Schengen Visa Travel Insurance, Hotel Booking and Itinerary

Insurance, bookings and the trip plan are among the most confusing parts of a Schengen file: what does the law actually require, and what do embassies ask for on their own? The difference matters so you do not pay for things you do not need before the decision.

In this guide from Almorad, a visa office in Riyadh, we set out what the EU Visa Code says and what embassies commonly ask for, with official sources. Each embassy's requirements change, so check the page of the country you will apply to before you buy or book anything.

What the law says versus what embassies ask for

Annex II is a non-exhaustive list of documents an applicant "may" submit, so what is actually required is what the embassy publishes on its website.

Travel medical insurance: the Article 15 conditions

Article 15 requires applicants for a single- or double-entry visa to prove adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering expenses for repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death during the stay. The European Commission describes it as covering emergencies, hospitalisation and repatriation.

• The minimum cover is EUR 30,000.
• The insurance must be valid in all Schengen states and cover the whole stay.
• As a rule, applicants should try to buy it in their country of residence and, if that is not possible, in another country.
• The consulate checks that claims against the insurer are recoverable in a Member State.
• For a multiple-entry visa, the policy covers the first visit and the applicant signs a statement that insurance is needed for later stays.

Failing to prove the required insurance is an official ground for refusal under Article 32, as we explain in why Schengen visas get refused. We advise matching the policy dates to your travel dates and reading the policy text to confirm it states the minimum and covers the Schengen area.

Hotel booking and proof of accommodation

Article 14 asks for documents on accommodation, or proof that you have enough means to cover it. Annex II gives examples such as an invitation from a host, a document from the establishment providing accommodation, or any other appropriate document indicating the accommodation envisaged.

From what we prepare at Almorad, a refundable provisional booking is usually enough, and we advise avoiding non-refundable payments before the decision. This is a practice we check with each embassy, not an official rule.

Flight booking before you apply

The text of Article 14 does not mention a flight ticket, but Annex II lists "reservation of or return or round ticket" among examples of what shows your intention to leave the Schengen states. Embassies differ on the format they ask for: one asks for proof of means of travel, and the Netherlands embassy page notes that ticket dates are checked against the visa validity period.

So do not buy a non-refundable ticket until you are sure of the embassy's requirement and decision date. The Commission says processing takes 15 days and may extend to 45.

An itinerary that supports your application

Annex II refers to "any other appropriate document indicating the envisaged travel plans" and the law prescribes no format. From our experience, a short day-by-day plan works well when its cities and dates match your bookings and insurance.

• Make the main country in the plan the country you apply to, as we explain in how to choose the country to apply to.
• Do not submit fake or altered bookings, because doubt about the authenticity of documents is an official ground for refusal.
• Review the other Schengen visa documents so your figures and dates agree across the whole file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel medical insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes for a single- or double-entry visa, with cover of at least EUR 30,000 under Article 15, and failing to prove it is a ground for refusal.

Should I buy the insurance in Saudi Arabia?

Article 15 says applicants should, as a rule, try to obtain insurance in their country of residence and, if that is not possible, in another country. Also check that the embassy accepts the insurer.

Do I need a confirmed flight ticket before applying?

The text of the law does not require a specific ticket, but Annex II gives a reservation or return ticket as an example, and the embassy may set its own format. Check its page before you buy.

Is a cancellable hotel booking enough?

The embassy decides which proof of accommodation it accepts. From what we prepare, a refundable provisional booking is usually enough, but confirm the requirement of the country you apply to.

Does Almorad issue the visa?

No, the embassy makes the decision. We help you prepare and review your file, book the appointment and follow up until you receive the decision.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

If you want your insurance, bookings and itinerary reviewed before you apply, see our Schengen tourist visa service or our other visa services, or message us on WhatsApp and tell us your destination and travel dates.