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Reapplying for a Schengen Visa After Rejection: Here’s What You Need to Know

Top 5 Countries Where Indians Are Highly Likely to Get a Schengen Visa in 2024

Hungary to introduce tighter rules for foreign guest workers, germany simplifies work migration for colombian skilled workers & professionals, denmark updates income levels for foreign work permit applicants, italy to increase number of days when foreigners can apply for temporary work visas, key takeaways.

• Schengen visa applicants are allowed to reapply after having their visa rejected.
• When reapplying, it is crucial to address all the reasons why the visa was initially denied.
• Writing a cover letter can boost your chances of getting a Schengen visa.

Whether you were planning to visit your family and friends, sightseeing or business opportunities or only wanted to attend your favourite artists’ concert, getting your Schengen visa rejected is a bummer . But it doesn’t have to spell the end of your travel plans. You can turn things around with a bit of persistence and the right approach.

Here’s a helpful guide to reapplying successfully so you can get back to planning your European adventure.

Your Schengen Visa Was Refused. Should You Appeal or Reapply?

When you get your Schengen visa denied, there are two things you can do; appeal or reapply. By appealing you require that your application gets revised once again, while by reapplying, you start your application process from the start.

It is best to appeal if:

• You strongly believe that all your documents are correct.
• You have sufficient evidence to prove that you have enough funds for this trip if that was the reason for your previous rejection.
• If you are in no hurry to visit a Schengen state. The appeal is a long procedure.
• If you do not want to spend more money on a Schengen visa application. Appealing is a low-cost option.
• If a country has issued an alert against you.

Reapplying is the right choice if:

• You have solved the issues of why your application was initially rejected.
• If your visit has more of an urgent nature. By reapplying you can get a Schengen visa quicker than by appealing it.
• If you are willing to spend more money, reapplying means starting the application process all over again, including paying service fees.

First Things First: Make Sure You Complete Your Application And Collect All The Required Documents

The most important thing when applying or reapplying for a Schengen visa is to provide all of the required documents, which include the following:

• A fully completed and signed visa application form.
• Two pictures of the applicants; taken within the last three months of applying for a visa.
• A passport valid for at least three months after the date of leaving Schengen zone.
• Flight itineraries , including travel dates such as those of entry and exit from Schengen Area, and flight numbers.
• Proof of paid travel health insurance , fulfilling the Schengen visa insurance requirements set by the EU/Schengen member states .
• Accommodation- related documents, revealing where you will be staying during your stay in a Schengen state. This can be either a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a family member or a friend.
• Bank statement proving that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay or a sponsorship letter from a person who will be financing you during your trip. A combination of both, bank statements and sponsorship, is also acceptable.
• Evidence of a €90 paid visa fee . The fee varies depending on the age of the applicant, the type of visa applied for and employment status.

Be sure to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate for any additional documents that may be needed based on your circumstances.

This Is How You Reapply for a Schengen Visa After Rejection

Choose the right country to reapply.

If your travel plans have not changed, it is best to reapply in the same country as you did in the previous application. In this way, you know where to address any concerns regarding your application.

However, if you plan to enter another country, the best option is to write down your real destination. Your application needs to have the correct information, as your case is checked out more thoroughly.

A Reddit user shared his experience, highlighting that he was being asked to provide the refusal note on his second time applying for a Schengen visa.

I had a Schengen visa from Spain in February for 30 days. I applied for a Finland visa in May to experience northern lights but it was denied. Now, I am planning to visit Spain again for Seville. I was looking at the documents checklist and saw that if there is any visa refusal within two years, they want the explanation or refusal notice. A Reddit User

Carefully Review the Reason Provided in Your Refusal Letter

To avoid having your application denied a second time, make sure to thoroughly review the reasons why you got rejected in the first place.

By understanding the reason for the decision, you can improve your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa.

Some of the most common reasons for visa refusal are inconsistent travel itineraries, insufficient funds or unclear motives for your visit to the Schengen states . Those reasons can be defied by providing all the necessary documents, which you must check twice and make sure that you present the complete information regarding your trip to the Schengen Area.

A social media user recently revealed that her visa application was rejected, with two of the following reasons being cited on the refusal letter:

• The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.
• There are reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the visa.

She says that in her cover letter, she wrote that she wanted to visit Paris. However, she mentioned that her foreign husband needed to stay in the Philippines – as a claim to prove her intentions to return to her home country. Another commenter pointed out that this could be the reason why her visa was rejected.

Since you mentioned your husband in the cover letter, have you provided your marriage certificate to the embassy to prove the relationship? Is he from France as well? A Social Media User

Sometimes even the slightest innocent comments can be the reason for the authorities to reject your Schengen visa application.

Write a Cover Letter

If you got your application rejected and you think there are no solid reasons for that, write a cover letter. The letter should clearly state your previous rejection’s motives and how you have addressed them.

Before reapplying, it is important to determine whether you have the right to apply. You can do so by contacting the embassy of the Member State that rejected your application. Once they approve your request to reapply for a Schengen visa, you can write your letter.

In addition, make sure to always stay up-to-date with the information regarding your documents. Checking with the embassies or consulates for the latest changes can make a huge difference.

It is important to be honest in your cover letter and the application to reflect your actual travel plans. By that, it means to be consistent with the travel dates, entry country, hotels or relatives that are accommodating you during your stay and, among others, have clear motives for your visit.

There are cases when the embassy can take longer to reply, which can be the case with Siddharth Raman, who shares his experience on X.

I’m rejected for a Schengen Tourist Visa by Austria and sent an Appeal email. Email was not acknowledged & no Austrian Embassy Visa support line in India to speak to either. Any idea how long it’s going to take? Siddharth Raman

Nine days after this post was made, Raman revealed that the Austrian Ministry had responded and granted him a 90-day long multiple entry visa.

Do Not Forget to Purchase Travel Visa Insurance

Travel insurance is important to purchase as it can protect travellers from unforeseen expenses.

According to SchengenInsuranceInfo , the current EU laws regulate that the travel insurance policy for a Schengen visa is required to cover at least €30,000 of medical costs, including hospitalisation.

Travel insurance is recommended to be purchased based on how many days you are staying in the Schengen Area. It should be noted that the travel insurance should last for the entire stay in the Zone.

• Top Mistakes Travellers Should Avoid When Applying for a Schengen Visa

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i reapply for a visa.

There is no limitation on the number of times you can apply for a visa. However, each time you apply, you should provide new evidence in order to boost your chances of getting your visa approved.

How Long After Rejection Can I Apply For a Schengen Visa?

You can apply for a Schengen visa at any time. There is no rule that requires one to wait before applying for a Schengen visa again. However, it is recommended to study the reasons why your initial application was rejected and prepare a cover letter explaining how you resolved those issues.

What If My Schengen Visa Is Rejected Twice?

In these cases, you can either reapply after 30 days or write a letter of appeal. According to Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement, you have the right to appeal the decision after being refused a visa.

Is It Better to Appeal or Reapply for a Schengen Visa?

There are cases when appealing is better than reapplying. For example, if a country has refused you for no solid reasons, appealing the decision is the right choice. However, appealing is less recommended if you need to obtain a Schengen visa more quickly and reapplying is a safer choice.

Is It Easier to Get a Second Schengen Visa?

If your first application was successful, it can be easier for you to receive a Schengen visa for the second time. This happens because Embassy officers now have proof of your travel intentions.

The same may not apply if your first application was rejected. However, by providing the required documents and clearly stating your travel purpose, you can obtain a Schengen visa the second time you apply.

What Is the Refusal Rate for a Schengen Visa?

According to the SchengenVisaInfo Statistics Portal , rejection rates for a Schengen visa in 2023 were 16 per cent. However, that depends on the number of applications received. In 2022, the rejection rate for a Schengen visa was 17.9 per cent.

Why Would My Schengen Visa Be Rejected?

Your Schengen visa can be rejected for several reasons, as listed below:

• Incorrect or incomplete information on your application.
• Lack of financial means during your trip.
• Lack of evidence of your intention to return to your home country.
• Insufficient travel health insurance.
• Unclear travel plans.
• Lack of, or inconsistent accommodation details.
• Expired travel documents (Passport, ID).
• History of visa violations, such as visa shopping or overstaying your visa.
• Criminal record.
• Which Countries are the Easiest to Obtain a Schengen Visa?

How to Increase the Chances of Getting a Schengen Visa?

You can increase your chances of getting a Schengen visa by following the Schengen rules.

According to Besart Bajrami, Founder of SchengenVisaInfo.com, it is crucial for an applicant to provide enough information that they will return to their home country after their visit.

To increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen visa, you must show strong evidence that you fully intend to return to your home country after the trip. This can be done by presenting proof of employment, family ties, property ownership and other responsibilities necessitating your return. Besart Bajrami, Founder of SchengenVisaInfo.com

Other ways how you can improve your Schengen visa application are:

• Planning your visit ahead of time.
• Providing accurate information on your application.
• Ensuring you complete the application with the required documents.
• Showing evidence of consistent and sufficient income.
• Purchasing travel insurance that is valid during your entire stay.
• Stating your travel purposes clearly.
• Keeping a clean criminal record.

For How Long Can I Stay in the Schengen Area If My Visa Is Approved?

A Schengen visa permits short stays for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. During this period, you can move freely within the Schengen Area, without undergoing any checks.

• Can I Enter a Schengen Country With a Visa Issued By Another Schengen Member State?

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Written Samples

15 schengen visa cover letter samples.

Are you dreaming of exploring the picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultures of Europe?

A Schengen visa is your gateway to unlocking the wonders of 26 European countries.

However, crafting a compelling cover letter is crucial to increasing your chances of visa approval.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter Samples

In this article, we present fifteen expertly crafted Schengen visa cover letter samples that will help you create a winning application.

Sample One: Tourism in France

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Tourism in France

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to embark on a ten-day tourism trip to France from September 1 to September 10, 2024. As a history enthusiast and art lover, I am eager to immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage of France, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles.

During my stay, I will be residing at the Hotel Montmartre in Paris (booking confirmation attached). I have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during my trip, as evidenced by my bank statements and travel insurance policy enclosed with this application.

I am currently employed as a marketing manager at XYZ Corporation, and I have been granted leave for the duration of my trip (employer’s letter attached). I assure you that I will return to my home country before the expiration of my visa, as I have strong ties here, including my family and a stable career.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to explore the beauty and history of France.

[Your Name]

Sample Two: Business Trip to Germany

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Business Trip to Germany

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to attend a five-day business conference in Berlin, Germany, from November 15 to November 19, 2024. The conference, titled “Future of Digital Marketing,” is being organized by the European Marketing Association (invitation letter attached).

As a digital marketing specialist at ABC Company, attending this conference is crucial for my professional development and will provide valuable insights into the latest industry trends and best practices. My company is sponsoring my trip and has provided a letter confirming my employment and the purpose of my visit (enclosed).

During my stay, I will be accommodated at the Berlin Marriott Hotel (booking confirmation attached). I have sufficient financial means to cover all expenses during my trip, as demonstrated by my bank statements and travel insurance policy.

I assure you that I will adhere to the visa conditions and return to my home country before the visa expires. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and a stable job.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am excited about the opportunity to represent my company and enhance my professional skills at this international conference.

Sample Three: Studying in Spain

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Studying in Spain

I am applying for a Schengen visa to pursue a six-month student exchange program at the University of Barcelona in Spain, commencing on September 1, 2024. I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in International Business at XYZ University in [Your Country].

The student exchange program is an incredible opportunity for me to expand my knowledge, improve my Spanish language skills, and gain international exposure. I have been accepted into the program and have received an acceptance letter from the University of Barcelona (attached).

During my stay, I will be residing in the university’s student dormitory (accommodation confirmation attached). I have sufficient funds to cover my living expenses and tuition fees, as evidenced by my bank statements and the sponsorship letter from my parents (enclosed).

I am fully committed to my studies and will return to my home country upon completion of the exchange program. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my ongoing education at XYZ University.

Thank you for considering my application. I am grateful for this opportunity to enhance my academic experience and immerse myself in the Spanish culture.

Sample Four: Attending a Wedding in Italy

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Attending a Wedding in Italy

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to attend my best friend’s wedding in Rome, Italy, from August 5 to August 12, 2024. As the maid of honor, my presence at the wedding is of utmost importance to support my friend on her special day.

The wedding ceremony and reception will be held at the luxurious Villa Borghese (invitation card attached). I will be staying at the Hotel Colosseum during my visit (booking confirmation enclosed).

I am currently employed as a software engineer at XYZ Tech Solutions and have been granted leave for the duration of my trip (employer’s letter attached). I have sufficient financial means to cover all expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements and travel insurance policy.

I assure you that I will return to my home country before the expiration of my visa, as I have strong ties here, including my family and a stable career.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to celebrate this joyous occasion with my best friend and her loved ones in the beautiful city of Rome.

Sample Five: Medical Treatment in Switzerland

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Medical Treatment in Switzerland

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to undergo a three-week medical treatment at the renowned ABC Medical Center in Zurich, Switzerland, from October 1 to October 21, 2024. I have been diagnosed with [medical condition], and my local doctors have recommended this specialized treatment available at ABC Medical Center.

I have received a letter from the medical center confirming my appointment and the duration of my treatment (enclosed). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the on-site patient housing facility provided by the medical center (confirmation attached).

My medical expenses will be covered by my health insurance policy (policy document attached), and I have sufficient funds to cover any additional costs and living expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am determined to complete my treatment and return to my home country to continue my recovery. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my job as a [your profession] at [company name].

Thank you for considering my application. I am hopeful that this medical treatment will greatly improve my health and quality of life.

Sample Six: Visiting Family in the Netherlands

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Visiting Family in the Netherlands

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to visit my sister and her family in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025. My sister, [sister’s name], is a Dutch citizen and has been living in the Netherlands for the past five years with her husband and two children.

During my two-week stay, I will be residing at my sister’s home (invitation letter and address proof attached). As a schoolteacher, I have been granted leave for the duration of my trip (leave approval letter from my employer enclosed).

I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses during the visit, as evidenced by my bank statements and travel insurance policy. I assure you that I will return to my home country before the expiration of my visa, as I have strong ties here, including my job and my elderly parents who I care for.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to spend quality time with my sister and her family, especially during the festive season.

Sample Seven: Participating in a Sports Tournament in Portugal

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Participating in a Sports Tournament in Portugal

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to participate in an international tennis tournament in Lisbon, Portugal, from September 8 to September 15, 2024. I have been selected to represent my country in the tournament based on my national rankings and performance in recent competitions.

