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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!

In this article

Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Maximized Schengen visa success with effective cover letter, free sample and expert tips.

If you are in the process of applying for a Schengen Visa , you may have noticed that are asked to submit a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter for Schengen Visa applications is an important requirement, and knowing how to properly write one could affect the outcome of the visa application.

What is a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is a necessary part of your visa application because it is a way to introduce yourself, the reason why you want to travel to that specific country, as well as to communicate with the visa officers who are handling your application.

Please note that the Cover Letter should be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will visit, even if you are applying through a visa application center, such as VFS Global.

In the Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa, you have to convince the Consular staff that you are suitable to receive a visa for the country you intend to visit.

What Information to Include in a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

When you write a Cover Letter for your Schengen Visa application, you have to include details of your entire trip including:

• The reason why you want to visit a Schengen country .
• The dates when you intend to enter and depart.
• A planned itinerary of your activities in the Schengen Area.
• Where you will stay once you enter the Schengen area.
• All the countries you intend to visit.
• The status of your employment.
• If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, give an explanation of why that is.

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa

Below, you will find a sample Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist or Visit Visa, a Schengen Business Visa ,  as well as for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa which will give you an idea of what to include on your own Visa Cover Letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

6/50 F, Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands from the dates May 20 to June 10, 2019. I am traveling alone and the main reason why I want to visit the Netherlands is tourism.

I would like to visit the popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the house of Anne Frank, as well as the Keukenhof gardens to see the Netherlands’ most popular flower – the tulip.

During my stay, I also want to visit Germany from May 29 to June 5 to visit my sister who lives in Dusseldorf, where I will stay at her house. Then, I will return to the Netherlands, where I will explore the Hague before I leave the country.

I am employed at the [name of company/organization] where I have the position of [job position]. I have worked here for X years, and I have an annual salary of XX. My employer has given me a No Objection Certificate for my trip, which you will find enclosed.

I intend to finance my own trip, and I have also enclosed proof I have the necessary financial means to cover my stay.

Below you can see a planned itinerary of my activities :

Supporting visa application documents I have enclosed with this letter:

• The completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• My passport
• My flight and train ticket reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Hotel reservation receipts (Amsterdam and Hague)
• Letter of Invitation from my sister in Dusseldorf
• No Objection Certificate from my employer
• My Bank Statements from the last six months

I hope you find that the details I have provided in this letter are adequate for a favorable reply to my application. Thank you for your time, and do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information.

Best regards,

Alan Shilmani

[Full address in India]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Business Visa, it is your employer who has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. It must be written on the company’s letterhead.

March 20, 2019

New Delhi, India

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant’s full name] is employed at our company [company’s name] where he works as [job title or position]. [The applicant] has been working in our company for [X number of years], and needs to travel to the Netherlands to visit our partner company [partner company’s name] during the dates April 20 to April 30, 2019.

During his visit at [partner company’s name] in the Netherlands, [the applicant] will be engaged in the following duties:

• Attending meetings
• Negotiating a deal between the companies regarding [XYZ]
• Giving a presentation
• (Any other tasks that you will have to do during your trip)

[The applicant] will stay at the [hotel name/other accommodation], and the expenses will be covered by our company (if applicable).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for your time,

[Name of employer/supervisor along with siganture]

[Position or job title of employer/supervisor]

[Email address of employer/supervisor]

[Phone number of employer/supervisor]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Visa

If you are traveling to a Schengen country to receive medical treatment, your doctor has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. The Cover Letter for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa has to include the following information:

• Your detailed diagnosis
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa on behalf of my patient [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

[Applicant’s name] is diagnosed with [XYZ] and needs to receive [XYZ] treatment at the [medical facility name] in the Netherlands.

[Detailed diagnosis]

[Medical history]

[The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country]

I hope you consider the information I have enclosed in this letter to be satisfactory for my patient’s Schengen Visa application.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

[Name of the doctor along with siganture]

Where should I submit the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

Depending on what country you are applying from, you can submit the Schengen Visa application at:

• An Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, in case the country you want to visit has no diplomatic representation in your place of residence.
• A visa application agency, to which the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting has outsourced visa applications to.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to visit multiple countries, submit the application at the Embassy/Consulate of the country you will visit first.

