france visit visa cover letter

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!

• 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:

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• 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

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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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How to Write a Winning Schengen Visa Cover Letter

A Schengen visa is essential for exploring Europe, whether for leisure, medical reasons, or business. This visa offers countless opportunities. Central to your application is the Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter. This guide helps you understand this letter and present your travel plans clearly and effectively.

Importance of the Schengen Visa Cover Letter

It is more than a formality; it’s your personalized narrative, representing your purpose and intentions. It acts as your voice to the embassy, allowing them to comprehend the specifics of your travel plans. This letter plays a crucial role in shaping the outcome of your visa application.

Key Elements of the Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter should include essential components that provide a comprehensive view of your journey:

• Clearly state why you are traveling to the Schengen member state—whether for tourism, medical reasons, or business.
• Demonstrate how you will finance your trip, whether through personal savings or sponsorship, to show your ability to support your visit.
•  If you have a sponsor, explain your relationship with them and why they are supporting your trip.
•  Provide a brief overview of your travel plans, explaining why you chose this specific embassy and detailing the attractions you intend to visit.
•  If you cannot provide certain required documents, explain why and propose alternative documents that could substitute.
• Reassure the embassy of your intention to return to your home country after your visit, emphasizing your commitment to following visa regulations.

Tips for Crafting Your Cover Letter

Writing a Schengen Visa Cover Letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail:

Tailor to Your Purpose: Customize the letter based on your travel motive—whether tourism, medical, or business—to demonstrate preparedness.

Formal Address: Begin with a formal salutation, addressing the visa officer respectfully, and clearly state the purpose of your letter.

Explain Your Travel Dates: Justify why you chose specific travel dates, especially if they coincide with special occasions or events.

Highlight Your Intentions: Emphasize what you hope to experience during your visit, whether it’s exploring local culture or pursuing medical treatment.

Employment Details: If you are employed, provide information about your job and organization, along with evidence of approved leave and your expected return date.

The Schengen Visa Cover Letter is your key communication tool, whether you’re traveling for adventure, health reasons, or business. It reflects your commitment, purpose, and respect for visa rules. Taking time to craft this letter well can improve your application and make your travel smoother.

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How to write Personal Covering Letter For Schengen Visa

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written By: Schengen Travel - Filed Under: Schengen Visa , Visa Documentation -

What is a P ersonal Covering Letter for Schengen Visa ?

A personal covering letter for Schengen Visa is a mandatory document you need to attach to your visa application every time you apply for a Schengen visa. Having to write a personal covering letter for your Schengen Visa Application may feel like a daunting task, and many find it hard to begin writing it because they are unsure of what they need to include and how to write it.

At Schengen Visa Flight Reservation  we offer authentic and cancellable flight itinerary and hotel reservations for your visa application, in addition to collecting information about the various visa processes and requirements, so that the entire visa application process will be as smooth as possible for our readers and clients.

In this article we will tell you exactly how you can write the best possible personal covering letter for Schengen Visa application .

The personal covering letter for your Schengen Visa Application is a way to explain your purpose for visiting Europe and the Schengen areas to your visa officer, and assure the governing officials that you will only good, touristy things. It also gives a quick break-down of your intended itinerary so that the embassy can see that you have a plan you intend to stick to.

If you DON’T want to make set plans, remember that you can make all of your flight and hotel bookings through Schengen Visa Flight Reservation  that are authentic, but also fully cancellable (we will cancel your bookings unless you tell us to proceed with the booking) so that you can make a temporary itinerary that you are free to change later , after you have obtained your visa. You also can read why our itineraries are best as well as verifiable on airlines websites.

What to Include in Your Covering Letter for Schengen Visa :

Q: First things first; is the covering letter for the Schengen Visa Application necessary?

Answer: YES.

There is no getting around it, and your visa application will be rejected if you don’t add it.

So, with that little detail sorted out, the next step is to uncover what the covering letter needs to… cover ?

To make sure your covering letter is as kick ass as possible, it must contain two important things:

• The purpose of your stay/trip to Europe
• Your planned itinerary, in details

There are different ways to write your covering letter for Schengen Visa . In general we recommend KISS (Keep It Short and Simple). The visa officer is in no way interested in hearing the detailed story about how you met your current German boyfriend that you now want to visit, or the family history of your Dutch roots from 200 years back, that you now want to learn more about. Writing that you are going to visit your boyfriend or girlfriend, or to learn more about said country’s culture, is more than sufficient!

Different Ways to Write Your Covering Letter for Schengen Visa :

Luckily the internet is flooded with covering letter samples, that all have mostly the same layout.

The first paragraph and intro outlines your purpose of the visit, whereas the next part is a bullet point list explaining your detailed itinerary. Below are some samples of covering letters for Schengen visa:

As you can see, the covering letters are straight and to the point, with no unnecessary information. They also include a list of all the attachments you are adding to your visa application, so make sure you do not miss anything here (see our articles on Schengen Visa Requirements for a complete checklist).

Let us know how you go in writing your covering letter for Schengen Visa!

