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How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

Are you considering applying for a student visa to study in Italy? The cover letter for Italy student visa you submit plays a crucial role in determining your success. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key elements that can make your cover letter for Italy student visa stand out and increase your chances of being accepted.

Read How to Secure an Appointment at the Italian Embassy in Pakistan

Table of Contents

The Importance of Your Cover Letter

A cover letter for Italy student visa is an important part of your student visa application to Italy. It is your chance to introduce yourself to the visa officer and explain why you want to study in Italy. Your cover letter for Italy student visa should be well-written, informative, and persuasive.

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Your cover letter for Italy student visa is perhaps the most critical component of your application. It serves as a concise summary of your qualifications, answering essential questions about your eligibility, skills, and background. To create a compelling cover letter, let’s explore the do’s and don’ts.

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What to Avoid in a Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

Mistakes in Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

Inadequate Formatting

Firstly, avoid the wrong format. Your cover letter should not exceed one and a half pages. Stick to accepted formats, as deviating from them could put in danger your chances of approval.

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Excessive Bold Statements

While confidence is essential, using too many bold statements can come across as arrogant. Maintain a balance between expressing your strengths and maintaining humility.

Avoid the use of tables within your cover letter. They can disrupt the flow and readability of your content.

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Structuring Your Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

Sample Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

Your cover letter should be structured logically to provide a cohesive narrative. It should comprise four main sections:

1. Opening Statement

Begin your cover letter with a strong opening statement. Include your name, passport number, the course you intend to pursue, and the university’s name. These details should be clearly stated.

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2. Past Experiences

In the second paragraph, delve into your past experiences. Discuss your previous educational background, including your previous university, your academic performance, any relevant training or internships, projects, skills, and life experiences that have inspired you to pursue this course in Italy.

3. Present Aspirations

The third paragraph should articulate your present aspirations. Explain why you have chosen this specific university, detailing the modules, subjects, and the university’s ranking that appeal to you. Convey your strong motivation to study here.

Read How Much Bank Balance is Required for Italy Student Visa

4. Future Goals

In the fourth paragraph, outline your future goals. Describe what you plan to do after completing your course, including your intention to return to your home country.

Concluding Details

In the final paragraph, provide concise information about funding, sponsorship, travel dates, flights, accommodations, and insurance. Ensure this section is concise, with a focus on the essential details.

The Italian government requires all student visa applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their studies. You can do this by providing a bank statement showing your savings or a letter from a sponsor who is willing to support you financially.

Read Italy Student Visa Update 2023 & 2024 Requirements

Personal Touch in Italy Visa Cover Letter

While this guide provides an overview of creating a winning cover letter, remember that authenticity is key. Your cover letter should reflect your unique experiences and aspirations. Writing a cover letter from your heart and personal perspective will make it more compelling and convincing.

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Sample Cover Letter for Italy Student Visa

cover letter for italian visa

To dive deeper into the world of crafting an exceptional cover letter for your Italy student visa application, I encourage you to explore ‘ DIY Résumé and Cover Letter Kit .’ You can find it Here .

Here is an example of a winning cover letter for an Italy student visa:

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing to apply for a student visa to study at the University of Bologna in Italy. I have been accepted to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, and I am very excited about the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading universities.

I have always been interested in computer science, and I have excelled in my studies at my home university. I have a strong academic record, and I have received several awards for my achievements. In addition to my academic work, I have also been involved in several extracurricular activities, including the computer science club and the student government.

I am interested in studying in Italy because of its rich history and culture. I am also excited to learn from some of the world’s leading computer scientists at the University of Bologna. I believe that studying at the University of Bologna will give me the skills and knowledge I need to achieve my career goals.

I will be financing my studies through a combination of scholarships and savings. I have already been awarded a scholarship from my home university, and I have saved a significant amount of money over the past several years.

I am committed to returning to my home country after completing my studies. I am eager to use the skills and knowledge I gain in Italy to contribute to the development of my country.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Read How to Write a Motivation Letter / Statement of Purpose

In conclusion, your student visa cover letter is your opportunity to present yourself as an ideal candidate for studying in Italy. By following these tips, you can write a winning cover letter that will increase your chances of getting a student visa to Italy.

While this guide offers valuable insights, it’s essential to craft a cover letter that represents you accurately. Good luck with your application! If you require further guidance, feel free to contact me at [email protected] .

Remember, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly impact the outcome of your student visa application. Best of luck with your academic journey in Italy!

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Cover Letter For Schengen Visa: How To Write & Template

Last Updated : 22 Apr 2024

Last Updated : 22 Apr 2024 at

30-Second Summary

To apply for a Schengen Visa, you must submit several documents, including a Schengen Visa Cover Letter.

Your Schengen visa cover letter should include: contact information, recipient's details & introduction and purpose.

A well-written covering letter can significantly improve your application's chances of approval.

This post will provide a template and tips to help you get started.

You may need to apply for a Schengen Visa if planning a European trip. This type of visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

What Is A Cover Letter For Schengen Visa?

A letter that you write and send with your other Schengen Visa application to the Schengen Embassy or Consulate is known as a "Schengen Visa Cover Letter" (or "Covering Letter").

The letter should give more details about the reason for your vacation and your plans to return to your home country.

The letter serves as your introduction by giving the consular staff at the Embassy/Consulate a quick rundown of your travel history (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.).

So, in short, your cover letter for Schengen visa serves as a brief description of your Schengen Visa application.

Template Of A Cover Letter (Schengen Visa Cover Letter Sample)

July 19, 2022

EMBASSY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF DENMARK

3200 Whitehaven St. NW

Washington, DC 20008

United States of America

Subject: John XXXXXXX, US Passport No: XXXXXX, Schengen Visa for Tourism

Dear Sir/Madam,

I intend to visit Denmark between November 9 and November 28, 2022; hence, I must apply for a Schengen visa.

My primary motivation for travelling is to ski in Denmark and go sightseeing. In addition, I am eager to sample the world-famous Denmark cuisine, travel to other lovely Denmark locations, and learn more about Denmark's culture and way of life.

Since June 2018, I have worked at [name of employer] at [address of company] in the role of [your position title]. Therefore, my leave of absence from work for this trip has already been accepted by my company.

Here is a list of documentation that supports my Schengen Visa application:

  • Visa application form, duly dated and signed with attached passport-size pictures
  • Passport, showing my travel experience
  • Travel Insurance , coverage of €30,000
  • E-ticket reservation for my flight via Emirates for New York – Copenhagen – New York [November 9-November 28, 2022]
  • Hotel reservationsfor our holidays in Norway and Germany
  • Employment and leave records that list my planned return date to work and any permitted leaves
  • Bank statements of Payslips and savings account as evidence of my earnings.
  • Proof that I will conduct tourism activities in the form of reservation tickets for my stay in Denmark and bookings in Norway and Germany

Please also find additional information that proves I will be returning to the United States:

  • Copies of my marriage and birth certificates proving that I have a spouse and children in the US
  • A copy of the title deed to a property that I own
  • An employment letter from my employer

Planned Itinerary:

  • November 9, 2022 – Flight from New York to Copenhagen via [Flight number]
  • November 10, 2022 – Travel to Hedelands Ski Center (I will be staying here for a week)
  • November 18, 2022 – Travel To Marvik and stay there for 4 days
  • November 22, 2022 – Travel from Marvik to Frankfurt
  • November 28, 2022 – Flight back to New York from Frankfurt

I'm confident you'll discover everything is in order. Don't hesitate to contact me anytime if you have any queries or need clarifications.

I thank you in advance for a favourable reply to my application.

"Your Name And Surname""Your Address", United States

Why Do I Need A Cover Letter?

Writing a cover letter for Schengen visa is crucial to communicating with the embassy official handling your visa application.

Sometimes you'll have no opportunities to speak to the visa authorities and provide your details. This is due too many embassies employing the VFS services to collect paperwork and deliver the applicant's passport.

Therefore, writing a Schengen visa application cover letter explaining things for you is highly advised because immigration officers base their judgments on the documents you provide.

Why Is A Cover Letter Important?

The Schengen visa application cover letter is crucial to your application since it lets you identify yourself and explain why you travel. Therefore, let me explain why a Cover Letter can determine the outcome of your Schengen Visa application:

Provide Information That Other Documents Can't Provide

Most documents you must present are official records, making it difficult to show your previous travels clearly.

In other words, your visa application cover letter is the only document that can genuinely tell a tale.

Because the Embassy/Consulate officers can grasp who you are and why you need a visa, telling a narrative can be a powerful communication technique.

Speeds Up The Application Process

Each week, hundreds of applications are sent to embassies and consulates.

Sometimes, those in charge of processing a cover letter lack the time and patience to thoroughly examine each visa applicant's file to establish the reason for the trip and the will to return to their country of residency.

This is not to say that they do not thoroughly review your documents. Still, they usually do so to see if they demonstrate consistency.

Therefore, a perfect cover letter will make things easier for them and ensure a fasterS chengen Visa processing time.

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

To create a compelling Schengen Visa cover letter, focus on details and persuasion. Convince Embassy/Consular personnel of your eligibility for the visa, highlighting the purpose of your travel.

In this post, we'll share key tips for a standout Schengen Visa application, ensuring success and faster processing. But first, let's discuss essential content for your Schengen visa cover letter.

The purpose of your visit to the concerned Schengen Country.

The days you intend to arrive and leave the nation (flight reservations).

A thorough schedule of your activities within the Schengen Area.

Evidence that you have the resources to support yourself.

Wherever you intend to stay.

Additional Schengen-member countries you intend to visit (if applicable).

If you have a sponsor for your trip, describe your relationship with them and how they will help you (if applicable).

If you cannot submit any required documents, explain why and what substitute documents you provided.

Any additional information you deem pertinent.

If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry.

You can demonstrate the reason for your journey with the supporting/required documentation.

Important Notes For The Perfect Cover Letter

My previous Schengen Visa application was rejected despite providing all the required details. After numerous emails to the Embassy, I discovered how to make your Schengen Visa Cover Letter flawless.

To avoid lengthy email exchanges, include the following in your cover letter:

Information Proving You're Only Going For Tourism

First, ensure you demonstrate your tourism intent with a detailed travel itinerary. Your visa application cover letter should also include the following :

General tourist attraction reservation tickets (a boat cruise, museum, or festival tickets).

Describe that you are travelling to go sightseeing. Include the names of the places you plan to visit with the exact dates.

Compelling Information That Proves The Reason To Travel Back To The US

You must present proof and include information that shows you plan to travel back to the US (or your home country). Compelling information would include:

An affidavit stating you will return to the US due to business activities.

Copies of your marriage and birth certificates are acceptable proof that you are abandoning your spouse and children in the US.

Copies of your bank statements demonstrating that you have accounts in the US.

A round-trip, fully paid flight to and from the United States.

Showing Evidence Of Property In Your Home Country

Before submitting your cover letter for Schengen visa, ensure you demonstrate your intent to return home to a property or residence in the US. Here's a list of visa application documents that prove your US property ownership:

A copy of the title deed to a property that you own.

Copy of your lease agreement.

A affidavit from a relative or friend stating that you live with them.

Evidence Of Employment In The US

Lastly, include proof of US employment in your Schengen Visa Cover Letter to assure officials of your intention to return to your job, not seek work in the Schengen Area. Here's a list of visa application documents for proof of employment:

A written affidavit by your employer stating you work for them.

Ane mployment letter.

Bank statements prove you have a monthly income from a company located in the US.

The most crucial part is to include hard copies of these documents when submitting your Schengen Visa application. These documents will be substantial evidence to prove you will be returning to the US.

Other Types Of Visa Letters

Now that we've covered the important information about the cover letter for Schengen tourist visa, I will explain the cover letters for the different types of short-stay visas.

Medical Visa Cover Letter

Your doctor must prepare the visa application cover letter on your behalf if you are visiting a Schengen nation for medical care. Your Schengen Medical Visa Cover Letter must include the following information :

Your diagnosis.

Medical history.

The suggested course of therapy for you in the Schengen nation, including its length.

Business Visa Cover Letter

The first thing you should note about the Schengen business visa cover letter is that your employer writes this letter.

It is more or less the same as the Tourist Visa Cover Letter. Still, here, your employer must state the purpose of your trip and confirm that you are completing business-related duties on their behalf.

Please remember that the Business Visa Cover Letter must be written on your company's letterhead.

Sponsorship Letter

When you (the applicant) won't pay for your travel overseas, you'll need a Schengen visa sponsor letter from the person who will. This letter must be signed by that individual (the sponsor).

It's a crucial document demonstrating you have the resources to support yourself on your journey (for expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc.).

Invitation Letter

An invitation letter for a Schengen Visa often states that you have been invited by someone or some other body who lives in the Schengen Area (or abroad).

For instance:

Suppose you want to visit a friend or family who lives in the Schengen Area. In that case, you must show them an invitation letter for a Schengen Visa that the resident (your friend or family member) of theS chengen Areap repared.

Where Should I Submit My Cover Letter?

Now that we've covered how you must write a Schengen Visa Cover Letter, you're probably wondering where you must submit your cover letter for visa application. Here's a list of ways you can submit your Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

A Consulate or Embassy of the Schengen nation you are travelling to.

If the country you wish to visit does not have diplomatic representation in your country of residency, contact the Embassy or Consulate of another Schengen Country.

A company that handles visa applications on behalf of the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen Country you are visiting.

The Most Common Schengen Visa Cover Letter Mistakes

It's crucial that you understand the mistakes people make on their Schengen Visa Cover Letters.

Here is a list of the most common mistakes people make when writing their Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

Not Explaining The Purpose Of Your Trip

Effective logical reasoning is essential alongside your cover letter and Embassy/Consulate interview. Articulate your motivation for visiting the Schengen Area and your commitment to returning home.

When explaining your plans to return, avoid vague statements like, "I will return to my country of residence since I cannot stay in the Schengen Region." Instead, specify a clear date, such as, "I will return to my country on November 28 as my employer allows a maximum of 4 weeks off."

