos are requested to obtain information regarding visas from the consulates/embassies of the countries they will visit. A traveler intending to visit only one Schengen country must apply visa at the embassy or consulate of that particular country. If you are going to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country which is your main destination. If you intend to visit several Schengen countries but do not have a main destination, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country which is your first point of entry. - GMANews.TV