What the official Schengen guidance says
The European Commission’s current Schengen visa overview says applicants provide supporting documents relating to the purpose of the stay, financial means, accommodation and evidence of the intention to return home. It also notes that consulates may request additional documents.
Separate jurisdiction-specific supporting-document lists can be more detailed, which is why applicants should use the checklist of the consulate or visa centre handling their application.
Flight reservation and accommodation should tell one story
If your applicable checklist asks for travel and accommodation evidence, make sure the proposed route, entry point, main destination, stay dates and departure plan make sense together. For multi-country trips, the itinerary should reflect the real travel plan.
Do not buy a non-refundable ticket just because a seller says so
A reservation service is intended to help document proposed travel where the checklist calls for it. It should not be used to make a false claim about a paid ticket or guaranteed travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Schengen consulate use exactly the same checklist?
No. The general framework is shared, but supporting-document details can vary by consulate, jurisdiction and applicant circumstances.
Should I submit a paid airline ticket?
Follow the current checklist for the competent consulate. Do not assume a non-refundable paid ticket is necessary unless the authority tells you so.
Can I include hotel reservations?
Accommodation evidence is part of the Schengen supporting-document framework, but the acceptable evidence and detail can vary.
Source guidance
Country requirements can change. These official links are grouped here so you can check the current source without interrupting the main service information.