Visa Invitation Letter: With Samples and Letter Format
One of the documents that first-time applicants need help understanding is a letter of invitation for tourist visa. Everything related to a visa invitation letter is simple and easy.
However, it may seem daunting if you’ve never written such a letter.
But not to worry. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know when writing your first invitation or visa cover letter.
After this post, you’ll understand how to write a visa letter confidently.
No matter what type of visa you apply for, Atlys will provide you with the necessary visa application letter to ensure that your visa is approved.
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What Is An Invitation Letter For Visa Application?
A visa invitation letter generally states that you’re invited by someone who resides abroad. The invitation letter is one of the visa requirements.
When you plan to visit a friend or relative who lives in a foreign country, you’ll need to present a Visa invitation letter written by the person who resides in that country.
There are different invitation letters, such as business or hospital invitation letters. In addition, each visa letter will contain specific details of your intended trip.
The applicant must submit the letter to embassy for visa request consulate where they are doing so.
This letter, which the applicant’s host writes and addresses to either the applicant or the consular official. It attests to their agreement to accommodate the applicant during their stay.
What Are The Requirements For Writing An Invitation Letter?
Although only some embassies in the world require it, it is still highly advised to submit a letter of invitation, even if it is optional.
The host must meet the following requirements for the letter of invitation to be accepted:
- Must be your friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, family member, or relative,
- Must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the nation you intend to visit (home, flat)
- They must have enough room in their home for the person applying for the visa
How To Write A Letter Of Invitation For Visa Application?
Many people may need clarification, but if you correctly understand its purpose, writing a letter of invitation could be the simplest part of applying for a visa. The host must write the letter themselves, and it must be addressed to you or the consular officer.
When you receive the documents needed for a visa, double-check whether any embassies have their invitation form. If they already have a form, your host will only need to fill in the blanks with the necessary details.
But even if they don’t, we’ve included some examples below that you can use to change the details to fit your situation.
The main focus when writing a visa invitation letter is that the letter must have some important information about both the host and the guest. Therefore, the following details about the host must be included in the letter:
- Full Name as shown on their International Passport
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Occupation
- Type of home (The type the host lives in, for example, if it’s a house/ apartment)
- Host’s status in the host country (If the host is residing in that country on a work visa, student visa, permanent resident, or is a citizen or any other legal status)
- Relationship between the host and the guest
- The purpose of the trip (friendly visit, holiday, wedding, birthday party.)
- Exact entry date and exit date
- Signature
Many visa applications are rejected because the host needs to format the letter properly. You should also pay attention to the tone; it shouldn’t sound overly formal or professional. It would help if you showed that you and the visitor have a close relationship.
Invitation Letter Sample
In this section, I’ll provide a sample invitations letter you can use when visiting friends or relatives.
Immigration Officer
[Embassy Name]
[Embassy Address]
[Embassy Phone Number]
Subject: Invitation Letter for [Applicant’s Name] with Passport No. __________________
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [host’s Name], am writing this letter on behalf of [applicant’s Name] to support their visa application to [country name]. I >currently reside in [country name] as a citizen/permanent resident at [address].
[Include information of the relationship between the host and the applicant]
[Applicant’s Name] will be visiting me from [enter date DD/MM/YY] to [exit date DD/MM/YY] for tourism purposes in [country name]. We plan to visit [tourist destinations/cities/places] during the specified dates to engage in numerous tourism activities such as [add booked tours/agenda/itinerary]. Furthermore, [applicant name] will be staying with me at [host’s address] until their departure date to [applicant’s home country]. All expenses for the planned trip will be covered through [provide means of funding] by the [applicant name].
Should you need additional information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards,
[host’s Signature]
[host’s Name]
[host’s Address]
[host’s Phone Number]
[host’s Email]
The host should include copies of their residence permit, proof of residence (address), and other applicable documentation.
Where To Submit The Letter Of Invitation?
Suppose you’re applying for a US visa. In that case, the visitor’s letter and visa application form are delivered to the U.S. embassy or consulate. The guest will submit it along with the other required supporting documents on the day of their visa interview at the embassy or consulate when the host scans and sends it to them.
What Is A Visa Cover Letter?
Simply put, the visa cover letter is a letter that includes important details regarding your trip to a desired country. Think of it as a proposal of why you are eligible to receive your visa.
Please note that it should be addressed to the Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center where you plan to submit your Visa application.
Now, not all cover letters are the same. You’ll find that your trip’s purpose will determine your visa letter’s content.
What Are The Types Of Visa Cover Letters?
As I just mentioned, the purpose of your trip will determine the content of your visa cover letter. There are mainly 3 types of cover letters:
These are self-explanatory. Just remember to include applicable information supporting your trip – I’ll get to this next.
What Information Should Be Included In The Visa Cover Letter?
The key to writing a convincing cover letter is details, details, and details. Remember, you must convince Embassy/Consular staff that you’re eligible for a visa. Remember that a standard visa cover letter is used to prove the purpose of travel to the intended destination. Within this section, I’ll include a sample letter about the purpose of travel.