Providing Duplicate Information

Include unique trip details in your cover letter, avoiding redundant information like, "I will be travelling to Norway between November 9, 2022, and November 28, 2022, and I will be staying in Hotel Clarion at 20 Ellehammersvej, Copenhagen," when applying for a tourist visa.

While this information is essential, Embassy/Consulate officers can verify trip specifics through reservations. Maintain a professional tone, but aim to tell a compelling story in your cover letter for visa application.

Your covering letter should include information regarding your trip that is not included in your other documents.

Submitting A Cover Letter With Spelling Mistakes

While Embassy/Consulate officials understand minor language errors, excessive spelling and formatting issues in your cover letter can convey a lack of care and respect for the application process.

Pay meticulous attention to spelling, grammar, capitalization, and structure to appear credible and dedicated. Attending to these details shows you as a well-organized, responsible applicant committed to the visa application process.

Not Presenting A List Of The Required Documents

Specify the document order for your application systematically.

Begin with the universal requirements (visa application form, passport, insurance, etc.), followed by trip-specific documents (hotel and flight reservations, travel itinerary for tourist visas), and finally, documents based on your circumstances (e.g., employment contract, No Objection Certificate (NOC)).

Information Is Not Corresponding With Other Documents

The specifics and justifications in your cover letter for visa application must correspond to the data and supporting documentation in all other documents you submit.

You risk denying the entire application if you make a statement in your letter that conflicts with or is out of alignment with the documentation you submit to the Embassy or Consulate.

You Can Now Officially Write A Perfect Cover Letter

No matter the Schengen Visa you want to apply for, you can create your visa letter easily after reading this page. Please remember that you can use the sample visa letters as a template.

It would be ideal if you customized it, though. Nevertheless, you are now fully knowledgeable about writing a letter to embassy for visa request.

Remember if you need a visa consider AtlysBlack to apply for your Schengen visa. AtlysBlack offers expedited visa appointments and end-to-end management ensuring you don't have to worry about anything.

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Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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Schengen Visa Cover Letter Format with sample and common mistakes

Schengen visa cover letter format with samples and common mistakes.

So, a close friend was rejected a Tourist Schengen Visa for France from India – twice in a row. She had to postpone her flight to a later date, but lost quite some money on Visa fees, hotel bookings and some internal flights within Schengen area. The reason quoted for the rejection was – ‘The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable‘ and ‘Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for could not be ascertained’ . I was intrigued and asked her for the covering letter that she submitted while applying for Schengen Visa. Her cover letter, though has necessary details, and was flawed at some places, which triggered me to pen down this post.

How am I qualified to write this post on Schengen Visa Cover Letter?

Having obtained Schengen Visa twice now – for Italy in 2016 and Sweden in 2017, though not an expert on this topic, I stand qualified to share my 2 bits – How not to screw up your Covering letter for Schengen Visa?

First off, let’s discuss – Why do we need a cover letter at all?

Why do we need a cover letter for Schengen Visa?

Just like any official interaction, be it a job application or any sort of request where we are seek attention of the reader – we need to introduce ourselves and make our intentions clear , right? That is why we need a cover letter. Given this, we need to make optimum use of this opportunity and give a clear picture to the Embassy officer – who doesn’t know who we are nor has the power to read our minds nor does he/she have the patience to figure out the jigsaw puzzle we have handed over to them in the form of travel documents!

Covering letter is your best chance to convince the Embassy officers to put that much needed Visa stamp on your passport. Imagine a cover letter like an interview, only that you will not be present in front of them, but it speaks on your behalf. (Scroll down at the end of this page to receive your Free copy of an editable format of an ideal ‘Schengen Visa Cover Letter’ )

Just think, in an interview – What all they might ask? What do you need to inform them about you? About your trip?

Any apprehensions, any communication – everything has to be done through the cover letter.

While applying Schengen Visa Italy last year, I did not understand why a cover letter is so important. But this time around, while applying Schengen for Sweden, I realized the power of a cover letter . The reason being these three scenarios:

1. Our middle names in the flight tickets were left out, as the website which was used to book the tickets had some bizarre mandatory name requirements. This was a worrying factor. So, before we applied Schengen for Sweden, I wrote to Sweden VFS Visa helpline and they responded within a day and instructed me to mention the same in the cover letter.

2. In Sweden, we will be travelling to Swedish Lapland and we have an overnight train journey from Stockholm to Kiruna and the same applies for the return journey too. A First class sleeper coach was booked for the night train journey, which was attached with the Visa application. In VFS office, the teller there pointed out that there are no hotel bookings made for those two dates. For which we diligently showed the train bookings with specific dates, travel time that exceeded 16 hours each side and a mention of sleeper coach. She highlighted dates in the train bookings and still insisted that we mention the same in the cover letter . We had to write that info at the back of the cover letter and sign it, as adding the same in the soft copy of cover letter and getting a print again was not feasible at that point in time.

So, what all do we need to mention in a cover letter?

• The purpose of your travel to the Schengen countries – is it for tourism purpose? Or official purpose? Or for studies? • List the countries are you visiting during your stay in Schengen area. • How and who is sponsoring your trip? Is it self-sponsored or sponsored by someone (husband, father etc.) and by what means – Cash (by showing balance in bank)? Credit card? Forex? Traveller cheques? • If you have a sponsor in the country you are visiting, then ask them for an invitation letter and clearly explain your relationship with your sponsor and the reason why they will be sponsoring your trip. Here, a sponsor might be a friend, relative or something/someone official. • A brief of your itinerary . Here, it is a good idea to use a table format with countries you’d like to visit, days spent there and a mention of places you will be visiting while you are there. (For an example, see the sample below) • Explain clearly why you chose to apply at that specific Embassy and not through any other country. • List the documents that are attached with the Visa application • In case you are not able to produce any particular document , mention that and try providing an alternative document which would cover the necessity of the former. • Mention the company and your designation of your employment in cover letter and write that you have taken a leave for the duration of the trip and are required to join back work after the vacation. • And any other specific communication which you think the Embassy officer needs to know.

Some tips and suggestions:

• Apply Visa as early as possible – we can apply for a Schengen Visa 90 days before our travel date. • Go through the Visa requirements checklist many times – even after securing all documents, there might be something that is always left out for the last minute! Isn’t it? Mr. Murphy is always lurking somewhere nearby. • Do NOT assume that the things are obvious and will be understood from the documents submitted. Always mention such things. The Embassy officer has to go through loads of applications every day. So, its not a really good idea to let him/her figure out stuff. • Try limiting your cover letter to one page. • And obviously, write a convincing cover letter 🙂 • Go through it again and check it for any spelling mistakes and do a Spell Check in MS Word or similar. Its not that you will be penalized for spell errors. It just gives a good first impression. • Doesn’t matter for what country you are applying – France, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Austria or any Schengen country for that matter – whether a cover letter is mandatory or not – Just write it and write a rocking one!

My secret tip: Almost all visa applications ask for confirmed hotel bookings. With so many booking sites and hundreds of hotels and apartments, its indeed difficult to choose the place which suits our taste. I always check the prices of hotels/apartment from this website and compare prices offered by different booking sites and book the accommodation from the one that offers the best price. Compare hotels by checking in this search box below !

For booking car for our self drive journeys, I trust this site and have booked from here in all our self drive sojourns.

Fine, enough for today’s Theory session. Let the practical class begin now!

This was my friend’s Cover Letter. Let me try and point out what could have been added and how can it be improvised.

21/06/2017 Place: Bangalore

THE HONOURABLE CONSUL, EMBASSY OF FRANCE 21 Palace Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

Dear Sir or Madam,

Sub: Application for Short Stay Visa for Tourism from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 (Self-Sponsored)

I intend to travel to countries France, Belgium and Switzerland from 30/06/2017 to 11/07/2017 and would therefore like to obtain a Schengen travel visa.

The purpose of my trip is tourism, to visit popular places in these European countries, especially the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Disneyland and the Louvre Pyramid in France, Interlaken, Jungfrau in Switzerland and Grand Palace, Bruges, Pairi Daiza etc in Belgium. During the trip in Belgium, I will stay in my sister’s home who is a resident of Belgium (attached the required document for the same)

Please find enclosed the following documents to support my visa application: 1. Original and copy of my passport 2. Application Form duly filled and signed with Photograph as per specifications, attached 3. Documentary evidence of my employment (leave sanction letter) 4. Copy of my booking at Hotels in Paris and Switzerland. 5. Invitation letter from my sister, a resident of Belgium and copy of residential permit 6. Income tax returns of last 3 years 7. Personal bank statements of last 3 months 8. Salary slips of last 3 months 9. Copy of my travel medical insurance policy, valid for the whole Schengen Area and covering up to 100,000 Euros for medical and hospital care plus repatriation for emergency medical reasons 10. Copy of e-ticket for my return flight to Bangalore via Doha with Qatar Airways

I trust you will find that everything is in order, but please feel free to contact me should you need any additional details or documents. Looking forward to hearing from you,

Yours sincerely, XYZ, Address, Phone, Email.

Here, I find 3 major flaws:

• She had submitted the official leave letter with the application, but there isn’t any mention of her employer or designation in the cover letter. As I said earlier, lets not assume that it is understood. Even if it is obvious, mentioning it in the cover letter makes a huge difference. • The itinerary presented was very cloudy . Seems like there is a no perfect plan chalked out. But in reality, the plan was present, that is why the hotel bookings were done. But it hasn’t been mentioned clearly in the cover letter. • Another major point – there is NO reason presented here as to why France is being chosen as a Consulate to apply Schengen Visa.

A template or a sample which we used for Schengen Italy Cover Letter:

May 3, 2016 Bengaluru

The Honorable Consulate, Embassy of Italy, Kanchanjunga, Piano Terra, 72 G.Deshmukh Marg Mumbai – 400 026

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for Schengen visa to spend a holiday in five countries – Italy , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Montenegro, this May 27 to June 12, 2016. I am applying through your Honourable Consulate, as Italy is my main destination and first point of entry as well as my point of exit.

We are a family of five travelling together. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful sights especially the museums and ancient architecture.

Our detailed itinerary is attached inside. Brief itinerary would be as follows:

I am employed at XYZ, Bengaluru since July 2010 and currently holding the position of ABC. Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

Please find the following documents to support my visa application enclosed herewith:

* Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture * Passports * Employment and Leave certificates showing the date I’m expected to return for work * Detailed itinerary * Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation * Payslips, Bank Statements, Statement of Account as proof of income, ITR, Credit card statements, Forex receipts * Travel Insurance with benefits coverage of 50,000 Euro for each person travelling * Plane ticket booking reservation via Qatar Airways for Bangalore – Rome – Bangalore on May 27 – June 12, 2016

I trust that you will find that everything is in order, and I remain at your disposal for any further information. Thank you very much for your time. I hope for a favourable response for my visa application. For questions and clarifications, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Sincerely, Name Mobile: Email:

This format bought us Schengen Visa for Italy on our European Odyssey last year.  Hope this post helps you in crafting your letter.

If you are planning to apply a Schengen Visa for Italy, then  click here to read a post about the process of applying Schengen Visa for Italy.

Please note that right click is disabled on this page to discourage plagiarism. However, you can get the cover letter sample by entering your email in the box below to receive an editable sample of ‘Schengen Visa Cover Letter’.

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Other related important reads:

Ultimate guide for Schengen Visa Italy from India

Italy Self drive Itinerary

Iceland 10 day itinerary

Croatia 7/10 days itinerary

14 things to know before driving in Italy

Plitvice Lakes – Land of Falling Lakes, Croatia

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114 comments

Lovely article and timely we r applying for our visa in coming week. This article is very informative. Thank you to pen it down

Glad it was of your help 🙂

Hi Ashwini, I’ts a great help for me your blog since, I’m a first timer to travel. Would you mind please to share with me your email as i want to write you for more clarification? as I’m a bit confused. Thanks and awaiting Chona

Please write into us at [email protected]

Hi Ashwini, Thanks a ton for this article. we are applying for our visas next weeK, we intent to travel to Italy, switzerland and france. p.o.e. Italy. Some queries to be answered, as i am getting mixed replies for the same. Do we need to book all internal train travels i.e. rome to venice, venice to interlaken n henceforth. we have done no prepayment booking from booking.com for accomodations, hope thats valid.

There is no need for you to show the proof of travel inside a specific country. However, it is a good practice to mention how you intend to travel inside a country and between two countries. And this can be achieved through a cover letter!

And yes, no prepayment bookings from booking.com is valid. We always do the same 🙂

this article is very informative and helpful for visa we Indians not blessed with highest rank passports which allows visa on arrival to most of countries. It seems so much headache when applying for visa.But if apply it in order as you mentioned issues can be resolved

Very true Mayuri!

Hi Ashwini,

I plan to visit my brother who stays in Germany, can you kindly let me know how should the invitation letter be all are the required details? Do share if u have any format for the same. Thank you.

Sorry for the late reply Vini. I do not have a format handy. I shall write a blog post on it soon.

Hi ashwini, You have mentioned about Detailed itinerary, could you please explain this also, I mean how one should write it. Are we suppose to mention each and every thing which we are going to do each day?

Hai Harpreet,

If you see the sample I have provided, the itinerary we mentioned was one line with places we planned to go for that day. I think that should suffice and too much detail will make the cover letter too lengthy and unappealing. Hope I have answered your question!

YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN OF GREAT HELP…..HOWEVER ONE THING IS REALLY CONFUSING ME…. I AM PLANNING TO APPLY FOR FRANCE AND SWISS TOURIST VISA……PEOPLE ARE ADVISING TO GO WITH FLIGHT RESERVATION AND DUMMY HOTEL BOOKING FOR APPLYING THE VISA……IS IT SAFE TO DO SO…….

Yes Karan. Thats is true. Go through this post for more details. http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hey … thanks for amazing info. I have question . Did you visit bosnia and croatia in same schengen visa … because they dont come in schengen country.

Even though Bosnia and Croatia do not come under Schengen Visa, these countries allow visitors with a valid Schengen Visa. For this, you need to have a Multiple Entry Schengen Visa.