What other documents should I submit along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

When you submit your application for a Schengen Visa, along with the Cover Letter, you have to submit several other supporting documents , such as:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures, in line with Schengen visa photo requirements
• Your flight itinerary or reservations
• Proof of accommodation in a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the Schengen country you are visiting, depending on the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa Fees
• Your Bank Statements from the last six months

Read more: How to write a cover letter for Germany Student Visa Application?

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

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

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Updated On Jan 22, 2024

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Table of Contents

What is a schengen visa cover letter, what needs to be included in cover letter schengen visa, cover letter format for schengen visa, samples of cover letter for schengen visa, state wise schengen visa cover letter requirements, documents to support schengen cover letter, where to submit your cover letter for schengen visa application, common mistakes in schengen visa cover letters, explore european beauty and opportunities: cover letter for a schengen visa.

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!

The Cover Letter, also known as the introduction letter for a Schengen Visa is a crucial component of your application, serving as a communication tool with the visa officers.

Addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the specific country you plan to visit, it outlines your reasons for travel and aims to persuade the consular staff of your suitability for the visa.

Even if applying through a visa application center like VFS Global, ensure your Cover Letter is directed to the relevant Embassy or Consulate.

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

• Clearly articulate 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 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. Below is a brief Schengen visa cover letter template or format for your guidance

• 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."

Let us first examine the supplied generic Schengen visa cover letter sample to acquaint yourself 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. It serves as a concise introduction to support your visa application.

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

For a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa, your doctor must prepare the Cover Letter, including

• 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:

• Cover Letter for Visa Application Italy
• 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.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Austria
• 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.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application France
• 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.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Germany
• 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.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Finland
• Detail arrangements for accommodation, food, and travel.
• Describe your planned activities, trips, events, meetings during your stay.
• Specify if you are seeking a multiple-entry visa and provide reasons.
• Cover Letter for Visa Application Spain
• 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:

• 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 Schengen Visa cover letter, consider the following options based on your situation and location:

• 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 Schengen Visa cover letter, it is crucial to be mindful and avoid pitfalls or errors. These include:

• Illogical Explanations

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

We hope the blog on the Schengen visa cover letter 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.

Schedule a Free Consultation Now

Quick Reads:

• How Can I Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection? (Expert Tips)
• A Comprehensive Guide to Germany Visa Requirements in 2023-24
• 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?

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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• Immigration

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa Application

Applying for a Schengen visa involves various documents, one of which is the cover letter. This letter plays a crucial role as it presents your purpose for visiting, explains your itinerary, and communicates directly to the consulate. Here’s a detailed guide on how to craft a compelling cover letter for your Schengen visa application.

How to Write a Decent Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Step 1: Start With Basic Formatting

Firstly, your cover letter needs to have a professional layout:

• Header : Include your contact information at the top right corner and the date. Below that, write the contact information of the embassy or consulate.
• Salutation : Always start with “Dear Sir/Madam,” or if you know the name of the consul, you can address them directly.

Step 2: Introduction

Begin your letter by stating your intent:

• Introduce yourself, mention your nationality, and briefly state your reason for applying for a Schengen visa.
• Specify the type of visa you are applying for (tourism, business, medical, etc.).

Step 3: State the Purpose of Your Visit

This part should detail why you want to visit the Schengen area:

• If it’s for tourism, highlight some attractions or events you plan to attend.
• For business, mention your business contacts and the essence of your visit.
• If it’s a medical visit, briefly state the medical reason without going into too much detail.

Step 4: Provide Your Travel Itinerary

Giving a clear itinerary offers the consulate clarity on your plans:

Also of Interest:

Debate over schengen visa use for turkish citizens, romanians to enter us visa-free by october.

