What documents do you need when applying for a Schengen Visa?

South African travellers wishing to travel to European countries like Greece, Italy and Germany will have to first apply for a Schengen Visa.

If you’re not sure what that entails, here’s what documents you’ll require for your application…

ALSO READ: The EU countries mostly likely to approve your Schengen visa

Basic documents needed for a Schengen Visa

As per Schengenvisa.info, the following list of documents are required for any short-term Schengen visa application:

1. A Visa application form. Fully completed and signed. You can download it here.

2. Two recently-taken photos, which must be attached to your form. Both photos must be taken within the last three months.

3. A valid passport not older than 10 years. The passport should also be valid for at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.

4. Round trip reservation or itinerary which must include dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area.

5. A valid travel insurance policy which proves you have travel health insurance for the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (+- R596 000) in case of any medical emergency such as illnesses, accidents and even repatriation in case of death.

6. Proof of accommodation or a document that shows where you will be accommodated throughout your stay in the Schengen area. This can either a hotel/hostel, a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a host where you plan to stay.

7. Proof of financial means or evidence that you have enough money to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the Schengen area. This can be one of the following:

• Bank account statement – that shows you have enough money in your account for the trip. The statement shall be no older than 3 months.
• Sponsorship Letter – by another person that confirms they will be financially supporting your trip. In order for this letter to be valid, it must be accompanied by a bank statement of the sponsor, no older than three months.
• A combination of your bank account statement and a letter of sponsorship.

8. Proof of paid visa fee, which is €80 (R1 591, 93) for adults and €45 (R895, 46) for children from 6 to 12 years old.

ALSO READ: The 107 countries South African passport holders can visit visa-free

It’s also worth noting that Schengen embassies around the world may require some specific documents from the visa candidates depending on their employment status as well as several additional documents depending upon the type of Schengen visa applied for.

For further information regarding this, check here.

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