Schengen Family Visit Visa from USA 2026: Documents, Invitation & Fees
Visiting parents, siblings, a spouse, or other family members in Europe from the USA requires a Schengen short-stay visa for non-US citizens. It uses the same Type C visa application as tourism, but the supporting documents are different — you need an invitation letter from your host, proof of your relationship, and your host's residence documents. This guide covers everything US-based applicants need for a family visit to the Schengen area.
In this guide
Fees in USD (2026)
| Fee | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Embassy visa fee — adult | $97 |
| Embassy visa fee — child (6–11) | $49 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| VFS service fee | $32–$45 |
| Courier return (optional) | $25–$35 |
| Typical total per adult | $130–$145 |
Documents You Need (Applicant in the USA)
Identity & US Status
- Valid passport — 3 months validity beyond return date, 2 blank pages
- Passport photos — 35mm × 45mm, white background
- Completed Schengen visa application form (purpose: family visit)
- US immigration status — green card (both sides) + I-94, or current US visa + I-797 (if applicable) + I-94
- Copies of passport pages with prior Schengen stamps or visas
Family Visit Specific
- Invitation letter from your host in Europe — see requirements below
- Proof of relationship — marriage certificate, birth certificate, or family documents as appropriate
- Host's proof of legal residence in the Schengen country — lease, utility bill, or residence permit
- Host's passport copy or national ID
Financial Proof
- Last 3 months of US bank statements (USD) — showing at least $110/day for your trip
- If host is covering costs: their bank statements + signed sponsorship letter specifying what they cover
- Recent pay stubs (2–3 months) if employed in the USA
Employment & Ties to the USA
- Employment letter — job title, salary in USD, approved leave dates, return-to-work date
- University enrolment letter if a student
- Evidence of US ties: lease, mortgage, or utility bills
Travel & Insurance
- Flight reservation with confirmed PNR
- Schengen travel insurance — minimum $32,000+ medical cover for the full trip duration
- Cover letter explaining purpose, dates, relationship, and funding — see Family Visit template
What Your European Host Must Provide
The invitation letter and host documents are the core of a family visit application. Ask your host to prepare these well in advance — postal delays from Europe to the USA can add 1–2 weeks.
Invitation Letter Requirements
- Written and signed by hand (or with a qualified digital signature)
- Host's full name, date of birth, and full address in Europe
- Your full name, date of birth, and passport number
- Your relationship to the host
- Exact dates of your planned visit
- Statement that you will stay at their address (if staying with them)
- Whether the host is covering any costs — if yes, specify what (accommodation, meals, etc.)
- Host's contact phone number and email
Host Residence Proof
- Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, internet) showing host's name and address — within last 3 months
- Or: rental agreement / lease showing host's name
- Or: property ownership document
Host Legal Status in Schengen
- Copy of host's passport (if they are a citizen of that country)
- Or: copy of host's residence permit if they are a non-citizen living in the Schengen country
If Host Is Sponsoring Your Trip
- Last 3 months of host's bank statements
- Signed sponsorship letter stating exactly what costs they are covering
- Host's employment letter or income proof
Staying With Family vs Hotel — What to Submit
| Accommodation | What to Submit |
|---|---|
| Staying at host's home entire trip | Host's invitation letter with their address — hotel booking not needed for those nights |
| Mix of host's home + hotels | Invitation letter for nights at host's home + hotel bookings for all other nights |
| Hotels only (family in different city) | Hotel bookings for all nights + host's invitation letter as purpose proof |
Special Situations for US-Based Applicants
Non-US Citizens on H-1B, L-1, or Other Visas
Include your full US immigration status documents — visa stamp, I-797 (if applicable), and I-94. This is especially important for family visit applications because it directly addresses the consulate's concern about right of return to the USA.
Visiting a Spouse or Partner in Europe
Provide your marriage certificate (with certified translation if not in English or the Schengen country's language). If unmarried, provide proof of a long-term relationship — shared photos, communication records, or a declaration of cohabitation if applicable.
Visiting Parents or Siblings
Birth certificates showing the family relationship are the standard proof. If names differ due to marriage, include supporting documents connecting the names.
Attending a Family Event (Wedding, Graduation)
Include the event invitation (wedding invitation, graduation ceremony notice) in addition to the standard family visit documents. This significantly strengthens the stated purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special visa to visit family in Europe from the USA?
It is the standard Schengen Type C short-stay visa — same form and process as a tourist visa. You state "family visit" as the purpose and provide the family-specific documents above.
Do I need a hotel booking if I'm staying with family?
No — a formal invitation letter from your host with their address replaces the hotel booking for the nights you stay with them. If any nights are in a hotel, those need booking confirmations.
Can my family in Europe pay for my trip?
Yes. Your host must provide their bank statements, a signed sponsorship letter specifying what they cover (accommodation, flights, or daily expenses), and proof of their income. You still need to show personal funds for anything not covered.
What if my host can't get documents to me in time?
Ask your host to scan and email documents — most consulates accept high-quality scans. Original documents may be requested for certain items (original invitation letter). Start the process early to allow time for postal delivery if originals are required.
How much does a Schengen family visit visa cost from the USA?
$97 embassy fee + $32–$45 VFS service fee. Most adults pay $130–$145 total with courier return. Children 6–11 pay $49 embassy fee. Children under 6 are free.