A Schengen visa invitation letter is a crucial document in many cases when it comes to traveling to Schengen countries. Whether you are planning to travel for tourism, visiting friends and family, or even participating in cultural or business events, an invitation letter opens the door for you to obtain the required visa. In this article, we will learn how to write a Schengen visa invitation letter, who needs one, and what are its basic details.
What is an invitation letter for a Schengen visa?
An invitation letter is an official document sent by a person or entity in a Schengen Area country to invite another person to visit the area. This letter is used to prove the purpose of travel and stay, and is one of the basic requirements in most Schengen visa applications. This letter is submitted to the relevant consulate or embassy along with other documents such as passport, passport photos, etc.
Also Read: Schengen Visa Requirements: Schengen Visa Photos Requirements
Types of invitation letters according to the purpose of travel
- Tourist invitation letter:
If you are planning to travel for tourism, the letter will be written by a person or family in the country you will be visiting. It includes details such as the length of your stay, the activities you will be doing, and where you will be staying. - Invitation letter to visit friends and family:
If you are going to visit friends or family in the Schengen area, the letter must include your relationship to the person invited, accommodation details, and financial information to ensure that the costs are covered. - Business Invitation Letter:
In the case of business travel, the letter is from a company or organization inviting you to participate in conferences or business meetings. It includes details about the event and the length of stay. - Invitation letter to participate in cultural, scientific and religious events:
This type of letter includes an invitation to participate in cultural, scientific or religious events related to the main purpose of your travel.
Who needs an invitation letter?
- Tourism: If you will be staying with a host in the country, you will need a letter of invitation.
- Visiting friends and family: If you are visiting someone who is a resident of the Schengen area, a letter will be necessary.
- Business: You must have an invitation letter from your employer.
- Cultural and scientific events: such as attending a conference, religious or sporting activity.
Who doesn’t need an invitation letter?
- Self-catering tourism: If you will be staying in a hotel or rented apartment.
- Medical or educational purposes: If you are traveling for medical treatment or study.
- Transit: If you are travelling through the Schengen area only.
Contents of invitation letter for Schengen tourist visa
The tourist invitation letter includes the following information:
- The host’s name and relationship to the invitee.
- Dates of stay.
- Planned activities.
- Financial details, if the host will cover the costs.
Invitation letter for Schengen visa to visit friends and family
An invitation letter from friends or family should include the following:
- Host name and relationship details.
- The specified duration of stay.
- Planned activities.
- Financial guarantee if any.
Invitation letter for business in Schengen area
In the case of business, the letter should include:
- Name of the invited party.
- Event or conference details.
- Expected business activities.
Invitation letter to participate in cultural and scientific events and programs
If the purpose of the travel is to participate in a cultural or scientific event, the letter must include:
- Event details.
- Information about the organizer.
Attach the necessary documents with the invitation letter.
In addition to the invitation letter, the host must attach:
- A copy of the host’s ID or passport.
- Financial details on how to finance the visit.
How to send invitation letter to consulate or embassy?
The letter must be submitted to the consulate or embassy along with the rest of the required documents. In some cases, the letter may need to be submitted by mail or electronically according to the embassy’s instructions.
Steps to follow after receiving the invitation letter
After receiving the invitation letter:
- Submit the letter with the rest of the visa documents.
- Monitor the status of your visa application.
Exceptions and special circumstances in the invitation letter
In some cases, additional documents may be required such as a letter from a government or business entity, or special documents to participate in certain events.
Time required to obtain a Schengen visa after submitting the invitation letter
Visa processing usually takes 10 to 15 days, and may vary depending on the embassy.
Important tips when writing an invitation letter
- Make sure the information is accurate.
- Avoid grammatical errors.
- Check the required documents with the consulate.
Conclusion
The invitation letter is an essential part of the Schengen visa application process. Whether you are travelling for tourism, business or even events, the letter should be well-written and clearly reflect the purpose of your travel. Make sure you attach all the required documents and follow the necessary procedures to ensure you get the visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I travel to the Schengen area without an invitation letter?
- If you will be staying in a hotel or private apartment, you will not need an invitation letter.
- What should an invitation letter include?
- Must include host name, accommodation details, planned activities, and financial details.
- Can I submit an invitation letter electronically?
- Yes, some embassies accept e-letters.
- Do I need a letter of invitation if I am traveling for medical purposes?
- No, in this case, you need medical documents instead of an invitation letter.
- How long does it take to get a Schengen visa after submitting the invitation letter?
- Usually 10 to 15 days.
Notice: This article is only for informational purposes. We are not a Visa agent nor a consulting service, we just spread the job opening alert.