What Counts as Valid Proof of Accommodation for a Schengen Visa, and How Do You Obtain It?

 

When applying for a Schengen visa, proof of accommodation is a mandatory document that shows where you will stay during your trip. It helps visa officers verify your travel intentions and ensure you have a place to reside during your visit.

What Counts as Valid Proof of Accommodation?

1. Hotel Booking or Reservation

    ·       A confirmed hotel reservation for each night of your stay.
    ·       Should include your name, travel dates, address of the hotel, and booking confirmation number.

    ·       Bookings from websites like Schengen Visa Itinerary are commonly accepted.

2. Invitation Letter from a Host

    ·       If staying with a friend or relative.

    ·       Should include:

                ·        Host’s full name and address

                ·        Copy of their passport or ID

                ·        A formal invitation letter

                ·        Proof of legal residence (if applicable)

3. Rental Agreement or Lease

    ·       If you are renting an apartment or room.

    ·       Should include the rental address, dates of stay, and your name as the tenant.

4. Tour Package or Group Travel Booking

    ·       For organized tours, include a letter from the tour operator with hotel details and itinerary.

5. Proof of Sponsorship and Accommodation Form (if required)

    ·       Some Schengen states have specific forms (e.g., Italy’s “Declaration of Hospitality” or Spain’s “Carta de invitación”).

How to Obtain Proof of Accommodation?

Since there is no guarantee of visa approval, many applicants choose to submit a dummy hotel reservation rather than pay for a full hotel stay in advance. This allows you to meet the visa requirements without financial risk.

A dummy hotel booking is a temporary, verifiable reservation created for visa purposes. These bookings are widely accepted by Schengen embassies.

Steps to Book a Dummy Hotel Reservation:

    1.    Go to Schengen Visa Itinerary

    2.    Choose the product Hotel Booking Plan Only

    3.    Provide the required information

    4.    Make the online payment

    5.    Receive an e-mail with all the details of your hotel reservation

    6.    Print the email and present it to the visa official at your visa appointment

If you have any questions or require further assistance from our experienced professionals, please do not hesitate to contact us.