The tournament is being organized by the Portuguese Tennis Federation, and I have received an official invitation letter confirming my participation (attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the tournament-designated hotel, the Lisbon Tennis Resort (booking confirmation enclosed).

My travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will be sponsored by my national tennis association (sponsorship letter attached). I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am committed to representing my country in the tournament and will return home immediately after its conclusion. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family, my ongoing education at [university name], and my responsibilities as a member of the national tennis team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am honored to have the opportunity to compete at this prestigious international tournament and showcase my skills on a global stage.

Sample Eight: Attending a Music Festival in Belgium

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Attending a Music Festival in Belgium

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to attend the renowned ABC Music Festival in Brussels, Belgium, from July 10 to July 15, 2024. As a passionate music lover and aspiring musician, attending this festival has been a long-standing dream of mine.

I have purchased tickets for the festival (booking confirmation attached) and will be staying at the Brussels Youth Hostel during my visit (reservation confirmation enclosed). I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses during the trip, as evidenced by my bank statements and travel insurance policy.

I am currently employed as a graphic designer at XYZ Creative Agency and have been granted leave for the duration of my trip (employer’s letter attached). I assure you that I will return to my home country before the expiration of my visa, as I have strong ties here, including my family and a stable career.

Thank you for considering my application. I am thrilled about the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant music scene and cultural experiences that the ABC Music Festival has to offer.

Sample Nine: Conducting Research in Austria

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Conducting Research in Austria

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to conduct a four-week research project at the University of Vienna in Austria, from November 1 to November 28, 2024. I am currently a doctoral candidate in the field of molecular biology at XYZ University in [Your Country].

My research project focuses on the analysis of specific protein structures, and I have been invited by Professor [name], a renowned expert in this field, to collaborate on this project at the University of Vienna (invitation letter attached). This opportunity will greatly contribute to the advancement of my doctoral thesis and foster international scientific collaboration.

During my stay, I will be accommodated at the university’s guest researcher apartments (accommodation confirmation attached). My research expenses and living costs will be covered by a grant from my university (grant award letter enclosed), and I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am fully committed to completing my research project and will return to my home country upon its conclusion. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my ongoing doctoral studies at XYZ University.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to the scientific community through this international collaboration.

Sample Ten: Attending a Conference in Sweden

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Attending a Conference in Sweden

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to attend the International Conference on Sustainable Development in Stockholm, Sweden, from August 20 to August 23, 2024. As an environmental scientist and sustainability advocate, I have been invited to present my research paper at this prestigious conference.

The conference is being organized by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (invitation letter and conference program attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the Stockholm Green Hotel, which is the designated conference hotel (booking confirmation enclosed).

My travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will be covered by my employer, the National Institute for Environmental Research (sponsorship letter attached). I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am committed to presenting my research and engaging in valuable discussions with fellow scientists and sustainability experts. I will return to my home country immediately after the conference concludes. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my position as a senior researcher at the National Institute for Environmental Research.

Thank you for considering my application. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the global discourse on sustainable development and represent my country at this esteemed international conference.

Sample Eleven: Visiting Friends in Denmark

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Visiting Friends in Denmark

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to visit my close friends, [friend’s names], in Copenhagen, Denmark, from September 1 to September 15, 2024. I have known [friend’s name] since our university days, and they have been living and working in Denmark for the past three years.

During my two-week stay, I will be residing at my friend’s apartment in Copenhagen (invitation letter and address proof attached). As a freelance writer, I have the flexibility to work remotely during my trip and have sufficient funds to cover my expenses, as evidenced by my bank statements and travel insurance policy.

I assure you that I will adhere to the visa conditions and return to my home country before the visa expires. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my ongoing projects with several local clients.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to reunite with my dear friends and explore the beautiful city of Copenhagen.

Sample Twelve: Participating in a Volunteer Program in Finland

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Participating in a Volunteer Program in Finland

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to participate in a three-month volunteer program at the ABC Wildlife Sanctuary in Helsinki, Finland, from June 1 to August 31, 2024. As an animal lover and conservation enthusiast, I am eager to contribute my time and skills to support the sanctuary’s mission of protecting endangered species.

I have been accepted into the volunteer program and have received a letter of confirmation from the ABC Wildlife Sanctuary (attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated in the on-site volunteer dormitory provided by the sanctuary (confirmation enclosed).

I have sufficient funds to cover my living expenses during the program, as evidenced by my bank statements and the fundraising campaign I conducted to support my volunteer journey (campaign details attached). I have also obtained a travel insurance policy for the duration of my stay.

I am fully committed to completing the volunteer program and will return to my home country upon its conclusion. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my job as a veterinary assistant at XYZ Animal Hospital, where I have been granted leave for the duration of the program (leave approval letter attached).

Thank you for considering my application. I am thrilled about the opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts and gain valuable experience in animal care and rehabilitation.

Sample Thirteen: Attending a Training Course in the Czech Republic

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Attending a Training Course in the Czech Republic

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to attend a two-week training course on advanced software development techniques in Prague, Czech Republic, from October 10 to October 23, 2024. The course is being organized by the renowned ABC Tech Institute and will provide me with valuable skills to enhance my career as a software engineer.

I have been selected by my employer, XYZ Software Solutions, to attend this training course (employer’s letter and course registration confirmation attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the Prague Tech Hotel, which is the designated hotel for course participants (booking confirmation enclosed).

My training expenses, including course fees, airfare, and accommodation, will be fully sponsored by my employer (sponsorship letter attached). I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am committed to completing the training course and applying the acquired knowledge to my work at XYZ Software Solutions. I will return to my home country immediately after the course concludes. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my position as a senior software engineer at XYZ Software Solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I am grateful for this opportunity to enhance my technical skills and contribute to the growth and success of my company.

Sample Fourteen: Visiting a Trade Fair in Hungary

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Visiting a Trade Fair in Hungary

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the International Trade Fair for Consumer Electronics in Budapest, Hungary, from September 5 to September 8, 2024. As a buyer for ABC Electronics, a leading electronics retailer in [Your Country], attending this trade fair is crucial for establishing new business partnerships and staying updated on the latest industry trends.

I have been appointed by my company to represent them at the trade fair and have received an invitation letter from the event organizers (attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the Budapest Business Hotel, which is located near the trade fair venue (booking confirmation enclosed).

My travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will be covered by ABC Electronics (sponsorship letter attached). I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am committed to fulfilling my professional duties at the trade fair and will return to my home country immediately after the event concludes. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my position as a senior buyer at ABC Electronics, where I have been employed for the past five years.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to represent my company at this important industry event and contribute to the growth of our business.

Sample Fifteen: Performing at a Cultural Event in Greece

Subject: Schengen Visa Application – Performing at a Cultural Event in Greece

I am submitting this application for a Schengen visa to perform at the Annual Greek Cultural Festival in Athens, Greece, from July 15 to July 18, 2024. As a renowned traditional dancer from [Your Country], I have been invited by the festival organizers to showcase our country’s rich cultural heritage through dance.

The festival organizers have provided me with an official invitation letter and performance contract (attached). During my stay, I will be accommodated at the Athens Cultural Center, which is the designated accommodation for festival performers (confirmation enclosed).

My travel expenses, including airfare and accommodation, will be covered by the festival organizers (sponsorship letter attached). I have sufficient personal funds to cover any additional expenses during my stay, as evidenced by my bank statements.

I am honored to represent my country’s cultural traditions at this prestigious international festival and will return to my home country immediately after my performance concludes. I have strong ties to my home country, including my family and my role as a dance instructor at the National Dance Academy.

Thank you for considering my application. I am grateful for this opportunity to showcase my talent, promote cultural exchange, and contribute to the success of the Annual Greek Cultural Festival.

A well-crafted Schengen visa cover letter is essential to demonstrate your purpose of travel, itinerary, financial means, and ties to your home country.

By using these fifteen samples as a guide and tailoring them to your specific situation, you can create a compelling cover letter that enhances your chances of visa approval.

Remember to provide accurate information, attach relevant supporting documents, and maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your application.

With a strong cover letter and a complete application package, you are one step closer to embarking on your European adventure. Wishing you the best of luck with your Schengen visa application!

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• Cover Letter for Schengen Visa (2024): Formats & Samples

Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa: Types, Format Samples & More

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Updated On Sep 03, 2024

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Table of Contents

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Unlock the gateway to 27 vibrant European destinations with a Schengen visa! Whether you're an immigrant or a traveler this visa opens doors to incredible opportunities.

Navigate the application process effortlessly by mastering the art of crafting a compelling cover letter Schengen visa. Explore the essentials in our blog for a seamless visa experience!

A Cover Letter for Schengen Visa is also known as the introduction letter for your Schengen Visa and is a crucial component of your visa application that serves as a medium of communication or introduction with the visa officers.

This Schengen cover letter needs to be addressed to the Embassy or consulate of your chosen country of visit in the Schengen area and outlines your purpose and suitability for the applied Schengen visa.

In your Schengen Visa application cover letter, be sure to incorporate the following details regarding your trip:

• Mention the purpose motivating your visit to a Schengen country.
• Specify the exact dates for your intended entry and departure.
• Outline a well-structured itinerary detailing your planned activities throughout the Schengen area.
• Indicate your accommodation arrangements upon entering the Schengen region.
• List all the Schengen region countries included in your travel plans.
• Provide information about your current employment status.
• If any mandatory documents are missing from your submission, explain their absence concisely

Drafting a cover letter is integral to the Schengen visa application process. This letter should succinctly outline your travel plans, the purpose of your visit, and your financial support strategy. The Schengen visa cover letter template or format overview for your guidance is as follows:

• Start with a formal salutation.
• Provide your name, address, contact details, and nationality.
• Clearly state your intention to apply for a Schengen visa.
• Introduce yourself briefly, mentioning your nationality and current residence.
• Specify the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, family visit, etc.).
• Mention the planned dates of your stay in the Schengen area.
• Outline your travel plans, including the countries you plan to visit and the duration of your stay in each.
• Explain your financial plan for supporting yourself during the visit.
• Confirm personal funding and attach supporting financial documents.
• List the attached documents supporting your application, such as flight itinerary, hotel reservations, travel insurance, etc.
• Express gratitude and formally request the approval of your Schengen visa application.
• Offer cooperation and assure compliance with regulations.
• End the letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards."

Before we dive into different cover letter samples for Schengen visas, let us first examine a generic Schengen visa cover letter sample to acquaint ourselves with the correct writing tone, format, structure, and other essential elements.

Business Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample

When applying for a Schengen Business Visa, the responsibility of composing the Cover Letter lies with your employer. The letter must be crafted on the official letterhead of the company.

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Tourist

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa typically includes details about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and financial ability. This sample Schengen visa cover letter for tourism applicants is as follows

Also Read: Complete Guide to Schengen Tourist Visa from India

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

The Schengen visa application letter sample to apply for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa it is important that your doctor must be the one to prepare the Cover letter for a Schengen Visa and must include the following details:

• Detailed Diagnosis: Specify the medical condition requiring treatment in a Schengen country.
• Medical History: Provide a concise medical history for context.
• Treatment Details: Clearly state the nature and expected duration of the proposed treatment.

This letter is vital for the visa application, offering insights into the medical necessity and treatment plan.

Now that you are familiarised with the Sample cover letters for Schengen Visa, before crafting your cover letter, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the Schengen country you plan to visit. Here are the cover letter guidelines for key Schengen member states like Cover letters for visa applications for France, Germany, Austria, etc:

• Highlight your ties to your home country, such as family, employment, and studies.
• Clearly state the purpose of your visit, outlining planned activities and dates.
• Provide proof of funds to cover your travel expenses.
• Specify the purpose of your visit, detailing the places and activities you'll engage in.
• If applying for a multiple-entry visa, provide a valid reason.
• Assure your return to your home country after the visa period.
• Present a clear itinerary with destinations, travel dates, and the purpose of your visit.
• Indicate whether you have travel insurance for unforeseen medical expenses.
• Align your visit with academic, professional, or personal goals.
• In the introduction, concisely explain the purpose of your travel (tourism, family visits, or business).
• Provide evidence of funds to cover expenses like food, accommodation, and transportation.
• List all intended destinations you plan to visit.
• Detail arrangements for accommodation, food, and travel.
• Describe your planned activities, trips, events, and meetings during your stay.
• Specify if you are seeking a multiple-entry visa and provide reasons.
• Affirm that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay.
• Provide a comprehensive overview of your travel plans.
• Include details about your accommodation arrangements, such as hotel reservations.

When applying for a Schengen Visa, ensure you submit the following documents alongside your Cover Letter for Schengen visa application:

• Completed Schengen Visa Application Letter/Form
• Valid passport with at least six months of validity
• Passport-size photos adhering to Schengen visa photo guidelines
• Flight itinerary or reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Proof of accommodation within a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the destination country, as per the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa fees
• Bank Statements covering the last six months

To submit your cover letter Schengen Visa, you can follow the process mentioned below and the suitable options based on your flexibility:

• The Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you intend to visit.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, if the destination lacks diplomatic representation in your area.
• A designated visa application agency, outsourced by the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit.
• You can even say you can submit and we can help you prepare at a regulated immigration consultant like GetGIS

Remember, if you're visiting multiple countries, apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the first country on your itinerary.

When crafting a cover letter for Schengen Visa, it is crucial to be mindful and avoid mistakes, miscommunication, or errors like:

• Avoid Illogical Explanations

Provide logical reasons for your trip and intentions to return home. Be specific and avoid vague statements.

• Avoid Repetition of Document Information

Your cover letter should reveal unique details not found in other documents. Tell a story that complements, not duplicates, your reservations.

• Avoid Spelling and Grammar Errors

While minor mistakes are acceptable, excessive errors may convey a lack of respect for the application process. Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and layout.

• Avoid Disorganized Document List

Present a well-organized list of documents in order of priority. Start with mandatory items, followed by those relevant to your trip and personal situation.

• Avoid Misalignment with Supporting Documents

Ensure that the details and reasons mentioned in your cover letter align with the information in other submitted documents. Any contradiction may lead to rejection.

Also Read: How Can I Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection? (Expert Tips)

We hope the blog on the cover letter for Schengen visa has addressed your uncertainties and inquiries, boosting your confidence in the application process. If you have additional questions or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out to GetGIS immigration experts.