Hey Ashwini I also applied for France from Delhi and my visa got rejected with same reason. Now I am scared from which Embassy I should apply as I already booked my paid ticket and hotel I submitted all paid hotel and flight tickets even for Europe, I think I am going on solo trip that may the reason not sure. Any suggestion which country I should apply?

Hi Adhiman,

The rule goes by the fact that we need to apply to the country where we are staying for more number of days. If we are by any chance staying in two countries for equal number of days, then we need to apply to the Embassy of the country which will be our first port of entry.

Thanks for the article, this was helpful. Do you have any advice for writing an invitation letter? I want to give one to my brother to visit.

Sure Ezinne. I shall try to pen down that post soon 🙂

My name is Vivek. I would be travelling with my wife. So apart from booking two appointments, will there be a need to get two sets of required documents and two covering letters or only one set. Her application form would be different.

Yes.Two separate set of documents and seperate application forms. Cover letter can be the same but you need separate copies of that each too!

Hi…My schengen visa got rejected due to reason for travel does not seem reliable. I am reapplying for the same. Just wanted to know in the new covering letter do i write the letter as a fresh application or do i mention the previous rejection and give further justifications

I am in two minds about it as I haven’t been in this situation. Why don’t you call the VFS helpline? They are the best folks to answer this question.

Hi i would like to read your thoughts about our story, please. We have been granted a Belgium Schengen visa my wife and i but after our departure date. We have reached out the Consulate to get our passports back, to our surprise Bangg! empty passports. The consulate officer told us that they couldn’t put our visas into our passport because it’s been granted after our travel date so what does it mean? do they have the right to do that after been approved? your thoughts will be appreciated , thanks

Honestly, If I were you, I too would have been disappointed. And yes, what they say is right. Because, the reason that a schengen visa demands a confirmed return flight is that they want to confirm that we come out of schengen area within a specific time frame. If your flight date has lapsed, that means you can’t commit to your promise of going and coming out of schengen area on the dates you have mentioned in the cover letter. So, a fresh application is recommended. But this time, be careful and apply as early as possible.

Thank you very much, i appreciate your reply.

By the way do we need to stick our-self with the same consulate?

That depends on your travel plans. Read this post if you are visiting multiple schengen countries and have a confusion as to which country to apply to : http://hoppingmiles.com/schengen-visa-italy-indians-citizens-checklist/

Hi! Thank you for the link, very helpful. I have got another question, how can we proof that we have been granted a Schengen visa if we decide to go to Italy this time. As I mentioned before we have been granted, but we didn’t travel because the consulate didn’t stick our visas into our passport due to the fact that our departure date has passed, Thank you in advance

There is no proof as your visas haven’t been stamped. Try a fresh application. All the best.

Thanks for sharing your knowledgeable experience, I really appreciate your care and concern Ashwini towards helping people. I’m sending you an email for your further help as i applied for visa and got refused.

Hi Ashwini, Really your post is very informative. I am planning to invite my wife to Paris as I’m already here from past 1 month. And when we asked for the details we have lot of opinions so more confused with what are the basic requirements. We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that?

Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate?

As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name?

Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her.

I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? Looking forward for your reply which will help us. Thank you

Hrisheekesh Pargaonkar ±33753190588 ±917588436499

Answering your questions one by one.

q: We have been told that will require an Invitation letter from me inviting my wife to Paris. I tried to search for a format but not able to get it. can you help me on that? a: Will try writing a post on that.

q: Also if my wife provide 6 months bank statement for my salary account will it be ok for Consulate? a: They ask only for recent 3 months. Doesn’t count even if you provide more as they will remove extra months docs in VFS Office. Just make sure you have a healthy bank balance.

q: As I’m already in Paris I have stay booked till my return journey is it fine to provide the same with my name? a: Guess that would suffice. Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: Even we have suggestion for my wife to not show that you are working to save document for leave approval which is quite difficult for her. a: Confirm once with VFS call centre.

q: I have 1 question in mind as we didn’t planned any internal journey as of now and if we mention about the visit to different countries is it mandatory to show the details of the stay for other countries? a: Definitely yes. You can do temporary bookings in booking.com. If you have plans of visiting other countries, then make sure she gets a ‘multiple entry’ Schengen visa.

Hope this helps. Thanks

hello , my wife is the citizen of italy (permanant green card ) as such we got married on dec 2015 and now she is pragnant and in italy she wants to invite me for her delivery as such i m having her name on my passport , marriage certificate, my name on her passport issue from milan italy. and a doctor covring letter of her pragnancy form italy. i need to know that how can i apply and a covering letter format. and the chances of visa….really worried about can u help a part.

waiting for reply

Please contact your VFS office and they will be able to guide you better. Thanks and congrats on the baby 🙂

Can you please put more light on the format of ‘Detailed Itinerary’

Detailed Itinerary would be your confirmed accommodation booking printouts, flight tickets and inter city/inter country travel docs if any.

Thanks for the info here. One more thing i wanted to know that yesterday i called Thomas Cook for the Visa and they said that they can get it done and they will show the confirmed tickets & hotel bookings and as we get the visa they will cancel it and we can then book our hotels on our own. Do you think hiring them will be good idea or shall i do the visa process on my own.

It upto you Vikas. Totally your decision 🙂

Hi, I was planning to go for a road trip in Europe, all planning is done from caravan to tickets. But all hopes are on visas. How do I compel them not to reject our visa. Please help. And if possible can u send me your mail. Thanks

If your planning is already done, then please apply visa asap. Follow the points given in the article and craft a convincing cover letter – that is the only thing we can do from our side to compel them. Subscribe with your mail id in the text box provided in the article and you will automatically get the mail.

Hi, I am planning a solo trip to Amsterdam in coming June month for 7 days. Is it a fact that solo trip visas are mostly rejected ? and I intend to travel in and around Amsterdam only. Would that be a problem considering it is a short itinerary for cover letter? Thanks in advance.

Don’t think it’ll be a problem to acquire visa if you are only in and Amsterdam for the entire trip duration. Just make sure you have accommodation booked for all the days and mention what all have you planned to see over the 7 days.

Hi, Thanks for the article,it is really helpful I have some doubts 1)I can give just reserved tickets(Not paid)? Many airlines provide free reserved ticket which block the ticket for 3 days. I have this question because on the main page of VFS website,they clearly mention that do not confirm your travel plans till visa is approved.So can i give reserved ticket(not paid) instead of a confirmed ticket(paid for)

2)The cover letter can be written on an A4 size paper write?

Thanks in Advance

Answering pointwise:

1. Will do but during the time of verification of your application by Embassy people, your ticket should be valid and should not be cancelled as they will verify it.

2. Should be printed on A4 size paper

Hello Ashwni

I find this post really informative, ad would like to clarify a few things w.r.t our trip Me and my husband are planning for a trip to Swiss-Belgium (and make day trips to France and Amsterdam while staying in Belgium). Our point of entry will be Swiss (will stay there for 3 nights) and then travel to Belgium( where we will stay for 5 nights). But while we stay in Belgium we intend to do a day trip to Paris and another day trip to Amsterdam. Our p.o.e will be Belgium. Q1 – Which country should we apply the Schengen Visa for? – Swiss or Belgium? Q2 – Also, both of us are working, but the way our budgeting works is I have more bank balance, and his is more like a current account, rather savings account. Keeping this in mind, what will give better chances of approval – applying together and showing both the bank statements or applying mentioning am sponsoring the trip? Please suggest 🙂

Answer 1: Belgium Answer 2: Both bank statements will be a good idea i guess. Please clarify with local VFS office

I am planning to travel to Europe (Italy, Austria & Switzerland in that order) for a month in mid April with Italy being port of entry & main destination as I am spending 15 days there. I am travelling solo to Italy and then being joined by friends in Austria & Switzerland. Post that, I am heading to the US for 4 months where I am staying with my sister. I have a valid US visa. I also have previously traveled to the Schengen region 4 times in the last 8 years.

The tricky part is I am obviously travelling for this long as I have quit my job of 8 years and planning on taking a break for some time and find something once I am back.

My queries, hence, are:

1) Should I mention that I have quit my job in the cover letter itself hence declaring I wont have a Leave letter from my organisation. 2) Will I require any other document from my current employer (serving notice here) to support my claim? Shall i include one just to be sure? 3) I’m sponsoring my own trip, travelling solo & quitting my job for that- Will these 3 things pose to be possible reasons why my Visa could get rejected. If yes, what additional documents shall I submit to cover all bases.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for writing in Rupal. Yes, your case is tricky. But tel me one thing, is your flight to US from India, after you come back from Italy or the flight is directly from Italy? Whatever is the case, please mention it in the cover letter. Yes, supporting documents to prove that you are leaving the job might work.

Again, convincing them that you are traveling to US later is essential. So flight tickets to US if available and shown, will make the job easy.

Hello, I am Bangalore.. planning to travel to Ireland in the month of June. Since I didn’t get any post related to Ireland, I am posting few questions here 🙂 . 1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? 2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? 2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) 3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Thanks in advance! 🙂

1. My daughter will be travelling with me, so we need her father’s consent letter since he is not coming with us. Do I need to get the letter Notarized? Father’s consent letter and permission letter from school. Notary sign not required.

2. I will be travelling with my friend , do I need to give proof of relationship with her? Haha. No. You can’t prove if someone is your friend. There is no such formal document that exists to prove it.

2. My application letter should address to whom? Should it be The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Ireland c/o Biocon Limited 20th K M Hosur Road Electronics City PO Bangalore 560100 (as found under Emabassy of Ireland, Honorary Consuls- India, Bangalore) Yes.

3. If you can help me with writing a detailed itinerary plan. Please check the post, I have mentioned the format. Follow the same with your plans and itinerary.

Thanks for reply 🙂 . One more question, Do i need to submit flight tickets/confirmation for visa application, though it’s not mentioned anywhere under required documents for visa.

I’m surprised that it isn’t mentioned. Return flight tickets are mandatory for any Visa 🙂

Hi … Me and my wife are travelling to Austria and Czeh Republic for 16 days with 9 days in Austria and hence applying from the Austrian Embassy. I am also doing two day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle and Berchtesgaden Salt mines both being in Germany with our stay being in Innsbruck and Salzburg respectively on the day of the day trips.

In light of the above in the application form in Point 22 it mentions Member State (s) to visit should I mention only Austria OR Austria and Czeh Republic OR Austria Germany and CzehRepublic

Mention all the member states you are traveling to. Also check the multiple entry option in the application form

Hello I am applying for a schengen short term tourist visa. I am applying through the Netherlands embassy as I will be staying there for the longest. I have some queries.

1) This is a solo trip. I am male,single and in mid 20s. I have been to singapore last month as a tourist. Should I mention it in the cover letter indicating that I have traveled solo before and attach visa and stamp copies? Or should I avoid mentioning it?

2) I work For an IT company with a monthly salary of about 35k. I have been working there for about 2 years. and will show about 2 lakhs in my salary account with salary slips and ITR for 14 days trip. I still feel that this might not be enough to convince the authority. I am thinking of attaching my mother’s bank statements and ITR along with a letter. The thing is, I don’t want authorities to think that my mother is the sole sponsorer of this trip as I earn a descent amount of money .I am more inclined towards a middle path by writing something like this in the cover letter-‘The trip will be sponsored by myself. I will also carry my Mother’s international debit card linked to her salary account to deal with any unforeseen circumstances. Her Bank statements,ITR and letter of consent are attached”.

Is this recommended? Or should I change some words like “unforeseen circumstances”Please Reply

1. No need to mention Singapore trip. If you have been to Schengen countries earlier, then the application form asks for Visa number.

2. I feel 2L for a single person for 14 days should suffice. Attach your credit card statement to show that you have a credit card too.

Hi Ashwini, I am applying for Schengen through the Belgium consulate. I intend to travel to Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris and I will be flying in and out of Amsterdam. Here are my questions –

1. I am travelling solo, for the first time to Europe or anywhere. I am quitting work at my current organization and have a 3 week break until I join the new company. Would be using this break to travel. Would this by any chance be a problem and lead to rejection? I have clearly stated in my cover letter about this and would be attaching the resignation confirmation and new job offer letter, and as well as confirmed return ticket and accomodation details (booking.com no pre payment reservations). 2. Is it okay to apply through Belgium consulate and not Netherlands (as my country of entry and exit is this)? 3. How long does it usually take to receive the visa? I am getting my tickets for 5th May.

Thanks in advance

1. Should not be a problem 2. If you are staying max number of days in Belgium, this is fine. 3. 15 working days is what they say.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. I was hoping you could help me with some questions. I am travelling to italy for a month with my boyfriend. During my stay in Italy i will be staying with my BF family for 18 days. During my stay there i will be attending a wedding and also seeing the amalafi coast. After the 18 days period we will be visiting Rome, Venice and Florence. I will be applying a visa for myself only since my BF is a Canadian Citizen. I hold a Permenant Residence here in Canada. I was told if i am applying for a private visa to not mention Tourism. I am currently working full time as an Account Manager but i will be resigning before my trip. This is because i will be going to College full time when i come back.

1) Do i have to let the embassy know that i will be going other places in italy? ( i was going to say i am staying with my BF family for all the 30 days) 2) Is proof of school letter station start date enough to show them that i will be returning( including my return flight) 3)If i am applying for a private visa do i have to tell them i will also be visiting Amalafi while at my sponsers? 4) I do not want to ask my sponser to get statements of their bank. Can i mention that i will be supporting myself as well and show my own bank account and sufficient funds. ( how much $ is needed to show for about 28 days) While i will be staying with my sponser?

Thank you so much!!

1. If you are traveling within Italy and not going out of the country, then its not needed to mention. 2. Yes. Should suffice. Mention that in cover letter 3. No need. Just mention in cover letter that you will be staying with your Bf’s family. Ask them for an invitation letter stating that they are inviting you to stay with them. Attach it with your docs 4. Showing your bank details will be enough. The amount depends on the country you stay. Ask your local VFS office or check their website for these details.

Hey, I wish to apply for Shengen visa next week from France Embassy. I have already drafted a cover letter, would you be able to check it and let me know of any improvements? really appreciate.

