Travel document checklist
A printable visa document checklist for tourist, student, work, family and business trips: passport, photos, funds, bookings, insurance and route extras.
How to use the checklist
Choose your visa type and destination, then tick items off as you gather them. The base list applies to every application; the extras depend on whether you travel as a tourist, student, worker, family member or on business. Print it or save the page so you can check it again at the airport.
Missing or inconsistent documents cause more refusals than weak profiles. A bank statement that stops a month before the application, a hotel booking in another traveller's name or an insurance policy that ends a day early each gives the officer a reason to refuse. Gather the set first, check every date against the trip, then apply.
Documents every visa application needs
- Passport valid for the trip, six months or more for most countries, with two blank pages
- Two recent visa photos to the destination's specification
- Completed application form or e-visa confirmation
- Return or onward flight booking
- Accommodation booking or a host invitation letter
- Bank statements for the last three to six months
- Travel insurance covering the whole stay
- Employment letter or business registration
- Previous visas and travel history
Extras by visa type
| Visa type | Add to the base list |
|---|---|
| Student | Offer letter, CAS, I-20 or CoE; tuition receipt; English test result; proof of funds for tuition and living costs; transcripts |
| Work | Job offer and contract; sponsor licence, LMIA or nomination reference; qualification certificates; police clearance; medical examination |
| Family | Marriage or birth certificates; the sponsor's status documents; joint finances or cohabitation evidence |
| Business | Invitation letter from the host company; company letter stating purpose and funding; trade licence or registration |
Questions, answered
How many months of bank statements do I need for a visa?
Three months for most tourist visas and six for the UK, Canada, Australia and student routes. Statements should show a steady balance rather than a recent lump sum.
Do I need travel insurance for a visa?
Schengen visas require insurance with at least EUR 30,000 medical cover. Most other destinations recommend it, and some e-visas ask for a policy number.
Should documents be originals or copies?
E-visas take scans. Sticker and embassy visas usually want originals shown at the appointment plus one set of copies.
Can Vistolane check my documents?
Yes. Every application on Vistolane runs automated document checks before a specialist reviews the file; the free checklist is the same list the checker uses.
Which documents does every visa application need?
A valid passport, a compliant photo, proof of funds (bank statements), travel bookings and proof of ties to your home country such as an employment letter or business registration.
What extra documents do student and work visas need?
Students need the school's sponsorship document (CAS, CoE or I-20), proof of tuition and living funds and English test results. Work visas need the employer's sponsorship certificate and the job offer.
Should I book flights before the visa is approved?
Use refundable or hold bookings. Consulates want to see a planned itinerary, not a paid ticket, and a cancelled booking seen during a re-check can lead to refusal.
Can I print the checklist?
Yes. Pick the visa type and destination, then print or save the page; each item has a box to tick as you collect it.