Schengen visa requirements: the documents most consulates ask for
A plain checklist of the documents most Schengen consulates ask for: form, passport, photo, insurance, accommodation, travel plan, funds and proof of ties.
The Schengen Area lets you travel to 29 European countries on one short-stay visa (up to 90 days in any 180 days). Each country has its own checklist, but most ask for the same core documents.
The core documents
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area, issued in the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Recent passport-style photo that follows the photo rules.
- Travel medical insurance valid in all Schengen countries, covering at least EUR 30,000, including emergency medical care and repatriation.
- Proof of your travel plan: a flight reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit dates (see the article on paid tickets below).
- Proof of accommodation for the whole stay: hotel bookings, or an invitation letter from your host.
- Proof of funds: recent bank statements, salary slips and any sponsor letter.
- Proof of ties to your home country: employment letter or NOC, business papers, student letter, property or family documents.
- Visa fee payment (EUR 90 for adults at the time of writing, lower for children; check the current fee).
- Cover letter explaining the purpose and dates of your trip.
When and where to apply
- Apply at the consulate or visa centre of the country where you will spend the most days. If the stay is split equally, apply to the country you enter first.
- You can usually apply up to 6 months before the trip, and no later than 15 calendar days before it. Book your appointment early in busy seasons.
- Many decisions come within 15 days, but it can take up to 45 days in some cases. Do not buy a non-refundable ticket until you have the visa.
Tips that avoid refusals
- Make every date match: flight reservation, hotel, insurance and the form.
- Show a realistic budget for the length of your stay.
- Explain gaps and large deposits in your bank statements.
- Do not submit documents you cannot prove, and never use fake papers. A fake document can lead to a ban.
Check the official checklist
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and it does not guarantee a visa. Rules differ by country, visa type and consulate, and they change. Follow the checklist of the embassy or visa centre you apply to.
