When applying for a Schengen visa, you must submit several important documents, one of the most crucial of which is the cover letter.
Addressed to the embassy of your visiting country, the Schengen cover letter serves as a formal introduction to your visa application. It outlines your intent to travel to a Schengen country(s), travel plans, and other key details that help visa officers understand the context of your visit and assess your case.
How to create a cover letter for Schengen visa?
There are two primary ways to write a cover letter for your Schengen visa application: using the Atlys Schengen visa cover letter creator or writing yourself.
We have discussed both ways in detail below:
1. Get the Schengen visa cover letter using the Atlys tool
Here is how you can write or generate a Schengen visa cover letter online using the Atlys cover letter creator:
Step 1: Enter the date and your personal details, i.e., name, passport number and occupation.
Step 2: Provide the following travel information: destination country, departure date, return date and purpose.
Step 3: Click “Generate Cover Letter” to view and download it in a PDF format.
Why use the Atlys Schengen visa cover letter creator?
Create your Schengen visa cover letter in just minutes; no need to worry about writing it yourself!
Our tool is constantly updated to ensure your letter is accurate and fully compliant with Schengen visa requirements.
The use of advanced technology ensures data protection and prevents unauthorised access.
2. Write the Schengen cover letter by yourself
If you prefer to write the Schengen visa cover letter yourself, it's essential to ensure it is clear, detailed and well-structured. Moreover, a well-written cover letter should provide the embassy with all the necessary information needed to process your visa application smoothly.
Here’s what to include in your Schengen visa cover letter (in the same order given below):
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, including your name, nationality, and passport number.
Purpose of the trip: Clearly state the reason for your visit, whether for tourism, business, family visit, etc., along with the start and end dates.
Itinerary: Briefly and neatly outline your travel itinerary, specifying the countries you plan to visit, accommodation and the duration of your stay in each country.
Additional documents: State that you have attached all necessary supporting documents, such as flight reservations, hotel bookings, proof of funds, and any other required paperwork.
Financial means: Provide information about your current professional status (for example, employed or self-employed) and declare the means for funding your trip.
Ties to home country: Emphasize your strong ties to your home country, such as family, property or other commitments and convey your intention to return after the trip.
Polite closing: Conclude the letter with a polite request for the visa and express gratitude for considering your application.
Here is a sample cover letter for Schengen visa(template):
Note: Depending on the special circumstances of your visit (for example, if your trip is sponsored), you must incorporate specific information in the cover letter.
Tips to create a Schengen visa cover letter
Whether you're travelling for tourism, business, or family visits, here are some tips to help you create a well-written cover letter for your Schengen visa application:
Do’s
Use a formal tone: Keep the language professional and respectful throughout the letter.
Tailor the letter to your situation: Customize your cover letter based on your specific background (employment, student, etc.).
Provide supporting documents: Remember to mention all the supporting documents in your letter, as it gives the visa officer an idea of all the attached documents.
Type the letter: A typed letter is clearer and more readable than a handwritten one, ensuring a polished presentation.
Don’ts
Don’t include unnecessary details: Avoid irrelevant information that may confuse or clutter your letter.
Don’t leave out essential information: Missing key details, like your return plan, can lead to rejection.
Don’t exaggerate: Stick to facts and avoid embellishing your circumstances.
Don’t forget to sign the letter: After taking the printout, sign the cover letter to validate your application.
Is the Atlys Schengen cover letter creator free?
Yes, the Atlys Schengen visa cover letter creator is free.
Is it safe to use the Atlys Schengen cover letter creator?
Yes, using the Atlys Schengen cover letter creator is completely safe. The tool is designed to comply with the specific visa requirements set by Schengen countries, ensuring that your cover letter meets all necessary guidelines.
Is a cover letter required for each Schengen visa application?
Yes, a cover letter is required each time you apply for a Schengen visa, as it helps the visa officer understand your travel purpose.
How long should my Schengen visa cover letter be?
Try to keep it no longer than one page. Ensure that it clearly outlines all the necessary details that we outlined above without excessive information.
Can I submit a handwritten cover letter?
It’s advisable to type your cover letter to ensure clarity and a professional appearance. Moreover, handwritten letters have the chance of being less legible, which can negatively impact your visa application.
I am planning to visit multiple Schengen countries. Do I need separate cover letters for each country?
No, you need only one cover letter for your Schengen visa application, regardless of how many countries you intend to visit. However, ensure that the cover letter clearly outlines your travel itinerary and includes all the countries on your visit.
How can I mention the travel itinerary in the cover letter?
Include specific dates, locations, accommodation details, and a very brief outline of the activities planned in each Schengen country.
Tip: It’s best to present your itinerary in a tabular format for a clear and organized view, making it easier for the visa officer to understand your travel plans at a glance.
What are the supporting documents that I need to submit with a cover letter for a Schengen visa?
When applying for a Schengen visa, it’s essential to submit the following documents along with your cover letter:
Visa application form.
Valid passport.
Passport-sized photograph, as per embassy requirements.
Proof of funds (like bank statements).
Proof of travel (like flight tickets).
Proof of accommodation (like hotel reservations).
Schengen travel insurance.
Proof of current social & professional status (like a letter of employment).
Additional documents depending on the specifics of your visa application (like a sponsorship letter).
How can I demonstrate proof of ties to my home country in the cover letter?
To show proof of ties to your home country, mention employment, family connections, property ownership, and any educational commitments in your cover letter to emphasise your intention to return.
What sponsor information should I include in my cover letter if my trip to the Schengen Area is sponsored?
In your cover letter, provide your sponsor's full name, relationship to you, country of residence and identity or passport number. Also, mention the duration of support.
Note: Remember to mention the sponsorship letter as an enclosed document in your cover letter and submit the original copy at the time of application.
If my friend/partner and I are applying for a Schengen visa together, do we need to submit separate cover letters?
Yes, you must submit separate cover letters for each application. However, you can use the same content in both letters.
Note: You must remember to include your friend/partner's name, relationship, and passport number, clearly stating that you will be traveling together.
How long will the cover letter be valid?
A Schengen visa cover letter remains valid as long as the information in the letter remains accurate and relevant to your visa application. If any information changes, you must generate a new cover letter.
How we reviewed this tool:
Our experts continually monitor the official sources for any changes, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
- Current Version
01 Apr 2025
Written By:
Sathish Ramcharan
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu
19 Oct 2024
Written By:
Sathish Ramcharan
Edited By:
Arun Kumar Gundu