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Home > Blog > Guides > Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

on 22 Nov, 2021

Guide To The Cover Letter For Your Schengen Visa Application

What is a schengen visa application cover letter.

A Schengen Visa Cover Letter (or Covering Letter) is a document written by you and addressed to the Schengen Embassy/Consulate along with the other documents you are required to submit. 

The letter should provide additional information concerning the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

The letter acts as a personal introduction as it shows to the Embassy/Consulate officers a brief summary of your travel background (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.). 

In other words, your cover letter is a summary of your Visa application . 

Your Covering Letter For Schengen Visa Is The First Direct Contact Between You And The Embassy

The cover letter represents a way of communication between you and the embassy officer, in which you are explaining your reasons for your trip and why you should be accepted. 

Please note that some Embassies/Consulates have chosen to outsource the Visa application process meaning that you have to submit your application through an outsourcing company such as VFS Global. 

In this case, your cover letter is your only chance to communicate with the Embassy/Consulate officers and explain your details and the reason why you believe they should grant you a Visa as well as your intentions to only travel and not to overstay your Visa, as they will not be able to see you face-to-face.

This letter is not a mandatory requirement meaning that the applications that do not include it will not necessarily be rejected or delayed. 

However, we strongly recommend and urge you to submit it as it does more than make a good impression on the Embassy/Consulate officers and speed up your Visa application process – Your cover letter can significantly increase your chances of success because it summarises every item you have provided. 

You should submit a Visa application cover letter even if you have been invited by a partner company to the Schengen Region and you are applying for a Business Visa .

The Importance Of The Schengen Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter is an important document as it gives you the chance to introduce yourself and make your travel purpose clear. 

The letter is important for your application because:

● It gives you the opportunity to provide information that your other documents cannot provide.

Most of the documents that you must submit are official documents that cannot clearly highlight your travel background. 

In other words, your covering letter is the only document that can actually tell a story. 

Telling a story can be a powerful communication tool because the Embassy/Consulate officers can understand who you actually are and why you should get a Visa. 

● It helps the Visa officers save time and therefore speed up your application process.

Embassies/Consulates receive hundreds of applications weekly. 

Sometimes, those responsible for processing them do not have time and patience to figure out the purpose of the journey and the intentions to return to the country of residence by analysing all of the documents of each single Visa applicant. 

This does not mean that they do not check your documents carefully but they typically do it to determine if they show consistency. Therefore, this letter can simply make your application process easier for them.  

How To Get A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Getting most of your Visa application documents depends on bureaucracy/laws in your country of residence/other people that must write and sign your documents. 

The cover letter is the only document that you must write and sign by yourself (together with the Visa Application Form and your day-to-day travel itinerary ).

Once you have gathered all of your documents, you can write the letter on your computer. 

We recommend you write it after you gather the rest of your documents because the letter should include a list of the documents that you are submitting for your application. 

Important: If you are not familiar with this type of letter, you can download one of our templates (please select the one that is the most relevant for your situation) and fill it out following our suggestions. Please contact us for further details.   

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Even though the cover letter should not be very long and must contain only key information about you as an applicant, there are several mistakes that you should avoid making. 

Also, do not forget that the cover letter does not have to be too long and the information on it must match the information on your other documents .  

Not all the below errors can lead to the rejection of your application but your chances of approval may decrease. 

Therefore, we strongly recommend you double-check your covering letter before submitting it so that you can be sure it does not contain one of the following mistakes:

• Not using logical arguments to explain the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence

Logical reasoning is a powerful tool not only for your covering letter but also during the interview with the Embassy/Consulate officers. 

Make sure you know how to explain the reason as to why you travel to the Schengen Region and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

For example, “ I want to visit France because I like it ” or “ I want to visit France because it is a nice country ” are not logical reasons as to why you want to visit France (or another Schengen country). 

You should be more specific. For example: “ I want to visit France because I’ve been fascinated by French culture ever since I was a child ”. 

The same rule applies to the explanation of your intentions to return to your country of residence. Writing “ I will return to my country of residence because I cannot stay in the Schengen Region ” is not a logical reason as to why you will not overstay your Visa. 

You can write instead: “ I will return to my country on August 15 because my employer did not allow me to take more than 3 weeks off ” or “ I will return on September 20 because I must attend a vocational training course upon the request of my employer .”

• Providing the same information that is already outlined by your other documents

One of the purposes of your covering letter is to outline details about your trip that are not indicated by your other documents. 

For example, in case of a tourist Visa application you should not write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020, and I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries, Paris .” 

Of course, this information is important because it shows relevant details about your trip but the Embassy/Consulate officers can easily understand your trip details by checking your flight and hotel reservations. 

As we mentioned above, you should try to tell a story in your covering letter (even though you have to maintain a professional tone). 

For example, you can write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020. I have chosen to spend almost one month in France as I strongly believe that I need time to visit the most important tourist attractions and get to know the French culture. I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries because the hotel is located within walking distance of the most important places of interest in Paris.”   

• Submitting a cover letter that contains spelling mistakes

Not all applicants have an excellent command of English, and the Embassy/Consulate officers won’t judge you if you make some grammar mistakes (especially because it is highly likely that English is not their native language).  

