cover letter for iceland tourist visa

Applying for a Travel Visa to Visit Iceland - A Handy Guide

What is the Schengen Area?

Why do i need a schengen visa, how to apply for a visa to visit iceland, applying for a visa, what if my visa application is refused, etias application for iceland, why should you visit iceland, the northern lights, jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, mount kirkjufell, the blue lagoon.

When preparing for a trip to Iceland, navigating the maze of visa paperwork might not be as exciting as dreaming about soaking in the Blue Lagoon or chasing the northern lights . Even still, it might be the golden ticket between you and your Nordic adventure. 

This article aims to be your go-to guide in figuring out what paperwork you'll need before you can enter Iceland and begin exploring the land of ice and fire. Whether you want to rent a car , stay in the best hotels in Iceland  and explore the wonders of the Ring Road by yourself, or take one of many fantastic self-drive tours , getting your paperwork sorted is the first step.

Let's not waste any time and get right into it. Once you get through reading this article, the people at passport control will be standing vis-a-vis a visa wiz!

• See also: 18 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Iceland

Top Self Drive Tours in Iceland

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 10-day self-drive tour of the complete ring road of iceland with top attractions & snaefellsnes, best 1-week summer self-drive tour of the ring road of iceland & golden circle.

• See also: Where is Iceland?

The Schengen Area is not synonymous with the European Union. Some EU countries, like Ireland, are not part of the Schengen Area, while others, like Iceland and Norway, are non-EU members but are part of Schengen. If you're planning a trip to multiple European countries, a single Schengen Visa can grant you entry to all member states. However, conditions apply, and visas are generally given by the country that is your primary destination. For more information, see this list of all the countries within the Schengen area . 

If you do not have visa-free travel to Iceland, you will require a Schengen visa, casually referred to as a tourist visa, if you want to visit the country. This short-stay visa allows its holder to travel freely within the 26 countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days. The visa is commonly used for tourism, business trips, or transit.

Citizens of certain countries outside of Schengen, such as the United States, do not require a Schengen Visa for short stays within the Schengen area. This is because visa-free arrangements between individual countries and the Schengen member states allow for reciprocal short-term travel.

Photo by  ConvertKit .

Before you delve into the application process, it's probably best to start by determining if you actually need a visa to visit Iceland. You wouldn't want to do unnecessary paperwork, would you? If you're unsure whether or not you have visa-free travel to Iceland, you can look at the list of countries that require a Schengen visa.  

You can apply for a visa to Iceland in the countries and cities listed on this site . Icelandic embassies issue visas in four cities: London, New Delhi, Beijing, and Washington D.C. In about 120 other cities, other Schengen member states issue visas on Iceland's behalf.

The Icelandic Government has an informative site detailing the process of applying for a visa to visit Iceland . Applications should not be filed more than 6 months before the start of the intended visit or 9 months in the case of seafarers. As a rule, the application should not be filed later than 15 days before the start of the visit.

There are several documents you will need before applying for the Schengen visa. The following are the basic requirements, but your embassy might require further documents:

• A visa application form.
• Two recently taken passport photos (35 x 45 mm). 
• A valid passport that's no older than 10 years and should be valid for three months beyond your final stay in the Schengen Area.
• Your round reservation or itinerary, including dates and flight numbers.
• Your travel insurance policy.
• Proof of accommodation, such as your hotel/guesthouse booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from the person hosting you .
• Proof of financial means to show that you have enough money to support yourself through your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be a bank account statement, a sponsorship letter from another person who will support you financially during your stay , or a combination of both.

When applying, you must be ready to present biometric data such as fingerprints and pay the visa fee (€80 for adults and €45 for children from 6 to 12 years old.) After you finish your application, you should expect to get an answer in the following weeks. Once your visa arrives, you will be ready to travel to Iceland and get started on your adventures.

Top Nature Tours in Iceland

Inside the volcano thrihnukagigur tour with transfer from reykjavik, small group tour of snaefellsnes national park with transfer from reykjavik.

Image by  VIN JD .

It's essential to follow the instructions carefully when filling out your Schengen visa application, as there are many instances where these applications get refused. Make sure that you start your application early so you have the option to amend any mistakes before you run out of time.

Several reasons can lead to the denial of a Schengen visa application. Here are some examples: 

• A failure to provide all required documents, such as missing bank statements, travel insurance, or incomplete application forms.
• The travel insurance does not cover the minimum required amount or the entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Failing to provide confirmed hotel bookings, invitation letters, or other forms of accommodation proof.
• A lack of proof of financial sufficiency to support oneself during the stay.

If, for whatever reason, your application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason behind the decision. This refusal does not deny you the right to reapply for a Schengen visa at another time. 

If a Schengen visa application is refused by the Directorate of Immigration in Iceland, the applicant can appeal the decision to the Icelandic Immigration Appeals Board within 15 days of receiving the refusal letter. Along with appeals, the applicant can hand in supporting documents that could help grant the applicant the preferred outcome of the appeal.  

Image by  katyveldhorst .

The process of applying for a visa to visit Iceland will change a bit in 2025 as the European Union plans to introduce ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Once initiated, there will be a 180-day period of grace, after which all third-country nationals will require ETIAS approval. This electronic visa waiver will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers for the Schengen area and will allow them to travel to Iceland and other Schengen countries.

ETIAS will allow for a total stay of 90 consecutive days with each entry to Iceland and the Schengen Area, much like the current Schengen visa. ETIAS to Iceland will be valid for 3 years from the date of issue, meaning that you will not need to submit an application before every trip to Iceland.

Make sure to read all of the requirements to apply for ETIAS . They include: 

• Basic information such as name, date and place of birth, nationality, sex, education, occupation, etc.
• Contact information.
• A €7 application fee. However, travelers under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will not need to pay the fee. 
• Further information (see the link above).

Applying for the Iceland ETIAS should only take a few minutes to fill out an application form. Upon arrival at European border control, you will be able to present your ETIAS-linked passport to immigration officers to gain entry to Iceland and the Schengen area. 

• See also: 40 Best Locations in Iceland

Iceland is a phenomenal travel destination, full of natural wonders and spectacular activities. Whether you wish to go whale-watching by the charming town of Husavik , take on the wilderness of the Highlands by renting a 4x4 , or simply relax in one of the country's many geothermal hot springs , Iceland has something for everyone.

If you're not convinced, here are some of the best things to see in Iceland that might sway your mind.

While the northern lights are beautiful, they can also be unpredictable. The highest chance of seeing them is by going on a northern lights tour alongside a guided expert who will not only know the best place to see the aurora borealis but will also impart you with plenty of knowledge and stories. 