Generally, your visa letter will include the following details:
- The reason why you plan to visit the Country in question,
- The dates you plan to enter and exit the country (flight reservations),
- A detailed itinerary of what you plan to do in the country,
- Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself,
- Where do you plan to stay,
- Other countries you plan to visit (if applicable),
- If you have someone that will sponsor your trip, explain your relationship and how they will support you (if applicable),
- In the case that you can’t submit any of the required documents, explain why you can’t and what alternative documents you’ve submitted,
- Other relevant information you find applicable,
Quick note: You can use your supporting/required documents to help prove the purpose of your trip. For example, enter the hotel name and refer to your proof of accommodation.
“My friend and I plan to stay at ABC Hotel in Paris; our complete hotel reservation is attached.”
Required Details For Medical Purposes
The information included in your cover letter for medical purposes (typically written by the doctor/specialist):
- An official letterhead of the medical institution
- Patient’s diagnosis and history
- Dates of the treatment
- The treatment the patient will undergo and specific information (how it will benefit the patient, the exact treatment, etc.)
- The duration of the treatment
- Any other relevant information
Quick note: You can also request the hospital/medical center abroad to write you an invitation letter. This is known as a Hospital invitation letter and will include relevant details regarding your medical treatment, trip details, personal information, etc.
Required Details For Business Purposes
When traveling for business purposes, your employer must include a cover letter for a business visa. A cover letter for a business visa must include the following:
- Letterhead of company
- Travel dates
- The purpose of the business trip
- The duration of the trip
- The company name, as well as your position in the company
- The visa type you are applying for (Business Visa)
- Contact information of the employer
- Any other relevant information
Quick note: You’ll sometimes receive an invitation letter from the company for a visa from abroad. The company you plan to visit abroad can also write you a visa invitation letter that can be attached to your visa application.
Cover Letter Samples
Next, you’ll find samples of the different cover letters you can provide for your visa application. Remember that these samples are only guidelines; you should edit the letter to suit your specific needs.
Sample Cover Letter For Tourist Visa/Sample Letter of Purpose of Travel
Date:
Immigration Officer
[Embassy Name]
[Embassy Address]
[Embassy Phone Number]
Subject: Cover Letter for tourism to [Desired Country] of [applicant name] with Passport No. __________________
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to apply for a visa to travel to [country name] from [enter date DD/MM/YY] to [enter date DD/MM/YY]
My trip to [country name] is for tourism. I am excited to visit numerous tourist destinations such as [add places you plan to see] and experience [country name] ‘s unique cuisines and culture. Furthermore, I plan to visit the [city name(s)] to ensure I have the ultimate tourist experience.
[Feel free to add your schedule/itinerary and elaborate more on what you plan to do]
While visiting [country name], I plan to stay at the following hotels:
- [hotel name and address] – [date DD/MM/YY]
- [hotel name and address] – [date DD/MM/YY]
I am currently employed at [company name] with the title of [position]. I have received approval for vacation days for the dates specified above. Furthermore, I will support myself financially for my trip using [provide means of finances].
I am attaching all the required documents for my Visa application.
I trust that you will find everything is in order. However, if you have any questions or requirements, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.
Thank you in advance for a favorable reply to my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Complete Name]
[Your Address]
Sample Cover Letter For Medical Visa
In most cases, your medical examiner/specialist will provide this visa letter to you.
[Official letterhead of hospital/medical institution]
[Current Date][Name of Referring Hospital]
[Address and Phone]
[Patient Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [patient Name here], to document the medical need for [medication/treatment/equipment in question] for the treatment of [the exact diagnosis]. Please, find in this letter the information regarding the patient’s medical diagnosis and history and a summary of my treatment motive.
I am writing on behalf of my patient, [Name], to confirm the medical necessity of [treatment/medication] for [the treatment in question]. This visa letter will contain information regarding [name (‘s)] medical diagnosis, history, and a summary of my treatment motivation.
Patient’s Diagnosis and History:
(Add applicable information of the patient’s diagnosis and medical history)
Treatment:
(Add applicable information about the patient’s treatment, the reason thereof, and how it will benefit the health of the patient)Treatment Duration:
(Add the expected duration of the treatment)
Summary:
As highlighted, the [medication/treatment] is necessary for my patient’s medical condition. My patient could recover/improve successfully with the correct treatment and care.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is required to guarantee the approval of my patient’s medical treatment.
Sincerely,
[name and signature of physician]
Quick note: Ensure that you include other relevant required documents alongside your medical cover letter. These can include records of your medical condition, health insurance policies, and so on.
Sample Cover Letter For Business Visa
In this section, I will show you the Business visa cover letter sample.
[Letterhead of Company]
[Date]
[Embassy name]
[Embassy address]
Dear Consul General:
I’m writing this letter to confirm that Mr./Mrs.[Name and Last Name] is an employee at [company name] as [job title/position].
