HOW TO APPLY FOR A VISIT or a TOURIST VISA TO LIECHTENSTEIN
Table of Contents
Introduction
Liechtenstein, despite being one of the world’s tiniest countries, is a charming and captivating destination for Filipino tourists.
This country is known for its stunning Alpine landscapes, including picturesque mountains, lush valleys, and pristine lakes. For nature-loving Filipino tourists, the country offers excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities. The capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, is a charming and compact city that can easily be explored in a day.
Liechtenstein’s official language is German, but many residents speak English and other languages. Filipino travelers can communicate with ease, as English is commonly understood, especially in tourist areas.
Liechtensteiners are known for their warm and friendly hospitality. Filipino tourists can expect to receive a warm welcome and experience the country’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a picturesque European gem. To turn your dream of visiting Liechtenstein into reality, you’ll need to secure a visit or tourist visa. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a visit or tourist visa to Liechtenstein, including updated processes and relevant links.
An Overview of Schengen Visa for Short-term Stay in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein, despite its small size, is part of the Schengen Area, which means that tourists can apply for a Schengen visa to visit Liechtenstein and explore other neighboring Schengen countries during their stay. The Schengen visa is designed for short-term stays, allowing you to visit Liechtenstein for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
More information about the Schengen area can be found here.
In order to enter Liechtenstein as a Philippine passport holder (and any other countries in the Schengen zone), you must obtain a Schengen Visa first. You can get a tourist visa (if touring the country is your primary purpose) or a visit visa (if your main objective is to visit a family, friend, or significant other).
With a Schengen Visa, you may come and stay to Liechtenstein for up to 90 days total starting from the date of entry to the date of exit. This 90-day stay may start and end anytime within the dates stipulated in the visa validity period (180 days).
Liechtenstein Visa Conditions for Philippine Citizens
As a Philippine passport holder, you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa to visit Liechtenstein for leisure, tourism, or family visits. However, it’s essential to understand the visa conditions and requirements before you begin the application process.
For Philippine passport holders aspiring to get a Liechtenstein Schengen visa, the following prerequisites should be met:
- Liechtenstein is the sole destination on your itinerary. This implies that your entire stay will be in Liechtenstein without plans to visit any other adjacent Schengen nations.
- Among all the Schengen countries you intend to visit, Liechtenstein will be your longest stay.
For instance, you might spend 14 days in Liechtenstein visiting family or friends. Subsequently, you could travel to Belgium, France, and Germany on a two-week tour before heading back to the Philippines.
- The primary objective of your journey revolves around Liechtenstein. Even if there are other Schengen destinations on your list, the central purpose of your trip is rooted in Liechtenstein.
- Liechtenstein is your primary entry point into the Schengen zone. If you’re spending an equal amount of time in various Schengen nations, your initial entry will be through Liechtenstein.
Important Documents to Prepare
If you are applying from the Philippines, the Embassy of Switzerland represents Liechtenstein and is authorized by to process Short-term (Type C) Visa applications. For these type of visa applications, all documents should be lodged at VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.:
When you apply for a short-term Schengen visa, the application will be forwarded to the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila, Philippines for processing. All cases are considered individually to see if the conditions for granting a visa are fulfilled.
Below are the list of documents that are required to be submitted when applying for Liechtenstein Short-term Schengen Visa for the purpose of tourism or visiting family or friends in this Schengen area.
1. A duly filled out and signed Schengen Visa Application Form for Liechtenstein. The Swiss Embassy in the Philippines handles the processing for Liechtenstein Short-Term Schengen Visas. Therefore, the checklist used for the Swiss/Switzerland Short-term Visa is also applicable for the Liechtenstein Short-term Visa. You may download the form by signing up here.
2. Two current biometrical passport photos (35-45 mm width)– have your passport photo taken. The embassy is very strict on their photo specifications. Fortunately, they have a page on their official website dedicated to explaining this. Bring at least two copies or more, just in case. One photo should be glued to the application form. The second photo will be returned to you.
