Visit visa document checklists

The documents usually asked for in UK, US, Canada and Schengen visit visa applications, and the mistakes we see most often.

UK Standard Visitor visa US B1/B2 visitor visa Canada visitor visa (TRV)Schengen short-stay visa

These lists are a general guide. Always follow the official embassy or VFS Global checklist for your application — it is the final word. Requirements change, and we do not guarantee visa approval.

UK Standard Visitor visa

Applied for online, with biometrics at a VFS Global centre in your country.

Documents usually required

Valid passport with at least one blank page
Completed online application form and fee payment confirmation
Recent bank statements (usually the last 6 months) showing you can pay for your trip
Employment letter, payslips, or business registration documents
Evidence of ties to your home country (job, property, family, studies)
Travel plans: accommodation details and a trip outline
Invitation letter and host's documents, if visiting someone
Previous passports showing travel history, if you have them

Common mistakes

Large unexplained deposits shortly before applying
Details in the form that don't match your supporting documents
Documents not in English without a certified translation

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US B1/B2 visitor visa

DS-160 form online, then an interview at the US Embassy or consulate in your country.

Documents usually required

Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa fee payment receipt and interview appointment confirmation
Passport photo that meets US photo rules
Evidence of income and employment or business
Evidence of ties to your home country that show you will return
Trip details and, if relevant, an invitation letter

Common mistakes

DS-160 answers that differ from what you say at the interview
A photo that doesn't meet the size or background rules
Bringing a pile of papers but being unable to explain your trip clearly

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Canada visitor visa (TRV)

Applied for online, with biometrics at a VFS Global centre in your country.

Documents usually required

Valid passport and copies of its information pages
Completed application forms, including the family information form
Proof of funds: bank statements and income evidence
Employment letter or business documents
Purpose of travel: invitation letter, itinerary or event details
Evidence of ties to your home country
Travel history, if you have it

Common mistakes

Missing the family information form or leaving sections blank
Scans that are blurry, cropped or missing pages
Funds that don't match the length and cost of the planned trip

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Schengen short-stay visa

Applied for through the embassy of your main destination country or its visa centre.

Documents usually required

Valid passport issued in the last 10 years, valid 3 months after you leave
Completed and signed application form
Two recent passport photos
Travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover
Flight reservation and accommodation bookings
Bank statements, employment letter and payslips
Invitation letter, if staying with someone

Common mistakes

Applying to the wrong embassy — it must be your main destination
Insurance that doesn't cover the full stay or the whole Schengen area
An unsigned application form

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