• Include your arrival and departure dates.
• List the places you intend to visit, along with accommodation arrangements.
• For a multi-country visit, highlight the main destination and other countries on your itinerary.

Step 5: Explain Your Ties to Your Home Country

Consulates need to ensure that you will return to your home country after the visit:

• Mention your employment status, job title, employer details, and the length of your employment.
• If applicable, mention your family ties, property, or other significant commitments in your home country.

Step 6: Detail Your Financial Means

Prove that you can financially sustain yourself during your stay:

• State your annual income or provide evidence of savings.
• If someone else is sponsoring your trip, mention their name and your relationship with them and attach proof of sponsorship.

Step 7: Closing Statement

Reaffirm the purpose of your visit and express your hope for a positive response:

• Summarize the reasons why you should be granted a visa.
• Politely request for your application to be accepted, ensuring you sound polite and respectful.

Step 8: Attach Supporting Documents

List the documents you are attaching with your application:

• Passport copies, bank statements, travel insurance , flight itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letters, etc., should be noted.

Step 9: Sign off Formally

Use a formal closing such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name. If you are sending a hard copy, make sure to sign above your typed name.

Additional Tips:

• Clarity and Conciseness : Keep your language clear and concise. Avoid overly complex sentences.
• Customization : Tailor your cover letter to reflect your specific situation. Avoid generic phrases that make your letter sound impersonal.
• Proofreading : Always check for grammatical errors or typos. A well-written letter makes a better impression.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa for Tourism Purposes

Chennai, India March 24, 2023

Embassy of Spain 12, Prithviraj Road Chennai, India

Dear Consular Officer,

I, Priya Singh, a permanent resident of Chennai, India holding passport number P3456789, am writing to request a Schengen Visa to visit Spain for tourism purposes. My planned travel dates are from July 10, 2023, to July 25, 2023.

My visit’s primary purpose is to explore the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Spain, visiting prominent locations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. I am particularly interested in exploring the Prado Museum, experiencing a flamenco dance show, and indulging in the local cuisine.

I am currently employed at Tech Innovations Pvt. Ltd., where I work as a Project Coordinator. I’ve arranged my travel and accommodation details, ensuring I have a structured travel itinerary during my stay. My return to India will follow the completion of my journey on July 25, 2023, as per the travel plan.

Attached herewith are the supporting documents including my employment verification , hotel bookings, flight tickets, travel insurance, and bank statements as proof of my financial sufficiency.

Thank you very much for considering my application. I am looking forward to a favorable response. Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Priya Singh [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

Subject: Schengen Visa Application for Business Trip

Bangalore, India March 24, 2023

Embassy of Germany 45 MG Road Bangalore, India

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Rajesh Kumar, writing on behalf of my employer, Future Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., based in Bangalore, India, to request a Business Schengen Visa for myself. My passport number is A98765432.

The purpose of my visit is to attend business meetings and workshops with our business partner, Green Tech Innovations, located in Frankfurt, Germany, scheduled from April 15, 2023, to April 22, 2023. These meetings are crucial for the upcoming joint venture that we are due to sign, which will significantly benefit both companies involved.

During my stay, I will be accommodated at Hilton City Hotel in Frankfurt, and all my expenses will be borne by Future Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. as per our corporate travel policy.

Enclosed are all pertinent documents, including my itinerary, invitation letter from Green Tech Innovations, company support letter, proof of financial means, hotel reservation, and round-trip flight bookings.

I kindly request a prompt processing of my visa application. Please contact me should you require more information.

Rajesh Kumar [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Schengen Visa

Subject: Application for Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

Mumbai, India March 24, 2023

Consulate of Italy 30, Altamount Road Mumbai – 400026

My name is Aarti Malhotra, and I am writing to apply for a Medical Treatment Visa for Italy. I am a legal resident of Mumbai, India, and hold passport number M1234567.

Based on medical advice, I need to undergo a specialized medical procedure at the Santa Maria Hospital in Rome, Italy. The treatment is scheduled from August 10, 2023, to August 30, 2023, and is necessary due to a condition that cannot be adequately treated in India.

