Checklist: Applying for a Schengen visa in Ghana for medical reasons

Bring: original document

You will need a completed and signed Schengen visa application form. Print the form and submit it with your other documents.

Complete the application form

Complete your own application form online. Only then will you receive a form with a unique code. Forms without this code may cause issues while processing your application. For that reason, do not use someone else’s form.

Bring: original document

You will need a valid travel document, such as a passport. Your travel document must meet the following requirements:

• it is no more than 10 years old
• it must have at least 2 empty visa pages
• it must be valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• it must bear your signature

Bring: original document

You will need to submit a photo that meets Dutch requirements:

• colour photo
• no more than 6 months old
• 3.5cm by 4.5cm
• white or light-coloured background

Find out where you can have a photo that meets Dutch requirements taken in Ghana

If you are applying for a visa through an external service provider, you do not need to submit a photo. A digital photo will be taken at your appointment.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will need valid proof of legal residence in the country where you are applying for a visa. You can show that you are legally residing in the country where you submit your visa application using, for instance:

• a passport or other travel document
• a residence permit, valid for at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area
• a visa  
• a work permit

If you are not a resident of the country where you are submitting your application, you must show why you cannot apply in your country of residence.

Bring: original document and colour copy

You will have to show your birth certificate.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to prove that you have social or economic ties to the country where you live. What you can use for this depends on your situation:

• If you are employed: a recent statement from your employer stating your employment terms and conditions or a certificate of employment. Plus bank statements or payslips from the previous 3 months.
• If you are self-employed: a business registration certificate, tax clearance certificates or proof of an active business. For instance: bills of lading, import declaration forms or invoices.
• If you are a student: an official leave letter from the school or university including proof of paid school fees and school reports.

If none of the above situations apply to you, you can show that you have social or economic ties using, for instance:

• a document proving that you are a caregiver in your country of residence
• a document showing that you have a home or other immovable property in your country of residence

Bring: original document and colour copy

• If you are married: your marriage certificate
• If you have dependent children: their birth certificates 

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to show that you have been referred to a medical institution in the Netherlands. You need to bring:

• a letter from a local doctor in Ghana giving a diagnosis
• an official document of the medical institution in the Netherlands confirming that medical care in that institution is necessary
• written confirmation of appointment with a hospital or medical doctor in the Netherlands
• information about the estimated duration of the treatment
• proof that you have enough money to pay for the medical treatment, and proof of prepayment, if applicable

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must be able to prove that you have sufficient financial means for your trip and the medical treatment. You can do this with:

• Proof of a personal bank account that is internationally accessible and/or pay slips and bank statements showing your balance for the past 3 months.
• Proof of advance payment for your medical treatment in the Netherlands.
• If someone else is covering the costs, you must provide proof of financial support.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You must show where you will be staying during your visit. For example a hotel reservation on your name for the entire duration of your trip.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need a reservation in your name for your travel to and from the Schengen area. You do not need a paid travel ticket.

Bring: colour copy of the document

You will need proof of travel medical insurance in your name. If you have a diplomatic passport, you are not required to show proof of travel medical insurance coverage.

The document must state that:

• the insurance provides cover in all Schengen area countries for the entire duration of your stay
• the insurance covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This includes the costs of a hospital stay and treatment, emergency care, prescription medication and repatriation to your country of residence (including in the event of death).

Find out what requirements your travel medical insurance must meet

If you are applying for a visa for a child under 18 who will be travelling without 1 or both of their parents or guardians, you will need the following documents:

Bring: original document and colour copy

•  a consent form signed by the parents or guardians not travelling with the minor. Do you have sole custody? In that case proof of sole custody is required.

Bring: colour copy of the document

• a signed valid travel document (such as a passport or identity card) of the parents or guardians not travelling with the child
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has a valid Schengen visa: the biographical data page of their passport and of their valid Schengen visa. The biographical data page contains the passport holder’s details and photo
• if 1 of the parents or guardians has died: the death certificate of the deceased parent or guardian
• if a guardian has been appointed: official proof of guardianship
• if there is a court order in place: permission from the court for the minor to travel

If someone will be accompanying you, they will also need to provide all documents on this checklist, with the exception of a medical certificate or declaration and proof of sufficient financial resources for the medical treatment.