But a covering letter that contains too many spelling mistakes and does not follow some specific layout rules (the way that words are set up on the page) will make the Embassy/Consulate officers believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for the event and are not respecting the application process (which is your Schengen Visa application). 

Therefore, you need to pay attention to the spelling, punctuation, capitalisation, and layout of the letter. 

Please read carefully the two cover letter sample paragraphs below (please note that none of them is a complete sample cover letter and you need a more detailed template/sample in order to write a cover letter for Schengen Visa application):

Sample 1: 

“Dear sir madam I would like to apply at your consulate general for a schengen visa for visit friend in Netherlands.

My name is raji anand. I will be travelling from new delhi to amsterdam between octobr 15 and November 17  My employer has already approved my vacation and leave from work for the duration of 1 months. I hold an Indian passport no xxxxxx and I have attached passport size pictures to these cover letters. please do not hesitate to contact me for more information !Thanking you in advance, Raji anand. ”

“Dear Visa Officer,

I would like to apply for a Schengen Visa upon my intention to visit the Netherlands between October 15, 2020 and November 17, 2020.

My name is Raji Anand and I am an Indian citizen. I will be travelling from New Delhi to Amsterdam to visit my close friend, John Smith, who has also provided a sponsorship letter to support my Visa application as he will be covering all of the expenses for the duration of this trip.

I have attached to this letter the following documents [List of documents] .

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions and clarifications.

Raji Anand”

Bad spelling and writing mistakes (like the ones in the first sample) will make you seem less credible and the Embassy/Consulate officers may believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for your application process. 

At the same time, attention to details such as spelling, punctuation, and capitalisation (as shown by the second sample that we provided as an example) will make the Visa officers think that you are an organised and responsible person who put effort into preparing the Visa application.  

• Not presenting the list of documents you are submitting in order of priority

Show the Embassy/Consulate officers that you are an organised person. 

You should mention the list of documents that you are submitting for your application in order of priority (and not randomly). 

Start with the documents that are mandatory for all applicants no matter their personal situation (application form, passport, insurance, etc.) and then add the documents that are mandatory according to the purpose of your trip (e.g., hotel reservations ,   flight reservations , and travel itinerary – if you are applying for a tourist visa) and the documents that are mandatory according to your personal situation (e.g., employment contract , No Objection Certificate (NOC) Letter from your Employer, payslips , your bank statements , etc. – in case you are employed and you pay the expenses for your trip by yourself). 

For further details concerning the Schengen Visa requirements and the order that you should keep when listing them in your covering letter, please check out this blog post.  

• Submitting a Cover Letter that does not align to information and facts provided in other documents

The details and reasons outlined within your cover lettering must align to the same information and evidence you have provided in every other document you are submitting. 

If you contradict or state a point in your letter that does not align to the documents you provide to the Embassy/Consulate, you could jeopardise the entire application, which may cause your Schengen Visa to be rejected.

For example, if in your cover letter, you outline that you are travelling to stay with your family who lives in Italy but you do not include an invitation letter or sponsor for accommodation letter from them, then it contradicts the information in your application. 

Another example is that you say you are traveling for tourism but then you have an invitation letter from a business in your documents. Or, when your passport number and other personal details in your letter do not match the details in your other documents.

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

Click the Free Consultation button below to get the information you have been searching for

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Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application at the French Embassy

* A cover letter is one of the requirements when  applying for a Schengen visa at the French embassy . In the letter, you’re supposed to explain the purpose of your trip and your proposed day-to-day itinerary. If you’re applying for a visa and you need some ideas for what to say in the letter, how long the letter should be, et cetera, here’s what my 2011 cover letter looked like:

The itinerary in this letter is only an overview; I submitted a more detailed one as an attachment.

A sample cover letter is included in our  Schengen Visa Pack . Other incredibly helpful contents include:

• A sample Affidavit of Support , which you can use if someone else, like your parents or your boyfriend, is paying for your trip
• A detailed itinerary template, which includes a budget column to help you prove financial capability for your trip
• Tips and things you need to know about “ show money ” requirements for visas

You can learn more about how to get the Schengen Visa Pack HERE . (We accept payments through Cebuana Lhuiller, PayPal, and BPI deposit/transfer, so it’s very easy and convenient.) _

_ The checklists inside the Schengen Visa Pack are based on the official checklist of the Italian embassy but most Schengen countries have similar requirements anyway so I’m sure you will find them helpful, even if you’re applying at the French or another embassy. (Do make sure that you check with the official embassy/VFS/VIA websites for any new/special requirements they might have.) The sample cover letter, the itinerary template, and the sample Affidavit of Support can definitely be used for any Schengen country.

Also available:

Good luck and happy travels!

* Related posts:

* © Small-Town Girls, Midnight Trains . All rights reserved. Thanks to Jasmin of Artistitch  for the post inspiration!

70 Responses

Hi. Do you still have your detailed 10 day France-Italy itinerary? Can I have a copy of it? Thank you. 🙂

Hi Ciel! This was it: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2015/01/13/10-days-europe-france-italy-sample-itinerary/

Me and my boyfriend is planning to apply for a schengen visa. SInce we’re applying together, do we need to have separate cover letter, or one would suffice for both of us?

