Schengen tourist visa guide

Commonly requested as the core identity document, usually needing at least two blank pages.

Often the standard form used across Schengen visa application centers.

Often requested with specific Schengen photo specifications.

Often required to show coverage for medical emergencies across the Schengen area.

The embassy handling your application decides what counts here — some request a flight reservation, others focus on the proposed travel plan.

Often requested to show where you'll be staying for each part of the trip.

Commonly used to show sufficient funds for the length of your stay. The exact statement period depends on the embassy handling the application — for example, Germany's Manila checklist requests an original bank certificate plus statements covering the previous six months, but other Schengen missions may ask for a different period.

Often used to show your employment status and employer-confirmed leave for the trip. Where relevant, this can also include an employment contract, an employer-confirmed leave of absence, and recent salary-transfer evidence.

Some Schengen missions request a cover letter explaining the purpose of travel, itinerary, funding, and your circumstances. Germany's Manila guidance specifically requests an explanation of return intentions from certain first-time travelers.

A record of past Schengen visas or international travel can support your application if you have one.

If your trip is sponsored, embassies commonly ask for the sponsor's financial documents, a written sponsorship declaration, and proof of your relationship to the sponsor.

Applications for minors commonly require parental or guardian consent and, where relevant, custody documentation.

Some embassies require certified translations, apostille or legalization of certain documents, or specific original-and-copy or formatting rules.