Top Northern Lights Tours & Holidays

2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking, 8-day guided northern lights winter tour of the complete ring road of iceland.

Given its stunning beauty, it is no surprise that the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is one of Iceland's premier attractions and a great spot for photography. The best way to experience everything the location has to offer is on a 1-hour zodiac boat tour of the glacier lagoon , where you will get up close and personal with the colossal icebergs.

The arrowhead-shaped mountain  Kirkjufell is one of Iceland's most iconic attractions. Located on the Snaefellsnes peninsula , a region famous for its natural diversity, Kirkjufell is accompanied by a quaint waterfall nearby that further enhances the location's charm.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Snaefellsnes Peninsula

A fun way to take in the beauty of the location from an unusual vantage point is on a  guided 2-hour kayaking tour under Kirkjufell . The rest of the peninsula is definitely worth exploring as well, which you can do on the many Snaefellsnes tours available.

• See also: 22 Best Things to Do in Reykjanes Peninsula

A dip in these warm waters offers relaxation, while the surrounding lava landscape provides a stark and beautiful contrast, making it an oasis of calm and rejuvenation. Getting a ticket to the Blue Lagoon  is something most people do when visiting Iceland, while some prefer extending their stay in the area by booking a hotel by the Blue Lagoon .

• See also: Top 10 Things to Do in Reykjavik

There are plenty of things to see in Reykjavik, such as the views from the top of Hallgrimskirkja church or Perlan  or the vibrant nightlife in Laugavegur . Taking one of the many fantastic walking tours of Reykjavik with a local expert is a great way to get acquainted with Iceland's unique culture.  

Overall, Iceland is a fantastic travel destination, and you shouldn't let a visa application should not stand in your way of getting to enjoy the country's wonders. 

That's it for our guide on applying for a visa to visit Iceland. Did we leave any of your questions unanswered? Do you have any tips for would-be visitors? Let us know in the comments below!

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Applying for a Visa

Supporting documents.

The following documents are generally required to be submitted in support of a visa application.

Please note that these are only the basic requirements. On the website of the applicable embassy/consulate, you will find the complete list of requirements and the application procedure.

Applicant's passport photo (35 x 45 mm).

Passport / Travel document

- Must not be more than ten years old.

- Must be valid at least three months beyond the planned stay.

- Must have at least two blank pages.

Documents confirming financial means. Either:

- the applicant's bank statement, or - guarantee from host, along with payslips or bank statement.

Documentation allowing for the assessment of the applicant’s intention to leave the territory of the member states, for examplee: - Reservation of or return or round ticket. - Proof of financial means in the country of residence; bank statements. - Proof of employment and a certificate from the employer that the applicant can come back to work upon his return. - Proof of real estate property. - Proof of integration into the country of residence: family ties; professional status.

Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30.000. Applicants shall, in principle, take out insurance in their country of residence. Where this is not possible, they shall seek to obtain insurance in any other country. The insurance shall be valid throughout the Schengen area and cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay or transit.

Documents confirming the purpose of travel: - Letter of invitation from host (reference person), if the purpose of the trip is to visit friends or family. - For a family visit, documentation of the family relationship is required. - For a business trip, confirmation/invitation from a company in Iceland. - For tourists, hotel booking and tour booking, as applicable. - If the intention is to attend a meeting or seminar, confirmation/invitation from the applicable conference organizer/institution.

When lodging an application, the applicant shall allow the collection of his fingerprints and pay the visa fee.

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Related material

A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

By Alice Ross | PASSPORT & VISA

• PASSPORT & VISA » A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

If you're planning to  travel abroad , in many cases you will need to obtain a visa beforehand. The requirements vary according to your country of origin and your destination. But for a lot of people, the process to be granted a visa can seem daunting and unclear. In this article, we share important tips about visas to equip you with the knowledge to prepare for your international trip. Read on to find out more about how tourist visas work, including a very useful sample cover letter for your tourist visa application.  

What Exactly Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa or visitor visa is an official document that allows you to get in another country. In general, you are likely to need one every time you visit another country. However, this depends on which country you are from and where you are going, as some countries have agreements that allow entrance even without it.

A tourist visa may take different forms: it can be a paper document, although it most often comes as a simple stamp in your passport . Some countries require you to arrange your visa before arriving in the country, while others issue it to you once you land at the airport.

A tourist visa indicates how long you are allowed to stay in the country. It also defines which activities you are allowed to participate in or not while there, such as working and studying.

Other Types of Visas

A tourist visa is the most common and most acquired type of visa. It is usually only valid for a short period of time, commonly ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.

This is what you will need if you are just planning to visit the country. A tourist visa however doesn't allow you to work and study while you are in a particular country.

Others types of visas include student visas, business visas, media visas, fiancé visas , and many others depending on the place you're travelling to.

Resident visas are also available for those who want to live in a particular country. You will normally need a valid reason to obtain this type of visa, as they tend to be the most difficult to get.

What You Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa

As mentioned above, tourist visa requirements vary with your nationality and your destination, as well as where you make your application. You should always check the instructions application to your specific situation on the relevant embassy or consulate website. Having said that, there are some general requirements and common documents that are needed for most tourist visa applications.

These include:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay
• Duly filled out visa application forms
• Confirmed round-trip tickets
• Cover letter for tourist visa or letter to the consulate

Top tip: travel insurance for your visa application

Most tourist visa applications require you to show proof of travel insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. We use and recommend SafetyWing as our preferred travel medical insurance provider. It's the most flexible and affordable we've found, starting at just $1.32 per day. They can also provide a visa letter to support your application. If you're looking for more comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is also a reliable and very popular alternative among global travelers. Note: In our experience and to the best of our knowledge, these two travel insurance options fulfill the requirements for most tourist visa applications. However, please make sure to check that they meet the specific criteria applicable to your individual case.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa Application

Via rappler.com

The cover letter or letter to the consulate is necessary for tourist visas that require interviews. This letter needs to explain why you want to visit the country and where you will be staying in the country. It must also outline the intended dates and duration of your stay.

Moreover, this letter is your way to tell the embassy if you are getting a sponsorship from a friend, parents, or a romantic partner who are currently based in that country. It's important to take your time to write your cover letter, although you should also make sure to keep it to-the-point and not too long.

If the trip is going to be  sponsored by someone else , make sure to include the following details in the cover letter for your tourist visa application:

• The name of the person who is going to sponsor your trip
• The job or source of income of the person who is going to sponsor you
• Your proof or relationship (normally pictures)
• Proof of financial capability of your sponsor
• The expenses your sponsor will cover

The cover letter is a really important document to provide before your trip. It states every important thing you want to tell the embassy or consulate. Make sure that it mentions and explains every document you've submitted.

