Visa Document Checklist

Select your passport, destination, and travel purpose to get a personalised checklist of every document you need, required and recommended items included. Tick off each item as you prepare.

Your Passport

Passport country

Destination

Destination country

Purpose of Visit

How to Use This Checklist

A missing document is the most common reason visa applications are delayed or rejected. This tool generates a personalised checklist based on your specific passport, destination, and purpose of travel, so you only see what is relevant to your trip, not a generic list that may include things you do not need.

1

Select your passport and destination

We look up the exact visa requirement for your route and tailor the list accordingly.

2

Choose your purpose of visit

Tourism, business, and study applications each have different document requirements.

3

Tick off each item as you prepare

Use it as a live checklist before your application. Print it or save it as a PDF for reference.

Select passport and destination

Your personalised checklist will appear here.

Common Reasons Visa Applications Are Rejected

Most visa refusals come down to a small number of avoidable mistakes. Understanding the most frequent reasons for rejection, rather than just collecting documents, is the difference between a successful application and starting over.

Insufficient funds

You could not demonstrate enough money to cover your stay. Bank statements should show stable balances over 3–6 months, not a sudden large deposit.

Incomplete or inconsistent documents

Your flight dates do not match your hotel booking, or the itinerary contradicts your stated purpose of visit. Every document should tell the same story.

Weak ties to home country

Embassies want confidence you will return. Employment letters, property ownership, or family commitments are all evidence of ties.

Invalid or expiring passport

Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned exit. Check the exact requirement for your destination.

No travel insurance

Required for Schengen visas and strongly recommended everywhere. Some embassies reject applications without it even when not technically mandatory.

Previous visa violations

Overstaying a previous visa, even by one day, is visible in your travel history and will significantly affect future applications to that country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need original documents or can I submit copies?

Most embassies require original documents for submission. Some (like Schengen) may accept high-quality scans for eVisa applications, but request originals at the border. Always check the specific embassy's guidance.

How recent do bank statements need to be?

Most embassies request the last 3–6 months of bank statements. The statements should be official, printed from your bank or a certified printout, not downloaded PDFs that could easily be altered.

What if I am self-employed? What counts as proof of income?

Self-employed applicants should provide a combination of: business registration documents, tax returns from the last 1–2 years, recent bank statements, and an accountant's letter confirming your income and status.

Is travel insurance the same as visa insurance?

For most purposes, yes. For Schengen visas, insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 in medical and repatriation expenses for the entire trip. Some standard travel insurance policies may not meet this threshold, always check the policy details.

Can I use a hotel booking I have not paid for yet?

Yes, most embassies accept a reservation that can be cancelled, as long as it shows your name, dates, and address. This is preferable to booking non-refundable accommodation before your visa is confirmed.