Hi Riana! Even though you will be applying together, your applications will be separate — that is, you would need to put together your own documents and he would need to put together his own documents — so you would need a separate cover letter.

Me and my father want to apply for a schengen visa, he is self-employed and will be bearing all my expenses for the trip alongside his own, everything is clear thanks to your website and many others as well however we are confused if we need to submit separate covering letters or whether we can list and attach the application forms and the rest of the documents under one covering letter from my dad as my own documents would only be my passport, identification documents and birth certificate aside which all the documents to prove finances are from him and ofcourse the itinerary is the same and have flights and hotels booked for the both of us.

Please let me know at your earliest convience. Thanks!

Hi Jay! I don’t know if there is a specific rule or consideration for families applying together. However, I would suggest that you treat each of your applications as totally separate. Make your own cover letter and have your own copies of each required document, even if they’re identical to what your father will be submitting. If they decide to treat your father’s and your applications as one, then they can just return the extra copies of the documents to you, no harm done — whereas if you only prepare one copy, and they say you need separate copies for each applicant, you would have to find a copier and make the copies. Err on the side of prudence. 🙂 Good luck!

Thought I’d share incase it helps someone in the future, going through a visa drop box each application was submitted separately(ie separate covering letters), while a friends family visited the German embassy and a single covering letter for the entire family was accepted.

Thanks for sharing that Jay!

hi Ma’am, can i have the copy of your affidavit of support and cover letter in MS word. kindly send in my mail [email protected]

is the affidavit of support is only made by your father or it came from some agency and needed some stamp??

we are traveling as family. My parents and sister had their visa already after 2 days they applied. However, for me, my husband and 2 yr old daughter, we will apply this coming Tuesday. My worried is my husband is getting his salary only thru cash, and he does not have any bank account. Do youthink po pay slips will be enough to show a prrof of financial, or if i will open a savings account 2 days before the appointment just to show that her cash were transferred in that account. may possible poba madeny kpag ngopen ng account ng biglaan? or I can write a affidavit of support that the hotels and bookings will be paid by my father as his gift to us? Thank you po

Hi Rose. I’m sorry for the delayed reply (there was a death in the family). You mentioned that you were going to apply for a visa last Tuesday. I hope everything went well. I still sent a copy of the affidavit to your email, in case you will find it useful in the future. Also, for what it’s worth, if someone else is sponsoring any part of your travel expenses, it’s best to have that person make an affidavit of support. Opening a savings account 2 days before your appointment probably won’t help — in fact, most countries require a copy of your bank statement 3-6 months before application. For future purposes, I would suggest that you guys open a bank account and start building up your savings there, kahit pa-konti-konti lang muna. Again, I hope your visa application went well and you have a good trip.

Can you tell me how to make sponsorship letter/ affidavit for my fiance? She will only not be having salary slips, ITRs, bank statements. I’m sponsoring her on our honeymoon trip.

Thanks, Ankit Raghuvanshi

You can check out the sample affidavit of support in this article: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2015/08/06/sample-affidavit-support-visa/

Good luck and best wishes to you both!

Hi! I have few questions in filling up visa application form. Because there are questions that needs to write to name of hotels/accomodations in the member of states. I have 6 accomodations should I write them all? And there’s a follow up question that I should provide the email add and address but its too many and the space doesn’t fit anymore? Hoping for your response soon. Thank you.

Hi Ciel! In that situation, I would usually just write the name of the first hotel that I will be staying in and then just provide a separate sheet of paper with the names and details of the other hotels. I hope that helps. Good luck with your visa and enjoy your trip! 🙂

Hello thank you. I have few more questions regarding applicant’s home address I am currently staying here in Tabuk because I am working here in Saudi and my application will be here as well but I am from Philippines. Which address I will put my address here in Saudi or in the Philippines? As well in in getting travel insurance which address I will put? Thank you for your response.

Hi Ciel. I think you should use the address where you are currently staying but I’m not sure, sorry.

Hell again. I would like to as where will im going to apply a visa? Here in saudi or there in philippines? Which one is better? Im currently eorking here in saudi. Thanks.

Hi Ciel! I really can’t say which would be better because I haven’t tried and don’t know anyone who has tried applying for a visa in Saudi… Maybe you could ask someone who has tried applying in Saudi what their experience was like. And I think it won’t really matter so much, I think what matters more is that you’ve got all the documents that you need. Good luck!

Dear i need student cover letter as i am applying for student visa therefore i need a sample can you help me regarding this

Hi Abid! I’m sorry, I don’t have a sample cover letter for a student visa. Good luck though!

HDli Ma’am, I am planning to apply schengen visa to Paris, with my bf invitation. He had his vacation here in Philippines last April,so now it’s my time to meet his family in France. My concerned is, I was separated almost 7 years with my previous husband, but in my passport it’s his surname I bring, because at the very beginning I used it, we are not annulled yet.Do I need to submit a marriage certificate? Or not? Thanks and more power to your page. ..