Enclosed herewith are my medical reports, a letter from my doctor in India, and the formal invitation from Santa Maria Hospital. Also attached are my travel arrangements, accommodation confirmation in Rome, and proof of financial means to support my medical and living expenses during my stay.

I trust that you will find everything in order. I appreciate your prompt and favorable consideration of my visa application to enable me to receive the necessary medical treatment.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Best regards,

Aarti Malhotra [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

These cover letters provide a guideline on how to structure a Schengen visa application for tourism, business, and medical reasons respectively. Each letter is adjusted to reflect specific backstories and purposes as per visa type while retaining the professionalism and detail required.

Writing a detailed and clear cover letter can significantly influence the decision on your Schengen visa application. It’s your opportunity to connect with the consulate officials, make a good first impression, and provide a structured overview of your travel plans and intentions. Follow these steps meticulously, and you enhance your chances of visa approval, leading to an enjoyable trip to the Schengen area .

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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’.

Enter the email to which you wish to receive a FREE editable sample of Schengen Visa Cover letter

If you liked this post, show us some love and pat us on our backs! Like us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter  and Instagram  and subscribe to our Youtube channel !

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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Schengen Visa Cover Letter – Complete Visa Guide

A Schengen Visa Cover Letter is the letter, which the visa candidate composes for the embassy where the visa application reports will be submitted.

A Schengen visa introductory letter contains:

• The reason for your visit to the Schengen part state or states
• Confirmation of how you will finance your excursion (own assets or support)
• On the off chance that you have support – clarify your own relationship with your support and the motivation behind why they will support your excursion
• A review of your schedule, which additionally discloses why you decided to apply at the particular Embassy
• In the event that you can’t present any of the necessary archives, expound on the reasons why you can’t submit and clarify elective reports that you may have submitted
• Your intent to return to your home country – you can likewise compose a different letter of aim to disclose your rootedness to your nation of origin

It is essential to compose an introductory letter as a method of correspondence with the consulate official that will/will handle your visa application.

Particularly, since a ton of the Embassies utilize the VFS administrations to gather reports and convey the candidate’s identification, you get no opportunities given to address the visa officials and clarify your subtleties. As the visa officials settle on their choices dependent on the records you give, it is energetically prescribed to compose an introductory letter that would do the clarifying for you.

Subsequently, compose a convincing introductory letter despite the fact that it isn’t to be found on the rundown of required reports!

Ensure your introductory letter is composed by your movement reason, for example, Business, Health, Visit, and so on

Cover Letter Sample for a Tourist Schengen Visa Application

Sample Starts From Here

April 03, 2017

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF ITALY No. 6/70G Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 India

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

Dear Sir/Madam,

I might want to apply for a Schengen visa upon my aim to make a trip to Italy from June 6 to June 29, 2018.

The fundamental reason for my movement is to visit my Italian companions. Notwithstanding, I look forward to likewise visit the eminent sights all through Italy, just as experience the renowned Italian food and become familiar with the Italian culture and lifestyle.

I am utilized since April 2014, at present holding the situation of Sales Marketing Executive. My boss has just endorsed my excursion from work for the length of this trip.

It would be ideal if you locate the accompanying records to help my visa application:

Visa application form, with passport size photograph

Travel Insurance

Flight Reservation or Flight Itinerary

Hotel Booking for your whole trip

Business and leave authentications demonstrating affirmed leaves just as the date I am required to re-visitation of work

ITR, Payslips, and Savings Account as confirmation of my pay

Full detailed Itinerary:

Likewise, the extra reports needed for Medical Purposes Schengen Visa Application:

Encased duplicates of clinical records about your condition

Bank articulations and health care coverage inclusion to cover for clinical costs in [name of country]

I believe that you will discover everything is all together. For any inquiries or explanations, kindly don’t spare a moment to get in touch with me whenever.

Expressing gratitude toward you ahead of time for an ideal answer to my application.