To give you a better insight into how to create a cover letter for your visa application, here is a sample cover letter for a tourist visa needed to enter a country:

TO THE HONORABLE CONSUL

EMBASSY OF (Country you're visiting)

<Address of the Consulate>

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <Your full legal name> would like to apply for a tourist visa to spend a vacation in <name of the country> from <date of arrival> to <date of departure.>

My main purpose for travel is tourism, to see the beautiful sights of  <name of the country> , particularly <name of tourist attractions.> I'm also looking forward to experiencing the culture, tasting the cuisine, and meeting locals to experience everything the country has to offer.

I am employed at <name of the company> located in <location of the company> since <date you were employed> and am currently holding the position of <your job position.> Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

During my trip, my <your relationship with the sponsor> <full name of the sponsor,>  who works as <job title of the sponsor> at <place of employment> will sponsor my trip. He/she will cover my accommodations, food expenses, and plane tickets.

Please find the following documents to support the legitimacy of what is outlined in this letter:

• Passports (including old ones if applicable)
• Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture
• Employment and leave certificates showing the date I'm expected to return to work
• Payslips, tax report, credit card statements, bank certificate & statement of account as proof of income
• Plane ticket booking reservation
• Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation directly faxed to the embassy
• Travel insurance with benefits

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I may not be available at all times due to my working schedule or I might be engaged in a mission, but you may still try to reach me at the following:

Of course, the sample cover letter for tourist visa application provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this in your travel visa application is very important, so make sure that you take the time to think about what you want to write and to gather all the necessary documents to support the information you provide in your letter.

Do you have any helpful tips or a sample cover letter for a tourist visa application you want to share? Let us know in a comment below!

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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Cover Letter for a Tourist Visa

How to Write an Appeal Letter for Schengen Visa Refusal

A cover letter for a tourism visa is a document that supports a visa application by demonstrating that the purpose of the trip is for leisure and recreational activities such as sightseeing or attending events. This letter provides details about the applicant’s planned itinerary, including the places they plan to visit and the activities they intend to participate in.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email]

[Embassy Name] [Embassy Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Application for Schengen visa for tourism purposes – [Your name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to [destination country] for a period of [number of days/months] from [date] to [date]. My name is [Your Name] and I am a [nationality] citizen with passport number [Passport Number]. My purpose of travel is to explore the beautiful tourist destinations of [destination country].

I am excited to visit the famous landmarks, indulge in the local culture and try the authentic cuisine. My travel itinerary includes visits to [list some of the popular tourist attractions you plan to visit] and experiencing the vibrant local lifestyle.

During my stay in [destination country], I will be staying at [name of accommodation], which I have already booked for the duration of my trip. I have attached the confirmation of my hotel reservation along with my visa application .

I am currently employed at [name of your employer] as a [your job position] and have been working there for [number of years]. I have attached a letter from my employer granting me the necessary leave for my travel. I have also included my bank statements, which show that I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses during my stay.

Please find enclosed all the necessary documents required for my visa application, including:

Completed visa application form with attached passport-size photographs

Valid passport with [number of months/years] remaining validity

Travel insurance with coverage of [coverage amount]

Confirmed round-trip flight tickets

Hotel reservations

Bank statements

Letter from employer granting me leave

Proof of sufficient funds

I assure you that I will abide by the laws and regulations of [destination country] during my stay and will return to my home country upon the expiration of my visa. I will also make sure that I do not become a burden on your country’s social system.

Thank you for considering my application. If you need any additional information or documents, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

Subject: Application for a Tourist Visa

I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to visit [destination country] for a period of [number of days] days, from [date] to [date]. I have attached all the necessary documents required for the visa application.

The purpose of my visit is to explore the beautiful sights and cultural heritage of [destination country]. I have been planning this trip for a long time and have always been fascinated by the rich history and scenic beauty of [destination country]. I am eager to experience the local cuisine, learn about the traditions and customs of the country, and immerse myself in the local culture.

During my stay, I have planned to visit popular tourist destinations such as [list of places to visit], attend cultural festivals, and engage in other leisure activities. I have made all necessary arrangements for my travel, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel insurance.

I am currently employed as a [your job title] at [name of employer], where I have been working for [number of years]. I have attached a letter from my employer stating that I have been granted leave for the duration of my trip.

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

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Two recent passport-size photographs

Flight itinerary

Travel insurance

Letter from my employer

Itinerary of my trip

I assure you that I will comply with all the visa requirements and will not overstay my visa. I have strong ties to my home country and will return as soon as my visit is complete.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to receiving a positive response from you.

In summary, this cover letter is intended to support a tourism visa application by providing a detailed itinerary of the applicant’s planned trip, including the dates of travel, the purpose of the trip, and the places and events to be visited. The letter also highlights the applicant’s intent to return to their home country at the end of the trip, and their ability to support themselves financially during their stay. By providing a comprehensive and well-organized cover letter, the applicant can increase their chances of a successful visa application and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to their destination.

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Home » Visas » Schengen Visa » Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter for Tourists

Schengen Visa Application Cover Letter for Tourists

When applying for Schengen visa, you should submit an application cover letter that explains the purpose of your trip, the list of documents you have enclosed, your trip itinerary, what arrangements you have made for the same, as well as how you will pay for the trip. It is the best to provide the day-to-day plan (itinerary), which gives the consular officer a clear idea of what exactly you would be doing while in the Schengen area and what your clear intentions are.

The following Schengen visa application cover letter might help you write your own. Of course, you will have to change it extensively based on your specific situation.

• 06/14/2019 – Take a flight from San Francisco, CA
• 06/15/2019 – Land at Zurich Airport, Switzerland. Overnight stay at Zurich Marriott Hotel
• 06/16/2019 – Visit Lake Zurich, Burkliplatz, and Loindehof Square
• 06/17/2019 – Visit Old Town, Rhine Falls, Grossmunster, and Uetliberg
• 06/18/2019 – Travel to The Matterhorn
• 06/19/2019 – Travel to Jungfraujoch – The top of Europe
• 06/20/2019 – Travel to Interlaken and Lucerne
• 06/21/2019 – Travel to Lake Geneva, Jet d’Eau (Water Jet), Temple de Saint-Pierre 
• 06/22/2019 – Jaridin Anglais (English Garden) and Parc de la Grange
• 06/23/2019 – Visit Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens)
• 06/24/2019 – Travel Back to Zurich.  Overnight stay.
• 06/25/2019 – Take a flight back to San Francisco, CA.
• Schengen visa application form
• Two photographs
• Valid passport – Original and a copy
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of my bank statements, tax returns, and my last 3 pay stubs
• Employment letter, no objection letter
• Marriage certificate
• Flight itinerary
• Schengen visa fees
• Schengen visa travel insurance
• Proof of our legal status in US – H1B visa for myself and H4 visa for my wife
• Proof of medical records – specific to your medical condition
• Bank statements to show that you have enough money to take care of your treatment. 