Hi Lodelyn! I’m not sure what’s really the best thing to do in your case, but…hmmmm…if I were in your position, I would just probably prepare a copy of the marriage certificate that has been marked Annulled, and then during the appointment, ask the visa officer if it’s needed. Better to be prepared, I think. Good luck with your visa, enjoy your trip, and thanks for your kind words! 🙂

hi, im from pakistan I was travel to france, which requirement Plz send me.

Hi Muhammad. Unfortunately I am not familiar with the visa requirements for Pakistanis wishing to visit France. I suggest you look up the website of the French embassy in Pakistan — the requirements should be there. Sorry I can’t be of more help. Good luck though!

Hi! Its me again:)) can i ask, where can we buy or book dummy train tickets? Thank you!

Hi cheese. I’m afraid I don’t know, I’ve never tried using dummy train tickets.

Ah i see, what about night train ticket confirmations? Do we need to purchase them for the visa application? I read in your cover letter that you submitted train ticket confirmations:)) thank you!

Hi Cheese! Yes, I purchased the night train tickets outright. It’s risky — what if my visa application gets denied, right? — but I bought them ahead of time for two reasons: (1) the train was going to be my accommodation for the night, so the train ticket would take the place of a hotel booking for that day, for visa application purposes; and (2) night train tickets tend to be cheaper if you buy them the moment bookings open, which is around 60-90 days before ETD. Regarding your question of if we *need* to purchase them for the visa application, I’m not sure — I *think* you can just specify in your application that you are taking the night train, that’s why you don’t have a hotel booking for that day, and if they ask if you’ve already bought it, you can just say that you will buy it if your visa gets approved. But, for me, the benefits of buying the train ticket ahead of time outweighed the risk, so I just purchased them outright and just prayed I would get a visa. 😀

Hi Both my husband and I need to write a letter for my new visa as I am znot from his country. Do you have any advice or something? I am also 4 months pregnant. And if i dont get a 6 months or longer visa my husband will miss the birth of his first born.

Pleasebplease please help.

Hi Alli. I haven’t tried writing a letter for anything other than a short-term tourist visa but my general advice would be to explain your situation in the letter and to back up all the facts you mention in the letter with documents (for example, an ultrasound report to document your pregnancy). Good luck.

Hi….I have applied for 2 months visa of Germany from Australia. I am a student here in Australia. I submitted all the required documents as per the check list. For Itinerary I gave hotel booking for 2 months and the flight booking. After applying, they gave me an email mentioning that, I need to give them my detailed itinerary of the proposed journey and the purpose of the trip. Later I submitted the document written by me….(the 60 days activities including my accommodation information)…Also I have attached my bus and train schedules in that document. Please give me suggestion that, This document is enough for what they required. Thanks in advance.

Hi Royen! Very sorry for the super-late reply. I hope you’ve gotten your visa by now. Have a great trip!

Do you have a word format cover letter? Thank you.

Sorry no. I didn’t make a template for it because I’m sure the consuls will find it strange if a lot of people suddenly had cover letters that sound the same. 😀

Hi, can you give an estimate of the money we should have in our bank to apply for a 10 day trip?

Hi Titiapot!

I’m so sorry for the super-delayed response, I must have overlooked your comment. You can read more about that here: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/show-money-visa/

Hi,im planning to go poland.can u help me about my cover letter.his my friend and last november he’s here in the philippines for holiday and now is my turn.what am i supposed to write in my cover letter.thank you

Hi Mia! I’ve never tried it, but I suppose if I were you, I would mention some of the details of your relationship, like when and where you met, how long you have been together, what are your future plans, etc. You can mention what you wrote here, that he’s been here in the Philippines, and now he wants you to visit him in Poland. Good luck!

Hi, I am applying for schengen visa to travel to Germany. I work as engineer at local municipality in Dubai, Shall I select the “Job Type” as “Civil servant” or “Others”?

Thanks in advance for your advice. Eyas

Hi Eyas! I’ve just taken a look at the drop-down list of occupations in the application form…and I’m also confused! But I believe “civil servant” connotes government office workers who do administrative work, so unless your job as an engineer mostly involves paperwork, I don’t think that would be a good fit… “Others” would be the safest choice, I think, it’s what I would choose if I were in your place.

Hi, I’m applying for Schengen Visa with my sister to Paris,we have an sponsor,do we need to provide also some proofs of income from our sponsor?though my mom works there and our sponsor is her partner,do we need bank statements too? Or do we need train tickets?do we need to state on our letter that our sponsor is my mom’s partner? Kindly give me an idea pls. Thanks in advance

To give you a more comprehensive idea about the requirements, you can read this: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2016/02/27/schengen-visa-french-embassy-new/

Yes, you will need proof of income and sponsorship from your mom’s partner. You will also need to show how you are connected with your sponsor, so you can submit documents that prove your relationship with your mom (NSO birth cert) + proof of her relationship with your sponsor.

Hii I am dalip from India , I want information about my invitation letter for France . There have friend who make me invitation ,he find attestation de aquelle , its enough for me get a visa in India ?

