VFS Checklist: Documents for Schengen Tourist Visa application

Schengen Tourist Visa Checklist

Here’s a detailed checklist of documents required for the Schengen tourist visa application. Do not staple any documents. Use paper clips, if required.

1. Valid Passport (Original along with 2 copies of the front and last pages)
   • Issued within the last 10 years and with at least 3 months validity after the scheduled return date, with at least 2  empty pages.
   • Handwritten passports and passports with observations regarding the front page (bio data) are not accepted.
2. Two passport-size photographs,
   • White background, not older than 6 months (size 35 – 40 mm in width, not copied or scanned picture).
   • 1st photo pasted on the application
   • 2nd photo must be clipped on the last page of the passport
   • Stapled or pinned pictures are not accepted.
   • For more details, please refer to the photo guidelines
3. Standard Schengen Visa Application Form or online Ex: France
   • Completed, signed twice by the applicant, and, if applicable, authorization of a third person.
   • If the applicant is a minor: the visa application should be signed by the legal guardian and if applicable, authorization of a third person. (Proving the custody of a minor child, divorce papers, death certificate, etc.).
4. Old passports, if any must be bound together with rubber bands and not stapled.
5. Cover Letter with travel itinerary
   • Showing daily travel plans, places to be visited, etc.
   • If the applicant is submitting the applications of his/her family, then all applications must include a copy of the cover letter.
6.  NOC from Employer (if working)
   • The original letter must be on a business letterhead from the employer/company.
   • The letter has to be signed and stamped by HR or directorate mentioning your position and the duration of your service.
   • “No objection statement” regarding the planned trip to Schengen States.
   • The dates and purpose of the trip.
7. Schengen Travel Insurance
   • Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euro / 50,000 USD / 50,000 CHF per person.
   • Coverage of all expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment.
   • The insurance must cover the entire duration of the stay in Schengen territory.
   • Applicants who wish to apply for a 6 month or a one-year multiple-entry visa are not obliged to provide 180 (365) days of coverage. It is sufficient to submit an insurance policy covering the first journey.
8. Flight Tickets (round trip)
   • With the complete names of all travelers.
   • If applicable, proof of intra-Schengen flights, trains, or car rentals.
9. Accommodation
   • Airbnb or Hotel booking for the entire duration.
   • If you are going to stay with a family member or a friend, proof of sponsorship and/or private accommodation from the host, confirmation of the third person with signature, proof of address, and copy of passport or national ID card.
   • If you are traveling to multiple Schengen countries, proof of accommodation in each of them is mandatory.
10. Financial Proof
    • All documents must be originals in A4 format, along with stamp and signature of the Bank.
    • If employed:
      • Last 3 months’ salary slips and last 3 months salary bank account statements.
      • Last 3 months’ personal bank account statements.
      • Personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form, or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.
    • If self-employed and/or company owner:
      • Business registration certificate / GST Registration with annex A & B / Partnership Deed / Proof of proprietorship or other proof of ownership.
      • Last 3 months’ personal and business bank account statements.
      • Company’s and personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.
    • If retired:
      • Personal pension bank statement for the last 3 months.
      • Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business.
    • If a student or unemployed or sponsored by a relative:
      • For students: a copy of the student  ID card and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their School/College/University.
      • The sponsor (parent, spouse, or legal guardian) must provide their personal bank statements for the last 3 months.
      • Sponsorship letter with a passport copy of the sponsor.
      • Sponsor’s personal ITR (only ITR-V, Indian Income Tax Return Verification Form, or Acknowledgement is accepted) for the last 2 assessment years.
      • If the sponsor is your spouse, attach the marriage certificate.
      • If the sponsor is your parent, attach the birth certificate.
      • If the sponsor is an EU resident, the sponsor letter  must be attached with the passport copy of the sponsor and a copy of the local resident permit (if sponsor is not an EU Citizen)
    • If sponsored by a company in EU
      • Sponsorship letter
      • A passport copy of the sponsor and a copy of the local resident permit (if sponsor is not an EU Citizen)
11. If sponsored by a company in India
    • In addition to points 9 & 10: Acknowledgement of the company’s ITR Returns for the last three years (latest first)
12. Optional but highly recommended: A signed affidavit stating that the applicant will not engage in any professional activities during the stay and will leave the country on or before the visa expiry date. The affidavit must be accompanied by supporting documents to explain the need for returning to India. For example: a NOC from college (if student), employer, business activity, family commitments, etc.

Please ensure you have the originals of documents and photocopies of each during the VFS appointment. Also, the Embassy or the Consulate might ask for additional documents.