Documents required for Schengen visa 

 

Here you can find the checklist for the documents required for applying for Schengen visa. It is a general list for all the countries but you should also check the specific requirements of the country you are going to visit.

 

 

• Passport - Valid at least 06 months after you plan to return from your travel, with at least 02 blank pages.

 

• Photo - Passport type. (dimensions 45x35mm, 32-36 mm face from chin to hairline, neutral expression, wearing no glasses, face-centered, light background, no shadows, no blurring).

 

• Visa application form - filled into and signed.

 

• Proof of travel medical Insurance.- Copy of international health insurance specifically covering the territory of the European Union and indicating the validity of this coverage (with a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000). The policy should cover all expenses for repatriation, emergency medical aid, and hospital treatment for the period of stay.

 

• Proof of flight Reservation – flight itinerary/booking for visa etc.  

 

• Proof of accommodation - hotel booking etc.

 

• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence - bank statement etc.

 

• Contact information to a reference in visiting country.

 

• Proof of stable income - tax information etc.

 

• Proof of Status-  One copy of Green Card, or US resident visa. Must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area. ( if you are applying from USA)

 

• Proof of employment or enrolment in your country of residence.

 

• Copies of all the documents.

 

• Copies of all Schengen visas that were issued for you in the past.

 

•          Letter of invitation - if attending any event, meeting, conference etc.

 

 

* All documents are to be the A4 format.

In addition to the general list, you may be required to have a proof of your entrepreneur status (if applicable), family status (marriage certificate etc), national passport (in some countries). Usually, all the documents are to be copied.

 

 

 

Points to be remember 

 

 

- First of all, you will need to book your appointment in advance. Be advised to plan it at least 15 days prior to your intended departure, but not earlier than 12 weeks before you travel.

 

- Fill into the application form and make sure you do not leave blank fields. If some answers cannot be given - write N/A in an appropriate field.

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- After your appointment is scheduled and form is filled double check the documents required for the application and take passport type photo that will meet requirements for background, size etc.

- Attend your appointment on time, and be ready to answer some questions regarding your travel plans and some personal details (you might be questioned about your education, job position and company background).

 

- Some countries (i.e. Italy, France) will require you to provide biometric identifiers (fingerprints and a digital photograph) as part of the visa application process. This information will be stored on the Visa Information System (VIS) and can be used for your next applications for Schengen visas.

 

 

 

 

Schengen Visa Fees

 

 

Applicants are required to pay a nominal visa fee when applying for a Schengen visa. This fee is non-refundable even if the application was rejected and the visa was not issued by the consular department of the embassy. The approval and issuance of a visa is based entirely on the discretion of the consulate general.