Documents Required for a Europe Tourist Visa Application

Planning your dream vacation to Europe? Before packing your bags, preparing the right documents is critical. Whether you’re applying from India or elsewhere, a Europe tourist visa—commonly the Schengen visa—is essential for visiting most countries in the EU area. This guide, brought to you by Purple Royal Tourism, walks you through everything you need to submit for a smooth visa application. 1. Valid Passport Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area, and contain at least two blank visa pages. For Indian citizens, copies of previous passports and any earlier Schengen visas are required. 2. Completed Schengen Visa Application Form Fill in the official Schengen Visa application form, print with barcode, and sign it . Some embassies require a Declaration of Truth and Insurance form in duplicate, signed 3. Recent Passport-Size Photographs Provide two recent photos (35 × 45 mm) against a white background, with 70‑80% face coverage. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months, with no software manipulation 4. Travel Itinerary & Round‑Trip Reservation Include your flight reservation showing both entry and exit from the Schengen Zone. Fully refundable bookings are acceptable to reduce financial risk.   A detailed day‑by‑day itinerary covering all planned visits and internal transit strengthens your application . 5. Proof of Accommodation Submit confirmed hotel reservations with name, address, and contact details of each stay.   If staying with family or friends, include an invitation letter, host’s ID/passport copy, and proof of residence or relationship .   6. Travel Insurance Mandatory with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries and for the entire duration of your stay, covering medical emergencies and repatriation . 7. Proof of Financial Means Provide bank statements from the last 3–6 months (preferably stamped), Income Tax Returns (ITR) or Form 16, and salary slips, if employed. If sponsored, attach a sponsorship letter, sponsor’s bank statements, ID, and relationship proof . Consular officers check for stable and genuine financial transactions; avoid unexplained large deposits. 8. Cover Letter Explaining Visit Purpose Write a personal cover letter, clarifying the purpose of your trip, funding source, itinerary, and your intention to return home after the visit . 9. Proof of Employment / Status For Salaried Applicants Include your employment contract, leave approval/NOC, salary slips (last 3 months), and ITR/Form 16 documents . For Self‑Employed Applicants Provide business registration, company bank statements (last 6 months), and ITR/Form 16 . For Students Submit a proof of enrollment and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college or university For Retired/Unemployed Show pension statements, property documents, or personal bank statements to prove financial independence . 10. Civil Status Documents Provide marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce or death certificates, as applicable to prove family ties or dependent relationships. 11.  Documents for Minors If traveling with minors, submit the child’s birth certificate, both parents’ passport copies, and a signed consent form from both parents. Notarization may be required if one parent is absent or divorced.   12. Biometric Data & Visa Appointment Fingerprints and a digital photo must be submitted at intake unless you’ve provided biometric data within the past 59 months. Children under 12 are exempt. You may also be required for an interview, depending on the embassy (e.g., Germany or France) . Tips to Boost Approval Chances Choose the embassy or consulate with a higher approval rate (e.g., Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland) for Indian applicants. Apply 30–60 days before travel; allow up to 15–30 working days for processing . Avoid missing documents or inconsistencies—supply certified and accurate copies, and ensure all data aligns across forms and supporting records Summary Table Document Category Required Documents Passport Valid passport (≥3 months), copies of old passports Visa Application Form Completed & signed form (with barcode if applicable) Photographs Two biometric-size photos (35×45mm) Travel Itinerary Round-trip flight reservation + detailed itinerary Accommodation Proof Hotel bookings or invitation from host Travel Insurance Policy covering ≥ €30,000 for all Schengen states Financial Proof Bank statements, ITR/Form 16, salary slips, sponsor letter (if applicable) Cover Letter Personal letter outlining purpose, itinerary, and return intent Employment / Student / Self-employed Documentation Employment contract/NOC; business registration; student NOC Civil Status Documents Marriage, birth, divorce, or death certificates Minor’s Consent Documentation Birth certificate, parental consent letters Biometric Data & Interview Fingerprints & photo (if required), possible consular interview Final Note from Purple Royal Tourism Preparing a flawless and well-organized document set is key to securing your Europe tourist visa. We at Purple Royal Tourism assist travelers step‑by‑step—from itinerary planning and application documentation to appointment scheduling and travel insurance coordination. Contact Purple Royal Tourism Purple Royal Tourism – Your Gateway to Europe 📍 Address: Nesto Building – Shop G80 Souk Al Fahidi 2 – Sharf DG – Bur Dubai – Dubai 📞 Phone: +971565330500 📧 Email:info@purpleroyaltourism.com 🌐 Website: https://purpleroyaltourism.com/ Our Services Include: Free document checklist review Personalized itinerary building Travel insurance arrangement Embassy/consulate appointment booking Travel advisory and COVID‑19 updates Embark on your European adventure with confidence—reach out to us today!