Please mail me to [email protected]

I have WP120 visa for Switzerland and wish to get Tourist visa for my wife and son (3yr old) to stay with me for a period of 75 days. Can you please help me with covering letter and/or invitation letter that my wife should submit along with her visa application form. Trip would be sponsored by me but my wife also has sufficienct balance in her bank account. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions for visa application.

Thank you in advance.

I’ve already mentioned the cover letter format in this article. Please go through it thoroughly. Showing her bank statement is fine if she has good balance.

Hi, Thanks for such an informative post….. great job My query is that i am getting married on july 15th and leaving on morning of july 18th morning for a 7 day trip covering amsterdam, antwerpen & paris. the issue is i wont be having a marriage certificate while i apply for me and my to-be wife’s visa. I will be taking care of all the expenses for travel. i am not sure about which documents should i place for my wife’s visa application

Try attaching the wedding invitation card and mention the same in your cover letter.

Hi, Did you attach invitation while submitting application ? Any other document that would require particularly to apply visa along with my fiancee ?

Hi I have a query. I am a practicing as a advocate. as I only few months back started my practice so that’s why I never filled tax,itr etc. I want to visit Belgium(20 days) to visit my sister she is staying there with her husband. can my father sponser me for the same and please share format for sponser letter and cover letter

Cover letter is already in the post. In addition to Sponsor Letter, you will need an invitation letter from your sister inviting you to their home and they need to mention that you shall be staying with them. The format will be a usual formal letter format with your details, purpose and intent of travel.

hi, I Am applying for a Shengen visa in germany, but will also be visiting hungary, austria, czech republic and poland, is the hostel reservation through booking.com valid, as in their email they show free cancellation date and also no prepayment required , so will those hostel booking will be valid. Also is it ok if i book a return flight from another country and city. Also One of my school friend works in berlin, and will be staying with him for couple of days, so is it ok to mention that in the letter to the embassy and do i have to get a letter from mentioning that i will be staying with him for couple of days and the whole trip will be self sponsored. Also would like to know i have resigned from my current job , and will be look for a new job after my return from my vacation , so will that be ok.

1. Hostel bookings are valid. Make sure you have your name on those. 2. Flight- Not an issue. Make sure you apply visa to the country which you will be staying the max number of days 3. Stay with friend – Yes, an invitation letter from him is needed. If you want to avoid the hassle, do bookings with free cancellation and then cancel those when your visa is stamped. 4. Job – Will not be a problem. Mention the same in cover letter. Also add a line that your family and work commitments are deep rooted here and you will have to return to your home country to fulfil those and you are visiting Europe just for tourism purpose.

hello, I have got an LOI from a reputed airline in India,and they wants me to do a short term ( 75 days )course from Madrid. once i get it done i will be employed by them.i have also received the invitation letter from the training centre from Madrid. My dad is sponsoring my course fee and all other expenses for the trip.He is getting a loan from a private firm for the same.

Now to apply for the visa (business) they wants the IT returns or form 16 which my dad doesnt have. He is retired and used to be an NRI. so my query is this, what other supporting documents can i produce ? (apart from my own personal bank statement and my dads )

Please call the VFS Helpline to get clarification on this.

Hello, thanks for the informative blogpost. I’m traveling with my friend who is applying as well for a short stay tourist visa at the French embassy, however we live in different states and plan on applying at the embassy in our respective states in Nigeria rather than as a group. Is it okay if I indicate that I will be traveling with my friend in my cover letter. (Note that all hotel reservations were made in both our names)

I think this should be fine. Can you please call VFS helpline and confirm with them?

Sorry but spelling mistake – The Honourable Consulate not Honorable.

Thanks for your concern 🙂 Please have a look at this: https://wikidiff.com/honourable/honorable

Hi, i have couple of questions. 1. I would be visiting 3 Schengen countries in one trip, should i be applying for a single entry or multiple entry visa? I plan to reach France then Switzerland then Iceland which are all Schengen members. 2. I would be applying the visa at France consulate (because it is the only consulate closer to me) by showing trip to 1 country only but i plan to visit 3 later on. Once the visa is issued, can i still travel as per my plan or is it a problem? I have read that once the visa is issued, you can travel to any Schengen country.

1. Multiple Entry Visa 2. You can but if you show one country in your itinerary and tick the multiple entry option, there are high chances that they will approve it as a single entry visa. So make your move carefully.

Hi Ashwini Actually i researched on it meanwhile and found that single entry visa means entry to Schengen members while staying in Schengen members. It doesn’t mean single country. So as long as you are staying inside the Schengen region (it can be one country or more) without going out of this region, single visit is sufficient. Multiple visit means for example, India to France then to UK (which is outside Schengen) then to Italy.

I agree. Thats what we had been told when we went to Sweden last year where, though we had applied for ‘Multiple entry’ visa, we were granted only a ‘Single entry’ visa. So we too went by this defination and thought we can explore Paris for a few hours in our long layover at France, but the immigration folks didn’t allow us to step out of the airport a this was a ‘Single Entry’ visa.

For the same reason, we were scared if we would be allowed inside Iceland or not. But,in Iceland, we had no problems as we had flown in from Sweden which is a Schengen country. So, I cannot guarantee that the statement holds good, as I have been a personal victim to prove that definition wrong!

Hi, I would be travelling to three countries France, Belgium and Netherlands in September. I’m applying at the Netherlands embassy. Onward flight is from India to Paris(transfer at Doha) and return is from Amsterdam(transfer at Moscow). Can you tell me if I should take a single or multiple entry Visa? Thanks in advance

Mulitple Entry Visa

Hi Ashwini, I’m a first time traveller to Europe, it would really help if you could tell me the reason why I would need a multiple entry visa if all the member states I intend to visit are in the Schengen area. Also, what reason should I mention about this in the cover letter Thanks

Please check the above comment

Sir, I am Sudip Panday from Nepal Will you please give your email address so that I can ask some of the personal information regarding visa application ?

Please write to us at [email protected]

Hi my mom went her son home Italy two time with my father ,now she is trying to go alone , so she is housewife. is she can show enough money into bank for her expenses ?

Yes. She can show money in her account and can self sponsor.

Hi Ashwini! My wife is resident of Finland and she is inviting me and my mother for a visit visa.I am currently working as Assistant Manager Mechanical engineer in a private firm and also have last 05 years ITR and all other official working documents,.I am applying through Netherlands embassy.I have some queries. 1. I book an appointment with my mother but she is paying for her whole trip she have strong bank statement,Pension slips and agricultural as well as residential property so is it fine to put my application with her? or should we apply separate as our insurance and applications are separate too. 2. Finnish embassy is not in my country and Netherlands embassy is accepting applications on behalf of Finland. So whom should i address in my cover letter? Finland embassy or Netherlands embassy? 3. About travel Itinerary,I am travelling to Finland and then we have plan to visit Sweden and i also have booked a hotel in Sweden through Agoda.com, so should we just write our visit to finland and sweden? and do we need to mention places in finland and sweden we intend to visit? Ps. I will stay in Finland for almost 1 month and my mother will stay for 2 months.Please answer according to that In Itinerary question Thanks, Need your suggestions soon as i have appointment on this tuesday

Answering your question pointwise:

1. Mention in cover letter that you both are travelling together but have different sources of income which are stable and strong, hence applying separately with different set of documents but will be staying and travelling together. 2. In a similar situation, My sister applied Iceland visa last year through Denmark embassy as it is one which processes Iceland visa in our country. Her cover letter started like this. FYI, she got her visa approved in time.

July 20, 2017 The Honorable Consulate Embassy of Denmark 11, Golf Links, New Delhi Delhi 110003 India

Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to apply for Schengen Visa to spend a holiday in two European countries – Iceland and Sweden, this August 20 to September 2, 2017. I am applying through your Honorable Consulate Denmark as Iceland is my main destination and will be staying here maximum number of days and will be flying in and out of Reykjavik. Myself and my wife are travelling together on this trip. Tourism is the main purpose of our visit, to see the beautiful landscapes and experience the rich culture and heritage offered by both the countries

Arrival date | Departure date | Days | City(Country) 20 August 2017 | 21 August 2017 | 1 | Stockholm(Sweden) 21 August 2017 | 31 September 2017 11 | Reykjavik – Bruarfoss – Vik – Hof – Detifoss – Husavik – Latrabjarg -Reykjavik (Iceland) 1 September 2017 | 1 September 2017 | 1 | Reykjavik (Iceland) – Stockholm(Sweden)

……(continues)

P.S: Above itinerary was in table format. Couldn’t paste it in the same format. Please make a table.

3. I hope the above snapshot of my sister’s cover letter would have given you an idea about the answer for this question.

P.S: An invitation letter from your wife with her proof of residence must be attached with both of your documents and don’t forget to mention in the cover letter that you both are being invited by her and that the invitation doc is attached.

hello, i applied to france embassy and i got rejected today. me and my husband planning to travel France ( Paris) and Netherland (AMsterdam) from 4th Nov to 11th Nov. i am working and i have all documents from ITR papers to work leave letter and enough funds in account. Problem is my Husband only got 1 year ITR paper that is 2018 and he is working as share trader and handle clients but as freelancer. so how to show sponsor and what to mentioned on cover letter. who can be sponsor??? we both have funds in accounts but as he is freelancer is it going to hamper our visa decision?? can you please guide me how to make changes in our profile and get visa for france second time?? what all documents we show as to show ties to come back to home country??? i have my all bookings done. Flights and hotels all booked. i want visa to go.. please guide me

Try mentioning that you have strong family ties back here in India. Have a home and job to join back(for you) and projects to finish(for him). Otherwise, I guess, you have all req documents in place.

Hi, I’m from Mumbai & intend to travel to the Czech Republic for a few days. I am a confused as to whom the cover letter should be addressed, should it be addressed to the Embassy in Delhi or to their Honorary Consulate in Mumbai?

Don’t think that would matter as much as the content inside the cover letter. Either one would do

Me and my husband are planning to Go to Prague and Italy in Jan.We are applying to Prague as we are staying there for max. no of days as well as it being the country of entry.

The issue is I have been working for only 1.5 yrs and have 1 yr IT return document. Also my account shows liquid cash of 1.5 lakhs (FD of 1 lakh is there too but not liquid) Husband only got 3 year ITR paper and also approx 3 lakh cash in account. I am mentioning that I am working also submitting all docs(statements, NOC etc)

So whom to show as sponsor on my cover letter ?? Should I show self/joint/ husband as the sponsor on my letter? Please let me know.

You can say that you are sponsoring yourself.

Hi. Great Post. I have dropped you an email for further queries on my solo trip to Europe coming Feb. Hope to see a response. Thanks.

Hi , Thanks for your valuable post. I just wanted to know one thing , do I need to download the application form from the VFS Italy and then fill it out with a Pen. Otherwise there seems no other option, because attached is a PDF file on the website. The only option seems to be download the file and then fill it up with Pen. Can you please guide me to the correct way,

Yes, download it and take a print and fill it by hand.

Hi, Thank you for bringing up such a wonderful post. I have question before proceeding further for Schengen visa. I stay in Bangalore and my parents stay in Odisha. Their passports are issued recently in Odisha. Can we all apply together in Bangalore Vfs? If yes, do I need to mention that parents stays with me in Bangalore? P:S, I have to show their bank statement as well in support to show sufficient finances.

They can apply with you I guess. Please call VFS helpline and confirm

Hi Ashwini…I read all your comments respective of all questions you gave useful tips. So helpful. Thanks. Here is my Question…… I planning to travel with my minor kids to Malta…If i will get the Malta visa, can i book the ticket to France to visit the places in france and return from France.

If you plan so, please mention the same in cover letter and do all the bookings. Last time, we had a 6 hour layover in Paris and officials there did not allow us to go out though France was in Schengen and said that we did nit have a multiple entry visa. So mention that in cover letter and ask for a multiple entry access.

Hi, can you please help me with ‘covering letter for long term student visa’? I am from India and would be traveling to Italy for masters. Can you share if any examples?

The format is the same except the itinerary in the table form. Convince them that you are going there to study with all the related documents.

Hi Ashwini, i want to apply for a Schenegen Visa from French embassy. I am travelling with a group of 9 friends. Do i need to mention their names or passport numbers in the cover letter or attach their passport copies in the documents?

Well, 9 friends. Hmm.. Don’t think its required. It’ll be too much information and can confuse the embassy officer!

Hi. I am visiting germany for a conference (business visa) and i have hotel bookings for all the days in Berlin. But if time permits i might visit france and amsterdam.Now my doubt is..do i need to mention about the probable countries i might visit in the visa application form question no.22 where the column asks for ‘Member state (s) of destination’ ?

If you are going by road to France and Amsterdam, Then I dont think you need to mention that as there will rarely be checks on the road inside Schengen area. Otherwise, I guess, you must have to.

Hi ashwini,

i’m kranthi and Am applying for Student Visa( D-Visa) to Spain. I almost Completed with my Documents part . Preparing for Cover letter and this blog really helped me . Do you have any suggestion format for Student Visa as such a Sample Cover letter. Because the program Duration will be 18 months . i dont have any Accommodation proof because i have to go and find it out. But college gave me confirmation letter saying they will provide Accommodation but they didn’t mention address in specific .Should i mention this in my Cover letter

Yes. Please mention this in the cover letter.

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Frequently asked questions.

1. Do I have to apply in person or can I apply by mail?

All applicants are required to apply in person on the day of the appointment. The Visa Office of the Consulate of Italy in New York operates by appointment only . Appointments must always be confirmed by the applicant, using the online portal Prenot@mi, 3 to 10 days prior to the scheduled appointment date .

2. How can I prove my residency in the Consular Jurisdiction?

You can provide any of the following documents: your driver’s license with up to date address; the last 3 months of utility bills; Federal State Income Tax Return.

Students enrolled in full time school programs in schools/universities located in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Italy in New York shell bring the current enrollment verifications.

3. Do I need to bring my original passport to applied for a visa?

Applicants must apply with an original valid passport. Passports must have a validity of 3 months after the date of return from the Schengen area and have at least 2 empty VISA pages for the visa sticker to be affixed and another blank page for entry stamps.

4. Do I need to bring a photo?

Yes. The applicant has to provide 1 recent (maximum 6 months old) passport size photo.