<Your Complete Name> <Your Address>, India

Cover Letter Sample for Medical Schengen Visa Application

If it’s not too much trouble utilize the accompanying rules when you present an introductory letter for clinical purposes to the Embassy:

• The conclusion must be explicit
• The suggested treatment must be named and depicted in detail by an authorized medical care supplier
• Your supplier must express a particular length of treatment. Lifetime or inconclusive lengths of treatment won’t be affirmed

Current Date

Name of Referring Hospital

Address and Phone

Tolerant Name

I am composing for my patient, (quiet name here), to report the clinical need of (prescription/treatment/gear being referred to) for the treatment of (the specific determination). If it’s not too much trouble find in this letter the data with respect to the patient’s clinical conclusion and history and a rundown of my treatment thought process.

Patient’s Diagnosis and History:

Treatment Duration:

Kindly, don’t stop for a second to reach me should any extra data be needed to guarantee the endorsement of the (drug/treatment/gear being referred to).

Sincerely, (Name and signature of physician) Your licensed provider must complete, date and sign the letter.

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How do I ask for a long validity Schengen visa?

I have been issued (and visited and came back before expiry) three Schengen Visas in the last two years. I am applying again for my next trip.

How do I ask for a long validity visa?

• For how long can I ask the validity to be? I'd love to get a five year visa.

My previous purpose of travel was a mix of tourism and business. My future travels will also be mix of tourism and business trips.

• schengen-visas
• multiple-entry

• 1 Related: travel.stackexchange.com/a/177714/30703 (with the relevant legal text and a bit of relevant comment, even if the question is very different). –  jcaron Commented Jun 14, 2023 at 21:49

2 Answers 2

You can ask for a 1 year visa.

From https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/visa-code.html

Multiple-entry visas with long validity may be issued for one, two or multiple entries. The Visa Code sets out rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas with a progressively longer length of validity: 1 year, if the applicant has used three visas within the previous 2 years; 2 years, if the applicant has already used a 1-year multiple-entry visa within the previous 2 years; 5 years, if the applicant has already used a 2-year multiple-entry visa within the previous 3 years.

Airport transit visas and visas limited to particular countries are not taken into account when taking decisions on the issuing of multiple-entry visas with a long validity.

AFAIK, you apply in the normal way, including a cover letter that explains why you want a long-term visa and evidence of your previous visas.

• in theory it’s even supposed to be automatic: after 3 short visas in 2 years they should grant a 1-year visa, then 2-years, then 5. In practice it seems to vary a lot from consulate to consulate. Restating one’s past visits (especially if the visas were from different countries) and kindly requesting a longer visa, especially if one has a strong application, is probably a good idea. They can always grant a 5 year visa “early” if the application is strong enough. –  jcaron Commented Jun 14, 2023 at 21:47
• 1 > in theory it’s even supposed to be automatic: I applied for my third one now, I'll confirm this no sooner I get my passport back. > if one has a strong application I do feel my application is strong enough, I have traveled 20+ countries, have some long validity visa, have enough funding to sponsor multiple trips without defaulting, my company does have a branch I do visit and plan to visit in future. I didn't shy about it and asked consulate for 5Y this time, will update once I get my passport back. –  dragosrsupercool Commented Jun 15, 2023 at 18:33
• @dragosrsupercool how did it go? –  Halil Sen Commented May 20 at 11:01

There is no specific format / form for this request. It can be added as a request in the cover letter.

I am anticipating frequent future travels to France to meet my French sister company for bi-yearly sync ups. I was wondering if I can I get Multi Entry Visa for the same. Looking forward for a favourable outcome.

Further, in case of employed applicant ,

a. seeking tourist visa : a note for No Objection for future travels can be added in Letter of Introduction

b. seeking business visa : a note for need for for future travels can be added in Letter of Introduction

For how long can I ask the validity to be?