- Taken with nothing covering the face, without sunglasses or contact lenses, or a head covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
- The subject should have their mouth closed (no grinning, frowning or raised eyebrows).
After which, paste your photo on each of the electronic visa form that you completed online (1 original and 1 photocopy of the form).
3. Original Passport and a Photocopy of it as well as the Bio Page– The embassy requires that your passport is valid for at least another three months on the date the visa application is submitted. It also must have two empty pages for them to stamp your passport. If you have renewed your passport, bring your old one/s with you. These are needed especially if you have previous overseas trips.
4. Travel Insurance – the coverage must be applied during the entire duration of the trip and must be valid for all Schengen countries. Coverage sum must be AT LEAST EUR 30,000 (Php 2.5 million or USD 50,000). I highly recommend Pioneer Insurance which you can avail yourself through me. Feel free to directly inquire through JASTravel on Facebook and I would be very glad to assist you.
5. A copy of your roundtrip flight reservation. Do NOT buy flight tickets before the visa is issued because the Switzerland Embassy would NOT take any responsibility for the costs you’ll incur if your visa gets denied. We can assist you with a dummy ticket for your flight reservation requirement; get it here!
6. Proof of Accomodation, copy(ies). These are confirmed hotel reservation(s) only for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen countries containing the name and contact details of the hotel(s) as well as the reservation number.
7. Day-to-day Itinerary – At this part, it’s good practice to include a cover letter along with this itinerary document so that you can properly explain the purpose of your trip. We can help you plan your trip by availing our itinerary service.
8. Proof of financial capacity to show that you (or your sponsor) can support your expenses for the whole duration of your travel.
For those traveling without a sponsor: this means that you will cover all your expenses during the entire duration of your travel.
- Bank statements – must show records of the past six months. A bank statement shows your transactions in your account at a specific period. It will show debits (withdrawals, payments, taxes, service fees) and credits (deposits, interest earned.) Bank Statements can also be seen online especially if you have a registered account. There is no signature for the manager or a bank officer.
- Bank Certificate – it is a confirmation by the branch manager or a bank officer that you have an existing account in their bank. It shows the account number, the type, and other details such as the opening date of your account, your account balance as of the date of request, and your average daily balance.
- Other proof of income (supporting documents) – although it is not really required, you can submit invoices and pay slip equivalent to prove that you earn enough to support this trip financially.
NOTE: If your sponsor values his/her privacy, he/she has the option of sending his/her financial documents directly to the Embassy and he can do this by post or e-mail (instead of you submitting them to VFS on your appointment date).
The following documents are NOT required, but it helps to submit them too:
- Letter that is written by your guarantor/sponsor indicating his/her relationship with you as well as confirming that he/she will be supporting all your travel expenses
- Your OWN bank statements, properties, etc. to help strengthen your financial solvency even more- If you maintain a bank account for a long time, better maintain it. Kahit na may sponsor ka, of course, plus points pa din sa visa application mo if idadagdag mo din bank statements mo, payslips from our employer, and other proof na financially capable ka din and most importantly, it proves deep rootedness as well.
9. Evidence of your rootedness in the Philippines – Evidence of deep-rootedness a.k.a. strong family and social ties to your home country, is one of the most critical requirements when applying for a Schengen Visa. It is what the Consul will look for in your visa application. So how do you prove that you are firmly established in the Philippines and that you will go back to your home country?
You need to convince them that you will return to the Philippines. Insufficient evidence of deep-rootedness to your home country is also one of the chief reasons for visa denial.
