Schengen Visa Document Checklist (TLS)

Last updated: 29 October 2026

Before you start

This guide covers short-stay Schengen visas (stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period) applied for through a TLS centre. The core rules come from the EU Visa Code, which every Schengen State applies. On top of those, each consulate can ask for additional documents for your situation, so treat this list as the minimum to prepare, not the complete list.

If you are applying for France, you first complete your application online on France-Visas. Once you have done so, you receive the list of supporting documents for your case and can book your appointment ^[4].

Printable checklist

Work through each group and tick items off as you put them in your folder. Use your browser's print option to keep a paper copy.

Core documents for every applicant

Completed visa application form ^[1]. For France, you complete the application online on France-Visas, which then gives you the list of supporting documents for your case ^[4]
Passport (travel document) issued within the previous 10 years ^[1]
Passport valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the Schengen area (after your last departure if you plan several visits) ^[1] ^[3]
Passport with at least 2 blank pages ^[1]
One photograph that meets ICAO standards ^[3]
Your fingerprints are collected when you lodge the application, unless you are exempt ^[1] ^[3]

Travel medical insurance

Minimum coverage of €30,000 ^[1]
Covers repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and death ^[1] ^[3]
Valid throughout the territory of the Schengen States and for the entire period of your intended stay ^[1]

Purpose of your journey

Tourism or private visit: a hotel or other accommodation booking, or an invitation from your host if you stay with them, and documents showing your travel plans such as a booked trip or itinerary ^[1]
Business: an invitation from the company or authority you are visiting, plus documents on your employment status ^[1]
Study or training: proof of enrolment or of the courses you will attend ^[1]
Events, medical treatment or other reasons: the invitation, programme, enrolment or official document that explains why you are travelling ^[1]

Accommodation, money and your return

Proof of accommodation for your stay, or proof that you can pay for it ^[1]
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence for your stay and your return, such as bank statements ^[1] ^[3]
A reservation of a return or round-trip ticket ^[1]
Documents showing your ties to your country of residence, such as proof of employment, property or family ties ^[1] ^[3]

Minors and family

For a minor not travelling with their parents or legal guardian: consent from the person with parental authority ^[1]
When visiting family: proof of your family ties with the person inviting you ^[1]

The consulate may ask for other documents to check your case, including documents not listed here ^[3]. Bring originals together with any copies your TLS centre's checklist asks for.

When to apply

You can generally lodge a short-stay visa application no earlier than 6 months before your journey and should do it at least 15 days before ^[3] ^[2]. You may need to book an appointment first ^[3], and slots at busy TLS centres can go quickly, so prepare your documents early.

Common mistakes to avoid

An old or nearly expired passport

The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and stay valid at least 3 months after you leave. Renew it first if either rule fails, and remember to update your application with the new number.

No room in the passport

At least 2 blank pages are required. Count them before your appointment, not at the counter.

Insurance that does not cover the whole trip

Check the start and end dates, the €30,000 minimum and that the policy is valid in every Schengen State, not only your main destination.

Dates that do not match

Your application form, insurance, accommodation and return ticket should tell the same story. A hotel booking that ends before your flight home raises questions.

A photo that does not meet the standard

Use a recent photo that meets ICAO standards. Holiday snaps, filtered images and cropped selfies are unlikely to meet it.

Applying too late or too early

You can generally lodge an application no more than 6 months before your trip and should do so at least 15 days before ^[3]. Appointment slots can be limited, so start early.

Forgetting the documents for children

A minor travelling without a parent or guardian needs written consent from the person with parental authority.

Relying on an old checklist

Requirements change and differ by country and centre. Always download the current checklist from your consulate or TLS centre before you go.

How TLS Helper can help

We do not prepare or supply your documents: you gather them yourself. What we do is create your TLS application, reserve your appointment and, with Premium and VIP, follow up on it. The VIP package also includes filling in your France-Visas form and our document advisor, who guides you on the paperwork to prepare. If you would rather do everything yourself, the Privacy PDF Guide walks you through the TLS process step by step.

Get document advice with VIP Compare packages

Sources

Requirements in this guide were checked in October 2026 against these official sources:

Visa fees are not listed here because they vary and change; check the fee with your consulate or TLS centre.

Schengen visa document checklist for your TLS appointment