Article 24 of Schengen Visa Code with its subclauses make validity period a subjective thing. Though what is clear is that one can ask for max validity of 5 years and you can increase your chances upto a level by adding relevant documents anticipating future frequent possibility of travelling to Schengen.

The Schengen Visa Code tells us, in article 24:

Provided that the applicant fulfils the entry conditions set out in point (a) and points (c) to (e) of Article 6(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399, multiple-entry visas with a long validity shall be issued for the following validity periods, unless the validity of the visa would exceed that of the travel document: (a) for a validity period of one year, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years; (b) for a validity period of two years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years; (c) for a validity period of five years, provided that the applicant has obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for two years within the previous three years.

Airport transit visas and visas with limited territorial validity issued in accordance with Article 25(1) shall not be taken into account for the issuing of multiple-entry visas.

Before you think this is a no brainer:

2a. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, the validity period of the visa issued may be shortened in individual cases where there is reasonable doubt that the entry conditions will be met for the entire period. 2b. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, consulates shall, within local Schengen cooperation, assess whether the rules on the issuing of the multiple-entry visas set out in paragraph 2 need to be adapted to take account of local circumstances, and of migratory and security risks, in view of the adoption of more favourable or more restrictive rules in accordance with paragraph 2d. 2c. Without prejudice to paragraph 2, a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years may be issued to applicants who prove the need or justify their intention to travel frequently or regularly, provided that they prove their integrity and reliability, in particular the lawful use of previous visas, their economic situation in the country of origin and their genuine intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa for which they have applied.

Personal Experience:

I know people who got MEV without meeting 3 trips in 2 years condition.

I know people who did not get MEV even after meeting 3 trips in 2 years condition.

Ref: Different Context but Similar Answer

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Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged schengen-visas multiple-entry ..

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Clinical psychology

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).

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Schengen Visa application: Itinerary and the 90/180 rule example

Embark on your European dream with ease and confidence! Navigating the Schengen Visa application can be daunting, but with the right guidance, your journey through Europe's heart can be as smooth as the Seine River.

At iVisa, we've honed our expertise to make your Schengen visa application a breeze, especially regarding the pivotal aspect of your itinerary and how to plan around the so-called 90/180 rule .

Understanding the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone

The first thing to learn is how to plan your trip according to the 90/180 rule .

The Schengen Visa allows you to explore the Schengen area for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period .

How does the 90/180 rule work?

Let's clear up some confusion about this rule to help you plan your trip:

Calculation: The 180-day reference period isn't fixed. It's a moving window based on the current date and the past 180 days . Calculate the days you've spent in the country based on the last 180 days from today.

Counting days: Every day you spend in the Schengen Area counts towards the 90 days, including the day of arrival and departure.

Examples of Schengen itineraries and the 90/180 rule

Here are some example itineraries for visa applicants adhering to the 90/180 rule in the Schengen Zone:

• Short stays (single-entry):

A tourist plans a 3-week trip to France and Italy. They spend 21 days in total in the Schengen Area. This counts as 21 days out of their 90-day limit.

• Extended travels (multiple-entry):

A traveler visits Germany for 10 days, leaves for the UK (non-Schengen), and returns after 20 days to spend another 30 days in Spain. Both stays are counted separately, totaling 40 days of their 90-day limit.

• Maximizing your stay (multiple-entry):

An individual plans a European itinerary, entering the Schengen Zone on June 1st and staying until August 29th (90 days). They must leave the Schengen Area by August 29th and cannot return until 180 days after their initial entry on June 1st.

Tips for planning your Schengen Visa itinerary

When applying for your Schengen visa, your itinerary is more than just a plan, it's a narrative of your journey that you must submit during your visa application.

Ensure it includes:

Entry and exit dates: Clearly outline your arrival and departure dates, adhering to the 90/180 rule, including a return flight or transport ticket.

Accommodation details: Whether it's a cozy Airbnb in Amsterdam, a friend or family member's house in Paris, or a boutique hotel in Bratislava, include where you'll be staying and submit any booking confirmations.