The photo must:

  • Show you looking directly at the camera (no half-face pictures);
  • Be a professionally taken picture, in high quality color and printed on photo-quality paper;
  • Show the applicant only (no other people or other objects in the background);

5. I am not a US citizen. How can I prove my legal immigration status in the United States?

  • Valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Long Term US visa (not B1/B2)

The above-mentioned documents must have a validity of 3 months beyond the last day of your return from the Schengen area

6. My US long term visa expires in less than 3 month and I have an advance parole document (form I-797) that extends the visa. Can I use it to apply for a Schengen visa?

I-797 form cannot be used instead of a valid visa. Applicants must have an Advance Parole stamp already in the passport at the time of the visa application.

7. I cannot get a national passport from my country of origin. Can I use the “US Permit to reenter” or the “US Refugee Travel Document” to travel to Italy?

Yes, you can. Before applying, check the expiration of the document. It should be valid for at least 3 months upon return from the Schengen area.

8. What copied of documents do I need to present at the time of the appointment?

  • Copy of the first page of passport with photo and personal data
  • Copy of latest Schengen Visa
  • Copy of proof of residence in the consulate jurisdiction
  • Copy of document proving the legal status in the United States
  • Copy of documentation in support of your specific visa (link a tipologie visto)

9. Can I pay with a personal check, credit card or debit card?

No. The visa fee is payable only by money order or certified bank check. Make the money order or certified bank check payable to: Consulate General of Italy. The fee must be paid at the time of the application, and is non-refundable REGARDLESS if the VISA is issued or not.

10. How long will it take to get my visa?

Normally it may take between 7 to 15 days depending on the applicant’s nationality and type of visa. National type visa processing time can take up to 90 days. Be advised that a rush fee is not applicable.

11. Can I check with you if my visa is ready?

Since the visa processing time is between 7 to 15 days, you can check the status only if this time has passed.

12. I hold a US Alien Registration Card. Do I still need to apply for a visa to enter Italy?

It depends on your nationality. Please check here

13. My child is a minor traveling with his/her school. What are the requirements?

For minor applicants (under 18 years), the following certification is needed:

  • A letter from both parents granting permission to travel and assuming financial responsibility for the entire trip. The authorization to travel must be signed by both parents who should appear in person at the New York Consulate or if they reside abroad have their signature notarized by the competent Italian Consulate Office;
  • Birth certificate, original or a notarized copy; (All foreign documents MUST be translated into English and the translations legalized by the competent Consulate);
  • At least one parent or the legal guardian must accompany the minor at the appointment.

14. Once I get my visa, am I guaranteed entry in the country?

The visa does not guarantee entry in the country. Further checks by Immigration Officers at the borders may lead to a rejection at the border. Travelers are advised to carry copies of documents submitted with visa application and to provide them to the Immigration Officers if requested.

15. Can I use my visa to make a side trip to another European country?

Yes, you can. According to the present regulations a Schengen Visa is also valid for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

16. My flight itinerary requires an overnight stay at an Italian airport. Do I have to apply for an airport transit visa or a tourist visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities may require an airport transit visa if they are planning a short stopover waiting a few hours for their flight within the airport’s international transit area. It is therefore advisable to check if you are required or not to have an airport transit visa.

However, if the layover is longer than a few hours you will have to exit the airport transit area. In this case, you will have to book one night at a nearby hotel and apply for a regular tourist visa.

17. I plan to visit my family or my friends in Italy and I cannot provide a hotel reservation. What should I do?

Your family or friends must fill out a host’s declaration. (link form). The completed host’s declaration is required along with a copy of the host’s ID (Permit of stay for non-European Union citizens) and can be sent directly to the applicant.

18. I have my own business and therefore cannot bring an employment letter. What documents should I submit?

You can provide your business registration, your latest tax return and a recent company’s bank statement to complete your application.

19. I am a student and the tourist visa requires proof of documentation of socio-professional standing, what should I bring?

You must bring a verification of enrollment provided by your school.

20. I am a US citizen. I am going to Italy to study for less than 90 days. Do I still need a visa?

NO. Please check if you need a visa click here https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx

21. My wife and I are planning to travel together; I will provide my bank statement as proof of financial good standing, but my wife’s name is not mentioned in the bank account. What document should I provide with her application?

You must provide your spouse employment information (i.e. employment letter), pay stubs, joint income tax return or marriage certificate and an affidavit of financial support (link form) along with your most recent bank statements.

22. Why am I required to have health insurance coverage for Italy?

Schengen regulations require all applicants to have health insurance coverage before departing. This is necessary in case you have an accident during your stay in Italy or require hospitalization. Please check carefully whether your medical insurance will cover costs for medical treatment abroad (including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of mortal remains). If it does not, you need to submit a health insurance covering your stay in Europe. If your US health insurance company provides coverage (including repatriation of mortal remains and emergency medical evacuation), you will need to provide a confirmation letter attesting the above-mentioned requirements.

  • Insuremytrip.com 1-800-487-4722
  • Access America 1-866-807-3982
  • International Corporate Benefits Inc. 1-800-237-6615
  • International Medical Group 1-800-628-4664
  • International Travel Insurance & Emergency Evacuation Assistance 1 800 732 5309

23. My passport has my maiden name and my Resident Alien Registration Card has my married name. What should I do?

You can provide a notarized copy of your marriage or divorce certificate.

24. I received my visa, and I noticed that my name is misspelled. What should I do?

You can bring or mail back the passport to have a correction made. Please include a cover letter specifying the name that has been misspelled and a prepaid express mail envelope to have of the passport mailed back.

  • Schengen Visa - Start Here
  • Guides Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guides About the Schengen Visa Requirements & Application Process
  • Statistics Get the latest and most up-to-date Schengen Visa and Europe tourism statistics

Home > Blog > Guides > Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

on 22 Nov, 2021

schengen visa cover letter

Guide To The Cover Letter For Your Schengen Visa Application

What is a schengen visa application cover letter.

A Schengen Visa Cover Letter (or Covering Letter) is a document written by you and addressed to the Schengen Embassy/Consulate along with the other documents you are required to submit. 

The letter should provide additional information concerning the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

The letter acts as a personal introduction as it shows to the Embassy/Consulate officers a brief summary of your travel background (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.). 

In other words, your cover letter is a summary of your Visa application . 

Your Covering Letter For Schengen Visa Is The First Direct Contact Between You And The Embassy

The cover letter represents a way of communication between you and the embassy officer, in which you are explaining your reasons for your trip and why you should be accepted. 

Please note that some Embassies/Consulates have chosen to outsource the Visa application process meaning that you have to submit your application through an outsourcing company such as VFS Global. 

In this case, your cover letter is your only chance to communicate with the Embassy/Consulate officers and explain your details and the reason why you believe they should grant you a Visa as well as your intentions to only travel and not to overstay your Visa, as they will not be able to see you face-to-face.

This letter is not a mandatory requirement meaning that the applications that do not include it will not necessarily be rejected or delayed. 

However, we strongly recommend and urge you to submit it as it does more than make a good impression on the Embassy/Consulate officers and speed up your Visa application process – Your cover letter can significantly increase your chances of success because it summarises every item you have provided. 

You should submit a Visa application cover letter even if you have been invited by a partner company to the Schengen Region and you are applying for a Business Visa .

The Importance Of The Schengen Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter is an important document as it gives you the chance to introduce yourself and make your travel purpose clear. 

The letter is important for your application because:

● It gives you the opportunity to provide information that your other documents cannot provide.

Most of the documents that you must submit are official documents that cannot clearly highlight your travel background. 

In other words, your covering letter is the only document that can actually tell a story. 

Telling a story can be a powerful communication tool because the Embassy/Consulate officers can understand who you actually are and why you should get a Visa. 

● It helps the Visa officers save time and therefore speed up your application process.

Embassies/Consulates receive hundreds of applications weekly. 

Sometimes, those responsible for processing them do not have time and patience to figure out the purpose of the journey and the intentions to return to the country of residence by analysing all of the documents of each single Visa applicant. 

This does not mean that they do not check your documents carefully but they typically do it to determine if they show consistency. Therefore, this letter can simply make your application process easier for them.  

How To Get A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Getting most of your Visa application documents depends on bureaucracy/laws in your country of residence/other people that must write and sign your documents. 

The cover letter is the only document that you must write and sign by yourself (together with the Visa Application Form and your day-to-day travel itinerary ).

Once you have gathered all of your documents, you can write the letter on your computer. 

We recommend you write it after you gather the rest of your documents because the letter should include a list of the documents that you are submitting for your application. 

Important: If you are not familiar with this type of letter, you can download one of our templates (please select the one that is the most relevant for your situation) and fill it out following our suggestions. Please contact us for further details.   

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Even though the cover letter should not be very long and must contain only key information about you as an applicant, there are several mistakes that you should avoid making. 

Also, do not forget that the cover letter does not have to be too long and the information on it must match the information on your other documents .  

Not all the below errors can lead to the rejection of your application but your chances of approval may decrease. 

Therefore, we strongly recommend you double-check your covering letter before submitting it so that you can be sure it does not contain one of the following mistakes:

  • Not using logical arguments to explain the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence

Logical reasoning is a powerful tool not only for your covering letter but also during the interview with the Embassy/Consulate officers. 

Make sure you know how to explain the reason as to why you travel to the Schengen Region and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

For example, “ I want to visit France because I like it ” or “ I want to visit France because it is a nice country ” are not logical reasons as to why you want to visit France (or another Schengen country). 

You should be more specific. For example: “ I want to visit France because I’ve been fascinated by French culture ever since I was a child ”. 

The same rule applies to the explanation of your intentions to return to your country of residence. Writing “ I will return to my country of residence because I cannot stay in the Schengen Region ” is not a logical reason as to why you will not overstay your Visa. 

You can write instead: “ I will return to my country on August 15 because my employer did not allow me to take more than 3 weeks off ” or “ I will return on September 20 because I must attend a vocational training course upon the request of my employer .”

  • Providing the same information that is already outlined by your other documents

One of the purposes of your covering letter is to outline details about your trip that are not indicated by your other documents. 

For example, in case of a tourist Visa application you should not write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020, and I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries, Paris .” 

Of course, this information is important because it shows relevant details about your trip but the Embassy/Consulate officers can easily understand your trip details by checking your flight and hotel reservations. 

As we mentioned above, you should try to tell a story in your covering letter (even though you have to maintain a professional tone). 

For example, you can write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020. I have chosen to spend almost one month in France as I strongly believe that I need time to visit the most important tourist attractions and get to know the French culture. I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries because the hotel is located within walking distance of the most important places of interest in Paris.”   

  • Submitting a cover letter that contains spelling mistakes

Not all applicants have an excellent command of English, and the Embassy/Consulate officers won’t judge you if you make some grammar mistakes (especially because it is highly likely that English is not their native language).  

But a covering letter that contains too many spelling mistakes and does not follow some specific layout rules (the way that words are set up on the page) will make the Embassy/Consulate officers believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for the event and are not respecting the application process (which is your Schengen Visa application). 

Therefore, you need to pay attention to the spelling, punctuation, capitalisation, and layout of the letter. 

Please read carefully the two cover letter sample paragraphs below (please note that none of them is a complete sample cover letter and you need a more detailed template/sample in order to write a cover letter for Schengen Visa application):

Sample 1: 

“Dear sir madam I would like to apply at your consulate general for a schengen visa for visit friend in Netherlands.

My name is raji anand. I will be travelling from new delhi to amsterdam between octobr 15 and November 17  My employer has already approved my vacation and leave from work for the duration of 1 months. I hold an Indian passport no xxxxxx and I have attached passport size pictures to these cover letters. please do not hesitate to contact me for more information !Thanking you in advance, Raji anand. ”

“Dear Visa Officer,

I would like to apply for a Schengen Visa upon my intention to visit the Netherlands between October 15, 2020 and November 17, 2020.

My name is Raji Anand and I am an Indian citizen. I will be travelling from New Delhi to Amsterdam to visit my close friend, John Smith, who has also provided a sponsorship letter to support my Visa application as he will be covering all of the expenses for the duration of this trip.

I have attached to this letter the following documents [List of documents] .

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions and clarifications.

Raji Anand”

Bad spelling and writing mistakes (like the ones in the first sample) will make you seem less credible and the Embassy/Consulate officers may believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for your application process. 

At the same time, attention to details such as spelling, punctuation, and capitalisation (as shown by the second sample that we provided as an example) will make the Visa officers think that you are an organised and responsible person who put effort into preparing the Visa application.  

  • Not presenting the list of documents you are submitting in order of priority

Show the Embassy/Consulate officers that you are an organised person. 

You should mention the list of documents that you are submitting for your application in order of priority (and not randomly). 

Start with the documents that are mandatory for all applicants no matter their personal situation (application form, passport, insurance, etc.) and then add the documents that are mandatory according to the purpose of your trip (e.g., hotel reservations ,   flight reservations , and travel itinerary – if you are applying for a tourist visa) and the documents that are mandatory according to your personal situation (e.g., employment contract , No Objection Certificate (NOC) Letter from your Employer, payslips , your bank statements , etc. – in case you are employed and you pay the expenses for your trip by yourself). 

For further details concerning the Schengen Visa requirements and the order that you should keep when listing them in your covering letter, please check out this blog post.  

  • Submitting a Cover Letter that does not align to information and facts provided in other documents

The details and reasons outlined within your cover lettering must align to the same information and evidence you have provided in every other document you are submitting. 

If you contradict or state a point in your letter that does not align to the documents you provide to the Embassy/Consulate, you could jeopardise the entire application, which may cause your Schengen Visa to be rejected.

For example, if in your cover letter, you outline that you are travelling to stay with your family who lives in Italy but you do not include an invitation letter or sponsor for accommodation letter from them, then it contradicts the information in your application. 

Another example is that you say you are traveling for tourism but then you have an invitation letter from a business in your documents. Or, when your passport number and other personal details in your letter do not match the details in your other documents.