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• Application Cover Letter - Business Application Cover Letter - Tourists Application Fees Application Form Flight Itinerary Invitation Letter Means of Subsistence No Objection Letter Photograph Requirements Proof of Accommodation Sponsorship Letter

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Cover Letter For Schengen Visa: How To Write & Template

Last Updated : 07 Apr 2024

Atlys in the news

Last Updated : 07 Apr 2024 at

30-Second Summary

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must submit several documents, including a Schengen Visa Cover Letter.

Your Schengen visa cover letter should include: contact information, recipient's details & introduction and purpose.

A well-written covering letter can significantly improve your application's chances of approval.

This post will provide a template and tips to help you get started.

You may need to apply for a Schengen Visa if planning a European trip. This type of visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

What Is A Cover Letter For Schengen Visa?

A letter that you write and send with your other Schengen Visa application to the Schengen Embassy or Consulate is known as a "Schengen Visa Cover Letter" (or "Covering Letter").

The letter should give more details about the reason for your vacation and your plans to return to your home country.

The letter serves as your introduction by giving the consular staff at the Embassy/Consulate a quick rundown of your travel history (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.).

So, in short, your cover letter for Schengen visa serves as a brief description of your Schengen Visa application.

Template Of A Cover Letter (Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample)

July 19, 2022

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF DENMARK

3200 Whitehaven St. NW

Washington, DC 20008

United States of America

Subject: John XXXXXXX, US Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Tourism

Dear Sir/Madam,

I intend to visit Denmark between November 9 and November 28, 2022; hence, I must apply for a Schengen visa.

My primary motivation for travelling is to ski in Denmark and go sightseeing. In addition, I am eager to sample the world-famous Denmark cuisine, travel to other lovely Denmark locations, and learn more about Denmark's culture and way of life.

Since June 2018, I have worked at [name of employer] at [address of company] in the role of [your position title]. Therefore, my leave of absence from work for this trip has already been accepted by my company.

Here is a list of documentation that supports my Schengen 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 Emirates for New York – Copenhagen – New York [November 9-November 28, 2022]
• Hotel reservationsfor our holidays in Norway and Germany
• Employment and leave records that list my planned return date to work and any permitted leaves
• Bank statements of Payslips and savings account as evidence of my earnings.
• Proof that I will conduct tourism activities in the form of reservation tickets for my stay in Denmark and bookings in Norway and Germany

Please also find additional information that proves I will be returning to the United States:

• Copies of my marriage and birth certificates proving that I have a spouse and children in the US
• A copy of the title deed to a property that I own
• An employment letter from my employer

Planned Itinerary:

• November 9, 2022 – Flight from New York to Copenhagen via [Flight number]
• November 10, 2022 – Travel to Hedelands Ski Center (I will be staying here for a week)
• November 18, 2022 – Travel To Marvik and stay there for 4 days
• November 22, 2022 – Travel from Marvik to Frankfurt
• November 28, 2022 – Flight back to New York from Frankfurt

I'm confident you'll discover everything is in order. Don't hesitate to contact me anytime if you have any queries or need clarifications.

I thank you in advance for a favourable reply to my application.

"Your Name And Surname""Your Address", United States

Why Do I Need A Cover Letter?

Writing a cover letter for Schengen visa is crucial to communicating with the embassy official handling your visa application.

Sometimes you'll have no opportunities to speak to the visa authorities and provide your details. This is due too many embassies employing the VFS services to collect paperwork and deliver the applicant's passport.

Therefore, writing a Schengen visa application cover letter explaining things for you is highly advised because immigration officers base their judgments on the documents you provide.

Why Is A Cover Letter Important?

The Schengen visa application cover letter is crucial to your application since it lets you identify yourself and explain why you travel. Therefore, let me explain why a Cover Letter can determine the outcome of your Schengen Visa application:

Provide Information That Other Documents Can't Provide

Most documents you must present are official records, making it difficult to show your previous travels clearly.

In other words, your visa application cover letter is the only document that can genuinely tell a tale.

Because the Embassy/Consulate officers can grasp who you are and why you need a visa, telling a narrative can be a powerful communication technique.

Speeds Up The Application Process

Each week, hundreds of applications are sent to embassies and consulates.

Sometimes, those in charge of processing a cover letter lack the time and patience to thoroughly examine each visa applicant's file to establish the reason for the trip and the will to return to their country of residency.

This is not to say that they do not thoroughly review your documents. Still, they usually do so to see if they demonstrate consistency.

Therefore, a perfect cover letter will make things easier for them and ensure a fasterS chengen Visa processing time.

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

To create a compelling Schengen Visa cover letter, focus on details and persuasion. Convince Embassy/Consular personnel of your eligibility for the visa, highlighting the purpose of your travel.

In this post, we'll share key tips for a standout Schengen Visa application, ensuring success and faster processing. But first, let's discuss essential content for your Schengen visa cover letter.

The purpose of your visit to the concerned Schengen Country.

The days you intend to arrive and leave the nation (flight reservations).

A thorough schedule of your activities within the Schengen Area.

Evidence that you have the resources to support yourself.

Wherever you intend to stay.

Additional Schengen-member countries you intend to visit (if applicable).

If you have a sponsor for your trip, describe your relationship with them and how they will help you (if applicable).

If you cannot submit any required documents, explain why and what substitute documents you provided.

Any additional information you deem pertinent.

If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry.

You can demonstrate the reason for your journey with the supporting/required documentation.

Important Notes For The Perfect Cover Letter

My previous Schengen Visa application was rejected despite providing all the required details. After numerous emails to the Embassy, I discovered how to make your Schengen Visa Cover Letter flawless.

To avoid lengthy email exchanges, include the following in your cover letter:

Information Proving You're Only Going For Tourism

First, ensure you demonstrate your tourism intent with a detailed travel itinerary. Your visa application cover letter should also include the following :

General tourist attraction reservation tickets (a boat cruise, museum, or festival tickets).

Describe that you are travelling to go sightseeing. Include the names of the places you plan to visit with the exact dates.

Compelling Information That Proves The Reason To Travel Back To The US

You must present proof and include information that shows you plan to travel back to the US (or your home country). Compelling information would include:

An affidavit stating you will return to the US due to business activities.

Copies of your marriage and birth certificates are acceptable proof that you are abandoning your spouse and children in the US.

Copies of your bank statements demonstrating that you have accounts in the US.

A round-trip, fully paid flight to and from the United States.