Travel plans: Highlight the countries and cities you plan to visit. Dreaming of exploring the fjords of Norway or the beaches of Greece? Let your travel itinerary reflect that and include any transportation options you plan to use, such as flight tickets.

The importance of a return flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

Your application must include proof of a round-trip or onward flight itinerary , showcasing your commitment to return home after your European escapade.

Even embassies and consulates understand that it's unreasonable to expect applicants to purchase complete airline tickets upfront. They often advise getting a ticket with a 'free cancellation' option if you do decide to book in advance.

The European Union's visa consulate guidelines state: "A round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen state is required. Some Schengen authorities accept the itinerary when applying for the visa but request the original air ticket when collecting the visa."

Using a dummy flight ticket for your Schengen Visa application

A dummy ticket, sometimes called a fake ticket or dummy booking , is essentially a mock flight reservation. People often use these as a stand-in for proof of onward travel in various situations like visa applications, immigration requirements, or other travel-related needs without buying a real ticket.

These mock tickets can be generated through different online tools or services, providing what appear to be flight reservation confirmations. Based on our experience, we strongly recommend avoiding fake flight itinerary generators for creating dummy tickets . These aren't only fraudulent but can also jeopardize your visa application and put you at risk of being denied boarding.

Writing a cover letter including an itinerary for Schengen Visa applications

Let's delve into how to write a cover letter effectively and include a sample itinerary for a Schengen visa application .

This is a crucial part of the application process, as it provides context to your travel plans and ensures that you comply with regulations like the 90/180 rule.

Purpose of the Schengen Visa cover letter

The cover letter serves as a personalized explanation of your travel intent, itinerary, and plans during your stay in the Schengen Area.

It acts as a formal introduction and supports your application by providing details that may not be clear from the application form alone.

What to include in your Schengen Visa cover letter

Here are some essential details to include in your cover letter :

Personal information: Start with your name, date of birth, and contact details.

Proof of ties to your home country: Explain your reasons for returning, like employment, family, or educational commitments.

Financial means: Mention your financial arrangements for the trip, indicating you have sufficient funds to cover your stay and details about your employment.

Closing statement: Conclude by affirming the accuracy of the information provided and your intent to abide by the Schengen rules.

Reason for traveling: Include why you want to visit a Schengen country.

Other info: If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, explain why.

Travel dates: Start with your arrival and departure dates, ensuring they're within the stipulated 90-day limit in a 180-day period. Include your main transportation details, like flights or trains, especially those showing your entry into and exit from the Schengen area.

Accommodation and logistics: Provide details of your accommodations for each destination on your route. If you're staying with friends or relatives, include a letter of invitation from them. Also, outline your internal travel plans, showing how you intend to move between different Schengen countries or cities.

Schengen Visa cover letter example including itinerary

Here's a helpful guide with a sample cover letter for your Schengen Visa application. You can adapt this letter based on your personal info, situation, and reason for traveling.

Sample cover letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa

Incorporating this detailed itinerary helps visa officers better understand your travel plans, increasing the chances of a successful application.

[Current date]

[Destination of main destination country] Embassy

[Destination embassy address in the country of application]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa for my upcoming visit to [country 1, country 2, etc.], planned for the period of [date, year until date, year]. I will travel [solo or indicate people in your travel group], primarily for [tourism, business, or other] purposes.

My itinerary includes exploring [famous landmarks in countries such as …]. Additionally, I am eager to experience [other landmarks or regions in the destination country].

During my trip, I also intend to visit [other country on itinerary] from [date until date] to meet a family member who resides in [town or city]. My accommodation during this time will be at my friend's residence. I will then travel to [next destination] to continue my tour, concluding in [last town/city] on [date, year].

I am currently employed at [name of company/organization] as a [job position], where I have been working for [number of years]. My annual salary is [salary amount]. Enclosed is a No Objection Certificate from my employer, granting me leave for this period.

I will be self-financing my travel and have attached proof of my financial capability to support myself during my stay.

