Planning to explore the charm of Europe? Whether you’re drawn to the romantic streets of Paris, the art of Florence, or the historic beauty of Prague, you’ll need a Schengen visa before your journey begins. At Xperts Travel, we simplify the entire process with expert consultancy and document preparation — ensuring your visa application is strong, complete, and ready to be approved.
Here’s your complete guide to the documents required for a Schengen tourist visa in 2025:
1. Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
Start with the official Schengen visa application form. This must be filled out accurately with no false information. Even a small error can result in a delay or rejection.
Pro Tip: Our travel experts will guide you through every step to ensure your form is error-free.
2. Valid Passport
Your passport must:
- Be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
- Have at least 2 blank pages.
- Not be older than 10 years.
Include all previous passports (especially those with travel stamps or visas).
3. Recent Passport-Size Photo
- One recent photo with a white background.
- Follow standard embassy requirements (35mm x 45mm, neutral expression, etc.).
We recommend using professional visa photo services for accuracy.
4. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
Issued by NADRA, your FRC helps verify family ties and is often required for visa cases involving family visits or travel with dependents.
5. Photocopy of Passport First Page (A4 Size)
Clear, full A4-size copy of the first page of your current passport — no cropping or editing.
6. Confirmed Flight Reservation
A dummy ticket or confirmed flight reservation is essential to demonstrate your travel intent and itinerary. This does not need to be a paid ticket, but it should show your entry and exit dates.
7. Confirmed Hotel Booking
Hotel reservations for your entire stay, ideally prepaid or refundable, depending on your itinerary. Embassy needs to verify your accommodation details.
Need help? Xperts Travel can provide valid hotel confirmations from across Europe.
8. Travel Insurance
A Schengen visa requires travel insurance covering:
- At least €30,000 in medical coverage.
- Coverage across all Schengen countries.
- Validity for your entire trip duration.
We help you purchase embassy-compliant travel insurance at competitive rates.
9. Employer Letter or Business Ownership Proof
If you are employed:
- Letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and purpose of leave.
If self-employed:
- Business ownership letter on company letterhead with contact details and official stamp.
This supports your financial and employment stability.
10. 6 Months Bank Statement with Maintenance Certificate
Your financial documents are crucial for visa approval. Submit:
- The last 6 months’ bank statement (original, stamped).
- Maintenance certificate from your bank confirming sufficient funds.
Tip: Maintain a healthy bank balance for at least 2–3 months prior to application.
✔️ Bonus: Tips to Strengthen Your Visa Application
- Be honest and consistent across all documents.
- Match your travel dates in all reservations and cover letters.
- Include a detailed travel itinerary and cover letter explaining your trip.
Top 5 Reasons Why Your Schengen Visa Gets Rejected
🚫 1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
What Goes Wrong:
Many applicants fail to provide all the necessary documents, or submit incorrect versions (like an expired passport or outdated bank statement).
Avoid It:
Double-check the latest requirements for the country you’re applying to. Always submit:
A complete visa application form
Valid passport (6+ months)
Recent photos (white background)
Bank statement (6 months) with a maintenance certificate
Confirmed flight + hotel bookings
Employment or business letter
Travel insurance
Need Help? Xperts Travel prepares and verifies your documents to avoid errors.
🚫 2. Weak Financial Proof
What Goes Wrong:
A low or inconsistent bank balance, unexplained large transactions, or insufficient funds often raise red flags.
Avoid It:
Maintain a steady bank balance at least 2–3 months before applying.
Include a bank maintenance certificate.
Explain any unusual financial activity in a cover letter.
Expert Tip: Show that you can afford your entire trip and return home.
🚫 3. Unclear Travel Purpose or Itinerary
What Goes Wrong:
If your travel purpose, itinerary, or duration isn’t clear — or if there’s a mismatch in documents — your application may look suspicious.
Avoid It:
Submit a detailed travel plan: cities, dates, activities.
Your hotel and flight bookings should match the itinerary.
Include a clear and concise cover letter.
We write custom cover letters to match your profile and itinerary perfectly.
🚫 4. Lack of Strong Ties to Home Country
What Goes Wrong:
The embassy may believe you have no reason to return to your home country, especially if you’re unemployed or have no dependents.
Avoid It:
Provide proof of strong ties: job, business, family, property, education.
Attach employment letter, payslips, or business ownership documents.
Include FRC (Family Registration Certificate) if applicable.
🚫 5. Invalid or Inadequate Travel Insurance
What Goes Wrong:
Applicants sometimes submit insurance that doesn’t meet Schengen standards.
Avoid It:
Get travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage.
Ensure it covers all Schengen countries and your entire travel period.
Xperts Travel helps you secure embassy-approved insurance quickly.
At Xperts Travel, our visa experts don’t just collect your documents — we build your case strategically for maximum approval chances. We assist with:
- Visa application form filling
- Cover letter drafting
- Document verification
- Embassy appointments
- Hotel and flight bookings
- Travel insurance issuance