In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience writing a cover letter that helped me get approved multiple times—starting from my very first application. This is the same format and approach I’ve now used successfully for several visits to Europe.

If you’re not sure how to write a Schengen visa cover letter , especially if you’re a first-time applicant , I wrote this to guide you.

Who This Blog Is For:

• First-time Schengen visa applicants
• Tourists visiting Europe
• Travelers visiting family or friends (on invitation)
• People unsure what to write in their visa cover letter
• Anyone looking for a personal example, not an AI-sounding template

What is a Schengen Visa Cover Letter?

A Schengen visa cover letter is a personal statement submitted with your visa application. It’s your opportunity to explain:

• Why you’re visiting Europe
• Who you’re visiting (if applicable)
• How you’re funding the trip
• Your travel dates and itinerary
• Why and when you’ll return to your home country

Even if you have all your documents ready, the cover letter adds clarity and human context to your application. It shows the visa officer that you’re organized, responsible, and honest.

How I Wrote My Cover Letter (And What You Can Copy)

Here’s the structure that has worked for me—simple, clear, and respectful.

1. Start with a Short Introduction

Let them know you’re applying and why:

I am writing to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa to travel to Europe for tourism and to visit family and friends. This is my first time applying, and I am excited to experience the culture, landmarks, and spend time with loved ones.

2. Explain the Purpose of Your Visit

Be clear about what you’re doing and who you’ll see:

I plan to visit several cities including [insert destinations here] and spend time with my [friend/family/partner], who invited me to stay with them in [City, Country]. I am looking forward to exploring the area and connecting with the people close to me.

3. Share a Bit About Yourself

This part builds trust—especially important for first-time travelers:

I am a [your profession or occupation] based in [your country]. I currently [work/manage/run a business/study] and have strong ties to my home country, including family and professional responsibilities that I need to return to.

4. Mention Who Will Cover the Expenses

Be transparent, whether it’s you or someone else:

I will be funding my entire trip, and I’ve included my bank certificate and financial documents to support this.
OR
My host will support part of my expenses, and I’ve included their financial documents and an official invitation letter.

5. Outline Your Travel Plan and Return

Clearly state your dates and promise to return:

I intend to travel from [start date] to [end date]. After my trip, I will return to the Philippines to resume my work and personal responsibilities. I fully understand and respect the visa rules and will not overstay.

6. List Your Supporting Documents

Show you’re organized and transparent. Here’s what I included:

• Valid passport
• Completed Schengen visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of travel insurance (with COVID coverage)
• Proof of financial means (bank certificate, bank statements)
• Flight reservation and itinerary
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Letter of invitation (if visiting someone)
• Certificate of employment/business permits (if applicable)

7. End with a Respectful Closing

Always be polite and confident:

I sincerely hope you will consider my application. I am excited to explore Europe and return home with wonderful experiences. I promise to abide by all rules and regulations during my stay. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

First-Time Schengen Visa Tips (From Personal Experience)

For those who are applying for the first time, here are some tips I wish someone had told me:

✅ Be honest and clear in your cover letter – no need for fancy words.
✅ Back up everything you claim with documents.
✅ Make sure your travel insurance is valid for all Schengen countries.
✅ If you’re staying with someone, get an official invitation letter.
✅ Show your reason to return home. (Job, business, school, property, etc.)

Real Talk: Your Visa Letter Doesn’t Have to Be “Perfect”

Don’t stress too much about writing a “flawless” letter. Focus on being sincere, respectful, and organized. The consulate doesn’t expect poetic language—they just want to be sure your plans are real and you’ll follow the rules.

If you’re visiting multiple countries or combining tourism with visiting friends/family, just explain that clearly. Consistency across your documents is more important than perfect grammar.

Conclusion: You Can Do This!

Writing your first Schengen visa cover letter can seem intimidating, but once you break it down, it’s actually very doable. I’m living proof that a simple, well-written letter—paired with complete documents—can get you approved.

If this blog helped you or if you’d like a downloadable sample, just drop a comment or message me. I’m happy to share a generic version of the letter I used (with private info removed).

Here is my cover letter that you can download and revise as per your own itinerary.

ChatGPT Prompts for First-Time Schengen Visa Cover Letters

General Tourist Visit

I’m applying for a Schengen tourist visa for the first time. I want to visit [country] from [start date] to [end date] as a tourist. I’m funding my own trip and plan to visit places like [list major cities or landmarks]. Please help me write a simple, respectful cover letter for the embassy.”

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Visiting Family or Friends (with Invitation)

I need help writing a Schengen visa cover letter. This is my first application. I’ve been invited by my [friend/partner/sibling] who lives in [city, country], and I plan to visit from [start date] to [end date]. They will host me during my stay. I want to assure the embassy that I will return to [your country] because I have [job/business/family] here.

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Combined Visit: Tourist + Family or Friend

I’m a first-time Schengen visa applicant. I want to visit Europe both as a tourist and to spend time with my [friend/family/partner] who lives in [city, country]. I plan to travel from [start date] to [end date] and return to my home country afterwards. “Can you help me write a cover letter that explains this clearly?”

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Someone Else Paying for Your Trip (Sponsor)

I’m applying for a Schengen visa and this is my first time. My [partner/family/friend] is sponsoring my trip and invited me to stay in [city, country] from [start date] to [end date]. Please help me write a polite, honest cover letter to submit with my application.

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Cover Letter Emphasizing Return to Home Country

I’m applying for a Schengen visa and this is my first time. My [partner/family/friend] is sponsoring my trip and invited me to stay in [city, country] from [start date] to [end date]. Please help me write a polite, honest cover letter to submit with my application.

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For Students or Freelancers

I’m applying for a Schengen visa and this is my first time. My [partner/family/friend] is sponsoring my trip and invited me to stay in [city, country] from [start date] to [end date]. Please help me write a polite, honest cover letter to submit with my application.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Writing your first Schengen visa cover letter can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. I’ve been there too. I didn’t know where to start, so I turned to ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts, write clearly, and stay on track . The result? A letter that felt truly like me — and it got approved.

Whether you’re traveling for tourism or to visit loved ones in Europe, your cover letter is your voice on paper. Keep it simple, honest, and respectful.

If this post helped you even a little, I’d love to hear about it! You can leave a comment, ask for a sample, or even share your experience as a first-time applicant. Let’s help each other make the process easier, one approved visa at a time. 🌍💬

Good luck—and safe travels! 🇪🇺✨