Hi Dalip, I cannot possibly say whether anyone’s documents would be enough to get him/her a visa, because the only one who can say that for sure is the consul who makes the decision, and what anyone else will say will just be an opinion. My advice would be to just be meticulous with all your requirements, including your friend’s attestation — maybe find some correspondence that will document your friendship with your host. Good luck!

HI Mam how are you My Name is Rehan belong from Pakistan i need Sample cover letter for applying visa for Hungry i don’t know how to make this letter and its a need of hungry embassy for supporting documents for applying a tourist visa please reply me

Hi Rehan. I just sent you an email — please check your Inbox. Thanks and good luck!

Hi, I’m from India and travelling to Istanbul for a week. I am applying for Turkey Tourist Visa through VFS. Among the mandatory documents required an Itinerary/Cover Letter. May I have a sample for a week’s visit, since I understand that a similar practice is carried out for Schengen applications.

We currently offer a Schengen Visa Pack, which includes a sample cover letter and an itinerary template. For a more detailed description, as well as instructions for how to get a copy, please see this post: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/schengen-visa-sample-cover-letter-itinerary-affidavit-support/

Hi. Good day!! My daughter have a partner/boyfriend from Finland. Her boyfriend arrived here in Philippines last April 7, 2017 and went back to Finland April 20, 2017. He ask my daughter to apply for a Visa (Shengen) I guess, so she can go to Finland. Please help us how to apply for Shengen Visa here in Phils. and help us make a Cover letter whish is also a requirement. Her Boyfriend will go back here in Philippines this July 2017.

Thanks for your help. God bless.

Hi Sir Jun,

I have not tried applying for a Schengen visa through the Norwegian embassy — which handles visa applications for Finland here in the Philippines — so I’m afraid I can’t give your daughter any advice regarding that.

For the cover letter, we do offer a Schengen Visa Pack, which includes a sample cover letter that you can modify to fit your daughter’s situation. You can read a more detailed description and instructions for how to obtain a copy of our Schengen Visa Pack here: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/schengen-visa-sample-cover-letter-itinerary-affidavit-support/

By the way, you can read more about how to get a visa to visit Finland here:

http://www.finland.ph/public/default.aspx?nodeid=35405&contentlan=2&culture=en-US

http://formin.finland.fi/public/default.aspx?contentid=324099&nodeid=49459&contentlan=2&culture=en-US

I am nationality of india and i wants to apply for schengen visa to travel malta my husband friend is Eu member she is inviting & sponsoring me and covering all the expenses through out the stay … so how to write a cover leyter…. will the visa officer will ask my husband salary slip or bank statement…. as i am an house wife i don’t have proper bank statement …

Hi Josephine! If I were in your position, I would ask my European friend to make a formal Letter of Obligation (if your friend is French, she can do this at their city hall) and I would also submit my husband’s financial documents — the more people supporting the trip, the better. Good luck!

Im planning to apply schengen visa going to Spain and one of the requirements of the sponsor guarantee letter same lng ba yun ng affidavit of support pwede ba siya ang gumawa nun at kailangan pa ba ipa noterized? At sa documents ba ng sponsor pagsasamasamahin ba siya naka stapler as isang file? Hope you could help me this is my first time to apply, at gusto ko sabihin na sa lahat ng blogs na nabasa ko yung sayo ang detailed at klaro, have nice day and God Bless!

Hi Bella! If your sponsor is a Spanish citizen or resident, ask them to inquire at their local town hall regarding the sponsorship letter, kasi may specific document yata na dun sa town hall nila i-e-execute. Don’t staple the documents because the people at the visa application center might want to rearrange them. Good luck!

Follow up question ☺️ What other documents i need to prove to the consulate general that my sponsor is my bf he travel here in the philippines many time and we travel together local and abroad do i nned to include our pictures and photocopy of our old travel tickets thank you again!

Yes, just include them. Actually, just bring all the documents you can think of, tutal if they’re not necessary, the staff will just give them back to you naman.

Hi I been to uk as student from 2010 to 2013 and went just itly in end Of February for few days I lost my passport there and camback early I wana apply france Visa so how many chances and if I apply do they find out about my itly visa ?

I’m afraid I don’t understand what you mean by “how many chances.”

The visa application form includes a question about whether you’ve been issued a Schengen visa in the past 3 years, so that is where you will have the opportunity to mention that you had a visa to go to Italy just recently. I’m sure they have a database that they can access to verify that. If you have a photocopy or scan of your old passport (the one that was lost that had a Schengen visa) you should submit that as well.

can you please help me on how to make a Letter of Presentation, I am applying for a Schengen visa as part of our Diamond Resorts Dream Holiday which will kick on September 8 from Miami to London and we will be arriving in Barcelona on September 21 stay in Barceló,Raval Hotel in Barcelona before we embark on a Norwegian Cruise Line… Europe, Mediterranean 7 day cruise starting on September 24 ; the itinerary will be; Day 0…. Barcelona Day 1…. at sea Day 2….Naples Day 3….Civitavecchia/Rome Day 4….Livorno/Florence Day 5….Cannes Day 6….Palma de Mallorca Day 7….Barcelona

after the cruise we want to stay in Barcelona for a six (6) more nights and we will stay in Hotel Atiram before we fly back to Los Angeles on October 7.2017.

thank you and hope you can help me. God bless.