During the last [number of years you’ve been working at the company], Mr./Mrs. [Name] has been key to improving relationships with our investors abroad. As such, Mr./Mrs. [Name] will be traveling to [Name of city], [country] from [Date of entry] until [Date of exit] for a total of [number of days] to attend to the following work-related activities:
[Write in as much detail as possible about the business that will be conducted abroad]Furthermore, during this time, Mr./Mrs. [Name] will attend an important business meeting in (city name) to improve corporate relations with our partners abroad.
Mr./Mrs. [Name] will be staying at [hotel name, address, phone number] and will return to [country of origin] on the dates specified above.
I kindly ask for the [visa type] to be issued to Mr./Mrs. [Name and surname] at your earliest convenience.
Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional information.
Kind regards,
[Supervisor signature]
[Name and last name]
[Title]
[Phone number]
[Address of employer]
A sponsorship letter is required when you (the applicant) won’t provide the funds for your trip abroad and is written by the person who will be funding your trip (the sponsor). It’s an important document that proves you’ll have the financial means to support yourself for the duration of your trip (for expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc.)
Quick note: This should be distinct from an visa invitation letter. Here I’ll provide a Visa letter sample of sponsorship you can use for sponsorships.
The sponsorship visa letter should include details of both the applicant and the sponsor. Here’s what you can include:
- Your details
- Your trip details (travel dates, itinerary, etc.)
- The duration of your trip
- Your sponsor’s details (Name, surname, and contact details)
- What expenses will be paid
One more thing:
Your sponsor should also submit copies of the following required documents:
-
Copies of their passport/I.D.
-
Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or payslips
-
A travel itinerary (if applicable)
-
Proof of accommodation for the applicant
-
A flight itinerary to prove that you will return to your home country (if applicable)
The Visa sponsorship letter sample can be used as a guideline. For this sample visa letter, we’ll look at a husband sponsoring his wife’s trip (you could replace “wife” with the applicant’s Name).
Date:
Immigration Officer
[Embassy Name]
[Embassy Address]
[Embassy Phone Number]
Subject: Sponsorship Letter for [Wife’s Name] with Passport No. __________________
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Your Full Name], currently residing at [address] and a [country] citizen, am writing in support of my wife, [Wife’s Full Name], visa application.
[Wife’s Name] will be traveling with me to [Destination name] for tourism and the purpose of the visit. My wife and I will depart on [enter date DD/MM/YY] and return to [enter the home country/another country] on [enter date DD/MM/YY].
During the dates specified above, my wife and I plan to visit [places you plan to visit] [add more details if applicable – a schedule, tours, etc.]. In addition, [Wife’s Name] will be staying with me at [hotel name(s)]. Furthermore, I will cover all expenses through [provide means of funding].Please find all the required documents attached to this letter to support the statements.
Kind regards
[Applicant name]
[Your home address]
[Your phone number]
[Your occupation]
[Your signature]
Tips For Writing A Letter For Visa Applications
How to write a visa letter is one of many things you should know. Writing a cover letter can be effortless if you understand what information authorities are looking for. However, it may seem daunting if it’s your first time writing a visa letter to official embassy authorities. Therefore, I recommend using Atlys when applying for any visa, as they will generate a visa application letter for you. Even so. I’ll include some useful tips you can use when writing your next cover letter.
- Include important details: To increase the chances of a successful visa application, include important information regarding your trip to the country. First, however, think of what authorities would want to know about.
For example, authorities are not interested in the means of transportation you plan to use when visiting the country. However, they want to know what cities you plan to visit and if you have booked any accommodation within those cities. - Always refer to your supporting documents: The great thing about your supporting documents is that you can refer to them within your cover letter. This proves the purpose of your trip and acts as additional information that you don’t need to include within your cover letter.
For example, suppose you have a planned trip itinerary. In that case, you can mention a few activities within your cover letter and refer to your planned itinerary attached to your visa application. Should authorities want to know more about your plan, they will find more information in your complete itinerary. - Don’t be too personal: Remember, you’re only trying to prove the purpose of your trip, not explain your ambition for travel. It’s acceptable to explain your relationship with a friend or family member you plan to visit. However, it’s not recommended to highlight how much you’ve missed them and how you can’t wait to see them because it’s been 10 years since you’ve had a coffee and discussed politics and love.
- Avoid including unnecessary details: Including essential travel details is important. Nonetheless, it would help if you avoid including information that adds no value to your visa application. A good way to ensure that the information you’ve included is important is to use your required documents as a reference.
For example, adding that you plan to finance your trip using cash is important. Yet, embassy authorities don’t want to know how much you plan to spend on transportation, food, clothes, and other expenses. Instead, they want to confirm that you have the financial means to support yourself for your trip. - Please keep your letter short and to the point: I know I sound like a broken record, but including important information will help keep your letter short and to the point. As a result, authorities will have a much easier time reading through your visa letter, increasing your chances of a successful visa application.
You Can Now Confidently Write Your Own Invitation Letter
After reading through this post, you’ll be able to easily write your visa letter no matter the visa you plan to apply for. Remember, you can use the sample visa letters as a guideline. However, it would be best if you make it your own. You now know everything there is on how to write a visa letter.