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

Click the Free Consultation button below to get the information you have been searching for

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ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA Requirements & Application Process (VIA Center)

ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA Requirements & Application Process (VIA Center)

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

When we first toured Europe, we visited 16 different countries with a Germany-issued Schengen visa. But to our surprise, there was one destination that totally captivated us — ITALY. This boot-shaped Mediterranean state spoiled us with its delectable cuisine, jaw-dropping architecture, awe-inspiring sights, and enlightening history. We stayed in Italy for two weeks, but we knew from Day 1 that it would not be enough and that a return trip was bound to happen sooner or later.

Sooner, it turned out. Just a couple of years later, we found ourselves collecting all the documents needed to complete another Schengen Visa application. But this time, we were praying to the visa gods of Italy.

cover letter for italian visa

This wasn’t the first time we applied for a Schengen visa, but of all our visa applications, this made us the most nervous. Italy is notorious within my travel circles as one of the strictest when it comes to evaluating applications. I can only assume that the main reason is the sheer number of Filipino workers in Italy, around 170,000 documented OFWs plus tens of thousands undocumented. If online sources are to be believed, Italy has one of the highest rejection rates, along with France and Spain. But our plan involved staying in Italy the longest so we had to try.

We’re thankful that we did. As we began preparing, we realized that — yes, it is strict — but the process is also a lot easier and more straightforward. We applied via the PIASI VIA Center (Visa Information and Application Center). No prior appointment needed and no soul-crushing interviews. It was pretty fast too. I was granted a visa after only 4 days!

Anyway, here’s how to apply for an Italian Schengen Visa.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AN ITALY-ISSUED SCHENGEN VISA?

Apply for an Italian Schengen Visa only if one of these apply to you.

  • You’re going to Italy or Vatican City ONLY and will not visit any other country.
  • You will visit two or more Schengen countries but you will stay the longest in Italy.
  • You will stay in multiple Schengen countries for exactly the same number of nights, but Italy is your point of entry (first in your itinerary) in the Schengen area.

I noticed that Schengen embassies count the number of nights when determining where the applicant would be staying the longest.

LIST OF ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. valid passport.

  • Current passport and previous passports
  • Must have at least 6 months validity (as required by Philippine Immigration)
  • Must have at least 3 months validity remaining from the target end of the trip or target visa expiry (as required by Italian Embassy)

2. Accomplished Application Form

You can do it online or by hand.

  • If online, you can fill it out here .
  • If by hand, you can download from here .

Make sure that you don’t leave blanks. If the field does not apply to you, write NA or N/A.

For minors, the form must be signed by BOTH parents.

3. Recent Photo

  • Both passport-size and 2×2″ photos are accepted. I submitted 2×2; Vins submitted passport-size. They accepted both.
  • Colored ICAO standard photo with white background
  • Ears should be visible. Lips must be closed.
  • You must be wearing collared shirt or blouse.

4. Introduction Letter

This is highly encouraged. Because there is no interview with the consul or visa officer, you won’t have a chance to explain your purpose of travel in detail or clarify things you think they might find confusing. Having a cover letter can help your case.

Here’s a sample:

cover letter for italian visa

5. Proof of Available Accommodations

  • Hotel booking under the name of the applicant. You may book from hotel booking websites and choose properties that allow FREE CANCELLATION so you can cancel easily in case the application is denied.

IF INVITED BY SOMEONE IN ITALY

  • Letter of invitation. I think the letter has a standard format, but we don’t have a copy.
  • Proof of citizenship or permit of stay of the inviting party
  • PSA/NSO documents to prove relationship, if the inviting person is a relative. These may be birth certificates, a marriage certificates, or combination of them.

6. Photocopy of Passport Pages

  • Photocopy of the bio page (page 2) and last page (In case of Emergency page) of the valid passport
  • Photocopy of previous visas and immigration stamps on current and previous passports

7. Proof of Employment

IF EMPLOYED:

  • Certificate of Employment
  • Approved Leave of Absence
  • Latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
  • Approved Travel Authority (For government workers only. Ignore if not applicable.)
  • Professional License Card (PRC Card, only if applicable. Ignore otherwise.)

IF SELF-EMPLOYED:

  • Business license/permits
  • BIR Registration
  • SEC Registration (corporation) / DTI Registration (sole proprietor)
  • Financial Statement with Company Income Tax Return
  • GIS (General Information Sheet of company, if corporation)
  • Articles of Incorporation (if corporation)

The copies of GIS, BIR Plate, and Articles of Incorporation are not in the official checklist, but we were told that they are also required. Thankfully, we had a soft copy of the docs they wanted so we just printed them out at a nearby computer shop and submitted the lacking docs that same afternoon.

IF STUDENT:

  • Certificate of Enrolment
  • Approved Leave of Absence (if traveling within school months)

8. Proof of Financial Means

  • Bank certificate supported by corresponding statement of account or passbook, showing 6 months of account history
  • International credit card statements
  • Land titles or copy of proof of real estate property
  • For minors, proof of financial means of parents or legal guardian

9. Travel insurance

  • Minimum coverage of €30,000 (with additional 15-day allowance beyond your travel dates).
  • Must be valid and accepted throughout the Schengen area.
  • Must be purchased from an accredited company.

PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus SUPREME plan is specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. It’s perhaps the easiest insurance to get online. The Poor Traveler readers can also enjoy a special rate when you book on the PGA Sompo website and use the promo code: WORTHIT .

TravelJoy PGA Sompo Code

10. Identity Documents

  • PSA/NSO-issued birth certificate
  • If married, PSA/NSO-issued marriage certificate
  • If minor or student, notarized Affidavit of Support signed by BOTH parents
  • If minor and not traveling with parents, DSWD Clearance

11. Complete Itinerary

Your itinerary must reflect the dates you indicated when you accomplished the application form. Below is a sample. This is the format I followed. You can also download an editable version here .

cover letter for italian visa

12. Flight Reservations

Including outward and return flights. We also submitted all the flights we plan to take within the Schengen area. Make sure your document has a Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).

To avoid wasting money, DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS until your visa is approved. You just need to reserve .

Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. In our case, we got all our flight reservations from Gazelle Travel and Tours. You can reserve flights here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

cover letter for italian visa

13. Visa Fee

Here’s the cost of Short Term Visa (Tourism/Visit) when I applied:

12yo or older = 60€ (P3519) 6-11yo = 35€ (P2053) 5yo or younger = FREE

However, there is a report that visa fees across all Schengen embassies have increased to EUR 80 per applicant.

In addition, you also need to pay the P1450 handling fee charged by VIA PIASI. According to their website and the matrices on site, the handling fee is only P1350, but we were charged P1450. I’m not sure if we were charged an additional P100 for something else.

Anyway, that’s a total of P4969 .

You can get FLIGHT RESERVATIONS, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, and TRAVEL INSURANCE online! We got in touch with Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-registered DOT-accredited travel agency so they could easily offer these services to our readers. For the rates and more info, read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

cover letter for italian visa

Read: FLIGHTS AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS

How to apply for an italian schengen visa, 1. complete the required documents..

Gather all the requirements as listed above. You might also want to download this checklist , so you have an easy reference.

For easier processing, arrange your documents according to the order above. We also arranged the photocopies of our stamps and past visas according to how they appear on our passports.

Although there is no specified paper size, we decided to print all our docs on A4-size paper because it is the European standard.

2. Submit the requirements to the VIA Center.

Here are the addresses and business hours of the PIASI VIA Center in Makati and Cebu.

VIA Center Makati 3F Allegro Center, Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 2284 Metro Manila, Philippines Phone: +632-845-9200 / +632-845-9215 Email: [email protected]

VIA Center Cebu 1004 Keppel Bldg, Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cor Samar Loop, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines Phone: +63-32-412-7447 Email: [email protected]

You can schedule an appointment or you can simply walk in.

If you wish to book an appointment, you may secure a slot by phone. Here are the details:

Appointment Hotline: (02) 845 9200 Call hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am-6pm Closed: Sundays and public holidays

But an appointment is OPTIONAL. You can simply show up at VIA Center. That’s what we did. We simply walked in! They accept visa applications in the following times:

VISA APPLICATION HOURS Monday to Thursday, 8am to 2:30pm Friday, 8am to 1:30pm Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays

If you’re applying in Makati, go to the second floor. Although the main office is on the third floor of Allegro Center, their receiving area for walk-in applicants is on the second floor. Here’s our experience.

  • Approach the first counter right after the door. The staff will briefly check your application form and photo.
  • Register on their logbook.
  • Get a queue number and information form. This short form will ask you about your application and how you want your passport to be returned: by pickup or by delivery.
  • Take a comfortable seat and wait for your turn. Use this idle time to fill out the information sheet.
  • Once your number is called, approach the counter and submit your documents. They will check each document meticulously so it will take some time. If you choose to have your passport delivered, you will have to take care of it here too. You will be asked to go back to your seat and wait for the Biometrics collection.
  • Once called, approach the Biometrics counter where a staff will take your fingerprints.
  • Climb to the third floor and find the cashier.
  • Make payment! Cash only. Don’t forget your acknowledgement receipt AND official receipt.

That’s it! You’re done! VIA Center will then forward your application to the Italian Embassy, which will be the one evaluating it.

In my experience, the whole processing took 3 hours. It should have been 2 hours, but they said we were lacking a couple business documents so we had to go out, print out those docs, and wait for our turn again.

3. Claim your passport and visa.

When the results are in, you will receive a call from VIA Center telling you that the passport is already with them and that it’s ready for pick up or delivery.

We were told that we can only pick up our passports at these times.

PASSPORT RELEASING SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm ONLY.

We got a call from VIA only 4 days after we submitted our application. This was the fastest Schengen visa application I have experienced! But according to the VIA staff, the average wait is 15 days.

ITALIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. how long does the entire italian visa application process take.

According to the VIA staff we talked to, the average is 15 days.

Some take longer. In some cases, applicants have to wait over a month. Some get theirs much shorter — 10 days, 7 days, 5 days.

In our case, the whole thing took only 4 days! Here’s my timeline:

  • July 23 (Monday) – Submitted our application at VIA Center Makati
  • July 26 (Friday) – VIA informed us that our passports were ready for pickup
  • July 29 (Monday) – We picked up our passport

I was super nervous at first because it was too quick, but according to a friend who used to work as a visa officer at a Schengen embassy, it does happen occasionally. It’s probably because this was my fourth Schengen visa and I had been to Italy before.

2. How early should I apply for an Italian Schengen visa?

The earliest you can lodge your application is 3 months (90 days) before your intended travel date . If you apply earlier than that, they will refuse your application and tell you to return at a later date.

Update: There is a report that you may now apply as early as 6 months before the trip, but I haven’t confirmed this yet.

3. How long is the validity of the Schengen Visa?

Depends on the itinerary you submit. The Embassy will decide based on your itinerary so take it seriously. Don’t make dummy itineraries. Make sure it’s really your plan.

4. Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?

Again, it depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations suggest you’re going out of the Schengen zone and then returning after, then apply for a double-entry visa. If you plan to go in and out of the zone many times, then go for the multiple entry visa.

Don’t apply for a multiple-entry visa if you intend to stay in Italy the entire time. There is no need for your visa to be multiple and will probably just raise more questions.

5. How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

The embassy doesn’t disclose the exact amount they need to see on your financial documents. It also depends on the length of your stay and what you plan to do.

I add the cost of all the flights and hotel reservations I submit and then add 60 euro per day of stay in Europe. Some embassies require USD50 per day, some USD 55 per day. But to be safe, I use EUR60 per day.

Once I have the sum of it all, that’s what I consider the minimum amount that I should have in my bank account. MINIMUM. I make sure I have much more funds that that because the embassy will have a very hard time believing that you are willing to spend all your money on this trip.

Because of this, my personal rule is P10,000 per day of stay + cost of flights + cost of accommodations.

6. What are the reasons why my Schengen visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Italian Embassy but also other Schengen embassies:

  • You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines . You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
  • You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in a good financial standing.
  • Your documents are inconsistent. Your application form may be stating one thing, but your supporting documents may be suggesting another.
  • Your purpose in Italy or Europe is unclear or dubious . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

We have more detailed explanations in this post: COMMON REASONS WHY VISA APPLICATIONS ARE DENIED!

7. Do I really need flight tickets before applying?

No, you don’t need to plane tickets. If anything, you are DISCOURAGED from purchasing plane tickets so you won’t waste money in the event that your application is rejected.

Actual tickets are NOT a requirement. What you can submit is a so-called FLIGHT RESERVATION , which is different from actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.

Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online.

Our go-to travel agency for flight reservations (and travel insurance) for visa application is Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

8. do i need to submit the original copies of the documents.

VIA Center urges applicants to bring both the original and a photocopy of all documents. However, not all of the original copies will be kept by them.

Some requirements call for original copies like passports, bank certificates, birth certificate, and certificates of employment.

For others like land titles and business registration docs, they will only get the photocopy. But they will check the original copies for verification that the photocopies are indeed true copies of the original.

9. I’m applying with a group/family. Do I need to provide a copy of every document for each member?

YES. Schengen visa applications are assessed individually . According to the VIA Embassy website, each applicant must have their own set of requirements.

For example, if there are 4 members of the group/family and all of you will be using the same bank account as proof of funds, you can use that one bank account but provide 4 original copies of the bank certificate, one for each member.

10. Is personal appearance required?

Most of the time, YES.

Part of the process is Biometrics collection, in which they need your fingerprints, so the applicant must be there. However, according to the VIA staff that processed my bio, some applicants who have existing biometric records in the Schengen system may not need to show up. But because it’s hard to tell whether the copies are reliable, they still strongly recommend to personally appear to submit biometrics.

I had my biometrics collected when I applied at the Greek Embassy just over a year ago, but I was still asked for fingerprints.

11. I am visiting European countries outside the Schengen Zone and then re-entering the zone after. What should I answer to the “Indicate number of days” field on the application form: the total number of days in Europe or just the number of days within the zone?

I had this same problem. Our plan was to spend 46 days in Europe but only 22 of those would be spent within the Schengen area: 18 days initially then we’ll go out and re-enter the zone again and spend 4 more days inside.

