What documents do I need for Schengen Visa proof of accommodation?

 

Officials at embassies, consulates or visa application centers will require you to provide documentation that can include the following:

•        Evidence you have a place to stay, such as a hotel or hostel booking reservation.

•        Evidence of an invitation from your host (proof of sponsorship).

•        Evidence of a prepaid tour.

Schengen Visa proof of accommodation rules are applied by each country in the Schengen Area as one of the requirements of proving you can support yourself during your stay.

You will be required to submit these documents as part of your Schengen Visa application and have them with you for your visa application interview appointment.

Proving you have booked a hotel during your stay

One of the simplest ways to prove you have a place to stay in a Schengen Area country is to provide a booking reservation in the form of email confirmation from the hotel or hostel where you have reserved your bed or room.

You should be careful when checking if your confirmation number is valid, as the authorities will investigate this information and will refuse your application, possibly with a further penalty, if it does not check out. Therefore, you should contact the hotel via email or over the phone to ensure this is correct.

Will I need to pay to make a hotel reservation before I know if I will receive a Schengen Visa?

Most reputable booking agencies will either allow you to pay a small deposit or fee to book your hotel room, allowing you to receive confirmation. Alternatively, you can check if your hotel will offer a full or partial refund if you cancel your booking within a certain time period.

Are there any alternatives to getting a booking confirmation from my hotel or hostel?

While technology means it is possible to fake or alter a booking confirmation, if you are caught by checks on your booking’s validity, your visa will be immediately refused and you may face rejection from traveling to the Schengen Area in future. You should ask yourself if the risk is worth taking - as it could prove much more costly if you are unable to obtain a refund on your application fee, flight reservations, and the costs of any other documents and logistics associated with your application.