Visiting Schengen countries has become the prime thing to do for many travellers after Turkey. Schengen zones offer multiple benefits to people who apply for study or work visas. The applicants can explore all the countries that come under the Schengen zone.
When applying for the Schengen visa, the applicant has to submit essential documents. People need to understand two types of document categories in submitting a visa application.
These documents also support the flight itinerary for visa processing. The first category of documents is mandatory, while the second category is supporting documents.
Mandatory Documents Include
- Application form
- Passports
- recent passport photograph
- Visa application fee
- Fingerprints
- Proof of valid travel insurance and receipt
Supporting Documents Include
- Proof of residence
- Proof of means of transport
- Proof of lodging
- Proof of financial means
Guide On Supporting Documents
Supporting documents are also part of the visa application process. They slightly differ from mandatory documents. The demand for supporting documents differs from compulsory papers because every country demands documents differently.
It means they will only require those documents which they feel are essential. Proof of residence, such as an extended stay visa or residence or work permit, has to be submitted.
Proof of means of transport means the applicant has to submit a flight reservation or air ticket (return or round trip). Also, if trips include several stops while travelling on a Schengen visa, the applicant might have to submit trains, flights, car rentals, etc.
Proof of accommodation has to be submitted for the entire stay in the Schengen zone, which include: hotel, aparthotel, holiday home, camping, etc.
Also Read: Etiquette Tips For Travelling Individually
Proof of financial means main proofs of bank statements showing movements in at least the last six months, duly signed and stamped by the bank.
Every applicant, whether they apply for tourism, study, medical and work visas, etc. They have to submit their cover letter. A cover letter is the first piece of paper that communicates with the visa officer before the applicant appears.
The applicant must write a cover letter meaning it must convince the visa officer that the applicant is only visiting the country for their purpose. Once their target in the Schengen zone is achieved, they return to their home country.
Many applicants need help at this stage of their visa application. They do not clearly state in their cover letter and later on face rejection or holding of a visa.
We cannot assure the applicants that their visa is promised following these easy steps. However, filing for a visa application process counts on struggle, hard work, submission of documents, running after the visa application process, and, most importantly, luck.
Recommended: How To Apply For A European Short-Stay Visa?
Henceforth, if applicants follow the steps mentioned earlier of correctly submitting documents, the visa process will be less complex. There are high chances that applicants receive visas earlier than the expected time.
A Brief Guide On Mandatory Documents
Mandatory documents are the same documents that every applicant has to submit when applying for a visa from anywhere in the world. The procedure begins by filling the form, which the applicant has to complete legibly in capital letters and signed by the applicant.
In the case of children under 15, it has to be signed by the legal guardian. Applicants have to sign on the application form carefully, so they do not have to face any problems because of the signatures.
Arrival/departure dates mentioned in the application form must be identical to those mentioned in all supporting documents, for example, Travel Insurance, Proof of Transport, and Accommodation.
Related: Guidelines For Applying For A Short-Stay Schengen Visa In Egypt
The current passport must be valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond the validity of the requested visa. The applicant must carefully submit the Passport size photographs as mentioned on the application form.
For instance, the application form requires pictures with a light/ideally white background and a size: not smaller than 3,5cm x 4,5cm, so the applicant must follow the requirement. The applicant’s fingerprints are demanded for identification purposes to secure the visa application process.
The Embassy collects the fingerprints of all visa applicants. Applicants must provide their dummy insurance for visa, which covers all medical expenses, including emergency hospital treatment and repatriation for their stay in the Schengen area.
