Proof of accommodation for a visa application

Find the requirement for your application

Start on your destination’s official government visa or consulate website. Select your visa purpose and the requested nationality or residence details, then open the checklist for where you will apply. Look for accommodation, proof of stay or host documents. The examples below explain different requirements; they are not a worldwide checklist.

For example, the Netherlands’ tourism checklist asks hotel or rental guests for a reservation or rental agreement covering the whole trip. This is a requirement for that application, not a rule for every visa worldwide.

Requirements differ: the UK visitor guide lists hotel bookings and flight bookings (except transit) among documents that are less useful as evidence. Follow the guidance for your application rather than collecting bookings by default.

Match the evidence to your stay

A hotel or guesthouse

Check the property, guest details and stay dates on the actual booking confirmation. Read payment and cancellation conditions before committing to a booking.

Friends or family

Ask your consulate what host evidence it requires. A host’s invitation, address or an official accommodation certificate may be relevant; a simple invitation is not automatically sufficient for every application.

For example, France-Visas says a private host obtains the required proof of accommodation from their local town hall in France. Check the instructions for your own application before asking your host for documents.

France · Proof of accommodation from a private host

A rented apartment or other accommodation

Check what the official checklist accepts, then confirm the accommodation address, dates and named guests in the relevant agreement or confirmation.

Make the dates tell the same story

Work from your local arrival date. If your flight lands the next morning, the flight’s departure date may be the day before your stay begins. Account for each night, including visits to other cities, friends or overnight travel.

• Match guest names to the travelers in your application.
• Check that the property address matches the city in your travel plan.
• Keep the original confirmation and make sure the booking status is current.
• Check the cancellation deadline and any payment conditions directly with the provider.