Quick Answer: Documents Required for Schengen Visa
Schengen applications share a common core of documents, with each country adding its own requirements on top. The core establishes who you are, that the trip is genuine and funded, and that you will return.
Consistency across the file matters as much as the individual documents. Dates on bookings, insurance and the application form should agree with one another. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a government department, embassy or visa agency, and nothing here is immigration advice.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for South African applicants assembling a Schengen visa file.
For which country to apply to and the wider rules, see Schengen Visa Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
What you add to the core depends on the purpose of the trip.
Applicant type
- Tourism. Accommodation and travel bookings covering the whole itinerary.
- Family or friend visit. An invitation from the host, with their status and address evidence. See Schengen Visa for Family Visit.
- Business. An invitation or letter from the host company, and evidence of the business relationship. See Schengen Business Visa Requirements.
- Employed applicants. Employment letter, payslips and leave approval.
- Self-employed applicants. Company registration and financial records.
- Students and minors. Enrolment evidence and parental consent where applicable.
Documents You May Need
Several items have format or period requirements that are easy to miss.
Required proof
- Passport meeting validity and blank page requirements, plus previous passports where requested.
- Completed application form and photographs to the current specification. See Schengen Visa Photo Requirements.
- Bank statements covering the required period. See Schengen Visa Bank Statement Requirements.
- Travel insurance certificate meeting the specification.
- Accommodation and travel bookings for the whole itinerary.
- Employment, business or study evidence supporting your ties.
- A cover letter explaining the trip. See Schengen Visa Cover Letter Requirements.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Obtain the checklist published by the country you are applying to, since it governs over any general list.
Assemble the file in the order the centre specifies, checking dates and details agree across documents.
Book the appointment early and attend in person with the complete set.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Visa and service fees, insurance, bank statement charges and photographs all apply. Bookings should be refundable or provisional where possible, since a visa is not guaranteed.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- Working from a general checklist rather than the applying country own list.
- Dates on bookings that do not match the application.
- Bank statements covering a shorter period than required.
- Insurance bought before checking the required cover.
- Non-refundable bookings made before the decision.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm requirements with the embassy, consulate or official visa application centre of the country you are applying to, since each sets its own detail. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents does a Schengen visa need?
A passport, completed form, photographs, travel insurance, accommodation and travel bookings, proof of funds and evidence of your ties, plus purpose-specific documents.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
Booking evidence is normally required, but use refundable or provisional bookings where possible, since a visa is not guaranteed.
How many months of bank statements?
A defined recent period is normally specified and differs by country. Confirm before requesting them.
Do I need a cover letter?
Many countries expect one explaining the trip. It is a useful place to reconcile anything unusual in the file.
Where can I confirm the document list?
Confirm with the embassy or official application centre of the country you are applying to.