Applying for a visitor visa to European countries can vary slightly depending on the specific country you plan to visit, as each country within the Schengen Area may have slightly different requirements. However, here is a general checklist of documents commonly required when applying for a visitor visa (short-stay visa, also known as Schengen visa) to most European countries:

1. Passport

• • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. It should also have at least two blank pages.

2. Visa Application Form

• • Schengen Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form specific to the country you are applying to visit. This can usually be found on the website of the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

3. Visa Application Fee

• • Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee. Fees can vary by country and visa type.

4. Photographs

• • Passport-sized Photographs: Recent color photographs meeting the specific requirements of the country you are applying to visit.

5. Proof of Travel Purpose

• • Travel Itinerary: A detailed itinerary of your planned activities in the Schengen Area, including accommodation details and places you plan to visit.
  • Letter of Invitation: If visiting friends or family, a letter of invitation from your host in the Schengen Area including their contact information, your relationship, and details of your stay.
  • Business Purpose: If visiting for business purposes, documents such as invitation letters from companies in the Schengen Area, conference or seminar registrations, etc.

6. Financial Documents

• • Bank Statements: Statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the Schengen Area.
  • Employment Letter: From your employer stating your position, salary, and the duration of your employment.
  • Income Tax Returns: Copies of your income tax returns (ITR) for the last 3 years.

7. Accommodation Proof

• • Hotel Reservations: Bookings for hotels or other accommodation for your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
  • Adequate Accommodation: Proof of adequate accommodation arrangements for your stay, such as rental agreements or a letter of accommodation from your host.

8. Health and Travel Insurance

• • Health Insurance: Proof of travel health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.

9. Evidence of Ties to Your Home Country

• • Employment Proof: Employment letter, business registration documents, or evidence of studies if you are a student.
  • Property Ownership: Documents showing ownership or rental of property in your home country.
  • Family Ties: Evidence of family ties such as marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, etc.

10. Additional Documents

• • Travel History: Copies of visas and entry stamps from previous travels, especially to countries like the US, Canada, or other Schengen countries.
  • Criminal Record Certificate: If required, provide a certificate or a police report from your country of residence proving you have no criminal record.
  • Flight Reservation: A round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit dates from the Schengen Area.