- For Employees:
- Employment or Work contract and bank account statements or payslips showing the transfer of your last six-monthly salaries
- Certificate of Employment which should include the employer’s full name, complete address, telephone number with area code, details regarding the position, income, and employment duration
- Approved letter of approved leave signed by your employer (Leave of Absence letter)
- Optional: Signed No Objection Certificate which states that your employer has no objection for you to travel to Switzerland and that they have approved your leave request
- Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR)
- Optional Supporting Documents:
› Government Mandated Contributions – SSS, Pag-ibig, Philhealth Contributions
› If with existing loan – SSS Loan or Pag-ibig Salary loan
- For Self-Employed:
- DTI Business Name Registration Certificate
- Barangay Business Clearance
- Mayor’s Business Permit from your Municipality where the business address has been registered
- Business activity of your company for the last 6 months – invoices and bank transactions
- Most recent Income Tax Return 2316 (ITR)
- For Retirees:
- Pension statement for the last 6 months
- Retirement Certification
- Others (No work, No Business, etc.): Family as Proof of Rootedness:
- For Solo parents:
› A copy of your birth certificate- PSA Authenticated
› A copy of your child/children’s birth certificate- PSA Authenticated
› Solo parent ID
› Barangay Certification as Solo parent
› Notarized Affidavit of Solo Parent with Undertaking
› Money remittances to support your dependents - For those who are supporting or watching over the health/well-being of the family:
› A copy of my parent’s birth certificates- PSA Authenticated
› If parents are already Senior Citizens: a copy of their Senior Citizen ID and Barangay Certification as Senior Citizens
› If parents have sickness/ illness: Medical history of parents (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- For Solo parents:
- For Employees:
- Property Titles: if you have some, the following are accepted.
- Land titles
- Car registration certificates
- Deeds of Sale
- For Minors
- Joint affidavit of both parents or legal guardians granting consent
- Photocopies of the passports of both parents or legal guardians
- Birth certificate of the minor. Must be recent, original, and issued by PSA.
- DSWD Clearance, if the minor is not traveling with either parent or legal guardian
- Recent certificate of enrollment from the school
- Letter authorizing the student’s absence from school
- Property Titles: if you have some, the following are accepted.
10. Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) & Re-Entry Permit, copy. This is ONLY if you’re a foreign national who has a valid residence in the Philippines.
11. If applicable, Valid Visa(s) to your next destination. This is ONLY if you’re NOT traveling back to the Philippines after your trip to Switzerland or the Schengen territories. As such, if your airline reservation and itinerary indicate the next destination to be a different country other than the Philippines, please provide proof of a valid visa for that destination.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Liechtenstein
STEP 1: Determine the type of Liechtenstein Short-term Schengen visa you need to apply for and have a look at the checklist of requirements to gather all the documents that you need to submit.
The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it.
You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay.
Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category.
If your documents are not in English, you may need to get translations prepared before applying.
STEP 2: Complete the Schengen Visa Requirements stated above (Important Documents to Prepare depending on the Visa Category you fall under) to begin with your visa application. Once you are ready to apply, go to the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines for more information.
All application will be assessed by the Embassy of Switzerland in Manila. The application must be submitted personally. It may also be submitted by any representative in instances wherein the applicant has a previous Schengen visa with VIS within the last 59 months on your preferred appointment date at the Switzerland Visa Application Centre in Manila between 07:00 – 14:00 (Monday – Friday) – except on the Public holidays.
Applications can also be sent by the applicants chosen courier company as POSTAL APPLICATION in instances wherein the applicant has a previous Schengen visa with VIS within the last 59 months.
To avoid delays please ensure you read the following steps carefully if you wish to send your application via Postal:
1. Choosing the right visa category and completing the documents: Please choose the right visa category for you and the requirements to make the visa application. Complete the visa application form. If you do not have a visa application form,you can download it from here.
For new passports that are issued from August 2016 onwards (passport number usually starts with letter “P”), please do not forget to sign on page 3. Your visa application will not be accepted if your passport is unsigned.
Please ensure all original documents you will submit are accompanied by a clear photocopy.
2. Paying the Visa Fee: Pay the Visa Fee. Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee.
Please pay for the Visa Fee and VFS Global Service Fee at Banco De Oro Bank (details below).
BANK NAME: | Banco De Oro |
ACCOUNT NUMBER: | 005400331468 |
ACCOUNT NAME: | VFS Services Philippines Private, Inc |
BRANCH NAME: | Karrivin Plaza Branch, Makati City |
Include the original receipt in your application when you send it through postal/courier.