Initially, I entered the total number of days in Europe, 46 days. But the VIA Center staff told us to write the number of days within the Schengen area, 22 days. But because I had already written 46 days, she instructed us to just add (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) , enclosed in a parenthesis, by hand. So my final answer was 46 DAYS (22 DAYS IN SCHENGEN) .

I’m not sure if that’s right. I just followed their instructions. We were still granted a suitable visa, so I guess it was okay.

12. On the Schengen Information section (Page 5) of the VIA online application form, what if I have more than one visas?

cover letter for italian visa

On Page 5 of the VIA application form, one field asks: “Schengen issued during the past 3 years?” It’s followed fields where you’re supposed to enter the validity dates of the past visas.

The problem is, it seems to be impossible to enter more than one visas.

What I did is, I just entered the validity dates of the latest Schengen visa that I had.

13. On the Fingerprint Information section (Page 6) of the VIA online application form, what am I supposed to answer?

cover letter for italian visa

There are only two fields on that page. Here’s what I answered:

  • Fingerprints collected previously for the purpose of applying for a Schengen visa for the past 3 years? – If you have applied for a Schengen visa before and the embassy (any Schengen embassy) collected your fingerprints within the past 3 years, answer YES. I answered YES because I remember the Greek Embassy took my biometrics 2 years ago.
  • Finger Print Validity. – I don’t know what to answer here exactly, but I just entered the date my fingerprints were last collected by a Schengen Embassy.

14. What to answer to the PERMIT INFORMATION section (Page 7) of the VIA online application form?

I was perplexed by this too because there was no description. I didn’t know what to answer.

cover letter for italian visa

Thankfully, I found a Schengen Visa Application Form guide on the website of the French Embassy! The French to the rescue!

According to it, it’s specifically asking for: Entry permits for the final country of destination , where applicable.

“Fill this space only if you do not have the nationality of your country of residence and present your visa or your permit with a photocopy.”

Because I am a Filipino residing in the Philippines, it means it doesn’t apply to me. So I ticked NO .

15. On the Members Information section (Page 9) of the application form, there are tick boxes that read “by a applicant”, “by a sponsor”, and “means of support”. What are these?

cover letter for italian visa

The header of that section is missing. You’re supposed to fill in the blank. What it’s actually asking is this: “Cost of travelling and living during the applicant’s stay is covered ______.”

If you will be shouldering your travel expenses, tick “BY APPLICANT.” Then choose the means of support that you will be using. DO NOT tick the “BY A SPONSOR” box. That’s only for sponsored applicants!

16. What does an Italian Schengen Visa look like?

17. i earn this much per month, have this much funds in my bank account, have visited these countries and have these supporting documents. will my application be approved.

I have no idea. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

You can be adequately prepared for it, but sometimes, we just don’t know what the eff is going to happen.

Sometimes, no matter how qualified or how adequately prepared you are, you can still end up denied a visa. I have heard about cases wherein I just couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I have a friend who has a great travel history, financial records, rootedness proof. Everything was great, in my opinion. And yet her application was denied. And it’s not exclusive to Schengen visa. I know another who was applying for a Japanese visa for the third time. He meets all the items of someone who would surely be guaranteed approval, but was refused a visa, too.

18. What other countries can I visit using an Italian Schengen visa?

The Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter any of the 26 states that are part of the Schengen agreement. Think of it as an almost all-access pass to many countries in Europe, eliminating the immigration borders within the Schengen zone and the hassle of having to apply for a visa for each individual country. These are the countries who are part of the Schengen Zone:

Some non-Schengen countries like Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey also accept double- or multiple-entry Schengen visas (with certain conditions about the visa types and length of stay, among others).

For more Schengen Visa Frequently Asked Questions, check out this post: Schengen Visa for Filipinos

This article is based on my own Schengen Visa application (Tourist) via PIASI VIA Center, the official service provider of the Embassy of Italy. If you have inquiries about anything outside my personal experience, I’m afraid I won’t be of help. However, feel free to post questions in the comments section below because some of our readers might know better.

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guest

Fell in love with Italy on my first visit. I also have that feeling na kailangan kong bumalik ng Italy. Anyways, congrats on another Schengen Visa and Enjoy! Please italian dish for me❤️

Yosh Dimen

Thanks, Ailea! We’re super excited to return! :D

Rona Malang

Very informative and helpful. Thank you!

Laila

For the hotel reservations, you said it should be under the applicant’s name, and each applicant must have his/her own set of required documents for submission. But what if we are travelling as a family and booked a family room; can they also use the hotel reservation that is under my name? Thanks, Yoshke!

Hi Laila, I think okay lang. I-explain mo na lang sa letter. Ganun din yung sa amin ni Vins eh. Lahat ng hotels namin ay under my name, pero inexplain ko sa letter. We used just one letter na dalawa kaming signatories but tig-1 copy each kami na sinubmit. :)

HunterPM

Tip: If you are booking via booking.com there is a part “Guest Name” where you can specify the names of the guest, just put comma (, ) in each name, this way your hotel booking will show the names of all guest in a single hotel booking. That’s what i did when i applied visa for my mom.

Oooooooh! Thanks for sharing this!

Didn’t know this! Will try this next time!

Reva

hi. thank you for sharing. its very informative. my question is what additional documents are needed if one of the spouses is not employed, but is financially capable of travelling? thanks.

I’m a bit confused. Is it you who will be traveling but your trip will be sponsored by your spouse? Or is it your spouse who will be traveling? If it’s the latter, will you be sponsoring your spouse’s trip?

Luisa Venturanza

i got a schengen . visa already through Norway last 2014 i wasnt . able to . use my visa since i got . tied in my . schedule in USA is . that . gonna affect my . new application in Italian Embassy since i will be staying here longer

Hi Luisa, I’m not familiar with the complications of an unused Schengen visa if meron man. :S

Thomas

Thanks for sharing your wealthy information,this is an useful article for all people

Andrea

Hi! In your checklist, i saw you listed “Notarized affidavit of support” for means of support for students. Does it really need to be notarized? Thank you so much for this article btw very informative

Hi Andrea, i haven’t tried applying for or as a student, but that’s what the official checklist states, so i guess it has to be notarized.

Ok thank you again!

Ann

Hello po! Thank you very much for this very informative blog. I just have a question po on the intro letter. Me and my fiance are travelling this December and will be getting married this December yet too. This trip will be for our honeymoon. Since we have to apply for a visa now, technically we have to put single as status and leave the Philippines as married. Would there be any complication if we put honeymoon as reason in our letter? Thank you in advance.

Jan Si

I submitted my application just yesterday via the VIA center but I forgot that I have a flight on Oct 22 to Singapore.

They are saying that it will take around 15 working days for visa processing. Do you know of many instances where the visa was released around 4-5 days after submission?

Liz

Hi Jan Si, is it your first trip to the Schengen area? Did you receive your passport back with your visa yet?

In my case, it only took 4 days.

There are a few members of our Support Group who got theirs in under 5 days too.

Che2

Thank you for this blog. This gives me ideas about applying for the VISA.

I just want to ask, Sir if Financial Statement from my bank is still needed even though someone will shoulder all of my expenses in Italy? Does the Sponsor Letter not enough?

Thank you .

Yep, they will look for financial statements ESPECIALLY if you’re sponsored.

We explained the reason for that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/07/visa-immigration-boyfriend-girlfriend/

Melody Carns

Hi! Do you know any embassy in Cebu which I can apply Schengen Visa? And is it possible to apply for a schengen visa for 30 days even though it will be my first time? I am planning to visit Europe in May 2020 with a planned entry in Paris. Thank you for your information

Hi Melody, naku, wala akong contact na travel agency sa Cebu. :(

july

Hi sir, ask ko lang po pano po gawin ulit since denied po application sa Italian embassy kahapon.. i need your thoughts lang po to advise me, what po mag apply ako ulit, since yung dating strong ties ko is my business pero hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR kasi hindi kasi yun sakin na land or place nakiki business lang ako dun, kaya proof ko lang sa business na yun ay Brgy. Business permit lang at DTI, sa next application ko po ilalagay ko parin po ba yun na business ko? Since wala naman ako ibang work kundi yun lang po. Or baka kasi ma dedisapprove na naman ako since hindi kasi yun naka register sa BIR hinanapan kasi ni officer ng BIR sa business na yun . Need your advice lang po. Salamat sa mga sagot..

Hi July, naku, mahirap nga yan kasi pag yung proof of income or employment ang concern, mahigpit talaga sila.

You can try applying at another embassy na mas maluwag, pero baka maging problem pa rin talaga yung business mo since kulang ng documents.

Hideo

Hi, so d ko masyado na gets to.

Pero if ng apply kame ng France VISA, then gusto namen pmnta ng ibang Schengen state. Should we need to inform the French Embassy? or upon getting the VISA automatic n un n pede kame pmnta kun san san? Thanks po.

If may Schengen visa ka na, pwede ka na pumunta anywhere within the Schengen zone basta within the validity period and allowed length of stay.

anna

Hi Yoshke, hope you are well. just want to ask if we also need to book train tickets in italy when applying for schengen visa?or we can just indicate in our itinerary that we will buy train tickets when our visa is approved?and can we buy them in the train stations on the same date we travel?

Hi Anna, in our case, we didn’t submit train tickets. We only submitted the flights to and from Europe and flights WITHIN Europe, since may mga legs na lilipad talaga. Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train tickets. Not sure if ganun sa lahat or we just got lucky.

Maria

Did you submit confirmed flight details within schengen? Or just reservations lng? Wer po pwede mag avail? We are also planning to take the night train from Rome to Munich. Do we have to purchase the train tickets as well?

I submitted flight reservations to and within Schengen, not confirmed tickets. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/06/flight-hotel-reservations-visa-application/

I didn’t submit train tickets, though. Only flights.

Anna

Hi Yoshke, ok thanks sa reply :) another concern ko is yong husband ko is from myanmar and im here sa singapore ,nsa pilipinas xa (balikbayan visa holder)and dun xa mag aapply ng schengen visa,meron xang small business,talyer sa harap mismo ng bahay namin at nag bubuy and sell din xa,pede na kya un as source of income nia?wala xa BIR or ITR or whatever e,brgy permit lng ang meron siya,(in his name)but meron din xa sarili bank account which have enough funds.pede q nmn din siguro isama sa requirements nia ung funds ko?what do you think?we also owned properties.

I don’t know for sure, pero I think okay lang na isama yung funds mo kasi you’re married naman. If ako nasa position mo, I would probably write a letter explaining everything and that you’re traveling together.

Hindi ko alam how much it would help because the Italian Embassy is known for being very strict. But yun ang gagawin ko. That’s just me.

thanks so much Yoshke..cross fingers we’ll get the visa!merry christmas!

Happy Holidays! And good luck with your application.

maria

Hello! I just want to say thank you because this article helped us in our visa application. My boyfriend & I applied last November 13, and our visa got approved last week of November. Italian embassy is very strict pero ‘pag complete naman requirements, there’s nothing to worry. Thank you!! Keep on helping. :)

julie

hello, tnong ko lng po base sa experience nyo, nkatnggap b kau ng call gling sa italian embassy n ready na ung visa nyo? 2 weeks n kc akong nag aantay wla prin akong nrereceive na notif. thank you

Yes po. We received a call from VIA po na pwede na iclaim.

Congrats, Maria!

Saan kayo sa Italy punta?

Lisa

Hi, hope you can help me. Would like to apply for a Schengen visa (still deciding which country where we were staying the longest.) My concern is, I am working as a freelance and just registered sa BIR last Oct so no ITR yet. I will be travelling with my ‘fiance’ and our minor daughter who were both US citizen (US passport) and does not need a visa to travel in Italy, Poland or Schengen zone. Of course my ‘fiance’ will be paying for everything. My question is how should I go about my visa application? Since my ‘fiance’ is paying for everything, can I just submit all his financial documents instead of mine?

I’d really appreciate your answer as we planning to travel next year around July. We have traveled together but only in Singapore and Thailand.

Yes, you can submit his financial docs but you will also need to submit yours. Hihingin pa rin nila yung sayo kahit sponsored.

But to be honest with you, I feel like the odds are against you. Schengen Embassies in general are much stricter sa sponsored applicants tapos working as freelance without ITR. If you want to still try, you can naman, but here’s my advice:

– Choose a less strict embassy. Given your situation, I think mahihirapan ka if mag-apply ka sa Italian or Spanish Embassy. – Submit an Affidavit of Support, notarized, and signed by your fiance – Submit proof of relationship. Since you have a child, I think you can submit the child’s birth certificate showing that you two are the parents – Submit more proof of travel history. Aside from the stamps, you can submit your photos together when you traveled to Thailand and Singapore. – Submit a cover letter

If I were in your shoes though, i-build ko pa muna yung travel history ko. I would visit other visa countries first na less strict before ako mag-Schengen. (Yun actually yung ginawa ko.) Thailand and Singapore kasi ay parehong visa-free. Makakatulong kasi if meron kang visas from other countries kahit Japan, Korea, or Australia lang.

It’s going to be an uphill battle. But I hope this helps.

Ito ay sa tingin ko lang po. Best to consult pa rin a travel agency kasi mas alam nila.

Good luck!!! Balitaan mo kami please if mag-apply kayo para makatulong din sa ibang readers. Hope na ma-approve! :)

James

just want to ask is it better to apply sa VIA center compared if i apply directly sa embassy ng italy? sayang din kasi yung fee na ibabayad sa VIA ehh. Although baka mas helpful ba mag check ng requirements beforesubmitting it sa VIA center?

Thanks in advance!!

Hi James, we haven’t tried applying directly so I can’t compare. But based on what I heard from friends who have, I think it’s less stressful to apply sa VIA. Sa VIA kasi, they will guide you talaga and tell you pag may kulang or need pa for better chances of approval.

