Schengen Visa Documents Required (2026)

A successful Schengen visa application requires a comprehensive set of documents that demonstrate your eligibility, financial means, travel purpose, and ties to South Africa. This detailed 2026 guide provides a complete checklist of all documents required for a Schengen visa application as a South African passport holder, including mandatory documents, supporting documents, and specific requirements for each document type.

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid Passport

Requirements:

• Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area
• Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
• Must not be older than 10 years
• Must be in good condition (no damage, tears, or missing pages)

What to Submit:

• Original passport
• Photocopy of passport bio page (page with photo and personal details)
• Photocopy of all pages with visas, stamps, or endorsements

Important: If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying for a Schengen visa.

2. Completed Application Form

Requirements:

• Schengen visa application form (available online)
• Must be filled in accurately and completely
• All fields must be answered (use "N/A" if not applicable)
• Must be signed and dated

What to Submit:

• Original signed application form
• Print on A4 paper (single-sided)
• Use black ink for signatures

Important: Ensure all information matches your passport and supporting documents.

3. Passport Photos

Requirements:

• Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm)
• White or light-colored background
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Full face, neutral expression
• No glasses (unless required for medical reasons)
• No head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Professional quality (not selfies or edited photos)

What to Submit:

• Two identical photos
• Glue or staple one photo to the application form
• Keep the second photo loose (for visa label)

Important: Photos must meet strict specifications. Use a professional photographer familiar with visa photo requirements.

4. Travel Insurance

Requirements:

• Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
• Must cover entire Schengen Area
• Must cover entire duration of stay
• Must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation
• Must be valid from date of entry to date of departure

What to Submit:

• Original travel insurance certificate
• Policy document showing coverage details
• Confirmation of coverage for Schengen Area

Important: Travel insurance is mandatory. Without it, your visa application will be rejected.

5. Flight Reservations

Requirements:

• Round-trip flight reservations
• Must show entry and exit from Schengen Area
• Must match your travel dates
• Must be confirmed (not just inquiries)

What to Submit:

• Flight reservation confirmation
• E-ticket or booking confirmation
• Itinerary showing flight details

Important: You don't need to purchase tickets before visa approval. Reservations or booking confirmations are sufficient.

6. Accommodation Proof

Requirements:

• Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation for entire stay
• Must show dates matching your travel itinerary
• Must show accommodation in each Schengen country you'll visit

What to Submit:

• Hotel booking confirmations
• Airbnb confirmations
• Invitation letter from host (if staying with family/friends)
• Proof of accommodation for each night of your stay

Important: If staying with family/friends, include an invitation letter and host's proof of residence.

Supporting Documents

7. Proof of Financial Means

Requirements:

• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Proof of sufficient funds (minimum EUR 50-100 per day, depending on country)
• Employment letter with salary details
• Tax returns (if self-employed)
• Property ownership documents
• Investment statements

What to Submit:

• Original bank statements (stamped by bank)
• Employment letter showing salary and employment status
• Tax returns or tax certificates
• Property deeds or ownership documents
• Investment account statements

Important: Bank statements must show consistent income and sufficient funds. Large, unexplained deposits may raise questions.

8. Proof of Employment/Status

Requirements:

• Employment letter (if employed)
• Business registration (if self-employed)
• Student enrollment letter (if student)
• Retirement certificate (if retired)
• Proof of business ownership (if business owner)

What to Submit:

• Original employment letter (on company letterhead, signed, dated)
• Business registration documents (if self-employed)
• Student ID and enrollment letter (if student)
• Retirement certificate (if retired)
• Business license and registration (if business owner)

Important: Employment letters must include salary, employment duration, and approval for leave.

9. Cover Letter

Requirements:

• Personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit
• Travel dates and itinerary
• Accommodation details
• Financial support explanation
• Ties to South Africa
• Return intention

What to Submit:

• Typed cover letter (signed and dated)
• Clear explanation of travel purpose
• Detailed itinerary
• Statement of financial support
• Explanation of ties to South Africa

Important: A well-written cover letter can significantly strengthen your application.