Book Your Free Consultation

Quick Reads:

• A Comprehensive Guide to Germany Visa Requirements
• Cost of Studying in Germany: All You Need to Know
• Complete Guide on Sweden Visa Types & Requirements
• Understanding The Austria Tourist Visa Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cover letter required for a Schengen visa?

Why are Schengen visas rejected?

Is a cover letter necessary in Europe?

How to create an effective cover letter?

How to avoid Schengen visa refusal?

Which is the easiest Schengen visa for Indians?

What is the success rate for Schengen Visas for Indians?

Lakshmi Lavanya Pagallu

Sr. Content Marketing Specialist

Lakshmi Lavanya Pagallu has been working as Content Marketing Specialist with GetGIS since 2022 and has been extensively working to help candidates’ career transitions. Her experience spans across multiple industries in the fields of Sales and Marketing. Her core competencies include communication and research, which enable her to create and deliver in-depth guides as a Subject Matter Expert

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Your Ultimate Guide To Make A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

• Apply Visa Online
• Jul 29, 2024

The repeated stories of the challenges of obtaining a Schengen visa may be true. But, with the right strategy, you can surely ace your visa application and receive the Schengen tourist visa.

When you plan to apply for a Schengen visa , a well-crafted cover letter is quite essential.

It is something that serves as a convincing document for you to explain your need to visit a specific country.

All this adds to the process of you being a suitable candidate to get a Schengen visa.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to write an effective cover letter for a tourist Schengen visa!

Relevance of Schengen Cover Letter

Writing a Schengen cover letter for the first time may be a bit challenging. However, it is not as difficult as it seems. Let's learn more about the same. 

What does it contain?

Here are a few things that you should include in your cover letter for your visa application. 

1. Personal Information

In this section, you have to fill in all your current information. This includes your date of birth, passport number, address, phone number, nationality and more.

All these details form the basis and first impression of your Schengen visa cover letter.

The only thing to remember is to put these details carefully and not present any false information in any way.

Furthermore, you should mention your date of writing the letter.

2. Recipient’s Information

In this section, you have to provide the embassy or consulate’s address of the country you are visiting.

A wrong address could lead to a delay or rejection of your Schengen visa application.

3. Intention of Travel

Clearly stating the purpose of your trip is an important element of your cover letter. If you do not display one clear reason, then it may lead to rejection of your visa.

The reason for visiting could be meeting a family member, tourism or sightseeing, but it should be correctly stated.

4. Detailed Itinerary

In the detailed itinerary section, you have to outline your travel plans, including the Schengen countries you are planning to visit.

From your flight tickets to hotel accommodations, you have to mention everything.

Furthermore, if you have booked any tout tickets, concert tickets or tourist attractions tickets, you can display them in this section.

5. Financial Capacity

Your financial ability plays an important role during a trip abroad. This is because you need to render assurance of having enough finances.

Thus, in this section, you have briefly described how you would manage the expense of your trip. 

This is all about the cover letter format for visa applications. Including the above points would surely help in framing an effective cover letter.

Tips to Improve Schengen Cover Letter 

After you have included all the above information in your Schengen cover letter, you can always improve it to make it the best one. This can be done by remembering certain tips as stated below:

1. Clarity and Conciseness

You should keep your letter clear and to the point at each step. This means not including any extra or unnecessary information in the letter.

You should mention your reason for visiting the country and the dates you are planning to visit.

2. Personalization

A Schengen cover letter should always be customised according to the country you plan to visit.

This can be done by mentioning what makes you go to the country and also describing the events you like there.

The letter should be addressed to the embassy of the country you are visiting. Moreover, you can write something about your strong ties with your home country.

3. Travel Insurance

Having travel insurance would help in the validation of your ability to cover any medical emergency. This would help display the overall strength of your application. Thus, you can attach a copy of your travel insurance policy.

4. Be polite 

Being polite and humble goes a long way. You should make it a point to always show gratitude to the authorities for considering your application form.

The tone may look like a normal or less important factor, but it matters a lot. You have to ensure to reflect a very respectful tone throughout the letter. To showcase positivity, respect is a must.

6. Employment 

You can also include a letter from your employer to confirm that you have taken leave for a particular time period and will join back work. confirm

These are some of the tips to follow when framing your Schengen visa cover letter.

Always remember that with the right set of guidelines, you can deliver an authentic and good picture of who you are as a person. All these factors would help you visit Europe seamlessly! 

Are you ready for the fun and adventure? Then, pack your bags and for any visa-related issue, you can reach out to Visa2Fly.

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Applying for a Schengen visa can be a challenging process, but writing a cover letter doesn't have to be. A well-written cover letter for a Schengen visa can greatly improve your chances of approval. This blog will guide you through the easy steps to create an effective cover letter for your Schengen visa application.

Why You Need a Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa

A Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is an important part of your application. It gives the consulate extra details about your travel plans, reason for visiting, and financial security. This letter helps the consulate understand your intentions and assures them that you will follow the visa rules.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter for Schengen Visa

When writing a Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa application, it’s important to include specific key elements that are customized for the particular Embassy or Consulate you are addressing.

• Personal Information:  Your full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact details.  
• Travel Details: Dates of travel, flight itinerary, and accommodation details.  
• Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the reason for your trip, whether it’s tourism, business, visiting family, or attending a conference.  
• Financial Means: Proof of enough funds to cover your expenses during the stay.  
• Supporting Documents: A list of all documents you are submitting with your application.

What Other Documents Should I Submit Along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

In addition to your cover letter, you should submit the following documents with your Schengen visa application :

• Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.  
• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with two blank pages.  
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.  
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host.  
• Employment Proof: A letter from your employer or proof of self-employment.  
• Additional Documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need to include additional documents such as an invitation letter, conference registration, or proof of enrollment in an educational course.

Tips for Writing a Great Schengen Visa Cover Letter

• Be Clear and Brief:  Avoid unnecessary details. Keep your Cover Letter for Schengen Visa is straightforward and to the point.  
• Be Honest:  Provide accurate information. Any differences can lead to the rejection of your application.  
• Use a Formal Tone:  While it’s important to humanize your letter, maintain a professional tone.  
• Proofread:  Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos. A well-written letter shows your attention to detail.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample

To make things easier, here’s a Schengen visa cover letter sample that you can use as a reference: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

The Consulate General of [Country] [Consulate Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

Subject: Schengen Visa Application

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa for the purpose of [state purpose]. I intend to visit [Country] from [start date] to [end date]. During my stay, I will be staying at [accommodation details] 

The purpose of my visit is [explain reason]. I have attached my itinerary, including details of my planned activities and places I intend to visit.

I am currently employed at [your employer], and I have attached a letter from my employer granting me leave for the duration of my visit. Additionally, I have included my bank statements, which show that I have sufficient funds to support myself during my stay. In case of any sudden transactions in my account, they are due to [explain the reason, e.g., property sale, gift, etc.].

Furthermore, I have taken out a travel insurance policy with [insurance company], which provides coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and return to my home country, as required by Schengen visa regulations. The policy number is [policy number], and the coverage amount is [coverage amount]. I assure you that I will follow all the visa regulations and will return to [your home country] before the expiration of my visa. I have attached all the required documents as listed below for your reference, including my passport details [passport number] and the details of my [family member's relationship (if applicable)], [family member's name], who will accompany me during this trip. Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to a positive response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]  

Writing a cover letter for a Schengen visa doesn't have to be stressful. By following this guide and using the sample provided, you can create a clear, brief, and convincing cover letter. Remember to include all necessary information and be honest about your travel plans. A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in the success of your cover letter for Schengen visa application.

Feel free to use this cover letter sample for the Schengen visa as a template for your own application. Best of luck, and safe travels!

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Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter – Sample Letter for Schengen Tourist Visa

The cover letter you must submit for your Schengen Visa application is an important document that states the reason you are traveling to a certain Schengen country. In your Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter, you must address the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country you plan to visit, as your main goal is to persuade the Consular staff that you are a suitable candidate for receiving the Schengen visa.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa?

Your Schengen tourist visa application cover letter should include the information listed below:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your nationality.
• Your passport details (passport number, issue date, and expiry date).
• Your current address.
• Your email address.
• Your phone number.
• The date when you are writing the letter.
• The name of the embassy or consulate where you are applying for the Schengen visa.
• The embassy or consulate’s address.
• The intention of traveling with a Schengen Tourist Visa (e.g., tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends or family, attending an event, etc.).
• The entry and exit dates of your trip.
• A detailed itinerary of your trip, including the Schengen countries you plan to visit during your trip, information about your planned accommodations, flights, and any tours or activities you have booked.
• Your financial capacity to cover your trip expenses.

Tourist Visa Application Cover Letter Sample

How to Write a Winning Schengen Visa Cover Letter

A Schengen visa is essential for exploring Europe, whether for leisure, medical reasons, or business. This visa offers countless opportunities. Central to your application is the Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter. This guide helps you understand this letter and present your travel plans clearly and effectively.

Importance of the Schengen Visa Cover Letter

It is more than a formality; it’s your personalized narrative, representing your purpose and intentions. It acts as your voice to the embassy, allowing them to comprehend the specifics of your travel plans. This letter plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of your visa application.

Key Elements of the Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter should include essential components that provide a comprehensive view of your journey:

• Clearly state why you are traveling to the Schengen member state—whether for tourism, medical reasons, or business.
• Demonstrate how you will finance your trip, whether through personal savings or sponsorship, to show your ability to support your visit.
•  If you have a sponsor, explain your relationship with them and why they are supporting your trip.
•  Provide a brief overview of your travel plans, explaining why you chose this specific embassy and detailing the attractions you intend to visit.
•  If you cannot provide certain required documents, explain why and propose alternative documents that could substitute.
• Reassure the embassy of your intention to return to your home country after your visit, emphasizing your commitment to following visa regulations.

Tips for Crafting Your Cover Letter

Writing a Schengen Visa Cover Letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail:

Tailor to Your Purpose: Customize the letter based on your travel motive—whether tourism, medical, or business—to demonstrate preparedness.

Formal Address: Begin with a formal salutation, addressing the visa officer respectfully, and clearly state the purpose of your letter.

Explain Your Travel Dates: Justify why you chose specific travel dates, especially if they coincide with special occasions or events.

Highlight Your Intentions: Emphasize what you hope to experience during your visit, whether it’s exploring local culture or pursuing medical treatment.

Employment Details: If you are employed, provide information about your job and organization, along with evidence of approved leave and your expected return date.

The Schengen Visa Cover Letter is your key communication tool, whether you’re traveling for adventure, health reasons, or business. It reflects your commitment, purpose, and respect for visa rules. Taking time to craft this letter well can improve your application and make your travel smoother.

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Schengen Visa Cover Letter Format with sample and common mistakes

Schengen visa cover letter format with samples and common mistakes.

So, a close friend was rejected a Tourist Schengen Visa for France from India – twice in a row. She had to postpone her flight to a later date, but lost quite some money on Visa fees, hotel bookings and some internal flights within Schengen area. The reason quoted for the rejection was – ‘The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable‘ and ‘Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for could not be ascertained’ . I was intrigued and asked her for the covering letter that she submitted while applying for Schengen Visa. Her cover letter, though has necessary details, and was flawed at some places, which triggered me to pen down this post.

How am I qualified to write this post on Schengen Visa Cover Letter?

Having obtained Schengen Visa twice now – for Italy in 2016 and Sweden in 2017, though not an expert on this topic, I stand qualified to share my 2 bits – How not to screw up your Covering letter for Schengen Visa?

First off, let’s discuss – Why do we need a cover letter at all?

Why do we need a cover letter for Schengen Visa?

Just like any official interaction, be it a job application or any sort of request where we are seek attention of the reader – we need to introduce ourselves and make our intentions clear , right? That is why we need a cover letter. Given this, we need to make optimum use of this opportunity and give a clear picture to the Embassy officer – who doesn’t know who we are nor has the power to read our minds nor does he/she have the patience to figure out the jigsaw puzzle we have handed over to them in the form of travel documents!

Covering letter is your best chance to convince the Embassy officers to put that much needed Visa stamp on your passport. Imagine a cover letter like an interview, only that you will not be present in front of them, but it speaks on your behalf. (Scroll down at the end of this page to receive your Free copy of an editable format of an ideal ‘Schengen Visa Cover Letter’ )

Just think, in an interview – What all they might ask? What do you need to inform them about you? About your trip?

Any apprehensions, any communication – everything has to be done through the cover letter.

While applying Schengen Visa Italy last year, I did not understand why a cover letter is so important. But this time around, while applying Schengen for Sweden, I realized the power of a cover letter . The reason being these three scenarios:

1. Our middle names in the flight tickets were left out, as the website which was used to book the tickets had some bizarre mandatory name requirements. This was a worrying factor. So, before we applied Schengen for Sweden, I wrote to Sweden VFS Visa helpline and they responded within a day and instructed me to mention the same in the cover letter.

2. In Sweden, we will be travelling to Swedish Lapland and we have an overnight train journey from Stockholm to Kiruna and the same applies for the return journey too. A First class sleeper coach was booked for the night train journey, which was attached with the Visa application. In VFS office, the teller there pointed out that there are no hotel bookings made for those two dates. For which we diligently showed the train bookings with specific dates, travel time that exceeded 16 hours each side and a mention of sleeper coach. She highlighted dates in the train bookings and still insisted that we mention the same in the cover letter . We had to write that info at the back of the cover letter and sign it, as adding the same in the soft copy of cover letter and getting a print again was not feasible at that point in time.

So, what all do we need to mention in a cover letter?

• The purpose of your travel to the Schengen countries – is it for tourism purpose? Or official purpose? Or for studies? • List the countries are you visiting during your stay in Schengen area. • How and who is sponsoring your trip? Is it self-sponsored or sponsored by someone (husband, father etc.) and by what means – Cash (by showing balance in bank)? Credit card? Forex? Traveller cheques? • If you have a sponsor in the country you are visiting, then ask them for an invitation letter and clearly explain your relationship with your sponsor and the reason why they will be sponsoring your trip. Here, a sponsor might be a friend, relative or something/someone official. • A brief of your itinerary . Here, it is a good idea to use a table format with countries you’d like to visit, days spent there and a mention of places you will be visiting while you are there. (For an example, see the sample below) • Explain clearly why you chose to apply at that specific Embassy and not through any other country. • List the documents that are attached with the Visa application • In case you are not able to produce any particular document , mention that and try providing an alternative document which would cover the necessity of the former. • Mention the company and your designation of your employment in cover letter and write that you have taken a leave for the duration of the trip and are required to join back work after the vacation. • And any other specific communication which you think the Embassy officer needs to know.