Showing Evidence Of Property In Your Home Country

Before submitting your cover letter for Schengen visa, ensure you demonstrate your intent to return home to a property or residence in the US. Here's a list of visa application documents that prove your US property ownership:

A copy of the title deed to a property that you own.

Copy of your lease agreement.

A affidavit from a relative or friend stating that you live with them.

Evidence Of Employment In The US

Lastly, include proof of US employment in your Schengen Visa Cover Letter to assure officials of your intention to return to your job, not seek work in the Schengen Area. Here's a list of visa application documents for proof of employment:

A written affidavit by your employer stating you work for them.

Ane mployment letter.

Bank statements prove you have a monthly income from a company located in the US.

The most crucial part is to include hard copies of these documents when submitting your Schengen Visa application. These documents will be substantial evidence to prove you will be returning to the US.

Other Types Of Visa Letters

Now that we've covered the important information about the cover letter for Schengen tourist visa, I will explain the cover letters for the different types of short-stay visas.

Medical Visa Cover Letter

Your doctor must prepare the visa application cover letter on your behalf if you are visiting a Schengen nation for medical care. Your Schengen Medical Visa Cover Letter must include the following information :

Your diagnosis.

Medical history.

The suggested course of therapy for you in the Schengen nation, including its length.

Business Visa Cover Letter

The first thing you should note about the Schengen business visa cover letter is that your employer writes this letter.

It is more or less the same as the Tourist Visa Cover Letter. Still, here, your employer must state the purpose of your trip and confirm that you are completing business-related duties on their behalf.

Please remember that the Business Visa Cover Letter must be written on your company's letterhead.

Sponsorship Letter

When you (the applicant) won't pay for your travel overseas, you'll need a Schengen visa sponsor letter from the person who will. This letter must be signed by that individual (the sponsor).

It's a crucial document demonstrating you have the resources to support yourself on your journey (for expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc.).

Invitation Letter

An invitation letter for a Schengen Visa often states that you have been invited by someone or some other body who lives in the Schengen Area (or abroad).

For instance:

Suppose you want to visit a friend or family who lives in the Schengen Area. In that case, you must show them an invitation letter for a Schengen Visa that the resident (your friend or family member) of theS chengen Areap repared.

Where Should I Submit My Cover Letter?

Now that we've covered how you must write a Schengen Visa Cover Letter, you're probably wondering where you must submit your cover letter for visa application. Here's a list of ways you can submit your Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

A Consulate or Embassy of the Schengen nation you are travelling to.

If the country you wish to visit does not have diplomatic representation in your country of residency, contact the Embassy or Consulate of another Schengen Country.

A company that handles visa applications on behalf of the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen Country you are visiting.

The Most Common Schengen Visa Cover Letter Mistakes

It's crucial that you understand the mistakes people make on their Schengen Visa Cover Letters.

Here is a list of the most common mistakes people make when writing their Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

Not Explaining The Purpose Of Your Trip

Effective logical reasoning is essential alongside your cover letter and Embassy/Consulate interview. Articulate your motivation for visiting the Schengen Area and your commitment to returning home.

When explaining your plans to return, avoid vague statements like, "I will return to my country of residence since I cannot stay in the Schengen Region." Instead, specify a clear date, such as, "I will return to my country on November 28 as my employer allows a maximum of 4 weeks off."

Providing Duplicate Information

Include unique trip details in your cover letter, avoiding redundant information like, "I will be travelling to Norway between November 9, 2022, and November 28, 2022, and I will be staying in Hotel Clarion at 20 Ellehammersvej, Copenhagen," when applying for a tourist visa.

While this information is essential, Embassy/Consulate officers can verify trip specifics through reservations. Maintain a professional tone, but aim to tell a compelling story in your cover letter for visa application.

Your covering letter should include information regarding your trip that is not included in your other documents.

Submitting A Cover Letter With Spelling Mistakes

While Embassy/Consulate officials understand minor language errors, excessive spelling and formatting issues in your cover letter can convey a lack of care and respect for the application process.

Pay meticulous attention to spelling, grammar, capitalization, and structure to appear credible and dedicated. Attending to these details shows you as a well-organized, responsible applicant committed to the visa application process.

Not Presenting A List Of The Required Documents

Specify the document order for your application systematically.

Begin with the universal requirements (visa application form, passport, insurance, etc.), followed by trip-specific documents (hotel and flight reservations, travel itinerary for tourist visas), and finally, documents based on your circumstances (e.g., employment contract, No Objection Certificate (NOC)).

Information Is Not Corresponding With Other Documents

The specifics and justifications in your cover letter for visa application must correspond to the data and supporting documentation in all other documents you submit.

You risk denying the entire application if you make a statement in your letter that conflicts with or is out of alignment with the documentation you submit to the Embassy or Consulate.

You Can Now Officially Write A Perfect Cover Letter

No matter the Schengen Visa you want to apply for, you can create your visa letter easily after reading this page. Please remember that you can use the sample visa letters as a template.

It would be ideal if you customized it, though. Nevertheless, you are now fully knowledgeable about writing a letter to embassy for visa request.

Remember if you need a visa consider AtlysBlack to apply for your Schengen visa. AtlysBlack offers expedited visa appointments and end-to-end management ensuring you don't have to worry about anything.

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Frequently Asked Questions

You are permitted to travel to the following European countries with your Schengen Visa:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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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 Apply For Schengen Iceland Visa For Filipinos [Iceland Schengen Visa Guide For Filipinos]

Want to see the Northern Lights? Or Famous filming locations?! Here’s our guide for Filipinos about applying for a Schengen Iceland Visa  with your Philippines passport.

Did you recently see Through Night and Day? Or perhaps, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga? If not, perhaps Game of Thrones – the North? Those were shot in a fascinating country called Iceland. In this Nordic Nation with snow, volcanoes, and magical elves, it’s in many people’s bucket-list. Don’t miss out as you journey in the land of Ice and Fire.

• DENIED Schengen Visa – How to File and Write an Appeal for a Rejected Schengen Visa (With a Sample Letter Template)
• How To Provide Proof of Onward Travel – Rent a Flight Ticket
• What Will Happen If You Overstay On Your Schengen Visa?
• 15 Best Things to do in Iceland [with Suggested Tours]
• List of the Best Backpacker Hostels in Iceland

Before setting foot in this country, Filipinos need to have a Schengen Visa. If you don’t know how, check out this article! Go to Iceland Schengen Visa with your Philippines passport.