10. Travel Itinerary

Requirements:

• Detailed day-by-day itinerary
• Activities and places you'll visit
• Transportation between cities/countries
• Accommodation for each night

What to Submit:

• Detailed itinerary document
• List of activities and attractions
• Transportation bookings (trains, buses, car rentals)
• Accommodation confirmations

Important: Your itinerary should be realistic and match your travel purpose.

Additional Documents (Depending on Purpose)

For Tourism

• Travel itinerary
• Hotel reservations
• Travel insurance
• Proof of financial means
• Return ticket

For Business

• Invitation letter from business partner
• Company registration documents
• Business travel insurance
• Proof of business relationship
• Conference/training registration (if applicable)

For Visiting Family/Friends

• Invitation letter from host
• Host's ID/passport copy
• Host's proof of residence
• Proof of relationship (if applicable)
• Host's financial support (if applicable)

For Study

• Enrollment letter from educational institution
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means for tuition and living expenses
• Academic qualifications

For Medical Treatment

• Medical certificate from doctor in South Africa
• Confirmation of appointment from medical facility in Schengen country
• Proof of financial means for treatment
• Travel insurance

Document Checklist

Mandatory Documents

• Valid passport (original + copies)
• Completed application form (signed)
• Two passport photos
• Travel insurance (EUR 30,000 coverage)
• Flight reservations (round-trip)
• Accommodation proof (entire stay)

Supporting Documents

• Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
• Proof of employment/status
• Cover letter
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of financial means

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Invitation letter (business/family visit)
• Host's documents (if staying with family/friends)
• Business documents (if business travel)
• Study documents (if study travel)
• Medical documents (if medical treatment)

Document Requirements by Country

France

• All standard documents
• Additional: Proof of accommodation for each night
• Additional: Detailed travel itinerary

Germany

• All standard documents
• Additional: Travel insurance with specific coverage
• Additional: Proof of financial means (minimum EUR 50 per day)

Italy

• All standard documents
• Additional: Hotel reservations for entire stay
• Additional: Travel insurance certificate

Spain

• All standard documents
• Additional: Proof of accommodation
• Additional: Travel insurance

Netherlands

• All standard documents
• Additional: Detailed itinerary
• Additional: Proof of financial means

Common Document Mistakes

1. Expired Passport: Passport not valid for required duration
2. Missing Documents: Incomplete document checklist
3. Incorrect Photos: Photos don't meet specifications
4. Invalid Insurance: Travel insurance doesn't meet requirements
5. Insufficient Funds: Bank statements don't show enough funds
6. Incomplete Forms: Application form not fully completed
7. Mismatched Information: Information doesn't match across documents
8. Old Documents: Documents are outdated or expired

Tips for Document Preparation

1. Start Early: Gather documents well in advance of your application date

2. Check Requirements: Verify specific requirements for your destination country

3. Get Professional Help: Consider using a visa service for document preparation

4. Organize Documents: Keep documents organized and in order

5. Make Copies: Keep copies of all documents for your records

6. Translate Documents: Translate non-English documents (if required)

7. Notarize Documents: Notarize documents if required by your destination country

8. Check Validity: Ensure all documents are current and valid

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are absolutely mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Mandatory documents include: valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight reservations, and accommodation proof.

Do I need to translate documents into the destination country's language?

Some countries require translations. Check specific requirements for your destination country.

How recent should bank statements be?

Bank statements should be from the last 3-6 months, with the most recent statement being no older than 1 month.

Can I submit photocopies instead of originals?

Some documents require originals (passport, insurance), while others can be photocopies. Check specific requirements.

Do I need to notarize documents?

Notarization requirements vary by country. Check specific requirements for your destination country.

What if I'm missing a document?

Missing mandatory documents will result in application rejection. Ensure all documents are included before submitting.

Can I submit documents after the application?

Some embassies allow document submission after application, but it's best to include all documents initially.

How should I organize my documents?

Organize documents in the order specified by the embassy/consulate, usually matching the checklist order.

Conclusion

A successful Schengen visa application requires careful preparation and complete documentation. Ensure all mandatory documents are included, supporting documents are comprehensive, and all information is accurate and consistent. Use this checklist to prepare your application, and consult the specific embassy/consulate requirements for your destination country.

For the most up-to-date document requirements, consult the official embassy or consulate website of your main destination country, or visit the VFS Global website for application procedures.