Do you know which document truly raises the bar on your visa approval? A Schengen visa itinerary letter! It is the perfect way to shape your schedule and give visa officials a sneak preview into your upcoming travel. When authorities have a clear understanding of your travel plans and activities, they are more inclined to give you the green signal.

In this write-up we will look closely at how to write an itinerary letter using a daily travel plan for Schengen visa.

Inclusions of a Schengen Visa Itinerary Letter

While it is not mandatory to furnish a Schengen visa itinerary letter to process your Schengen visa, it does strengthen your visa application as it demonstrates a structured travel plan and underlines your intent to return to your home country within the visa validity period.

This is the key information that your Schengen visa itinerary letter should carry:

1. Travel: Include the start and end dates of your trip. List all destinations from first to last in a chronological format, along with transit stopovers. If you are travelling with your spouse, family, colleagues, or friends, mention the names of all travellers, and ensure that these details in all applications are consistent.
2. Accommodation: Provide check-in / check-out dates, addresses, contact numbers, booking confirmation receipts, and booking IDs of all your accommodation options such as hotels, Airbnb, hostels, host’s residence, etc.
3. Transportation: Furnish information regarding flights as well as intercity and local transports. For pre-booked flights, rental cabs, intercity buses, etc., provide the booking ID along with transaction date and amount. Make a special mention of any on-the-spot bookings.
4. Activities: Create a day-wise list of planned activities based on your purpose of visit. For example, for tourism, list all the sightseeing spots you will cover each day. If you have pre-booked tickets to museums, excursions, concerts, etc., provide the booking ID and cost. Similarly, for business trips, list the meetings or events you will attend. Remember, activities cost money – so, your list should correctly reflect your available finances.
5. Finances: Clearly mention the sponsor for your trip – whether self, family member, employer, or third-party. Provide documental proofs such as bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc. to back your declaration. Check our Schengen visa checklist for a list of permissible proofs that meet Schengen visa requirements. Also include travel insurance and emergency fund allocations.

Tips for Writing an Effective Schengen Visa Itinerary Letter

Submit a typed and properly formatted itinerary letter written in a formal and professional tone, no more than 2 pages long. Proofread the letter before submitting to nab spelling and grammatical errors.

An important recommendation when writing a Schengen visa itinerary letter is that the data you provide must tally accurately with all other information regarding flight tickets, hotel bookings, bank statements, invitation letter, etc. Discrepancies can lead to delays in visa processing or visa refusal. Avoid listing activities that conflict with your visa type, such as attending a business meeting on a tourist visa. Include emergency contact numbers and back-up bookings for transportation and accommodation to show your travel preparedness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Is a Schengen visa itinerary letter mandatory for visa application processing?
   No, the itinerary letter is not mandatory. However, including it in your visa documentation will significantly increase your chances of visa approval.
2. My accommodation has been booked by a third party. How should I include it in the itinerary letter?
   Mention the name and contact details of the third party that has made the booking. Provide proofs to justify the same.
3. Should I include substitute travel options in my itinerary letter?
   Yes, including backup options for transport and accommodation demonstrates your preparedness in a foreign land.
4. Should I include every single activity in my Schengen visa itinerary letter?
   It is important to include all the major activities you will participate in such as visiting tourist attractions, attending business meetings, etc. A detailed description of your plan demonstrates your sincerity as a traveler.
5. Should I include details of my return flight?
   Absolutely! Including details of your return flight establishes your intent to return to your home country within the visa validity period.