Table of Contents

Fun Facts about Iceland

• Iceland the Land of Ice and Fire has glaciers and volcanoes
• There are no surnames in Iceland and new first names should be approved by the naming community
• It’s one of the nations that are popular in whaling but they have somewhat stopped hunting already
• There are many tiny houses in the country, locals believe that elves live there
• Many films and series were filled here: Game of Thrones, Batman, Thor, Captain America, and Star Wars are some examples
• Björk is an Icelander
• Until 1989, Beer was banned in the country and was considered illegal
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Iceland
• The Arctic Fox is the only local animal from Iceland as most were imported from other countries
• Iceland is a Nordic Country along with Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden

Iceland Representation in the Philippines

Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila Address:  12th Floor, DelRosarioLaw Centre, 21st Drive Corner 20th Dr, Taguig, 1630 Contact Details:  (02) 5317 2700 Office Hours:  Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok represents Iceland in the Philippines and they are in charge of visa applications. However, you need to apply to the VFS Center in Manila.

Who can apply for Schengen Iceland Visa in the Philippines

• If you are only visiting Iceland or Norway in the Schengen Area;
• For those who are traveling around the Schengen Area but stays in Iceland
• Or if your first entry is in Iceland and you’ll go to other Schengen Countries in equal length

Documents Required in Applying for Schengen Iceland Visa

1. Application Form via a cover letter –  You may apply for it online through this Application Portal . Print and sign the form.

2. One Passport-Sized Photo  – recently taken

3. Original and Valid Passport – with at least 2 blank pages and must be valid for a minimum of 6 months

4. Copy of the Passport – the bio-page, visa, and stamps (old and new)

5. Proof of Accommodation – hotel bookings or confirmation

6. Daily itinerary

7. Proof of Financial Means – bank certificates, bank and credit card statements for the last 6 months (for minors, submit the parent or legal guardian’s financial documents)

8. Own Means or Properties Documents – a copy of Land Titles, Car Registration, Condominium Certificate of Title, etc.;

9. Strong Family Ties Proof – your marriage certificate or birth certificate of your children if you have any;

10. Occupation Proof

• Employed: Original Employment Certificate or work contract with applicant’s position, length of service, salary, and duration of approved leave of absence. Check this article:  Sample Template – No Objection Letter Template for your Visa Application
• Self-Employed: DTI or SEC Registration and latest Income Tax Returns
• Students: Original enrollment certificate from the school or proof of enrollment, if during a school period, then Leave of Absence from School

11. Photocopy of a roundtrip airfare ticket – you don’t need to buy one as a reservation is only needed. Renting a flight is highly recommended.

12. Photocopy of Travel Insurance – covering at least EURO 30,000 for your stay in the Schengen Area. AXA Schengen is recommended.

Requirements for Minors

• PSA Birth Certificate
• Affidavit of Support and consent of parents or legal guardian
• Photocopy of DSWD travel clearance
• Copy of parents’ or legal guardian’s passport or government-issued ID

How to Apply for Schengen Iceland Visa

STEP 1: Create an Account with the Application Portal . Click “New Application Form” and apply for a Visit Visa. Review your form and pay the required fees. Print and Sign this.

STEP 2: Gather the rest of your required documents.

STEP 3: Book an appointment at the VFS Center here .

Visa Application Centre – Manila Ground Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg. Don Chino Roces Ave. Makati City, Metro Manila

Visa Application Centre – Cebu Unit 503, 5th Floor, Keppel Center Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park

STEP 4: Go to the VFS Center to submit all your documents. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken. Pay the necessary additional fees.

STEP 5: Wait for the results!

STEP 6 : Get your passport at the application center or through courier. Bring a copy of the bio page of your passport and receipt when claiming; you can claim it in the center from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays.

Visa Processing Fee for Schengen Iceland Visa

VFS Service Fee: PHP 1,502

Visa Fee : EURO 80 For 6-12 years : EURO 40

Processing time: It is usually 15 days. However, the Embassy may take up to 45 days to process your application and may ask for additional documentation and further verifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Schengen Iceland Visa

1. How long can I travel with my Short Stay Visa?

You can stay in Iceland and the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days for a 180 day period.

2. Is an interview mandatory?

It is not necessary. However, you may be called for an interview at the Embassy if they see something wrong with your documents, or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.

3. Should I submit a cover letter?

It is not a requirement, but it’s highly recommended. A Cover Letter can help you explain your situation and circumstances to the Visa Officer.

4. Do I need to buy a plane ticket before my application?

No, you only need a confirmed booking with a PRN. Renting a flight is highly recommended; we have this service available.

5. What is the best insurance to use?

AXA Schengen is highly recommended. They will completely refund your payment in case your visa doesn’t get approved. No risk at all.

6. What if my visa gets rejected? What should I do?

You can file a Remonstrance Letter or file another application from another EU Embassy.

That’s the guide on how you can get a Schengen Iceland Visa. I hope you enjoy your trip to this gorgeous Island of Ice and Fire. In case you need help with your visa application, you can get our visa application bundle service . Good luck!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my  Instagram .

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3 thoughts on “ How To Apply For Schengen Iceland Visa For Filipinos [Iceland Schengen Visa Guide For Filipinos] ”

Are filipino’s allowed to travel abroad now? I mean would the immigration at the airport in Manila allow you to leave as long as you have a valid visa?

Hi Ma’am Lyza, I am a government employee for 30 years. How I wish to travel to Iceland as tourist to see volcanoes, blue lagoon, glaciers and a beautiful phenomenon aurora borealis. I want also to visit some interesting places and to know their culture. I got visa from China, 2xKorea, 2xJapan and Taiwan for the last 5 years. I am senior citizen and as ordinary employee I have my savings but no half million. I have Icelander boyfriend for 3 mos, senior citizen too. Can I get Shengen visa? Thank you.

You can get po – but it’s better if your relationship is stronger – meeting at another country or being together for a year as 3 months is a bit tricky

you can also read this – https://mrandmrshowe.com/lifestyle-blog/retired-senior-citizen-visa

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Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Visiting Family [Sample, Template & Tips on How To Write] in 2024

How to write a cover letter for schengen visa visiting family, 1. introduction.

Start your letter by introducing yourself. This includes:

• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Current residence address
• Contact details

2. Purpose of Visit

Detail the primary purpose of your visit. Mention that you’re visiting family members, specifying who they are, their relation to you, and their residence address in the Schengen area. It’s beneficial to underline that family reunions are the sole purpose of your trip.

3. Travel Itinerary

In this section, provide a brief overview of your travel itinerary. Mention:

• Arrival and departure dates
• The Schengen country you’ll first land in
• Your planned movement within the Schengen zone (if you’ll be traveling to more than one country)

4. Detailed Trip Plan

Expand on your travel itinerary:

• Mention any events or family functions you plan to attend.
• Discuss places of interest you might visit with family members.
• Give an idea of how you plan to spend your time. This paints a picture of a personal, family-centered trip.