Some tips and suggestions:

• Apply Visa as early as possible – we can apply for a Schengen Visa 90 days before our travel date. • Go through the Visa requirements checklist many times – even after securing all documents, there might be something that is always left out for the last minute! Isn’t it? Mr. Murphy is always lurking somewhere nearby. • Do NOT assume that the things are obvious and will be understood from the documents submitted. Always mention such things. The Embassy officer has to go through loads of applications every day. So, its not a really good idea to let him/her figure out stuff. • Try limiting your cover letter to one page. • And obviously, write a convincing cover letter 🙂 • Go through it again and check it for any spelling mistakes and do a Spell Check in MS Word or similar. Its not that you will be penalized for spell errors. It just gives a good first impression. • Doesn’t matter for what country you are applying – France, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Austria or any Schengen country for that matter – whether a cover letter is mandatory or not – Just write it and write a rocking one!

My secret tip: Almost all visa applications ask for confirmed hotel bookings. With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. I always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

For booking car for our self drive journeys, I trust this site and have booked from here in all our self drive sojourns.

Fine, enough for today’s Theory session. Let the practical class begin now!

This was my friend’s Cover Letter. Let me try and point out what could have been added and how can it be improvised.

21/06/2017 Place: Bangalore

THE HONOURABLE CONSUL, EMBASSY OF FRANCE 21 Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

Dear Sir or Madam,

Sub: Application for Short Stay Visa for Tourism from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 (Self-Sponsored)

I intend to travel to countries France, Belgium and Switzerland from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 and would therefore like to obtain a Schengen travel visa.

The purpose of my trip is tourism, to visit popular places in these European countries, especially the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Disneyland and the Louvre Pyramid in France, Interlaken, Jungfrau in Switzerland and Grand Palace, Bruges, Pairi Daiza etc in Belgium. During the trip in Belgium, I will stay in my sister’s home who is a resident of Belgium (attached the required document for the same)

Please find enclosed the following documents to support my visa application: 1. Original and copy of my passport 2. Application Form duly filled and signed with Photograph as per specifications, attached 3. Documentary evidence of my employment (leave sanction letter) 4. Copy of my booking at Hotels in Paris and Switzerland. 5. Invitation letter from my sister, a resident of Belgium and copy of residential permit 6. Income tax returns of last 3 years 7. Personal bank statements of last 3 months 8. Salary slips of last 3 months 9. Copy of my travel medical insurance policy, valid for the whole Schengen Area and covering up to 100,000 Euros for medical and hospital care plus repatriation for emergency medical reasons 10. Copy of e-ticket for my return flight to Bangalore via Doha with Qatar Airways

I trust you will find that everything is in order, but please feel free to contact me should you need any additional details or documents. Looking forward to hearing from you,

Yours sincerely, XYZ, Address, Phone, Email.

Here, I find 3 major flaws:

• She had submitted the official leave letter with the application, but there isn’t any mention of her employer or designation in the cover letter. As I said earlier, lets not assume that it is understood. Even if it is obvious, mentioning it in the cover letter makes a huge difference. • The itinerary presented was very cloudy . Seems like there is a no perfect plan chalked out. But in reality, the plan was present, that is why the hotel bookings were done. But it hasn’t been mentioned clearly in the cover letter. • Another major point – there is NO reason presented here as to why France is being chosen as a Consulate to apply Schengen Visa.

A template or a sample which we used for Schengen Italy Cover Letter:

May 3, 2016 Bengaluru

The Honorable Consulate, Embassy of Italy, Kanchanjunga, Piano Terra, 72 G.Deshmukh Marg Mumbai – 400 026

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for Schengen visa to spend a holiday in five countries – Italy , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Montenegro, this May 27 to June 12, 2016. I am applying through your Honourable Consulate, as Italy is my main destination and first point of entry as well as my point of exit.

We are a family of five travelling together. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful sights especially the museums and ancient architecture.

Our detailed itinerary is attached inside. Brief itinerary would be as follows:

I am employed at XYZ, Bengaluru since July 2010 and currently holding the position of ABC. Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

Please find the following documents to support my visa application enclosed herewith:

* Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture * Passports * Employment and Leave certificates showing the date I’m expected to return for work * Detailed itinerary * Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation * Payslips, Bank Statements, Statement of Account as proof of income, ITR, Credit card statements, Forex receipts * Travel Insurance with benefits coverage of 50,000 Euro for each person travelling * Plane ticket booking reservation via Qatar Airways for Bangalore – Rome – Bangalore on May 27 – June 12, 2016

I trust that you will find that everything is in order, and I remain at your disposal for any further information. Thank you very much for your time. I hope for a favourable response for my visa application. For questions and clarifications, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely, Name Mobile: Email:

This format bought us Schengen Visa for Italy on our European Odyssey last year.  Hope this post helps you in crafting your letter.

If you are planning to apply a Schengen Visa for Italy, then  click here to read a post about the process of applying Schengen Visa for Italy.

Please note that right click is disabled on this page to discourage plagiarism. However, you can get the cover letter sample by entering your email in the box below to receive an editable sample of ‘Schengen Visa Cover Letter’.

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Other related important reads:

Ultimate guide for Schengen Visa Italy from India

Italy Self drive Itinerary

Iceland 10 day itinerary

Croatia 7/10 days itinerary

14 things to know before driving in Italy

Plitvice Lakes – Land of Falling Lakes, Croatia

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114 comments

Lovely article and timely we r applying for our visa in coming week. This article is very informative. Thank you to pen it down

Glad it was of your help 🙂

Hi Ashwini, I’ts a great help for me your blog since, I’m a first timer to travel. Would you mind please to share with me your email as i want to write you for more clarification? as I’m a bit confused. Thanks and awaiting Chona

Please write into us at [email protected]

Hi Ashwini, Thanks a ton for this article. we are applying for our visas next weeK, we intent to travel to Italy, switzerland and france. p.o.e. Italy. Some queries to be answered, as i am getting mixed replies for the same. Do we need to book all internal train travels i.e. rome to venice, venice to interlaken n henceforth. we have done no prepayment booking from booking.com for accomodations, hope thats valid.

There is no need for you to show the proof of travel inside a specific country. However, it is a good practice to mention how you intend to travel inside a country and between two countries. And this can be achieved through a cover letter!

And yes, no prepayment bookings from booking.com is valid. We always do the same 🙂

this article is very informative and helpful for visa we Indians not blessed with highest rank passports which allows visa on arrival to most of countries. It seems so much headache when applying for visa.But if apply it in order as you mentioned issues can be resolved

Very true Mayuri!

Hi Ashwini,

I plan to visit my brother who stays in Germany, can you kindly let me know how should the invitation letter be all are the required details? Do share if u have any format for the same. Thank you.

Sorry for the late reply Vini. I do not have a format handy. I shall write a blog post on it soon.

Hi ashwini, You have mentioned about Detailed itinerary, could you please explain this also, I mean how one should write it. Are we suppose to mention each and every thing which we are going to do each day?

Hai Harpreet,

If you see the sample I have provided, the itinerary we mentioned was one line with places we planned to go for that day. I think that should suffice and too much detail will make the cover letter too lengthy and unappealing. Hope I have answered your question!

YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN OF GREAT HELP…..HOWEVER ONE THING IS REALLY CONFUSING ME…. I AM PLANNING TO APPLY FOR FRANCE AND SWISS TOURIST VISA……PEOPLE ARE ADVISING TO GO WITH FLIGHT RESERVATION AND DUMMY HOTEL BOOKING FOR APPLYING THE VISA……IS IT SAFE TO DO SO…….

Yes Karan. Thats is true. Go through this post for more details. http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hey … thanks for amazing info. I have question . Did you visit bosnia and croatia in same schengen visa … because they dont come in schengen country.

Even though Bosnia and Croatia do not come under Schengen Visa, these countries allow visitors with a valid Schengen Visa. For this, you need to have a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa.

Hey Ashwini I also applied for France from Delhi and my visa got rejected with same reason. Now I am scared from which Embassy I should apply as I already booked my paid ticket and hotel I submitted all paid hotel and flight tickets even for Europe, I think I am going on solo trip that may the reason not sure. Any suggestion which country I should apply?

Hi Adhiman,

The rule goes by the fact that we need to apply to the country where we are staying for more number of days. If we are by any chance staying in two countries for equal number of days, then we need to apply to the Embassy of the country which will be our first port of entry.

Thanks for the article, this was helpful. Do you have any advice for writing an invitation letter? I want to give one to my brother to visit.

Sure Ezinne. I shall try to pen down that post soon 🙂

My name is Vivek. I would be travelling with my wife. So apart from booking two appointments, will there be a need to get two sets of required documents and two covering letters or only one set. Her application form would be different.

Yes.Two separate set of documents and seperate application forms. Cover letter can be the same but you need separate copies of that each too!

Hi…My schengen visa got rejected due to reason for travel does not seem reliable. I am reapplying for the same. Just wanted to know in the new covering letter do i write the letter as a fresh application or do i mention the previous rejection and give further justifications

I am in two minds about it as I haven’t been in this situation. Why don’t you call the VFS helpline? They are the best folks to answer this question.

Hi i would like to read your thoughts about our story, please. We have been granted a Belgium Schengen visa my wife and i but after our departure date. We have reached out the Consulate to get our passports back, to our surprise Bangg! empty passports. The consulate officer told us that they couldn’t put our visas into our passport because it’s been granted after our travel date so what does it mean? do they have the right to do that after been approved? your thoughts will be appreciated , thanks

Honestly, If I were you, I too would have been disappointed. And yes, what they say is right. Because, the reason that a schengen visa demands a confirmed return flight is that they want to confirm that we come out of schengen area within a specific time frame. If your flight date has lapsed, that means you can’t commit to your promise of going and coming out of schengen area on the dates you have mentioned in the cover letter. So, a fresh application is recommended. But this time, be careful and apply as early as possible.

Thank you very much, i appreciate your reply.

By the way do we need to stick our-self with the same consulate?

That depends on your travel plans. Read this post if you are visiting multiple schengen countries and have a confusion as to which country to apply to : http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hi! Thank you for the link, very helpful. I have got another question, how can we proof that we have been granted a Schengen visa if we decide to go to Italy this time. As I mentioned before we have been granted, but we didn’t travel because the consulate didn’t stick our visas into our passport due to the fact that our departure date has passed, Thank you in advance

There is no proof as your visas haven’t been stamped. Try a fresh application. All the best.

Thanks for sharing your knowledgeable experience, I really appreciate your care and concern Ashwini towards helping people. I’m sending you an email for your further help as i applied for visa and got refused.

Hi Ashwini, Really your post is very informative. I am planning to invite my wife to Paris as I’m already here from past 1 month. And when we asked for the details we have lot of opinions so more confused with what are the basic requirements. We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that?

Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate?

As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name?

Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her.

I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? Looking forward for your reply which will help us. Thank you

Hrisheekesh Pargaonkar ±33753190588 ±917588436499

Answering your questions one by one.

q: We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that? a: Will try writing a post on that.

q: Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate? a: They ask only for recent 3 months. Doesn’t count even if you provide more as they will remove extra months docs in VFS Office. Just make sure you have a healthy bank balance.

q: As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name? a: Guess that would suffice. Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her. a: Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? a: Definitely yes. You can do temporary bookings in booking.com. If you have plans of visiting other countries, then make sure she gets a ‘multiple entry’ Schengen visa.

Hope this helps. Thanks

hello , my wife is the citizen of italy (permanant green card ) as such we got married on dec 2015 and now she is pragnant and in italy she wants to invite me for her delivery as such i m having her name on my passport , marriage certificate, my name on her passport issue from milan italy. and a doctor covring letter of her pragnancy form italy. i need to know that how can i apply and a covering letter format. and the chances of visa….really worried about can u help a part.

waiting for reply

Please contact your VFS office and they will be able to guide you better. Thanks and congrats on the baby 🙂

Can you please put more light on the format of ‘Detailed Itinerary’

Detailed Itinerary would be your confirmed accommodation booking printouts, flight tickets and inter city/inter country travel docs if any.

Thanks for the info here. One more thing i wanted to know that yesterday i called Thomas Cook for the Visa and they said that they can get it done and they will show the confirmed tickets & hotel bookings and as we get the visa they will cancel it and we can then book our hotels on our own. Do you think hiring them will be good idea or shall i do the visa process on my own.

It upto you Vikas. Totally your decision 🙂

Hi, I was planning to go for a road trip in Europe, all planning is done from caravan to tickets. But all hopes are on visas. How do I compel them not to reject our visa. Please help. And if possible can u send me your mail. Thanks

If your planning is already done, then please apply visa asap. Follow the points given in the article and craft a convincing cover letter – that is the only thing we can do from our side to compel them. Subscribe with your mail id in the text box provided in the article and you will automatically get the mail.

Hi, I am planning a solo trip to Amsterdam in coming June month for 7 days. Is it a fact that solo trip visas are mostly rejected ? and I intend to travel in and around Amsterdam only. Would that be a problem considering it is a short itinerary for cover letter? Thanks in advance.

Don’t think it’ll be a problem to acquire visa if you are only in and Amsterdam for the entire trip duration. Just make sure you have accommodation booked for all the days and mention what all have you planned to see over the 7 days.

Hi, Thanks for the article,it is really helpful I have some doubts 1)I can give just reserved tickets(Not paid)? Many airlines provide free reserved ticket which block the ticket for 3 days. I have this question because on the main page of VFS website,they clearly mention that do not confirm your travel plans till visa is approved.So can i give reserved ticket(not paid) instead of a confirmed ticket(paid for)

2)The cover letter can be written on an A4 size paper write?

Thanks in Advance

Answering pointwise:

1. Will do but during the time of verification of your application by Embassy people, your ticket should be valid and should not be cancelled as they will verify it.