Here is a detailed itinerary of my activities:

I have enclosed the following supporting visa application documents:

Schengen Visa Application Form

A copy of my passport

Flight and train ticket reservations

Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance policy

Hotel reservation receipts

Letter of invitation from my family member

No Objection Certificate from my employer

Bank statements for the last six months

I trust that the information in this letter will be sufficient for a positive response to my application. Thank you for considering my request, and please feel free to reach out if you need any additional details.

Best regards,

[Your name]

[Your address]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]

What else to expect during your Schengen Visa application

When applying for a Schengen Visa, it's important to be prepared for the entire process. Here's an overview of what you can expect:

Document verification: The consulate will thoroughly check all submitted documents, including your passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means.

Interview: Most applicants must attend a visa interview. Expect questions about your trip, such as the purpose of your visit, your itinerary, and your ties to your home country.

If it's your first Schengen visa in the past five years, you must also provide biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photograph).

Here are some extra tips for a successful Schengen Visa interview.

Visa decision: After processing, you'll be informed of the decision. If your visa is approved, check the visa sticker for any errors and be aware of the validity period and the number of permitted entries.

Possible need for adaptability: Be prepared for possible changes. For example, travel restrictions or policy changes can affect visa processing. Remember, each Schengen state may have slightly different requirements or processes, so it's essential to check the specific requirements of the country you're applying to.

Being well-prepared and understanding what to expect can make your visa application process smoother and less stressful!

Need more info about the Schengen Visa requirements and itinerary?

If you have any questions, please contact our customer support team via online chat or WhatsApp . We're happy to help! Apply now

Related Articles

Schengen Visa rejection: Common reasons and how to avoid it

All non-Schengen countries Indian citizens can travel to with a Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Interview: How to prepare yourself

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.

Want to get a European stamp in your passport? You'll have until early November to get one

You’re running out of time if you want to get a European stamp in your passport. 

The European Union’s commissioner for home affairs announced in a speech Friday the E.U. would switch on its new electronic Entry/Exit System (EES) on Nov. 10, which will remove the stamp requirement for most tourists. 

“At every single airport, every single harbor, every single road into Europe. We will have digital border controls,” the text of her speech said. “When that happens, it will be goodbye to passport stamping, hello to digital checks.” 

Under the new system foreign visitors entering the E.U. will have their fingerprints and face scanned digitally upon entry. (Visitors who already require a short-stay visa, which U.S. tourists do not, will only have their face scanned.) E.U. officials will then use those biometrics to confirm a visitor’s entry and exit from the union. 

Once the EES is switched on, border officers will cross-reference a person’s biometrics with their passport on the first visit and will remain on file . For future visits, tourists’ biometric data will be verified on entry and exit.

To use the system, travelers will need a biometric passport. Since 2007, the U.S. State Department has exclusively issued biometric passports, which have a symbol of two rectangles with a circle in the center on their cover. Visitors to the E.U. who do not have a biometric passport will have to go through more thorough processing at the border and will not be eligible to use self-service passport control kiosks. 

The E.U.’s EES system is separate from the European Travel Information and Authorization System ( ETIAS ), which will require most visitors to also preregister ahead of their trips.  

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Schengen visa got rejected again by netherlands embassy

Hey guys, I applied for Schengen visa 2nd time after 2 years of my first rejection by Germany . This time i applied through Netherlands and they rejected my visa stating that "Sufficient justification for the purpose and circumstances of the intended stay was not provided". They also state that "my intention to leave territory cannot be established" . I was travelling solo and have also travelled before to south east asia before. I gave them leave letter from my employer, employment agreement , my bank statements , my mum's sponsorship letter and her bank statements. Showed them my reserved flights, my hostel reservations, cover letter etc. I wanted to celebrate my birthday in Europe, travel and experience amazing places . What are my options now that i have got the rejection for second time ? Should i reapply , appeal or leave it altogether ? What can i do ? They stated that the decision was made in automated process and hence not signed . Is it possible that they just rejected me on my previous rejection ?

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