Hi Carmencita! I’m afraid I don’t really have the time right now to make a customized letter. I think what you wrote here is actually a pretty good start and all you have to do is just flesh it out a bit. Good luck!

someone please i’ve been asked for a motivation letter how should i provide it. help! plus an itinerary but am only taking a plan to namibia for 5 days and come back to South africa, but i don’t have any itinerary what should i do

Make one? 🙂 This one’s for Schengen visa applications but if you just need an idea for what to put in the letter and itinerary, you can avail of our Schengen Visa Pack .

Hello good evening.im asking about tourist visa in France Philippines passport.im desperated13 years ago .I’m employed what is requirements?

Hi Carmela!

You can take a look at this article for the requirements and procedure: https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2016/02/27/schengen-visa-french-embassy-new/

Hi want to avail your visa pack. how? and for 6 days itinerary.. within near Paris only

Thank you 🙂

Hi Shielady!

Thanks for your interest in our Schengen Visa Pack and Comprehensive European Itinerary. You can find a detailed description of these two packs, as well as instructions for how to avail of them, in these articles:

Schengen Visa Pack – https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/schengen-visa-sample-cover-letter-itinerary-affidavit-support/

Comprehensive 11-day European Itinerary – https://smalltowngirlsmidnighttrains.com/2016/01/18/11-days-in-europe-sample-itinerary/#11-day-itinerary

Please take note, however, that the itinerary is ready-made, for an 11-day holiday covering Paris, venice and Rome. We do not offer customized itineraries at this time. However, if all you need is ideas for your own 6-day itinerary, then it will surely be helpful.

Good luck in advance!

I am planning to visit four countries (Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy ) with my husband and daughter and applying for a Tourist Schengen Visa via Italy Embassy since it remains my main destination . My Travelling dates are 18-Aug-2018 to 31-08-2018 .

Below are my queries which I am unable to get response from VFS office . Requesting your assistance on the below.

1) I already have a Business Schengen Visa applied through Belgium Embassy which expires on 14-06-2018 but unfortunately my official trip got cancelled and I could not use the Visa. Can I apply Tourist visa for August now or wait for existing visa to expire. Do I need to give some explanation in the covering letter for not using my Business Visa.

2) I have already booked train Tickets from Paris to Basel(Switzerland) and Spiez(Switzerland) to Venice (Italy) . But I have not booked advance Train tickets for travelling within Switzerland since I intend to buy Swiss pass when I reach Basel and that will make my within Switzerland Travel free. Please help whether I need to get Swiss pass in advance or I can buy when I reach there . Do I need to give this clarification as well in covering letter.

Hi Silky Puri,

If you will be applying for a Schengen visa through the Italian embassy, you can direct your questions to the VIA (not VFS) office as they will be the ones to receive your application and can give you guidance that’s more specific to the usual policies of the Italian embassy.

My five cents on your questions:

1. You don’t have to wait till your business visa expires. You probably don’t NEED to explain your unused business visa but it won’t hurt to quickly mention it (something like “I was previously granted a Schengen business visa, though the trip that did not push through”) and if they want more details, they can ask you.

2. I don’t think you need to buy a Swiss pass in advance. You can probably just in your itinerary that you will buy a Swiss pass upon arrival in Switzerland.

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Cover letter for Schengen visa(5 samples)

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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This article will list samples of “cover letters for Schengen Visa.”

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:

• Address the recipient with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient).” If you do not know the recipient’s name, you can refer to them as sir/madam.
• The next step is to state why you are writing the letter. 
• Make a brief statement about your personal life. I.e, your status, and work-life among others.
• List the documents you have attached.
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “Kindly do a favor, and approve my application for an Irish passport. I shall be thankful to you for your kindness.”

Immigration Officer

[Embassy Name]

[Embassy Address]

[Embassy Phone Number]

Subject: Cover Letter for tourism to [Schengen Country] of [applicant name] with Passport No. __________________

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to [country name] from [enter date DD/MM/YY] to [enter date DD/MM/YY]

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.

[Feel free to add your schedule/itinerary and elaborate more on what you plan to do]

While visiting [country name], I plan to stay at the following hotels:

[hotel name and address] – [date DD/MM/YY]

I am currently employed at [company name] with the title of [position] and have received approval for vacation days for the dates specified above. Furthermore, I will be supporting myself financially for my trip using [provide means of finances].

Please find attached all the required documents for my Schengen Visa application.

I trust that you will find everything is in order. However, if you have any questions or requirements, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Thanking you in advance for a favorable reply to my application.

[Your Complete Name] [Your Address]”

“[Current Date]

[Name of Referring Hospital]

[Address and Phone]

[Patient Name]

I am writing on behalf of my patient, [patient Name here], to document the medical need of [medication/treatment/equipment in question] for the treatment of [the exact diagnosis]. Please, find in this letter the information regarding the patient’s medical diagnosis and history and a summary of my treatment motive.