2. Should be printed on A4 size paper

Hello Ashwni

I find this post really informative, ad would like to clarify a few things w.r.t our trip Me and my husband are planning for a trip to Swiss-Belgium (and make day trips to France and Amsterdam while staying in Belgium). Our point of entry will be Swiss (will stay there for 3 nights) and then travel to Belgium( where we will stay for 5 nights). But while we stay in Belgium we intend to do a day trip to Paris and another day trip to Amsterdam. Our p.o.e will be Belgium. Q1 – Which country should we apply the Schengen Visa for? – Swiss or Belgium? Q2 – Also, both of us are working, but the way our budgeting works is I have more bank balance, and his is more like a current account, rather savings account. Keeping this in mind, what will give better chances of approval – applying together and showing both the bank statements or applying mentioning am sponsoring the trip? Please suggest 🙂

Answer 1: Belgium Answer 2: Both bank statements will be a good idea i guess. Please clarify with local VFS office

I am planning to travel to Europe (Italy, Austria & Switzerland in that order) for a month in mid April with Italy being port of entry & main destination as I am spending 15 days there. I am travelling solo to Italy and then being joined by friends in Austria & Switzerland. Post that, I am heading to the US for 4 months where I am staying with my sister. I have a valid US visa. I also have previously traveled to the Schengen region 4 times in the last 8 years.

The tricky part is I am obviously travelling for this long as I have quit my job of 8 years and planning on taking a break for some time and find something once I am back.

My queries, hence, are:

1) Should I mention that I have quit my job in the cover letter itself hence declaring I wont have a Leave letter from my organisation. 2) Will I require any other document from my current employer (serving notice here) to support my claim? Shall i include one just to be sure? 3) I’m sponsoring my own trip, travelling solo & quitting my job for that- Will these 3 things pose to be possible reasons why my Visa could get rejected. If yes, what additional documents shall I submit to cover all bases.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for writing in Rupal. Yes, your case is tricky. But tel me one thing, is your flight to US from India, after you come back from Italy or the flight is directly from Italy? Whatever is the case, please mention it in the cover letter. Yes, supporting documents to prove that you are leaving the job might work.

Again, convincing them that you are traveling to US later is essential. So flight tickets to US if available and shown, will make the job easy.

Hello, I am Bangalore.. planning to travel to Ireland in the month of June. Since I didn’t get any post related to Ireland, I am posting few questions here 🙂 . 1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? 2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? 2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) 3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Thanks in advance! 🙂

1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? Father’s consent letter and permission letter from school. Notary sign not required.

2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? Haha. No. You can’t prove if someone is your friend. There is no such formal document that exists to prove it.

2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) Yes.

3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Please check the post, I have mentioned the format. Follow the same with your plans and itinerary.

Thanks for reply 🙂 . One more question, Do i need to submit flight tickets/confirmation for visa application, though it’s not mentioned anywhere under required documents for visa.

I’m surprised that it isn’t mentioned. Return flight tickets are mandatory for any Visa 🙂

Hi … Me and my wife are travelling to Austria and Czeh Republic for 16 days with 9 days in Austria and hence applying from the Austrian Embassy. I am also doing two day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and Berchtesgaden Salt mines both being in Germany with our stay being in Innsbruck and Salzburg respectively on the day of the day trips.

In light of the above in the application form in Point 22 it mentions Member State (s) to visit should I mention only Austria OR Austria and Czeh Republic OR Austria Germany and CzehRepublic

Mention all the member states you are traveling to. Also check the multiple entry option in the application form

Hello I am applying for a schengen short term tourist visa. I am applying through the Netherlands embassy as I will be staying there for the longest. I have some queries.

1) This is a solo trip. I am male,single and in mid 20s. I have been to singapore last month as a tourist. Should I mention it in the cover letter indicating that I have traveled solo before and attach visa and stamp copies? Or should I avoid mentioning it?

2) I work For an IT company with a monthly salary of about 35k. I have been working there for about 2 years. and will show about 2 lakhs in my salary account with salary slips and ITR for 14 days trip. I still feel that this might not be enough to convince the authority. I am thinking of attaching my mother’s bank statements and ITR along with a letter. The thing is, I don’t want authorities to think that my mother is the sole sponsorer of this trip as I earn a descent amount of money .I am more inclined towards a middle path by writing something like this in the cover letter-‘The trip will be sponsored by myself. I will also carry my Mother’s international debit card linked to her salary account to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. Her Bank statements,ITR and letter of consent are attached”.

Is this recommended? Or should I change some words like “unforeseen circumstances”Please Reply

1. No need to mention Singapore trip. If you have been to Schengen countries earlier, then the application form asks for Visa number.

2. I feel 2L for a single person for 14 days should suffice. Attach your credit card statement to show that you have a credit card too.

Hi Ashwini, I am applying for Schengen through the Belgium consulate. I intend to travel to Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris and I will be flying in and out of Amsterdam. Here are my questions –

1. I am travelling solo, for the first time to Europe or anywhere. I am quitting work at my current organization and have a 3 week break until I join the new company. Would be using this break to travel. Would this by any chance be a problem and lead to rejection? I have clearly stated in my cover letter about this and would be attaching the resignation confirmation and new job offer letter, and as well as confirmed return ticket and accomodation details (booking.com no pre payment reservations). 2. Is it okay to apply through Belgium consulate and not Netherlands (as my country of entry and exit is this)? 3. How long does it usually take to receive the visa? I am getting my tickets for 5th May.

Thanks in advance

1. Should not be a problem 2. If you are staying max number of days in Belgium, this is fine. 3. 15 working days is what they say.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. I was hoping you could help me with some questions. I am travelling to italy for a month with my boyfriend. During my stay in Italy i will be staying with my BF family for 18 days. During my stay there i will be attending a wedding and also seeing the amalafi coast. After the 18 days period we will be visiting Rome, Venice and Florence. I will be applying a visa for myself only since my BF is a Canadian Citizen. I hold a Permenant Residence here in Canada. I was told if i am applying for a private visa to not mention Tourism. I am currently working full time as an Account Manager but i will be resigning before my trip. This is because i will be going to College full time when i come back.

1) Do i have to let the embassy know that i will be going other places in italy? ( i was going to say i am staying with my BF family for all the 30 days) 2) Is proof of school letter station start date enough to show them that i will be returning( including my return flight) 3)If i am applying for a private visa do i have to tell them i will also be visiting Amalafi while at my sponsers? 4) I do not want to ask my sponser to get statements of their bank. Can i mention that i will be supporting myself as well and show my own bank account and sufficient funds. ( how much $ is needed to show for about 28 days) While i will be staying with my sponser?

Thank you so much!!

1. If you are traveling within Italy and not going out of the country, then its not needed to mention. 2. Yes. Should suffice. Mention that in cover letter 3. No need. Just mention in cover letter that you will be staying with your Bf’s family. Ask them for an invitation letter stating that they are inviting you to stay with them. Attach it with your docs 4. Showing your bank details will be enough. The amount depends on the country you stay. Ask your local VFS office or check their website for these details.

Hey, I wish to apply for Shengen visa next week from France Embassy. I have already drafted a cover letter, would you be able to check it and let me know of any improvements? really appreciate.

Please mail me to [email protected]

I have WP120 visa for Switzerland and wish to get Tourist visa for my wife and son (3yr old) to stay with me for a period of 75 days. Can you please help me with covering letter and/or invitation letter that my wife should submit along with her visa application form. Trip would be sponsored by me but my wife also has sufficienct balance in her bank account. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions for visa application.

Thank you in advance.

I’ve already mentioned the cover letter format in this article. Please go through it thoroughly. Showing her bank statement is fine if she has good balance.

Hi, Thanks for such an informative post….. great job My query is that i am getting married on july 15th and leaving on morning of july 18th morning for a 7 day trip covering amsterdam, antwerpen & paris. the issue is i wont be having a marriage certificate while i apply for me and my to-be wife’s visa. I will be taking care of all the expenses for travel. i am not sure about which documents should i place for my wife’s visa application

Try attaching the wedding invitation card and mention the same in your cover letter.

Hi, Did you attach invitation while submitting application ? Any other document that would require particularly to apply visa along with my fiancee ?

Hi I have a query. I am a practicing as a advocate. as I only few months back started my practice so that’s why I never filled tax,itr etc. I want to visit Belgium(20 days) to visit my sister she is staying there with her husband. can my father sponser me for the same and please share format for sponser letter and cover letter

Cover letter is already in the post. In addition to Sponsor Letter, you will need an invitation letter from your sister inviting you to their home and they need to mention that you shall be staying with them. The format will be a usual formal letter format with your details, purpose and intent of travel.

hi, I Am applying for a Shengen visa in germany, but will also be visiting hungary, austria, czech republic and poland, is the hostel reservation through booking.com valid, as in their email they show free cancellation date and also no prepayment required , so will those hostel booking will be valid. Also is it ok if i book a return flight from another country and city. Also One of my school friend works in berlin, and will be staying with him for couple of days, so is it ok to mention that in the letter to the embassy and do i have to get a letter from mentioning that i will be staying with him for couple of days and the whole trip will be self sponsored. Also would like to know i have resigned from my current job , and will be look for a new job after my return from my vacation , so will that be ok.

1. Hostel bookings are valid. Make sure you have your name on those. 2. Flight- Not an issue. Make sure you apply visa to the country which you will be staying the max number of days 3. Stay with friend – Yes, an invitation letter from him is needed. If you want to avoid the hassle, do bookings with free cancellation and then cancel those when your visa is stamped. 4. Job – Will not be a problem. Mention the same in cover letter. Also add a line that your family and work commitments are deep rooted here and you will have to return to your home country to fulfil those and you are visiting Europe just for tourism purpose.

hello, I have got an LOI from a reputed airline in India,and they wants me to do a short term ( 75 days )course from Madrid. once i get it done i will be employed by them.i have also received the invitation letter from the training centre from Madrid. My dad is sponsoring my course fee and all other expenses for the trip.He is getting a loan from a private firm for the same.

Now to apply for the visa (business) they wants the IT returns or form 16 which my dad doesnt have. He is retired and used to be an NRI. so my query is this, what other supporting documents can i produce ? (apart from my own personal bank statement and my dads )

Please call the VFS Helpline to get clarification on this.

Hello, thanks for the informative blogpost. I’m traveling with my friend who is applying as well for a short stay tourist visa at the French embassy, however we live in different states and plan on applying at the embassy in our respective states in Nigeria rather than as a group. Is it okay if I indicate that I will be traveling with my friend in my cover letter. (Note that all hotel reservations were made in both our names)

I think this should be fine. Can you please call VFS helpline and confirm with them?

Sorry but spelling mistake – The Honourable Consulate not Honorable.

Thanks for your concern 🙂 Please have a look at this: https://wikidiff.com/honourable/honorable

Hi, i have couple of questions. 1. I would be visiting 3 Schengen countries in one trip, should i be applying for a single entry or multiple entry visa? I plan to reach France then Switzerland then Iceland which are all Schengen members. 2. I would be applying the visa at France consulate (because it is the only consulate closer to me) by showing trip to 1 country only but i plan to visit 3 later on. Once the visa is issued, can i still travel as per my plan or is it a problem? I have read that once the visa is issued, you can travel to any Schengen country.

1. Multiple Entry Visa 2. You can but if you show one country in your itinerary and tick the multiple entry option, there are high chances that they will approve it as a single entry visa. So make your move carefully.

Hi Ashwini Actually i researched on it meanwhile and found that single entry visa means entry to Schengen members while staying in Schengen members. It doesn’t mean single country. So as long as you are staying inside the Schengen region (it can be one country or more) without going out of this region, single visit is sufficient. Multiple visit means for example, India to France then to UK (which is outside Schengen) then to Italy.

I agree. Thats what we had been told when we went to Sweden last year where, though we had applied for ‘Multiple entry’ visa, we were granted only a ‘Single entry’ visa. So we too went by this defination and thought we can explore Paris for a few hours in our long layover at France, but the immigration folks didn’t allow us to step out of the airport a this was a ‘Single Entry’ visa.

For the same reason, we were scared if we would be allowed inside Iceland or not. But,in Iceland, we had no problems as we had flown in from Sweden which is a Schengen country. So, I cannot guarantee that the statement holds good, as I have been a personal victim to prove that definition wrong!

Hi, I would be travelling to three countries France, Belgium and Netherlands in September. I’m applying at the Netherlands embassy. Onward flight is from India to Paris(transfer at Doha) and return is from Amsterdam(transfer at Moscow). Can you tell me if I should take a single or multiple entry Visa? Thanks in advance

Mulitple Entry Visa

Hi Ashwini, I’m a first time traveller to Europe, it would really help if you could tell me the reason why I would need a multiple entry visa if all the member states I intend to visit are in the Schengen area. Also, what reason should I mention about this in the cover letter Thanks

Please check the above comment

Sir, I am Sudip Panday from Nepal Will you please give your email address so that I can ask some of the personal information regarding visa application ?

Please write to us at [email protected]

Hi my mom went her son home Italy two time with my father ,now she is trying to go alone , so she is housewife. is she can show enough money into bank for her expenses ?

Yes. She can show money in her account and can self sponsor.

Hi Ashwini! My wife is resident of Finland and she is inviting me and my mother for a visit visa.I am currently working as Assistant Manager Mechanical engineer in a private firm and also have last 05 years ITR and all other official working documents,.I am applying through Netherlands embassy.I have some queries. 1. I book an appointment with my mother but she is paying for her whole trip she have strong bank statement,Pension slips and agricultural as well as residential property so is it fine to put my application with her? or should we apply separate as our insurance and applications are separate too. 2. Finnish embassy is not in my country and Netherlands embassy is accepting applications on behalf of Finland. So whom should i address in my cover letter? Finland embassy or Netherlands embassy? 3. About travel Itinerary,I am travelling to Finland and then we have plan to visit Sweden and i also have booked a hotel in Sweden through Agoda.com, so should we just write our visit to finland and sweden? and do we need to mention places in finland and sweden we intend to visit? Ps. I will stay in Finland for almost 1 month and my mother will stay for 2 months.Please answer according to that In Itinerary question Thanks, Need your suggestions soon as i have appointment on this tuesday

Answering your question pointwise:

1. Mention in cover letter that you both are travelling together but have different sources of income which are stable and strong, hence applying separately with different set of documents but will be staying and travelling together. 2. In a similar situation, My sister applied Iceland visa last year through Denmark embassy as it is one which processes Iceland visa in our country. Her cover letter started like this. FYI, she got her visa approved in time.