5. Accommodation Details

Discuss your accommodation arrangements during your stay:

• If staying with family, mention their address and provide a consent letter or invitation from them.
• If you’ve booked a hotel for any part of your stay (perhaps due to space constraints at your family’s residence or a side trip), provide those details and reservations.

6. Financial Proof

Highlight that you have the financial means to support yourself during your visit:

• Mention bank statements or salary slips you’re attaching.
• If your family is sponsoring your trip or covering some of your expenses, provide documentation of their willingness and their financial capability to do so.

7. Ties to Home Country

This section is crucial. The Schengen authorities want to ensure that you have strong reasons to return to your home country. Mention:

• Your current job or business, including position and duration of employment or business operation.
• Property or assets you own in your home country.
• Close family members residing in your home country, emphasizing your need to return.

8. Previous Travel History

If you’ve traveled to other countries in the past, especially the Schengen zone, mentioning this can bolster your application. It indicates that you’ve respected visa conditions before and adds credibility to your current application.

9. Conclusion

Conclude by summarizing your intent, assuring the visa officer of your plans to return after your visit. Express hope that the consulate will grant the visa, allowing you to spend quality time with your family.

10. Signature and Date

End the letter with your signature, full name, and date.

4 Tips For Writing Your Cover Letter

• Clarity : Ensure your cover letter is clear and easy to understand.
• Brevity : While you want to provide all necessary details, keep your letter concise.
• Proofreading : Avoid typos and grammatical errors to make a professional impression.
• Attachments : Clearly list all the attachments you’re enclosing with your application.

What Should I Do if There’s a Change in My Travel Plans After Submitting the Cover Letter?

If there’s a change in your travel plans after submitting the cover letter for your Schengen visa application:

• Inform the Embassy/Consulate : Contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application as soon as possible to inform them about the changes.
• Submit Revised Documents : Provide updated documents reflecting the new travel plans. This may include a revised cover letter, updated itinerary, or new hotel bookings.
• Explain the Changes : Clearly explain the reasons for the changes in your travel plans and ensure that they are consistent with the visa type you are applying for.
• Check for Additional Requirements : Ask the embassy or consulate if any additional information or documentation is required due to the change in plans.

Promptly addressing any changes can help prevent misunderstandings and potential delays in your visa processing.

Can I Include Additional Documents That Aren’t Mentioned in the Cover Letter’s Attachments Checklist?

Yes, you can include additional documents that are not listed in the cover letter’s attachments checklist if you believe they strengthen your application:

• Relevant Documents : Include documents that provide further evidence of your ties to your home country, financial stability, or purpose of travel.
• Clearly Label and Explain : Ensure that each additional document is clearly labeled and referenced in your cover letter, explaining why it is relevant to your application.
• Avoid Unnecessary Information : Only include additional documents that are directly pertinent to your application to avoid overloading the embassy or consulate with unnecessary information.

Providing comprehensive and relevant information can aid in the decision-making process of your visa application.

Should I Get the Cover Letter Notarized or Officially Verified?

Generally, it is not necessary to get your cover letter for a Schengen visa notarized or officially verified:

• Standard Requirements : Most Schengen visa applications do not require cover letters to be notarized.
• Official Verification Unnecessary : Unless specifically requested by the embassy or consulate, official verification is not typically needed.
• Authenticity and Accuracy : Your cover letter should be truthful and accurate, as providing false information can lead to visa refusal or other legal consequences.

Schengen Visa Cover Letter Attachments Checklist

To ensure a seamless evaluation of my Schengen visa application for visiting my family in [Schengen Country, e.g., “Germany”], I have meticulously compiled a checklist of all the documents I’m submitting.

This list serves as an easy reference to guarantee that all necessary documentation is reviewed and that no vital information is overlooked.

Below is the detailed breakdown:

• Completed Visa Application Form: The official Schengen visa application form, filled out accurately and signed.
• Passport and Photographs: My valid passport with a minimum of two blank pages and at least three months’ validity post the intended stay date. Attached are also two recent passport-sized photographs conforming to the Schengen specifications.
• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations or if staying with family, a formal invitation letter from the host detailing the address and the duration of stay.
• Travel Itinerary: Detailed flight itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen area.
• Employment Letter: A recent letter from my employer, indicating my job position, the duration of my employment, my salary, and the period of approved leave.
• Travel Health Insurance: A copy of my travel insurance certificate, covering emergency medical situations and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Recent bank statements, pay slips, or other documents that prove my financial capability to support my stay in the Schengen area.
• Family Ties Evidence: If applicable, documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or any other official documents that validate my relationship to the family member I’m visiting.
• Previous Schengen Visas: If applicable, copies of previous Schengen visas or permits.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Any supplementary documents that substantiate the purpose of the visit, such as photographs, email conversations, or any other evidence of the family relationship.

Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Visiting Family in 202 4

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa for Visiting Family

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Schengen visa to visit my [relation, e.g., “sister”] residing in [Schengen country, e.g., “Germany”] from [start date] to [end date].

I am a [your profession, e.g., “software engineer”] at [your company’s name, e.g., “ABC Tech”], and I’ve been employed there since [start date of your employment, e.g., “January 2020”]. I am granted leave from [start date] to [end date], after which I will resume my professional responsibilities in [your country, e.g., “the USA”].

The primary purpose of my visit is to spend quality time with my family, especially my [relation, e.g., “sister”], Ms. [Family member’s name, e.g., “Jane Doe”], who resides at [family member’s address]. During my stay, we plan to [briefly describe what you plan to do, e.g., “explore the cultural heritage of Berlin and visit the picturesque countryside of Bavaria”].

Enclosed with this letter are the following documents as evidence to support my visa application:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Valid passport and previous travel documents
• Employment letter stating my job position, salary, and the approved leave duration
• Travel health insurance
• Flight itinerary and hotel reservations
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the intended stay

Regarding the duration and frequency of my visits, I intend to stay in [Schengen country, e.g., “Germany”] for a duration of [number of days, e.g., “25 days”]. In the past three years, I have visited the Schengen area twice, primarily to spend holidays with family, without any visa violations.

My [relation, e.g., “sister”], Ms. [Family member’s name], has been residing in [Schengen country] for the past [number of years, e.g., “five years”], working with [her company’s name, e.g., “XYZ Corp.”] and holds a permanent residency status. Our family has maintained strong ties, and this visit will further strengthen our bond.

For any further clarifications regarding my visit, you may contact me directly at [your phone number] or [your email address]. Additionally, my [relation, e.g., “sister”] can be reached at [her phone number] and [her email address].