The Visa Fees and VFS Global Service Fee are applicable per application.
For Visa fee, please refer to the below table:
Note: Switzerland Visa Application Centre will not bear any bank charges. Deposit through ATM will not be accepted.
Include the below information along with your application:
• Remittance Date
• The name of the banking facility
• Remitter Name
• Remittance Amount
Also email the below details to – info.swissph@vfshelpline.com • Copy of remittance receipt
• Copy of delivery slip
• Detail of applicant
3. Sending the Visa Application by Post: Post your application to:
VFS SWITZERLAND ADDRESS |
| VFS Global Services Philippines Private Inc., Switzerland Visa Application Centre 30 th Floor The World Centre Sen. J Gil Puyat, Makati City, Metro Manila 1231 |
STEP 3: Schedule your appointment online with VFS Global
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
If you are part of a family, each member of the family must book an individual appointment. For example, if you are a family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 children you must book 4 individual appointments.
To book an appointment for a large group, the travel agents can call at this number: +632 790 4914 during standard business hours and days.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees
Once you have made your application, you will need to pay your visa application fee. If you are applying online for your visa, your payment will be made as part of this process. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment can be made at the time of your appointment.
If you are facing any issues in getting your refund back, mail us the below details at info.swissph@vfshelpline.com
- Web Reference Number/ Transaction ID
- Name and passport number
- Contact details of the applicant
- Date of Transaction
Step 5: Track your application: Stay informed about the progress of your application
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
Step 6: Collect your Passport: Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from the Visa Application Centre or have your documents returned to you by courier for an additional fee. For some Visa Application Centres your documents will only be returned via courier.
Collecting your documents in person: bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a form of Government identification. If permitted you may be able to send a representative to collect your documents; they will need to present a letter of authorisation signed by you, bring the receipt issued to you by the Visa Application Centre and their Government identification.
Please check with the Visa Application Centre at time of your appointment for the options available to collect your documents.
Final Thoughts
Liechtenstein, with its Alpine beauty, warm hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique travel experience for Filipino tourists. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring that you have all the necessary documents, you can embark on a memorable journey to explore this charming European destination. Remember to stay updated on visa requirements and procedures by visiting the official website of the Liechtenstein Embassy or Consulate and plan your trip with excitement and anticipation.
Quick Facts
- Validity of Visa : Short-stay Schengen visas allow people to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days every six-month period
- Processing time:Applications shall be decided on within 5 to 10 working days after the date of lodging.
- Where to lodge your application:
VFS Visa Application Centre
30th Floor The World Center, Sen Gil J Puyat Ave Makati City 1231, Philippines
- Embassy’s Information:
- Embassy of Switzerland
- Address: 24/F BDO Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Metro Manila
- Contact number: +63 2 8845 45 45
- E-mail: manila.visa@eda.admin.ch
- Embassy of Switzerland
Common Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection
Here are the common reasons a Schengen Visa application gets denied:
- No clear travel purpose—a detailed cover letter is a must!
- Lack of strong ties—reevaluate your application and prove why you must return to your home country!
- Insufficient travel insurance coverage—make sure you get the right policy!
- No proof of financial means—convince them that you can afford your trip! Provide bank or credit card statements, VUL, investment portfolio, etc.
- Passport does not have 2 free pages—where will they attach the visa if your passport pages are already full? You should get a new passport before applying for a visa if there are no more available pages on your old one!
- No proof of accommodation—you need to prove them that you have a place to stay in the Schengen Area.
Recap and Tips
So, just a recap and a reminder, please don’t forget these TIPS:
If you ever need help, you can avail my visa application bundle, and I will be glad to help you through the process!
Let Us Be Your Partner in Your Schengen Visa Journey
Applying for a Schengen Visa can be overwhelming, with all the paperwork involved and confusing information from different sources. We understand that—we’ve been there and have done that!
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With our Schengen Visa services personalized to your unique needs and circumstances, we will make your visa application less stressful and laborious and more promising. Contact us to schedule a consultation or for other inquiries.