July 20, 2017 The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Denmark 11, Golf Links, New Delhi Delhi 110003 India

Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to apply for Schengen Visa to spend a holiday in two European countries – Iceland and Sweden, this August 20 to September 2, 2017. I am applying through your Honorable Consulate Denmark as Iceland is my main destination and will be staying here maximum number of days and will be flying in and out of Reykjavik. Myself and my wife are travelling together on this trip. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful landscapes and experience the rich culture and heritage offered by both the countries

Arrival date | Departure date | Days | City(Country) 20 August 2017 | 21 August 2017 | 1 | Stockholm(Sweden) 21 August 2017 | 31 September 2017 11 | Reykjavik – Bruarfoss – Vik – Hof – Detifoss – Husavik – Latrabjarg -Reykjavik (Iceland) 1 September 2017 | 1 September 2017 | 1 | Reykjavik (Iceland) – Stockholm(Sweden)

……(continues)

P.S: Above itinerary was in table format. Couldn’t paste it in the same format. Please make a table.

3. I hope the above snapshot of my sister’s cover letter would have given you an idea about the answer for this question.

P.S: An invitation letter from your wife with her proof of residence must be attached with both of your documents and don’t forget to mention in the cover letter that you both are being invited by her and that the invitation doc is attached.

hello, i applied to france embassy and i got rejected today. me and my husband planning to travel France ( Paris) and Netherland (AMsterdam) from 4th Nov to 11th Nov. i am working and i have all documents from ITR papers to work leave letter and enough funds in account. Problem is my Husband only got 1 year ITR paper that is 2018 and he is working as share trader and handle clients but as freelancer. so how to show sponsor and what to mentioned on cover letter. who can be sponsor??? we both have funds in accounts but as he is freelancer is it going to hamper our visa decision?? can you please guide me how to make changes in our profile and get visa for france second time?? what all documents we show as to show ties to come back to home country??? i have my all bookings done. Flights and hotels all booked. i want visa to go.. please guide me

Try mentioning that you have strong family ties back here in India. Have a home and job to join back(for you) and projects to finish(for him). Otherwise, I guess, you have all req documents in place.

Hi, I’m from Mumbai & intend to travel to the Czech Republic for a few days. I am a confused as to whom the cover letter should be addressed, should it be addressed to the Embassy in Delhi or to their Honorary Consulate in Mumbai?

Don’t think that would matter as much as the content inside the cover letter. Either one would do

Me and my husband are planning to Go to Prague and Italy in Jan.We are applying to Prague as we are staying there for max. no of days as well as it being the country of entry.

The issue is I have been working for only 1.5 yrs and have 1 yr IT return document. Also my account shows liquid cash of 1.5 lakhs (FD of 1 lakh is there too but not liquid) Husband only got 3 year ITR paper and also approx 3 lakh cash in account. I am mentioning that I am working also submitting all docs(statements, NOC etc)

So whom to show as sponsor on my cover letter ?? Should I show self/joint/ husband as the sponsor on my letter? Please let me know.

You can say that you are sponsoring yourself.

Hi. Great Post. I have dropped you an email for further queries on my solo trip to Europe coming Feb. Hope to see a response. Thanks.

Hi , Thanks for your valuable post. I just wanted to know one thing , do I need to download the application form from the VFS Italy and then fill it out with a Pen. Otherwise there seems no other option, because attached is a PDF file on the website. The only option seems to be download the file and then fill it up with Pen. Can you please guide me to the correct way,

Yes, download it and take a print and fill it by hand.

Hi, Thank you for bringing up such a wonderful post. I have question before proceeding further for Schengen visa. I stay in Bangalore and my parents stay in Odisha. Their passports are issued recently in Odisha. Can we all apply together in Bangalore Vfs? If yes, do I need to mention that parents stays with me in Bangalore? P:S, I have to show their bank statement as well in support to show sufficient finances.

They can apply with you I guess. Please call VFS helpline and confirm

Hi Ashwini…I read all your comments respective of all questions you gave useful tips. So helpful. Thanks. Here is my Question…… I planning to travel with my minor kids to Malta…If i will get the Malta visa, can i book the ticket to France to visit the places in france and return from France.

If you plan so, please mention the same in cover letter and do all the bookings. Last time, we had a 6 hour layover in Paris and officials there did not allow us to go out though France was in Schengen and said that we did nit have a multiple entry visa. So mention that in cover letter and ask for a multiple entry access.

Hi, can you please help me with ‘covering letter for long term student visa’? I am from India and would be traveling to Italy for masters. Can you share if any examples?

The format is the same except the itinerary in the table form. Convince them that you are going there to study with all the related documents.

Hi Ashwini, i want to apply for a Schenegen Visa from French embassy. I am travelling with a group of 9 friends. Do i need to mention their names or passport numbers in the cover letter or attach their passport copies in the documents?

Well, 9 friends. Hmm.. Don’t think its required. It’ll be too much information and can confuse the embassy officer!

Hi. I am visiting germany for a conference (business visa) and i have hotel bookings for all the days in Berlin. But if time permits i might visit france and amsterdam.Now my doubt is..do i need to mention about the probable countries i might visit in the visa application form question no.22 where the column asks for ‘Member state (s) of destination’ ?

If you are going by road to France and Amsterdam, Then I dont think you need to mention that as there will rarely be checks on the road inside Schengen area. Otherwise, I guess, you must have to.

Hi ashwini,

i’m kranthi and Am applying for Student Visa( D-Visa) to Spain. I almost Completed with my Documents part . Preparing for Cover letter and this blog really helped me . Do you have any suggestion format for Student Visa as such a Sample Cover letter. Because the program Duration will be 18 months . i dont have any Accommodation proof because i have to go and find it out. But college gave me confirmation letter saying they will provide Accommodation but they didn’t mention address in specific .Should i mention this in my Cover letter

Yes. Please mention this in the cover letter.

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Cover Letter for Schengen Visa: Samples and Tips

Cover letter for schengen visa: a complete guide.

A cover letter for a Schengen visa is a crucial part of your visa application process. It allows you to explain your travel purpose, financial situation, and other critical details that the official forms and documents may not fully convey. A well-written cover letter can increase your chances of getting your visa approved by clearly understanding your trip and your adherence to the visa requirements. This guide will show you how to draft an effective cover letter for your Schengen visa application.

Why Do You Need a Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa?

A cover letter for a Schengen visa application serves multiple purposes. It helps clarify your trip details, provides additional supporting documents, and gives the visa officer a better understanding of your intentions. It can include your travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, financial status, and the purpose of your visit. Here's why it's important:

Key Reasons to Include a Cover Letter:

• Explain the  purpose of your travel  in detail
• Outline your  travel itinerary , including dates and destinations
• Provides information about your  accommodation  and  travel insurance
• Highlights your financial ability to support yourself during the trip
• Clarifies any additional details not covered in the official documents

Key Elements to Include 

When writing a cover letter for a Schengen visa, you must ensure it includes all relevant information. This will make it easier for the visa officer to assess your application. Below are the key elements your letter should contain:

Introduction

Clearly state the purpose of the letter and the visa type you are applying for.

Example:  "I am writing to apply for a  Schengen visa  to visit [Schengen Country] for a [purpose of visit], scheduled from [travel dates]."

Travel Itinerary

Provide a detailed  travel itinerary  with the dates, destinations, and planned activities. Include important details like flight bookings and transportation between cities.

Example:  "My itinerary includes traveling to [City], where I will stay from [start date] to [end date]. During this time, I will visit [places] and meet with [contacts, if any]."

Accommodation and Proof of Stay

Include proof of hotel reservations  or other  accommodation details , such as a  host invitation letter  if you are staying with family or friends.

Example:  "I will be staying at [Hotel Name], with a confirmed booking from [start date] to [end date]. I have attached the  hotel booking confirmation  as proof of my accommodation."

Financial Support and Proof of Funds

Demonstrate that you have the necessary funds to support yourself during the trip. Include  bank statements  or any other  financial proof  that verifies your financial capacity.

Example:  "My trip will be self-financed, and I have attached my  bank statements  for the past three months, which show a balance sufficient to cover my travel expenses."

Return Flight and Proof of Return

Provide evidence that you will return to your home country. Include a  return flight booking  or any document confirming your return commitment .

Example:  "I have attached a copy of my return flight ticket, scheduled for [return date], ensuring that I will depart from the Schengen area before my visa expires."

• Travel Insurance

State that you have  Schengen visa travel insurance  and provide the necessary documentation.

Example:  "I have purchased  travel insurance  from [Insurance Company], which covers medical expenses up to [amount] as required for the Schengen visa."

Employment Status

Include proof of your  employment status , such as an  employment letter  or a certificate from your employer.

Example:  "I am currently employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title], and my employer has granted me leave from [start date] to [end date]. A letter from my employer is attached."

Closing Paragraph

End your letter by reiterating your intent to return to your home country after the trip and your readiness to provide additional documents if needed.

Example:  "I look forward to exploring the culture and beauty of [Country]. I confirm that I will return to my home country after the trip and am happy to provide any further documentation required."

Cover letter format for Schengen Visa

Sample schengen visa cover letter generic for all countries.

[Consulate/Embassy Name] [Address of the Consulate/Embassy] [City, Postal Code]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa

I am writing to apply for a [type of visa, e.g., "short-stay tourist visa"] for my trip to [Schengen country/countries] from [start date] to [end date]. The purpose of my visit is [state purpose: tourism, business, visiting family, etc.]. I plan to visit [briefly mention places or activities] during my stay.

Below is a summary of my travel plan:

• Travel dates : [start date] to [end date]
• Countries to visit : [Schengen countries you plan to visit]
• Accommodation details : [Hotel or host details]
• Travel insurance provider : [Insurance company name], with coverage of €30,000 as required
• Flight details : [Round-trip flight booking]

I have been employed as [your job title] at [company name] since [date]. Additionally, I have attached a no-objection letter from my employer and my bank statements to show that I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses during the trip. I am committed to returning to my Country of residence before the expiration of my visa due to [mention your ties, such as employment, family, studies, property, etc.].

I have enclosed the following documents to support my application:

• Completed Schengen visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs (as per specifications)
• Valid passport (with at least three months validity after return date)
• Round-trip flight reservation
• Proof of accommodation
• Travel insurance with coverage of €30,000
• Bank statements for the last [3/6] months
• No objection letter from my employer
• [Any other supporting documents, like an invitation letter or itinerary]

Please process my application as soon as possible. I assure you that I will abide by the visa rules and regulations during my stay.

Thank you for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Yours faithfully,

The general structure of the cover letter will work for any Schengen country, as Schengen visa requirements and processes are standardized across the Schengen Area. However, it’s essential to make a few adjustments depending on the specific Country you're applying to, such as:

• Addressing the correct consulate/embassy : Update the name and address of the consulate or embassy of the Country where you're applying.
• Purpose of visit : If you're applying for a visa to visit a specific Schengen country, highlight the purpose of your visit to that Country (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.). If your trip involves multiple countries, mention each and clarify where you’ll spend the most time.
• Additional country-specific requirements : Some Schengen countries may request specific documents or details. Ensure you meet the Country’s unique requirements (if any) while keeping the rest of the cover letter format identical
• Drafting a Strong Leave Application for Vacation : If you are employed, you must provide a  leave application  for vacation to show your intention to return to work after your vacation. A well-written leave application reassures the visa officer that you have a professional obligation to return.

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Unemployed

[Consulate/Embassy Name] [Address of the Consulate/Embassy] [City, Postal Code] Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a [type of visa, e.g., short-stay tourist visa] for my trip to [Schengen country/countries] from [start date] to [end date]. Although I am currently unemployed, I have sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of my trip, as evidenced by my attached bank statements and [any other financial documents, like a sponsor’s letter, if applicable].

The purpose of my visit is [state the purpose, such as tourism, visiting friends/family, etc.]. I plan to visit [mention key locations or activities]. Below are the details of my trip:

• Travel Insurance : [Insurance company name] with coverage of €30,000

While I am currently not employed, I have strong ties to my home country, such as [mention ties: family, property ownership, ongoing studies, or future employment opportunities]. My financial situation is also stable, with [explain the source of funds, such as savings, family support, or sponsorship].

I'm sharing the following documents in support of my application here:

• Passport-sized photographs
• Valid passport
• Recent bank statements [or Sponsor’s financial documents]
• [Sponsor's letter, if applicable]
• [Other supporting documents, if any]

I kindly request that you consider my application. I assure you that I will comply with all the rules and return to [your home country] before my visa expires.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me should you require any additional information.

• If a family member or friend sponsors your trip, include a  sponsorship letter  and their financial documents.
• Ensure your  bank statements  show sufficient funds for your trip, even if you are unemployed.
• Highlight  strong ties  to your home country to reassure the consulate that you intend to return after your visit.

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa (Visiting Family)

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa (Visiting Family)

I am writing to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit my family in [Schengen country]. My intended travel dates are from [start date] to [end date]. I will stay with my [relationship, e.g., brother, sister, parents] who lives at [full address].

The purpose of my visit is to spend time with my family, especially [mention any special occasion like a family reunion, wedding, birth of a child, etc.]. Additionally, I have attached an invitation letter from my [family member’s name] confirming my stay with them during this period.

I am attaching my travel details:

• Accommodation : Staying at [family member’s address]
• Travel Insurance : [Insurance provider] with coverage of €30,000

I have also attached the required financial documents, including my recent bank statements and my [family member’s name] bank statements, to prove they will cover any additional expenses during my stay.

Kindly request that you process my application, and I assure you that I will return to my home country after my visit.

Thank you for your consideration.

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa (Multiple Entry)

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa (Multiple Entry)

I request a multiple-entry Schengen visa for my upcoming trips to [Schengen countries]. My first planned visit is from [start date] to [end date], and I intend to visit [countries you’ll be visiting first].

Due to the nature of my work as [your occupation, business professional, frequent traveler, etc.], I will need to travel to the Schengen Area several times in the coming months for both professional and personal reasons. I have included detailed itineraries for my upcoming trips.

Here are the details of my first trip:

• Countries to visit : [mention Schengen countries]
• Accommodation : [Hotel reservation details]
• Travel Insurance : [Insurance provider] covering all trips up to €30,000

I have enclosed financial documents to prove that I have sufficient funds to cover all expenses for my multiple trips. Given my travel needs, I kindly request a visa valid for [1/2/5] years.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa (Couple)

Subject: Schengen Visa Application for [Your Names]

We, [Your Full Name] and [Partner’s Full Name], are applying for Schengen visas for our planned trip to [Schengen country] from [start date] to [end date]. This is a leisure trip to enjoy the culture and beauty of [Country] and explore cities like [list places].

Below are the details of our trip:

• Countries to visit : [Schengen countries]
• Travel Insurance : [Insurance provider] covering both of us with coverage of €30,000

We have attached our financial statements to show we can cover our expenses during the trip. Additionally, we have included proof of our relationship [e.g., marriage certificate, photos] and all required documents to support our visa application.

