We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> Complete 2026 guide to Romania\u2019s Schengen Type C tourism visa: eligibility, documents, fees, process, refusals, extensions, work limits, and official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> April 6, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania now applies the Schengen visa acquis for short stays. The Type C short-stay visa<\/strong> is the standard Schengen visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The tourism<\/strong> variant is for people who want to enter Romania mainly for leisure travel, sightseeing, holidays, or visiting as a tourist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa exists to allow temporary entry while letting Romanian and Schengen border authorities check:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Romania\u2019s immigration system, this is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common official naming includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian authorities also distinguish between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Many older Romanian government pages and embassy pages still use pre-full-Schengen wording or transitional explanations. Since Romania joined the Schengen area for internal border purposes in stages, always read the latest Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EU visa rules together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use C-Tourism if your real purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Applying as a tourist when the documents clearly show business, family reunification, work, or study intent. That is a common refusal trigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the tourism subcategory, the core permitted use is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how the application is structured and what the consulate accepts under short-stay rules, Type C visas in general may also cover other sub-purposes such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But those are usually different short-stay purposes<\/strong>, not tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This visa is not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Official rules do not generally treat a tourism visa as a work authorization. Even if your employer is abroad, if your real purpose is to reside temporarily and work remotely, you should verify whether Romania expects you to use another route. Romania has had a digital nomad category under long-stay rules, which is distinct from a tourist short-stay visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tourist visa is not the best fit if the main purpose is meetings, negotiations, conferences, or business contacts. That is usually a business short-stay<\/strong> purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very short recreational courses may sometimes fit within visitor logic, but formal study, enrollment, or attendance requiring residence permission does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romania historically had its own national short-stay visa system and transitional Schengen arrangements. Now, for ordinary short stays, applicants should think in Schengen Type C<\/strong> terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> When reading old embassy pages, check whether they refer to \u201cRomanian short-stay visa\u201d in a way that predates Romania\u2019s latest Schengen implementation. Use the newest MFA guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To qualify for a Romania C-Tourism visa, an applicant generally must show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some nationals are visa-exempt<\/strong> for Schengen short stays; others require a Type C visa. This depends on EU\/Schengen visa lists and can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> You must verify whether your nationality is visa-required on the Romanian MFA eVisa\/visa information pages and EU short-stay rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Schengen rules, the passport generally must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no standard minimum age to apply, but:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For tourism, there is usually no formal education, language, or work experience requirement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not mandatory for pure tourism if self-funded, but may be relevant where:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for a tourism visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must show sufficient funds. The exact evidentiary expectations can vary by consulate and may be based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If an embassy page gives a local checklist or fixed threshold, follow that page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually required, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often expected through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance is normally required, typically covering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The insurance must usually be valid for the entire stay and across Schengen states, with minimum coverage as required by Schengen rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A clean criminal record is not always required as a standard document for ordinary tourism, but authorities may refuse applicants based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometrics are usually required for most applicants lodging a Schengen visa application, unless exempt under Schengen VIS rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants must show a credible temporary stay. Practical evidence may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants usually apply from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying from a third country may be allowed only if you are legally resident there and the consulate accepts jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important. Specific document lists, appointment systems, local forms, and accepted evidence can vary by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: applying as tourism but submitting conference invitation, work emails, or a university letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially for applicants from higher-refusal contexts, lack of ties can hurt credibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tourism plan that is vague, contradictory, or unrealistic can raise doubts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If using a host, common problems include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If issued as a uniform Schengen visa, it generally allows travel in the Schengen area within the visa conditions and overall stay limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Always verify territorial validity shown on the visa sticker. In rare cases, a visa may have limited territorial validity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family members can travel together if each submits a qualifying application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is generally no direct conversion benefit<\/strong>, but lawful travel history can sometimes help future applications by showing compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For ordinary tourists, there is usually no residence card process, but you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example: A visa can be valid for 30 days but allow 15 days stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Schengen short stays, the core rule is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is counted across the Schengen area, not just Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The consulate decides based on your application and justification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Schengen stay count starts from the day of entry and includes days spent in any Schengen state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no general grace period after your authorized stay expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible consequences include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Routine \u201crenewal\u201d of a tourist short-stay visa inside Romania is not standard. New applications are usually made from outside Romania unless exceptional extension grounds apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For employed applicants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For self-employed applicants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For students:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If traveling with family or staying with relatives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Mistake:<\/strong> Non-refundable bookings too early. Where possible, use refundable bookings or reservations that comply with the consulate\u2019s evidence needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If staying with a host:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embassies may ask for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These vary by post. Some civil documents may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the embassy does not specify, do not assume. Check the exact mission checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually Schengen photo standards apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check the local consulate or application center specification page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romanian consular practice has historically required proof of means for short stay, often calculated by daily amount plus travel or accommodation requirements. Because exact amounts can be updated or presented differently across official pages, applicants should check the latest Romanian MFA and consulate checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, officers assess whether you can realistically cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Possible sponsors may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For tourism, self-funding is often simpler if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No universal published Schengen rule requires a fixed \u201cseasoning period,\u201d but consulates often prefer funds that look stable and traceable. Sudden large deposits should be explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often recent 3 to 6 months, but this can vary by post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Statements can be in local currency, but it helps to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best evidence is usually:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Schengen short-stay visa fee is generally set under EU rules and can change. Fee reductions or exemptions may apply for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because fees can be updated, check the latest official fee page before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Romania<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n C-Tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Short-stay Schengen visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Tourism and other short lawful visits, depending on sub-purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Visa-required foreign national visiting Romania for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Usually as granted on the visa sticker; may be single, double, or multiple entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen area, subject to the visa issued<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Single, double, or multiple entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Limited. Only in exceptional cases under law, not routine tourism extensions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n No. Employment and paid work are not allowed on a tourism short-stay visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Limited. Short non-degree activities may be possible depending on purpose; full study requires another route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, family members can apply separately or together if each qualifies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n No direct path<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n No direct path; only indirect if you later qualify for long-term residence through another status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