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.

Patient’s Diagnosis and History:

(Add applicable information of the patient’s diagnosis and medical history)

(Add applicable information about the patient’s treatment, the reason thereof, and how it will benefit the health of the patient)

Treatment Duration:

(Add the expected duration of the treatment)

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.

[name and signature of physician]”

[Embassy name]

[Embassy address]

Dear Consul General:

I’m writing this letter to confirm that Mr./Mrs.[Name and last name] is an employee at [company name], as [job title/position].

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.

Mr./Mrs. [name] will be staying at [hotel name, address, phone number] and will return back to [country of origin] on the dates specified above.

I kindly ask for the [visa type] to be issued to Mr./Mrs. [name and surname] at your earliest convenience.

Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.

Kind regards,

[Supervisor signature]

[Name and last name]

[Phone number]

[Address of employer]”

Subject: Sponsorship Letter for [Wifes name] with Passport No. __________________

I, [Your full name], currently residing at [address] and a [country] citizen, am writing in support of my wife, [Wife’s full Name], visa application.

[Wife’s Name] will be traveling with me to [Destination name] for tourism and vacationing purposes. My wife and I will depart on [enter date DD/MM/YY] and return to [enter home country/other country] on [enter date DD/MM/YY].

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].

Please find all the required documents attached to this letter to support the given statements.

Kind regards

[applicant name]

[Your home address]

[Your phone number]

[Your occupation]

[Your signature]”

“April 03, 2017

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

No. 6/50G Shanti Path,

Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021

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

I would like to apply for a Schengen visa upon my intention to travel to Germany from June 2 to June 28, 2017.

The main purpose of my travel is to visit my German friends. However, I look very forward to also visit the magnificent sights throughout Germany, as well as experience the famous German food and learn the German culture and way of life. During my stay, me and my friends wish to spend a holiday in the Netherlands and France to celebrate my upcoming graduation.

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.

Please, find the following documents to support my visa application:

 Visa application form, duly dated and signed with attached passport-size pictures

Passport, showing my travel experience

Travel Insurance, coverage of €30,000

E-ticket reservation for my flight via LH for New Delhi  – Frankfurt – New Delhi [June 2-June 28, 2017]

Hotel reservations for our holidays in the Netherlands and France

Employment and leave certificates showing approved leaves as well as the date I am expected to return to work

ITR, Payslips, and Savings Account as proof of my income

Also, the additional documents required for Medical Purposes Schengen Visa Application:

Enclosed copies of medical records about your condition

Bank statements and health insurance coverage to cover for medical expenses in [name of country]

Planned Itinerary:

June 2, 2017 – Flight from New Delhi to Frankfurt via LH-761

June 7, 2017 – Sightseeing in Germany

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 14, 2017 – Travel from Amsterdam Schiphol to Paris Gard du Nord and stay at Ibis Hotel – Sacré Coeur

June 15, 2017 – Sacré Coeur, Opera, Tour Eiffel, Musee du Lourve

June 17, 2017 – Chateau de Versailles

June 20, 2017 – Travel from Paris Gard du Nord to Frankfurt via Air France

June 28, 2017 – Flight back to New Delhi from Frankfurt via  Lufthansa

I trust that you will find everything is in order. For any questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

<Your Complete Name>

<Your Address>, India’

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the types of schengen visa cover letters.

There are mainly 3 types of cover letters:

• A cover letter for tourism purposes 
• A cover letter for business purposes 
• A cover letter for medical purposes 

What should your cover letter include?

This Is What to Include in a Cover Letter

• Proof That You’ve Done Your Homework. 
• An Explanation of How Your Skills Relate to the Job. 
• Your Excitement About the Position.

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Cover letter sample for Business Visa

March 27, 2019

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

< your name>

< your city>

Subject: Subject: Puja XXXXXXX, Indian Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Visit Friend/Family

I <your name> have been invited by our partner company XYZ to attend a series of business meetings scheduled to take place in Frankfurt, Germany. The business tour will commence on 9 th of April, 2019 and end on 25th May, 2019. I will depart from Frankfurt, Germany to New Delhi, India on December 26. The total duration of my business trip is 7 weeks and 4 days.

My details are mentioned below.

Name Passport No.            Date and Place of issue     Date of expiry

Following documents have also been attached to support my application:

Bank statement of last six months

Invitation letter

Passport copy

Company bank statement of the last 6 months.

I request you to kindly issue me a single entry visa.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully,

<your name>

Cover Letter Sample for Medical Visa

Cover letter sample for Medical Visa

Subject: Subject: Puja XXXXXXX, Indian Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Medical Visa

I would like to apply for a Schengen Medical Visa upon the recommendation of my doctor XYZ for treatment at Germany’s LMN hospital. The Schengen Visa is required from April 9 to April 24, 2019.

I was diagnosed with PQR. I’ve sent my reports to Mr. DEF and he has agreed to treat me.

I’ve made all payments in advance whereas my employer has also granted me leave against the aforementioned date.

Hospital acceptance letter

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Flight Itinerary For Visa

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