We request that our applications be processed together.

Yours faithfully, [Your Full Name] [Partner’s Full Name]

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa (After Refusal)

Subject: Reapplication for Schengen Visa (After Refusal)

I am writing to reapply for a Schengen visa following the refusal of my previous application on [mention refusal date]. The reason for refusal was [mention the reason]. I have since addressed this issue and attached the relevant documents to clarify the situation.

The purpose of my visit remains the same: [state purpose of visit, such as tourism, visiting family, business, etc.]. I plan to travel from [start date] to [end date], and my travel itinerary includes [briefly describe your itinerary].

I'm sharing the following documents in support of my reapplication here:

• Corrected/Updated [mention any documents that address the refusal reason]
• Financial proof (bank statements, etc.)

Please reconsider my application based on the updated information.

Thank you for your understanding and time.

Cover Letter for Schengen Student Visa Application  

Subject: Application for Schengen Student Visa

I am writing to apply for a student visa to pursue my studies at [University Name] in [Schengen country]. AdditionalIy, I have been accepted into the [course/program name], which starts on [start date], and I plan to arrive in [Country] on [arrival date].

I have enclosed my admission letter from [University Name] and proof of payment for my tuition. I have also attached proof of my financial capacity to support myself during my stay, including [mention documents: bank statements, scholarship, sponsorship, etc.].

Details of my study plan:

• University : [University Name]
• Course : [Course/Program Name]
• Duration : [Start date] to [End date]
• Accommodation : [Details of where you will stay]

Please grant me a student visa for the duration of my studies.

Yours faithfully,  

Tips for Writing a Successful Visa Cover Letter

• Keep It Clear and Concise : Avoid overly complex language. Stick to the facts and provide all necessary information.
• Use a Formal Tone : Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
• Ensure Accuracy : Double-check all dates, travel details, and documentation references.
• Attach Supporting Documents : Ensure all documents mentioned in the letter, such as  financial proof  or  travel insurance , are attached.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing Details : Failing to provide a precise  travel itinerary  or skipping  financial proof  can result in visa rejection.
• Inconsistent Information : Ensure that the dates and details in your cover letter match those in your  visa application form  and supporting documents.
• Lack of Proof of Return : Always include proof of your return to your home country, such as a  return flight ticket .

A well-structured  cover letter for a Schengen visa  can significantly improve your chances of getting approved. By clearly explaining your  purpose of travel , providing necessary documentation, and demonstrating your ability to support yourself financially during your trip, you show the visa officer that your application is complete and legitimate.

If you need more guidance on drafting your visa cover letter or  preparing strategic interview questions , please explore our blog for helpful resource s.

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Create Cover Letter For France Schengen Visa [With AI]

by Lohith Kumar | Feb 20, 2023 | cover letter

Do you intend to have a holiday in France? For France, you’ll probably need to apply for a France Schengen visa . You must also include a cover letter, sometimes known as a visa letter or a personal cover letter, with your visa application.

Most likely, you were looking for a cover letter for a Schengen visa to France when you came to this website.

How to get a cover letter?

If you want to get a cover letter for Schengen visa which is properly structured and used by over 50,000 customers, then you can make one using FlightGen App. All you need to do is answer questions related to your Schengen visa & your cover letter will be created for you in perfect format.

IMPORTANT: You can get any single document at very affordable price, which starts from $3 and another offer is, get all types of visa documents unlimited for unlimited users from 1 account, for which price or subscription starts from $10/month.  FlightGen  offers multiple visa documents, including cover letters, travel itineraries, flight itineraries, invitation letters, leave letters, and hotel bookings. Avail this offer as soon as possible!

FlightGen creates a hybrid cover letter which includes both the personal cover letter as well as the travel itinerary which otherwise, would have been another separate document. In fact, this the exact format that we use for all our visa customers.

What Is the Purpose of a Covering Letter When Applying for a France Schengen Visa ?

A cover letter, also known as a visa letter, is a letter addressed to the French consulate explaining your reason for visiting France. It should include things like how long you plan to stay, your financial paperwork, and any other important documents. The cover letter should explain to the Visa Officer why your France visa should be granted.

Because you are applying for a Schengen Visa to France, your cover letter must include information about all of the Schengen nations you will visit on your trip, as well as a day-by-day itinerary for your whole stay in the Schengen region.

Because the substance of a cover letter varies depending on the visa application, it must be tailored to the individual. It is not possible to utilise someone else’s cover letter for your visa application without making major adjustments to meet your specific visa requirements .

As a result, we recommend that you go through all of the samples (which are included in subsequent parts) and write your cover letter on a blank page (or use the FlightGen App to generate one for you!!) .

Your initial point of contact with the Embassy will be your covering letter for a Schengen visa.

All of your visa paperwork will be stacked on top of your cover letter. This is because it is the first document that the visa consulate analyses in order to completely comprehend your application and determine whether or not they must issue your visa. This is also the location where you may talk with the visa officer in person.

You may take advantage of this by being accurate and explicit in your France visa application while remaining non-personal. Based on the facts in your cover letter, a professional visa consulate will be able to rapidly evaluate whether to reject or approve your visa.

What Should Be Included In A Cover Letter When Applying For A Schengen Visa?

To be effective, a Schengen visa cover letter should include the following information in the following order:

1.The location of your nearest French Schengen consulate, which is easily found online. 2.In the subject line, clearly indicate the type of visa requested. 3.The trip start/end dates suggest that there are extra days in France. 4.The purpose of your travel, which helps the visa officer understand the applicant’s intents 5.Details about the trip’s financial backer. This might be the candidate, their spouse, a visitor, or a company. 6.In addition, the letter may provide proof of the accommodations. 7.Daily travel itinerary in France Schengen business or tourist visa . Sports, medical, and visiting visas are not required. 8.In order to assess the applicant’s financial stability, the visa officer will require information regarding their career and company history. 9.A list of the supporting documents supplied with the application for a French visa , allowing the visa officer to assess all relevant information. 10.The applicant’s contact information in case more clarification is required. Overall, including these critical pieces of information in your cover letter will help improve the applicant’s visa application and increase their chances of getting a visa.

The Synonyms Of Cover Letter

Cover letter has many names and it is important not to be confused between them. Often used synonyms for cover letter is:

• Personal cover letter
• Covering letter
• Letter of introduction
• visa letter to the embassy
• visa Letter
• Schengen visa covering letter
• Letter to the immigration for visa approval.
• Letter of visa approval.
• introductory letter for visa application
• Purpose of travel letter
• letter to the embassy for visa request
• cover letter for visa application

All these words mean the same and should not be confused with one another.

How Should I Write My Cover Letter For A Schengen Visa To France?

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily write a professional cover letter for your visa application using FlightGen:

1.Go through the FlightGen tutorial, which is quite helpful.

2.Get the smart app from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).

3. Answer the basic questions posed by the Letter Wizard.

4. After reading your letter, you can download the PDF for $4.99.

Is a cover letter required when applying for a Schengen visa to France?

Yes. Even though the French visa regulations do not specify that a cover letter is necessary, you will be obliged to bring one with you to the visa facilitation office.

Sample Cover Letters For France Schengen Visa (Based On Purpose Of Travel)

Your cover letter’s format for France The type of Schengen visa you require depends on the reason for your trip; we assume you are aware of your visa status.

Sample Cover Letter For The Application Of A Tourist Visa To France

If your journey to France is solely for tourism, you can use the sample cover letter for a France tourist visa supplied below. You must have a rough travel plan and proof of lodgings, such as hotel or hostel bookings. To know more about cover letter for tourist visa

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App.

Sample Cover Letter For France Business Visa Application

Your documentation and travel purpose would be different if you are applying for a business France Schengen visa . Use the following cover letter format and tailor it to your qualifications.

Cover Letter Sample For France Visitor Visa Application

You do not need to include your vacation itinerary in your cover letter if you are seeking for a French visitor visa. See the sample provided below to draught your own visa letter for a visiting visa application.

Cover Letter Sample For Medical Visa Application

If you have a medical problem and want to get treatment in France, utilise the sample cover letter for France Medical visa application provided below.

Cover Letter Sample For A France Spouse Visa Application

Is your partner a French citizen? You must get a France Schengen Spouse visa, commonly known as a Spousal visa, if you desire to join them. The cover letter for this visa is simple since you do not need to submit a day-by-day trip plan. Furthermore, your spouse must have a French passport or a French residence permit.

You can modify the sample cover letter provided below to meet your specific requirements, or you can create a cover letter for Spouse visa using the FlightGen App.

Cover Letter Sample For A France Work Visa Application

Before you may work in France, you must first get a French work visa, which permits you to work within the Schengen region as well as in France. A sample cover letter for a Schengen work visa in France is provided below.

Cover Letter Sample For France Student Visa Application

France is regarded as one of the best destinations to study, particularly engineering. Furthermore, for comparable-quality higher education, Europe is far less expensive than the United States and Australia. To study in France, you must have a French student visa.

The cover letter format for the France Student Schengen visa is as follows.

Cover Letter Sample For France Transit Visa Application

Transiting through one of France’s major airports, such as Paris, necessitates the use of a Schengen Transit visa, which is a type of short-stay visa. The following example shows how to prepare a visa letter for a French Schengen Transit visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App

What Additional Documents Must Be Provided To Apply For A French Schengen Visa?

• Original passport with at least two blank pages and a six-month validity period
• A Schengen visa application must be fully completed and signed.
• Two recent colour passport photographs that meet Schengen standards
• Statement of purpose and precise travel itinerary (Can be created using FlightGen App)
• Bank statements for the last three months, original, updated, and bank-attested (Online not accepted without bank seal on it.)
• Returns on Income for the Previous Three Years (Form 16)
• A flight itinerary (for use in visa applications, use the FlightGen app). For Android and iOS devices).
• Hotel reservations
• Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000) HDFC Ergo offers travel insurance beginning as 300 INR. For other countries, use VisitorsCoverage.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Where should i send my cover letter in order to apply for a schengen visa for france.

To the visa appointment, you must bring all of your application paperwork, including your cover letter. Typically, this is done at the French consulate or a visa processing centre, such as VFS or BLSS.

When applying for a French visa, how important is a cover letter?

All visa applications require a cover letter, but Schengen visas require it much more.

It achieves two goals. It makes it simpler for the visa officer to accept or (deny!) your visa application since it provides additional information about your travel plans.

The information in your papers will be compared to the information in your cover letter first. If this is the case, obtaining your visa will be a breeze.

You can only contact the visa officer here as a visa applicant. So here is your chance to make your case for visa acceptance.

A well-written cover letter might make or break your visa application to France.

What should a visa application cover letter include?

Sometimes introduction letters are referred to as personal cover letters (also known as visa letters).

Its objective is to give visa officials with information about your trip. They will then cross-reference it with your supporting documents.

If all information is validated, your visa application will be processed quickly.

When applying for a French visa, how should I begin my letter?

Install the FlightGen App and let the AI do the work for you to get your introduction letter as quickly as possible. However, if you want to write one on your own, you can get ideas from the sample below.

The FlightGen App will compose your cover letter for you.

What should the major points of my cover letter for a French visa be?

Your travel schedule, dates, and day-by-day itinerary, as well as any documents you’ve completed to have your French Schengen visa granted, should all be stated in your cover letter.

When applying for a visa, which document must I provide with my cover letter? To get your visa accepted, you must include every document you want to submit. Please detail any further documents you have.

I’m writing a cover letter for a visa application; should I use the same font size and style?

No. However, a plain, clear typeface is preferable over one that appears ornate. Use no more than two lines, correctly structured with the suitable line height. This should make it easier for the visa officer to read your invitation letter.

Which cover letter is most effective for a visa application?

The best cover letter tells the French officer all they need to know about your trip in an easy-to-understand format. In this regard, the FlightGen App produces the best cover letters.

What should a cover letter for a visa application include?

Your cover letter should include the following information: the itinerary, dates, and times of travel. Please provide any additional papers required for French Schengen visa approval.

Include contact details in case the consulate wants to contact you.

What common faults should I avoid while writing a cover letter for a French visa application?

The most important thing to remember while writing a cover letter is to avoid telling half-truths or publishing made-up or erroneous material.

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Psychotherapy, personality, cover letter for schengen visa(5 samples).

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Samples of cover letters for Schengen Visa

When applying for a Schengen visa, your cover letter is an opportunity to show your recipient why you qualify. The best format for writing a cover letter is as follows:

Immigration Officer

[Embassy Name]

[Embassy Phone Number]

The purpose of my trip to [country name] is for tourism. I am excited to visit numerous tourist destinations such as [add places you plan to see] as well as experience [country name] unique cuisines and culture. Furthermore, I plan to visit the [city name(s)] to ensure I have the ultimate tourist experience.

While visiting [country name], I plan to stay at the following hotels:

Please find attached all the required documents for my Schengen Visa application.

I am writing on behalf of my patient, [name], to confirm the medical necessity of [treatment/medication] for [the treatment in question]. This visa letter will contain information regarding [name (‘s)] medical diagnosis, history, and a summary of my treatment motivation.

As highlighted, the [medication/treatment] is truly necessary for my patient’s medical condition. I am confident that with the correct treatment and care, my patient would be able to successfully recover/improve.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is required to guarantee the approval of my patient’s medical treatment.

[Embassy name]

[Embassy address]

Dear Consul General:

During the last [number of years you’ve been working at the company], Mr./Mrs. [name] has been a key part of improving relationships with our investors abroad. As such, Mr./Mrs. [name] will be traveling to [name of city], [country] from [date of entry] until [date of exit] for a total of [number of days] to attend to the following work-related activities: [Write in as much detail as possible about the business that will be conducted abroad]

Furthermore, during this time, Mr./Mrs. [name] will be attending an important business meeting in (city name) to improve corporate relations with our partners abroad.

I kindly ask for the [visa type] to be issued to Mr./Mrs. [name and surname] at your earliest convenience.

Kind regards,

[Supervisor signature]

[Name and last name]

[Address of employer]”

[Embassy Address]

Subject: Sponsorship Letter for [Wifes name] with Passport No. __________________

Dear Sir/Madam,

During the dates specified above, my wife and I plan to visit [places you plan to visit] [add more details if applicable – a schedule, tours, etc.]. In addition, [Wife’s name] will be staying with me at [hotel name(s)]. Furthermore, I will cover all expenses through [provide means of funding].