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Official naming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who may need a different visa instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Use this visa?<\/th>\n Better route<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourist<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n C-Tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitor attending meetings<\/td>\n Usually no, not tourism<\/td>\n Type C for business purpose<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seeker planning to look for work<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Appropriate long-stay\/work route, if available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employee planning to work in Romania<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Type D employment visa\/residence route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Student enrolling in school\/university<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Type D study visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouse joining family long-term<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Family reunification \/ long-stay family route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Child joining parents long-term<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Family reunification \/ long-stay route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researcher staying long-term<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Research or other long-stay route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomad working remotely<\/td>\n Usually not as tourism if work is central purpose<\/td>\n Romania has a separate digital nomad framework under long-stay conditions; verify current route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founder opening and running a Romanian business<\/td>\n No, not for operating long-term<\/td>\n Business\/commercial activities long-stay route if applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investor relocating<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Long-stay\/investment-related route if available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retiree taking a holiday<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n C-Tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious worker<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Appropriate long-stay or specific purpose route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artist\/athlete for paid event<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Specific short-stay purpose or work-authorized route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passenger<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Type A or appropriate transit entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical traveler<\/td>\n Usually no, not tourism<\/td>\n Type C for medical treatment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Diplomatic\/official traveler<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Official\/diplomatic route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Who should not use this visa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. What is this visa used for?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Permitted use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Prohibited or unsuitable use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remote work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business meetings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Short study<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main classification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Romanian terms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Related categories often confused with this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nVisa\/category<\/th>\n Main difference<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Type A airport transit<\/td>\n Only for airport transit, not entry for tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Type C business<\/td>\n For meetings\/business visits, not leisure tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Type C private visit<\/td>\n For visiting family\/friends, not pure tourism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Type C medical<\/td>\n For treatment, not holiday travel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Type D long-stay<\/td>\n For stays over 90 days or residence purposes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa-free entry<\/td>\n For nationals exempt from Schengen short-stay visas<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Old vs current naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Eligibility criteria<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Core eligibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Passport validity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Education, language, work experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship or invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Job offer \/ admission letter \/ points system<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation proof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Onward or return travel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Health and insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Character and security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Biometrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intent and ties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Residency outside destination country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Quotas, caps, ballot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Common ineligibility factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose mismatch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weak finances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Weak ties to home country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Incomplete application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Poor itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bad invitation letters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Prior immigration issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Document integrity problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Insurance issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Interview mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Main benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Regional mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Family benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conversion benefit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Key restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reporting obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Travel restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Visa validity vs permitted stay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Stay limit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When the clock starts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Grace period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Renewal timing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Visa application form<\/td>\n Official short-stay form<\/td>\n Legal basis for processing<\/td>\n Incomplete answers, inconsistent dates<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Appointment confirmation<\/td>\n Booking proof<\/td>\n For submission access<\/td>\n Wrong location\/date<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cover letter\/explanation<\/td>\n Applicant statement<\/td>\n Clarifies trip purpose<\/td>\n Too vague or too long<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Consent forms if required<\/td>\n Data processing\/service center forms<\/td>\n Administrative compliance<\/td>\n Missing signatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Passport<\/td>\n Must meet Schengen validity rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Copy of passport bio page<\/td>\n Usually required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Copies of previous visas and entry stamps<\/td>\n Helpful to show travel history<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Legal residence permit in country of application<\/td>\n Needed if applying outside country of nationality<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n C. Financial documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Recent bank statements<\/td>\n Usually several recent months; embassy may specify exact period<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Payslips<\/td>\n Supports income claims<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employment letter<\/td>\n Shows current job and approved leave<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tax documents or business records<\/td>\n Useful for self-employed applicants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Sponsor financial proof<\/td>\n Needed if someone else is paying<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n D. Employment\/business documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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11. Financial requirements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Minimum funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who can sponsor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof of funds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Seasoning rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bank statement period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Currency issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hidden costs applicants forget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Proof strength tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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12. Fees and total cost<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Official visa fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Other likely costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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