Satchiko

Hi, was wondering if you’d know this. If you submitted your application thru VIA, will you be notified of the status by VIA as well? Or the embassy will be the one to inform you? Will it be via a text message, a phone call or email? Thanks in advance! :-)

Hi Satchiko,

In our case, VIA informed us. :)

trips

Hi, do you know if there’s any chance na pwedeng i pull out yung passport ko from the application in case the processing takes too long? I have another scheduled trip next month to South Korea. I’ll submit on Jan 13 and my trip to KR is on Feb 7. Or do you think it’s possible to request for expedited processing? Thank you!

cris

Hi – i followed all your instructions. my flight is on 28 April arriving France on 29 April where I will meet my 2 Canadian Citizen sisters. We will be staying most in Italy in our 12-day stay including our 7-day Italy-Adriatic Western Mediterranean cruise.

I have complete documents already including confirmed cruise booking, hotel accommodation and plane ticket to France.

Do you think i can file my application/complete documents on Monday 27 January 2020 – since I will already be in Makati on this date.

I am a senior citize living and working in Muntinlupa City

thanks – Mrs. Cris

Di ko po alam sa ngayon. There was news that they would be extending the application period to 6 months before the trip, but I don’t know if that has been implemented yet. :S

Maggie

How did you submit trains/plane reservations within schngen area? Do we really have a confirmed reservation? Or just right the time/date that we are planning to take? Thanks in advance!

Plane reservations, I submitted. (Not confirmed tickets. Just flight reservations.)

But for the trains, I just indicated the ones I wanted to take in the itinerary. I didn’t submit tickets.

Cj

I read your article as my guide prior to submitting my requirements to VIA. Once you received a call from them, will they tell you right away if your visa has been approved or denied?

Thank you! :)

Hi CJ, nope. They will only tell you that your passport is ready for pickup. They won’t say if approved or denied. You’ll only find out upon pickup.

MARIANNE D FRANCISCO

Hi! Just for Info. New visa fee is Euro 80 for adult

Thanks for sharing!

Issa

Hi Yosh, planing to apply once better situation na. I read in the requirements na they need flight/trains bookings upon application.. ” If travelling across Schengen countries, please submit bookings of all trains, flights and car rentals from one country to another.”

Since we can apply visa 180 days before the expected date of arrival pa Do you know a way to book (not purchase) train reservations?

Madel

I will surely use this as a guide hopefully (when miss rona stops being a diva) for my next year’s solo summer trip in Europe. I’ll apply via VIA center in Cebu. I want to stay in Italy the longest. This will be my first time traveling to Europe and a non-visa free country. I’ve been to visa-free countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia. I just registered as a freelancer last May 2020. Do you think the odds will be in my favour?

Stefan

Very informative blog!

Dottie

Hi,we are a family of 6, planning to get a shengen visa. Is it ok to make the same cover letter for each member? I have a business that will support the family’s trip. However, my husband is currently not working anymore. Although we travelled as a family, to the US several times and other asian countries already. Wil it be a problem for him being unemployed?

I think that’s OK. When we apply as a group, we only use 1 cover letter with all our names and signatures. Then each of us submit a copy of that letter.

Regarding your other question, since it’s a family trip and you’re married and you’re traveling with him, I think they would be less strict since the purpose of the trip is very clear (assuming your docs are all good and your own finances can support all of you). But that’s just my take on it.

Thank you so much for the quick reply. I realy liked your blog, very informative.

James

Hi po! Required po ba sundin yung itinerary na isa-submit? Planning to spend 12 days in Rome, Milan, Assisi, and Sicily po kasi. Praning lang ako baka suspicious sa kanila yung andami kong pupuntahan so I thought of not putting it na lang sa itinerary na ibibigay for VISA.

Hi James! OK lang naman po yung maraming pupuntahan, as long as realistic naman. :)

Pwede namang mag-deviate from the itinerary, lalo na if within Italy lang din naman. Once you’re inside kasi, there is no way din naman to track it.

Even mag-flight po within the country ok lang na hindi i-include?

Sa case namin, we submitted lahat ng flights namin even within Schengen Zone. Wala naman kaming flights within Italy lang since ang dineclare namin dun ay mag-train or bus lang kami. (Pero di kami nagsubmit ng train/bus booking.)

Hi po ulit! Regarding naman sa travel dates, need po ba sundin yung in-indicate during VISA application?

As long as within the allowed period indicated sa actual visa.

Pinoy Traveler

Thanks for the awesome article! Is the Certificate of Leave of Absence optional? I will be providing Certificate of Employment and ITR documents.

Sa case namin, if my memory serves me right, hiningi sya talaga. Di ko lang alam if ganun din sa iba.

angelina

ma dali lang po ba ang pagkuha ng re entry visa?i almost 15years in italy last year nag bakasyon ako ang malapit nko bumalik uwe pero naaksidente nmn ako…

faye

have you gone into an interview upon submission of requirements?

For Italian Schengen Visa, no. There was just someone from VIA who checked our requirements.

jean

Question lang yung sa Proof of Financial means lahat ba yun kailangan? tas need ba under our name yung sa land titles?and we dont have credit card kasi,

Yung bank cert and bank statements ay required. ‘Yung ibang items under it ay kung meron ka lang.

Marc

Hi. Do you have experience in appealing an Italian schengen visa denial? Is it advisable to appeal a denial? Or would it be better to apply to a different schengen country?

Georgia

Do I need an approved leave of absence during summer break? Usuallu we are free naman to have vacation at this period of time (Public Teacher) Is my profession enough considered as a rootedness proof?

Kat

Hello po! I have been previously granted a Schengen visa by the French embassy nung 2015 pero I lost the passport na. Should I mention that po sa cover letter?

If I were in your position po, I would mention it. Do you have a photo or soft copy of that visa?

Hello po! I have a copy but altered siya (read: redacted yung info as I sent a pic of it to a friend). So, yung ginawa ko na lang is in-attach ko yung orig copy nung insurance ko for that previous trip. We submitted our app last May 25 and we have yet to hear from them.

Aurora

Hello! Just wanted to ask if you were required to present an approved Leave form when you applied for a Germany-issued Schengen visa? I am planning to apply for a Schengen visa and will stay in Germany the longest. Thanks.

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  • The Philippines
  • Visa Guides
  • Blog & Tips

How to Write a Schengen Visa Cover Letter

  • November 11, 2022 November 22, 2022

[SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA COVER LETTER – ITALY VISA]

cover letter for italian visa

If you already know the process of applying for a Schengen visa and you’ve already prepared all the Schengen tourist visa requirements , the next step is for you to write your cover letter!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional travel agent and in no way affiliated with Schengen visa processing agencies. What I’ll share are guidelines and tips that worked for me. Applying for a visa is on a case-to-case basis, so nothing will ever guarantee your approval. My best piece of advice? Honesty is the best policy, always.

What is a Cover Letter?

Cover letter template, paragraph 1: purpose, paragraph 2: about yourself, paragraph 3: travel companion, paragraph 4: travel itinerary, paragraph 5: how you’ll fund the trip, special cases (if applicable), sample letter, 5 tips for writing an effective cover letter, 1. anticipate doubts or questions, 2. refer to the supporting documents, 3. be specific with details that matter, 4. don’t sound overly emotional, 5. prepare your cover letter last.

The cover letter is the applicant’s introduction letter addressed to the embassy. It includes important details about you and your trip. This letter summarizes your entire application so it should be clear and concise.

Schengen visa application doesn’t come with interviews, so you have to rely on the cover letter to show why you’re eligible for a visa. A cover letter is your chance to tell more about the purpose of your travel or explain why you can’t submit a required document.

If you can, try your best to fit the entire letter into just one page . Make sure that all details are relevant and straight to the point. Only include details that give value to your application. Here’s a cover letter template that you can follow:

Note that this is just a general template. You can be flexible and adjust the format however you see fit to your situation.

The Honorable Consul

[Embassy name]

[Embassy address]

[Embassy phone number]

Dear Sir/Madam:

  • Type of visa
  • Countries to visit and the dates you plan to enter and exit the Schengen area
  • Length of stay requested
  • Purpose of travel
  • The reason you’re applying thru this particular embassy
  • Job position, company, how long you’ve been working, and how much you earn monthly
  • If business: what business, industry, and how long it’s been operating
  • Other sources of income
  • Assets: land, house, condo unit, car, etc.
  • Exact amount of money in your bank account
  • Travel experience (how many countries you’ve been to, any issued visa)
  • Brief family background (if you have a family business, have been traveling with your family, if you have senior parents, children, or spouse, or if you’re unmarried, etc., anything relevant family-related information)
  • Relationship
  • How long you’ve known each other
  • Purpose of traveling together
  • Schengen countries (or cities) you’ll visit
  • Why you want to visit the country
  • Means of payment: credit card, cash, etc.
  • Things you already paid for like hotels, trains, flights, etc.
  • If sponsored: your relationship, how much money your sponsor has
  • If you have someone who will sponsor your trip, describe your relationship
  • In case you can’t submit any of the required documents (e.g., you don’t have an ITR), explain why you can’t and what alternative documents you’ve submitted
  • If you’re traveling alone, explain why
  • To establish strong ties, justify more why you should go back to the Philippines
  • If you just resigned and are currently unemployed, state a valid reason

[Your Name]

[Passport #]

cover letter for italian visa

Wear the consul hat and anticipate any doubts or questions that they might have.

For example, resigning from your job recently might raise questions on your application. So give a short explanation on why you resigned and what your future plans for employment are. If you have proof of this future plan, include it in your supporting documents. It can be a job contract with a new company or a new freelancing job.

Whatever you write in your letter, make sure you include a supporting document to back it up.

Ask the readers to refer to your supporting documents to confirm.

For example, you can mention some countries or cities you’ll visit in your cover letter. Then refer to the “detailed itinerary” page included on your submitted documents. If the officers want to know more about the cities you’ll visit or the activities you plan to do, they would look for that page.

Be specific with important information.

For example, instead of just saying “I’m an employee”, you can write “I’ve been working with X company for 3 years now, earning xx,xxx monthly.

Just by reading this sentence, they can already see that you have a steady source of income and you work for a legitimate company. It shows that you have a job to get back to. They would know these without browsing your employment documents yet.

The officers are busy people. They don’t have time to read a long and wordy letter that’s too personal or overly emotional. It’s acceptable to highlight that you plan to visit Paris for the history and museums. But it’s discouraged to explain that “you’ve always dreamt of seeing the Eiffel tower and eating Parisian croissants from watching Audrey Hepburn movies”. Treat this as a business letter. Their time is important.

Think of your cover letter as the page that ties everything together. Establish the purpose of your travel and summarize your entire application documents in just one page. This is the reason why I prepared it last, I had to make sure that I was able to cover everything that I submitted. It definitely felt like a cherry on top!

Overall, write your cover letter the same way you prepared your required documents. Have these 3 priorities in mind:

  • STRONG TIES . You must have a stable life in the Philippines and you fully intend to go back without overstaying your visa. I couldn’t stress this enough. Establishing this is probably the most important thing you should focus on.
  • FINANCIALLY CAPABLE . Having enough money to fund your travel to Europe and still have a comfortable amount when you get back.
  • DEFINITE PURPOSE OF TRAVEL . Your travel plans must be realistic with supporting documents.

Honesty is the best policy.

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Want to work remotely in Italy? The country just launched its new digital nomad visa.

cover letter for italian visa

Remote workers with dreams of working from the rolling hills of Tuscany or the cliffs of Positano are now one step closer to making that reality. Italy launched a new digital nomad visa.

Two years after its announcement, the highly anticipated digital nomad visa officially became available for those eligible on April 4.  

“Italian-style, everything happens slowly,” said Nick Metta, a lawyer for the law firm Studio Legale Metta , which has helped Americans relocate to Italy for decades. “Now there is a pipeline of people waiting just to file the application. It's been a long-awaited visa.” 

Most of Metta’s clients would previously apply for a student visa, which allowed them to work part time in Italy. 

Under the new visa, people will be able to work from Italy for one year, with the option to renew once their visa is due for expiration. Without a visa, U.S. travelers could only stay in Italy for up to 90 days without the ability to work.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

The launch makes Italy the latest European country to offer a digital nomad visa , which has already been available in Greece and Hungary. 

Here’s everything we know about the digital nomad visa for Italy:

Destinations behind a paywall? What to know about the increasing tourist fees worldwide.

Who can apply for a digital nomad visa in Italy?

According to the official decree , the visa is meant for those who “carry out a highly qualified work activity through the use of technological tools that allow you to work remotely.” 

The regulations define eligible applicants as “digital nomads,” self-employed freelancers, “remote workers,” or those employed by a company outside of Italy and can work from anywhere, according to Studio Legale Metta.

To qualify for the visa, the applicant has to meet certain requirements:

◾ A university or college degree or an accredited professional license.

◾ Six months of work experience in the industry, or five years for applicants without a university degree.

◾ An existing employment contract.

◾ A criminal record check.

◾ Proof of an annual income of 28,000 euros (about $29,880.06).

◾ Evidence of housing in Italy.

◾ Evidence of health insurance coverage.

Applicants can also apply to have family members join them on their Italian move, but the government has to give the final approval. 

How do I apply for the digital nomad visa in Italy?

Thankfully, Metta said the paperwork for the digital nomad visa isn’t “too complicated.” 

The first stop for interested applicants will be the Italian Consulate for their area. “Consulates are basically the front of the government to receive the applications,” Metta said. Interested applicants can book an appointment with the consulate and start gathering their necessary documents. People can also apply by mailing in their application. (However, Metta did mention consulate websites are often confusing and outdated, so working with a relocation service can make things easier.)

To apply, applicants will also need a passport with an expiration date at least three months after the end of the visa period and two passport-sized photos.

Relocation services can also help people navigate the sometimes complicated process of applying for a visa, such as negotiating early termination penalties with landlords in Italy. 

These services also help people with state and tax planning, especially if people own assets in the U.S., like a house. Once in Italy, people need to register their residency with the town hall, which will determine what sort of taxes they’ll pay. People can speak to an international tax specialist to figure out their future taxes as well. 

How much will the visa cost?

According to Studio Legale Metta, the application fee is 116 euros (about $123.78) per person.

How long will the application process take?

Not too long, actually. Metta estimates the process could take just three weeks if applicants are “well-organized and have all your tax documents filed.”

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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  3. Cover Letter For Schengen Visa Application With Samples 2022

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