I assure you of my genuine intent for this visit and my commitment to return to [your country, e.g., “the USA”] at the end of my stay. I kindly request you to consider my application positively.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can i draft the cover letter by hand or should it be typed.

It’s recommended to type the cover letter for clarity and professionalism. Handwritten letters might be difficult to read and appear less formal.

Can I use the same cover letter for multiple Schengen countries if I'm visiting family in more than one country?

No, it’s advisable to draft separate cover letters for each country, tailoring the content to your plans and the family you’ll be visiting in each nation.

Is it mandatory to attach all documents mentioned in the attachments checklist?

While the checklist serves as a guide, you should only include relevant documents. For instance, if you haven’t had prior Schengen visas, you wouldn’t need to include past visas in your submission.

How long should I wait before following up on my visa application after submitting the cover letter and accompanying documents?

It’s recommended to wait for at least 15 business days before inquiring about the status of your visa application unless you’ve been given a different timeline by the embassy or consulate.

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Cover letter for Ireland tourist visa(3 samples)

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

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 an Ireland Tourist Visa.”

Samples of cover letters for an Ireland Tourist Visa

When applying for an Ireland tourist 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.
• Write a brief statement about why you are interested in visiting Ireland.
• Make a brief statement about your purpose for choosing the country. Next, disclose if you have already paid for accommodation.
• Next, clearly state that you intend to return to your home country after completing your adventure.
• List the expenses/funds and the documents and items attached to the application.
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement.

“THE VISA OFFICER

Immigration and Citizenship Division

Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform

72-76 St. Stephen’s Green

Dublin 2, Ireland

Greetings of Peace!

I would like to apply for a holiday/visit visa, I was invited by my fiancee, Liam Smith to visit his country before we get married on June 30, 2007 to experience his country, its climate, culture, etc. I have been acquainted with Mr. Liam Smith since April 2005 through letters, long distance calls and text messages. Mr. Smith was introduce to me by a friend, Luisa Kenny.

Mr. Smith visited me in the (mention country) last September 21 to October 7, 2006 and stayed in my town for sometime. We have been together for two weeks and enjoy each company. Mr. Smith was able to experience my country, its culture, the people and the climate. While he was here, we were engaged and will get married on June 30, 2007.

I have been engaged in a business since July 8, 2006 to the present and all my savings was put into it. Thus the level of money on my bank fluctuates. I have enough and sufficient income from my business and from my salary to augment my finances. At the same time Mr. Smith will take care of all my finances during my stay in Ireland.

I hereby promise that, I will observe the conditions of my visa and that I will not become a burden on the State, and that I will leave the State on the expiration of my permission to remain. I promise to return to (mention your country) after my one month vacation from April 2, 2007 until May 1, 2007 and to return to my work on May 2, 2007 and to prepare for our wedding on June 30, 2007.

For additional information please find attached receipts of our engagement and wedding ring, air tickets, pictures and some letters he sent, etc.

May I refer you also to the following persons for your perusal and verification for the information I gave.

(Here you have to give at least 2 references.)

I am hoping for your generous and kind hearted assessment to my application.

Sincerely yours.

Mary Gavilan”

“EMBASSY OF (Country you’re visiting)

<Address of the Consulate>

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <Your full legal name> would like to apply for a tourist visa to spend a vacation in <name of the country> from <date of arrival> to <date of departure.>

My main purpose for travel is tourism, to see the beautiful sights of <name of the country>, particularly <name of tourist attractions.> I’m also looking forward to experiencing the culture, tasting the cuisine, and meeting locals to experience everything the country has to offer.

I am employed at <name of the company> located in <location of the company> since <date you were employed> and am currently holding the position of <your job position.> Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

During my trip, my <your relationship with the sponsor> <full name of the sponsor,> who works as <job title of the sponsor> at <place of employment> will sponsor my trip. He/she will cover my accommodations, food expenses, and plane tickets.

Please find the following documents to support the legitimacy of what is outlined in this letter:

• Passports (including old ones if applicable)
• ​Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture
• Employment and leave certificates showing the date I’m expected to return to work
• Payslips, tax report, credit card statements, bank certificate & statement of account as proof of income
• ​Plane ticket booking reservation
• Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation directly faxed to the embassy
• Travel insurance with benefits

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I may not be available at all times due to my working schedule or I might be engaged in a mission, but you may still try to reach me at the following:

Sincerely,”

“January 16, 2020

EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA IN NEW DELHI

50, Chandra Gupta Marg

Chanakyapuri, 110021

Subject: <FULL-NAME> Indian Passport No: XXXXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Tourism

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for a Schengen visa upon my intention to travel to there from TRIP-START-DATE to TRIP-END-DATE with maximum duration of my stay in Austria (AUSTRIA-ARRIVE-DATE to AUSTRIA-DEPARTURE-DATE>). I will be accompanied by a friend (<FRIEND-NAME>) who has applied to the Embassy of Austria in <PLACE-NAME> and will be travelling from <STATE>, <COUNTRY>.

I am employed at <COMPANY-NAME> in <STATE>, India since <JOINING-STATE>, currently holding the position of <JOB-TITLE>. 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

· Copies of Passport

· Travel Certificate from Insurance provider, specifying required coverage with repatriation of remains

· E-ticket reservation for flights

· Confirmed Hotel bookings

· NOC from Sponsor specifying leave approval and Salary

· Bank statements and Payslips as proof of my income

My planned Itinerary is detailed as below;

<DATE1>– Arrive in <DESTINATION1> from <SOURCE-PLACE> [ Flight No: XXXXXX] and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXXXXX ]

<DATE2> – Travel to <DESTINATION2> via bus and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXX ]

<DATE3> – Travel to <DESTINATION3> via bus and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXX ]

<DATE4> –Travel to <DESTINATION4> via booked flighted [Flight No: XXXXXX ] and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXX ]

<DATE5> – Travel to <DESTINATION5> via bus and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXX ]

<DATE6> – Travel to <DESTINATION6> via bus and check into Airbnb [ Booking Id: XXXXXXX ]

<DATE7> – Return back to New Delhi from <DESTINATION6> [ Flight: XXXXXXX ]

Confirmed bookings for the above itinerary including lodging and flight details are enclosed in order with this application for your kind perusal

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

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

<NAME>

<ADDRESS>

<PHONE NUMBER>”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is a cover letter important.

• Provide information that other documents can’t provide.
• Speeds up the application process

Is it worth applying for an Irish passport?

The advantages of becoming an Irish citizen and holding an Irish passport include: 

• You are still considered an EU citizen. 
• You can travel freely throughout the 28 member states of the EU to live and work. 
• If you have children, they will be granted Irish and EU citizenship.

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A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

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