Are you planning to visit Europe and need a Schengen visa? A well-organised travel itinerary is one of the most important requirements for your visa application. This document plays a critical role in helping immigration officers understand your travel plans and assess whether you meet all the necessary criteria for a Schengen visa.

Choose Atlys as your trusted visa partner to secure your Schengen visa appointments promptly and hassle-free.

A travel itinerary demonstrates that you have a clear purpose for your trip, a structured schedule, and the means to support yourself during your stay. It assures the authorities that you’re a genuine traveller with specific plans to return to your home country after your visit rather than overstaying your visa or travelling without a defined purpose.

What is a Travel Itinerary?

A travel itinerary is a detailed schedule of your planned trip. It includes your flights, accommodation, destinations, and daily activities. It’s not just a formality; it shows the visa officials that you have clear travel plans and intend to return home after your visit.

Steps to Create a Travel Itinerary

Here are the steps you need to follow to create your travel itinerary:

1. Plan Your Trip Dates and Duration

• Decide your travel dates and the duration of your stay. Schengen visas are typically issued for the exact period of your trip, so your itinerary should match your application.

• Ensure your trip stays within the allowed duration for Schengen visas (typically 90 days in 180 days).

2. Book Round-Trip Flights

• A round-trip flight reservation shows you plan to return to your home country.

• Many airlines or travel agencies offer flight reservations for visa purposes. You can book actual tickets after your visa is approved.

Here is the detailed guide for getting a flight itinerary for your Schengen visa application.

3. Reserve Accommodation

• Book hotels or other accommodations for your entire stay. If you’re visiting multiple cities, ensure you have a reservation for each destination.

• Use platforms like Booking.com, which offer free cancellation options. You can cancel or modify these bookings later if your visa gets delayed or plans change.

4. Map Out Your Destinations

• List all the cities and countries you plan to visit.

• Include the number of days you’ll spend in each destination.

• For multi-country trips, mention the main destination (where you’ll spend the most time) and your first port of entry.

5. Include Daily Activities

Detail what you plan to do each day:

• Sightseeing

• Museum visits

• Shopping

• Relaxation

Tip: Keep it realistic! Don’t cram too much into one day. It should reflect a feasible travel plan.

6. Add Transportation Details

• For travel between cities, mention trains, buses, or internal flights.

• Include reservation proof for any pre-booked transport, like train tickets.

7. Create a Professional Document

Combine all your details into a clean, easy-to-read document:

• Header: Include your name, travel dates, and the title "Travel Itinerary for Schengen Visa."

• Format:

  • Day 1: City, Activity, Accommodation

  • Day 2: City, Activity, Accommodation

  • And so on…

• Use Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or free online itinerary templates.

Travel Itinerary Samples  

Sample 1.docx.pdf

Sample 2.docx.pdf

Sample 3.docx.pdf

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Providing Inconsistent Details: Ensure that your travel dates, accommodation, and transportation bookings match all submitted documents.

• Overloading the Itinerary: Don’t create an unrealistic schedule with too many activities in a single day. Keep it feasible.

• Skipping Daily Details: Failing to include a day-by-day breakdown can make your itinerary look incomplete.

• Ignoring Proof of Bookings: Always attach proof of flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and transportation tickets.

• Not Mentioning Internal Travel Plans: If travelling to multiple cities, include details of intercity transportation.

• Using Fixed, Non-Cancellable Bookings: Opt for reservations with free cancellation to allow flexibility in case of visa delays or rejections.

• Missing the Main Destination: Clearly indicate where you’ll spend the most time for multi-country trips.

• Failing to List Your First Entry Point: Mention the country and city where you’ll first arrive in the Schengen zone.

• Providing Incomplete Contact Information: Include contact details for your accommodations and, if possible, emergency contact details.

• Submitting an Unprofessional Format: Ensure the document is well-organized, easy to read, and free from spelling errors.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t Overcomplicate: Keep the itinerary straightforward and to the point.

• Match It with Supporting Documents: Ensure your flight and hotel reservations align with your itinerary dates.

• Keep Copies: Print at least two copies of your itinerary. One for your visa application and another for your records.

What if Plans Change?

Don’t worry! Your itinerary doesn’t have to be set in stone. Visa officials know that plans might evolve. What matters is showing that you’ve thought through your trip and aren’t travelling unplanned.

Final Thoughts

A solid travel itinerary is an essential part of your Schengen visa application. By following these steps, you’ll create a professional and organised document and increase your chances of visa approval. Happy planning, and enjoy your European adventure!