Schengen visa cover letter for a family trip
When a family travels together, one parent usually writes a single cover letter that lists every traveller. Each person still has their own application file.
What to say in your letter
- List every traveller: name, passport number and relationship (wife, son, daughter).
- One set of dates and stops for everyone, matching all bookings.
- Who pays: usually "I will cover all costs for my family", with your bank statements.
- Ties to home: your job, and your children's school and the date it reopens.
- Put a copy of the letter in each person's file.
Sample cover letter
Replace every detail with your own, and keep the dates identical to your bookings.
Sanjay Patel
16 Satellite Road, Ahmedabad 380015, India
+91 98250 33445 · [email protected]
10 March 2027
The Visa Section
Embassy of Italy in New Delhi
Subject: Application for short-stay Schengen visas (tourism) for my family
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am applying for short-stay Schengen visas for my family to travel to Italy from 20 May 2027 to 31 May 2027 (12 days) for tourism. We plan to visit Rome, Florence and Venice.
The travellers are:
Sanjay Patel (myself), passport number S1234567
Nisha Patel (my wife), passport number S7654321
Aarav Patel (our son, 10), passport number S2468135
Diya Patel (our daughter, 7), passport number S1357924
We will stay at Hotel Navona in Rome, Hotel Duomo in Florence and Hotel Lido in Venice. I will pay for all costs of the trip for my family. My bank statements are enclosed.
I work as a director at Patel Textiles Pvt. Ltd. in Ahmedabad. Our children's school reopens on 8 June 2027, and we will all return home on 31 May 2027.
I enclose for each traveller: visa application form, passport, photos and travel medical insurance; and for the family: flight reservations, hotel bookings, my bank statements and income tax returns, my leave letter, and the children's birth certificates.
Yours faithfully,
Sanjay Patel
Passport number: S1234567
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Extra documents for children
- Birth certificates showing both parents
- If one parent is not travelling, that parent's signed consent and a copy of their passport
- A letter from the children's school confirming they are enrolled, if your consulate asks for it
Questions people ask
Does each family member need a separate cover letter?
Usually one letter from the main applicant, listing everyone, is enough. Put a copy in each person's file. Check your consulate's checklist.
What if only one parent travels with the children?
Most consulates ask for signed consent from the parent who is not travelling, with a copy of their passport.
Requirements differ between consulates and change over time. Always check the official checklist of the consulate you apply to. This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.