[Your home address]

[Your occupation]

[Your signature]”

“April 03, 2017

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

Subject: Anjali XXXXXXX, Indian Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Visit Friend/Famliy

I am employed at <name of employer> in <address of employer> since April 2014, currently holding the position of Marketing Executive. My employer has already approved my vacation from work for the duration of this trip.

Hotel reservations for our holidays in the Netherlands and France

Also, the additional documents required for Medical Purposes Schengen Visa Application:

June 10, 2017 – Travel from Frankfurt to Amsterdam Schiphol; Arrive in Amsterdam and stay at Clemens Hotel

June 11, 2017 – Sightseeing in the Netherlands

June 17, 2017 – Chateau de Versailles

June 20, 2017 – Travel from Paris Gard du Nord to Frankfurt via Air France

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the types of schengen visa cover letters, what should your cover letter include, was this helpful, related posts, cover letter for hse position (5 samples), cover letter for lunch monitor (5 samples), cover letter for dnata equipment operator(5 samples).

In this article

Documents Required for a Schengen Visa

List of the documents required for a Schengen visa, document guidelines, and a detailed description of each of them

Submitting a set of documents is a crucial part of the application process for a Schengen Visa . The documents you need to submit depend on different factors, such as the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and your current status.

During the processing time, the consulate may, in individual cases, ask you to submit additional information or documents, or you may be contacted for an interview. Make sure to submit these documents since the submission of the firstly required documents does not guarantee you will be granted a visa.

What Are The Requirements for a Schengen Visa?

The required documents to apply for a Schengen Visa are listed below:

• Schengen Visa Application Form.
• Photograph.
• Schengen Travel Insurance.
• Biometric Data.
• Copies of Previous Visas.
• Flight Itinerary.
• Cover Letter.
• Proof of Financial Means.
• Proof of Accommodation.
• Proof of Paid Fee.

Schengen Visa Application Form

Applicants must submit a fully completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form to the competent authorities of the Member State they are applying for a visa no more than three months before their intended visit. The visa application form contains 37 questions that each applicant must fill out correctly and sincerely, with no false statements . The form is available in different languages; however, the consulate will inform you which language you can use to fill out the application form. If the visa applicant is a minor (younger than 18), the application form must be signed by the parents or legal guardian of the child.

The Schengen Visa application form is divided into four sections that require the following information:

• Date and place of birth.
• Nationality.
• Civil status.
• Phone number, etc.
• Travel document type.
• Travel document number.
• Issue date and expiration date of the travel document.
• reason for travel.
• First entry.
• Length of stay.
• Biometric information, etc.
• Full name of the person inviting you. (if applicable)
• Host organization information.
• Financial support.
• Familiar relationship.
• Date and location of completing the application form.

You can receive the Schengen Visa application form at the diplomatic missions of the Member State you want to visit or download it from the official websites of the Member State’s embassy (if the embassy has a website).

» Invitation Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Your passport must meet the following criteria:

• Be issued within the last 10 years.
• Have two blank pages in order to affix the visa.
• Be valid for at least three months beyond the date you plan on exiting the Schengen Member State; if the passport has expired, the chances of you being able to travel are very low.

Attach a photograph of yourself to the Schengen Visa application form. The photograph must be recently taken and must follow the Schengen visa photo guidelines :

• The photo must not be older than six months.
• The photo must be 35 mm (width) x 45 mm (height).
• Your face and shoulders must cover 70%-80% of the photograph.
• The photo background must be blank in plain white color, with no patterns or distracting objects behind you, including shadows.
• The photo must be taken with a high resolution and proper contrast.
• The photo must be taken in true, natural color.
• The photo must not have any ink, creases, or staple marks.
• You must keep a neutral facial expression, no smiling or keeping your mouth open.
• You are not allowed to wear accessories covering your facial features.
• Your eyes must be open to clearly see the eye color. Avoid photos with red flashes on your eye.
• You must wear simple natural makeup. Digital makeup is not allowed.
• Your photos must not be altered in any way.
• You must wear darker colors to create contrast with the background. Avoid light-colored clothes that can blend in with the background.

Note : Some countries might require you to submit only one photo.

Schengen Visa Photo Requirement for Children

Photographs of babies must be taken on a white background while lying down or sitting on a baby chair. You can use a bedsheet or white blanket to lay the baby on.

The baby’s eyes should be open, and their eye color should be visible. It is okay if their facial expression is not neutral, however, they cannot be photographed with their mouth open or with objects in the background.

Schengen Travel Insurance

Valid travel health insurance is a mandatory requirement for everyone applying for a Schengen Visa to cover any expenses that may arise during their stay in the Schengen Member State. You can get travel insurance in your country of residence or online. Your Schengen Travel Insurance plan must meet the following requirements:

• It must cover your entire period of intended stay in the Member State.
• It must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical expenses, emergency evacuation hospital treatment, or death.
• It must be valid for the whole of the territory of the Member States of the Schengen Area.

>> Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Biometric Data

The consulate of the Schengen Member State will collect your biometric identifiers (a photograph as stipulated above and fingerprints), which will be stored in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS) .

You will be required to show up in person to have your fingerprints taken in accordance with ICAO standards and Commission Decision 2006/648/EC, whereas there is no need to be present for the photograph.

Who Is Exempt From Fingerprint Requirement?

The applicants belonging to the following categories are exempt from the fingerprint requirement:

• Children younger than twelve years old.
• Persons for whom the collection of fingerprints is physically impossible.
• Heads of State and members of National Governments, their accompanying spouses, and their official delegation when on an official visit.
• Sovereigns and other senior members of a royal family when invited by the Member State for official purposes.

Copies of Previous Visas

If you have previously visited the Schengen Area with a passport that has already expired (or is nearly full), you should submit it with the other documents to prove your travels. If you are a holder of more than two passports, you are required to bring all of them.

Your passports must not be stapled; you can simply tie them with a rubber band.

Flight Itinerary

The Embassy or Consulate can require you to provide a flight itinerary or a round-trip flight reservation , which is a detailed route of your flight that includes the following information:

• Your full name.
• A flight name.
• A reservation number or Booking ID.
• Arrival and Departure date.
• Airport IATA codes.
• The price of your ticket.
• Details of any connecting flights (if applicable).

*You do not necessarily need to purchase a flight ticket before applying for a Schengen Visa, you can present a flight ticket you booked and then pay it after receiving the visa.

Cover Letter

A cover letter must be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the Member State you are applying for a visa. The cover letter is a way of introducing yourself to the visa officials of the country you want to visit and stating the reasons for your travel. A well-written cover letter must be short and clear, not longer than two pages, and can help you in obtaining your visa.

A Schengen Visa cover letter must include:

• The reason for your travel to the Member State.
• The date you enter and when you plan to exit the Schengen area.
• The place you will accommodate.
• What you will do during your visit to the Member State.
• What other countries you will visit (if you plan on visiting other Schengen countries).
• Your employment status.
• Explain why you were unable to submit the documents (if there are any of the required documents missing).

Proof of Financial Means

When applying for a Schengen visa, you will need to provide proof that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and cover your expenses during your stay in Europe. You can prove your financial sufficiency in one of the following ways:

• A bank statement of your financial movements for the last three months.
• Credit card.
• Proof of employment.

The minimum amount required is different in each country, therefore you will have to consult with the relevant consular authority in your country.

Proof of Accommodation

The embassy or consulate you apply for a Schengen Visa will require you to submit proof of accommodation . This means that you have to provide evidence that you have a place to stay during your visit to the Member State.

Depending on where you will be staying, you can provide as proof of accommodation the following:

• Your entry and exit dates.
• Hotel address.
• Hotel contact details (phone number, email, etc.).
• A valid hotel reservation code.
• Name of the place.
• Address of the place.
• Telephone number & email.
• Date of entry and exit.
• Name in which the reservations were made.
• Name and surname of the landlord
• His / her contact details as email, telephone, home address, etc.
• Address of the rented place
• The period during which time the place has been rented by the applicant (entry and exit date)
• Dates when you will be staying.
• Full name of the host.
• Contact details of the host (email and telephone number).
• Signature of the host.
• The area of the place and the number of members living there.

Each Member State of Schengen has its own rules when it comes to the host invitation letter. This means that the host inviting you to visit the Member State they are at must provide a specific letter of invitation. For example:

• France: an original copy of the “ Declaration d’Accueil ” (guarantee document). The same applies if the host is from Luxembourg.
• Austria: a request of “Elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung“ at the host’s municipality in Austria not earlier than 30 days before your visa appointment date.
• Belgium: an original “Engagement de Prise en Charge – Verbintenis tot Tenlasteneming 3 bis”, stamped by the municipality and embossed stamp by the foreign office.
• The Netherlands : an original “Bewijs van Garantstelling” and also three salary sheets/reports and the work contract of the inviting person. If the host is independent, he or she must also submit the registration in the trade register of the company, the decision of taxation called “down aanslaginkomstenbelastingen”, an official document from the tax “Belastingdienst”, and its profit and loss account copy.

Proof of Paid Fee

The Schengen Visa Fee can be paid at the diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) and is non-refundable. The visa fee is charged in EUR, in the national currency of the third country, or in the currency used in the country where the application is submitted. Once you pay the visa fee, you will receive a receipt as proof of payment.

The visa fees for Schengen Visa are as follows:

• Adults: €90
• Children between the ages of 6 and 12: €45

Who Is Exempt From Paying the Schengen Visa Fee?

Applicants belonging to the categories below are exempt from the fee requirement:

• Children under the age of 6.
• Students and accompanying teachers traveling for study purposes or education training.
• Holders of diplomatic passports traveling for official purposes.
• Representatives of nonprofit organizations aged 25 years or less.
• Third-country researcher traveling to carry out scientific research as defined in Recommendation 2005/761/EC of the European Parliament.

NOTE: Be aware that the embassies or consulates do not accept an application without a previous appointment and most of them do not give information about pending cases by email or phone. Each embassy or consulate reserves the right to request additional documents during your appointment or later, and also to summon the applicant for another interview.

Employment Status Documents

Depending on your working status, you will have to submit some extra documents as follows:

• Evidence of student status. A document that proves that you are a student such as a student card or a copy of the matriculation at the university and student index signed and stamped by the university and the current transcript of records. You will also need to submit proof such as (a work contract and bank account statement from your parents or host (if applicable)), that you have enough money to cover your entire stay in the Member State
• Evidence of employment. An original signed letter from an employer or recent payslip. In addition to the bank statement, you must also present your employment contract and a vacation confirmation from your employer, stating the dates you have requested off from work and when you are expected to return.
• Evidence of self-employment. A letter from a solicitor, accountant, or Companies House, which confirms your status.
• Evidence of retirement. Pension statements over the last 6 months.

If You Are Travelling for Business Purposes

If you are travelling to the Schengen Area for business purposes, you also need to submit the following documents:

• Business invitation letter. This is a letter issued by the company or organization in the Schengen area where the applicant intends to conduct business. The letter should be on the company’s letterhead and should provide information such as the purpose and duration of the visit, the relationship between the company in the Schengen area and the applicant’s employer, and the financial responsibility of the company in the Schengen area during the applicant’s stay.
• Letter from employer . The applicant’s employer should provide a letter stating the purpose of the visit, the duration of the visit, and the financial responsibility of the employer for the applicant’s travel and stay in the Schengen area.
• Evidence of previous business dealings. The applicant should provide evidence of previous business dealings between their employer and the company in the Schengen area, such as contracts or invoices.

If You Are Travelling for a Visit to Family or Friends

If you are applying for a Schengen visa to visit family or friends in the Schengen Area, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Invitation letter . You will need to provide an invitation letter from the family member or friend you will be visiting. The letter should include their name, address, and contact information, as well as information about your relationship with them and the purpose and duration of your visit. If they will provide you with accommodation, they must state so in the letter.
• Proof of relationship. You may be required to provide evidence of your relationship with the person you will be visiting, such as a birth or marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Letter of sponsorship (if applicable) . If your family member or friend will provide financial support while you are in the Schengen Area, they must write a letter of sponsorship.

If You Are Travelling For Educational or Cultural Purposes

If you are travelling to the Schengen Area for cultural or educational purposes, such as to attend a conference, training, or cultural event, you also need to submit the following documents:

• Proof of enrollment. If you are a student, you need to provide proof of enrollment in your current academic program. This can be a letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment.
• Letter of acceptance. If you are traveling for an educational or academic program, you need to provide a letter of acceptance from the institution you will be visiting. This letter should include details about the program, the duration of your stay, and any financial support being provided to you during your visit.
• Proof of sponsorship. If you are being sponsored by an organization or individual, you need to provide proof of sponsorship. This can be a letter from the sponsor confirming their willingness to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen Area.
• You should provide a detailed itinerary of your trip, including the dates of your travel and the activities you will be undertaking during your stay in the Schengen Area.

If Travelling for Medical Treatment

If you are travelling to the Schengen Area for medical treatment, you must also submit the following documents:

• Medical report. A medical report from a doctor or hospital in your home country detailing the applicant’s medical condition and the recommended treatment in the Schengen Area.
• Medical certificate. A certificate from a doctor or hospital in the Schengen Area confirming that they are willing to treat you and detailing the proposed treatment plan.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have sufficient financial means to cover the cost of their treatment and stay in the Schengen Area, such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor.
• Proof of payment. Proof that you have paid for your medical treatment in advance, if applicable.

Schengen Visa Requirements for Children Under 18

If the applicant is a minor (under the age of 18), parents or legal guardians must submit the following documents or accompany the child.

• A Schengen Visa application form signed twice by the legal guardian/s.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• A certified parental consent by both parents.
• A notarized/certified consent from the other parent.
• Death certificate.
• Divorce agreement, or
• Custody agreement.

Schengen Visa Document Guidelines

All documents you submit when applying for a Schengen Visa must be in accordance with the visa documentation guidelines.

• Original copies must be submitted with a copy (unless stated otherwise).
• Documents must be translated into English or the official language of the Member State. The translation must be done by a certified translator.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate.
• Powers of attorney.
• University (any academic) diplomas.
• Business registration.
• Court orders.

What If I Don’t Have All The Documents When I Apply for a Schengen Visa?

If you fail to submit all the required documents, the Embassy or Consulate will reject your visa application, as it is a mandatory requirement during the visa application process.

Some Embassies might give you 5 days from the application date to submit the missing documents. You will also need to provide the reason why you failed to submit all the documents.