Schengen Visa Requirements 2026 | Complete Document Checklist

Why Documentation Matters

Your documents tell your story to the visa officer. They're not just checking boxes - they're assessing whether you're a genuine traveler who will respect visa terms and return home.

One missing or incorrect document can mean rejection. Let's make sure your application is perfect.

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The Complete Document Checklist

1. Valid Passport

Requirements:

Issued within last 10 years
Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Minimum 2 blank visa pages (consecutive)
In good physical condition
No damage to photo or data pages

Why it matters: Your passport is your primary identification. Damaged or soon-to-expire passports raise red flags.

Pro tip: If your passport expires in 8-9 months, consider renewing first to avoid complications.

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2. Completed Visa Application Form

What you need:

Fill online or print and complete by hand
Use BLOCK LETTERS if handwritten
No corrections or white-out
Sign and date
Must match passport exactly

Common mistakes:

Name spelling doesn't match passport
Wrong date format (use DD/MM/YYYY)
Unsigned form
Missing fields

Pro tip: Fill it digitally if possible - cleaner and easier to read.

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3. Passport Photos

Specifications:

Size: 35mm x 45mm
Recent (within last 6 months)
Light, plain background
Face covers 70-80% of photo
Neutral expression
Both ears visible
No glasses (new rules)
No head coverings (except religious)

Quantity: 2 photos required

Pro tip: Get professional passport photos at photo shops - worth the €10-15.

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4. Travel Medical Insurance

Mandatory Requirements:

Minimum coverage: €30,000
Valid in ALL Schengen states
Covers entire trip duration
Includes: Medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation

What the certificate must show:

Your name (matching passport)
Coverage amount clearly stated
Geographical validity (Schengen/Europe/Worldwide)
Policy dates
Insurance company details

Cost: €10-50 depending on trip length and age

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5. Flight Reservation

What you need:

Round-trip flight booking
Shows entry and exit dates
Booking confirmation with reference number
Your name matching passport

Important: DO NOT buy non-refundable tickets before visa approval!

Options:

Refundable flight booking
Flight reservation services (€10-30)
Travel agency reservations
Airline hold bookings

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6. Accommodation Proof

Must cover entire stay - no gaps!

Acceptable proof:

Hotels:

Booking confirmation from hotel directly
Booking.com/Hotels.com confirmations (free cancellation)
Hotel name, address, dates, your name

Airbnb/Rentals:

Booking confirmation
Property address
Host contact information

Staying with friends/family:

Formal invitation letter
Host's ID copy
Proof of host's residence
Host's financial ability to accommodate

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7. Bank Statements

Requirements:

Last 3-6 months (6 recommended)
Original bank stamp/seal
Your name clearly visible
Account number shown
All transactions listed

What officers look for:

Sufficient balance for trip
Regular income deposits
Consistent transaction history
No sudden large deposits

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8. Employment Documents

For Employees:

Employment Letter must include:

Company letterhead
Your position and start date
Monthly/annual salary
Approved leave dates
Confirmation you'll return to work
Employer signature and stamp
Contact details of HR/Manager

Additional:

Salary slips (last 3 months)
Employment contract (if available)
Business card

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9. Cover Letter

Your chance to tell your story!

Must include:

Personal introduction
Purpose of visit
Detailed itinerary
Why you'll return home
How you'll fund the trip

Length: 1 page maximum

Tone: Professional, honest, specific

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Document Organization Tips

Physical Organization

1. Use a folder or binder

2. Logical order (as per embassy checklist)

3. Dividers between sections

4. Originals + copies clearly separated

5. Label everything clearly

Digital Backup

Scan all documents

Save in cloud storage
Organize in folders
Have on phone during travel

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Common Documentation Mistakes

Mistake 1: Outdated Documents

Problem: Employment letter from 3 months ago, old bank statements

Solution: All documents should be current (within 1 month)

Mistake 2: Inconsistent Information

Problem: Cover letter says 10 days, hotel bookings show 14 days

Solution: Triple-check all dates and information match

Mistake 3: Poor Quality Copies

Problem: Faded copies, unclear scans, cut-off pages

Solution: Use high-quality scanner/copier, check before submitting

Mistake 4: Missing Translations

Problem: Documents in non-English/non-embassy language

Solution: Get certified translations for all non-standard language docs

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Professional Help

Unsure about your documents? We can help:

Our Document Review Service includes:

Complete checklist verification
Document quality assessment
Missing document identification
Format and presentation review
Country-specific requirement check

Why it matters:

30% of rejections are due to documentation issues
One missing document = rejection
Visa fees are non-refundable

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Ready to Apply?

Documentation is the foundation of your visa application. Get it right, and you're 80% of the way to approval.

Don't leave it to chance. Let our experts review your documents before submission.

Start your application today!

Schengen Visa Requirements: Complete Document Checklist 2026