Hey everyone! 
I’m applying for a Schengen visa soon, but I’m a bit confused about the accommodation requirement. The checklist says I need to show a hotel booking, but I’ll actually be staying with a friend during my trip.
Do I still need to make a dummy hotel reservation just for the application? Or can I just show an invitation letter or proof from my friend instead?
Has anyone here done this before and got approved? 
Would really appreciate some advice or real experiences 
Hi, I’m Meliza, a Visa Expert at Outbound.
Based on my experience handling Schengen visa cases, you do not need to make a dummy hotel booking if you are genuinely staying with a friend. What matters is providing the correct host documentation.
Here’s what you can submit when staying with a friend:
1. Invitation letter from your host
Should include your travel dates, purpose of visit, and a clear statement that you will be staying at their place.
2. A copy of your host’s ID or passport
If your host isn’t an EU citizen, include their residence permit as well.
3. Proof of address
Such as a utility bill, rental contract, or official residence document.
Some embassies also have their own “proof of accommodation” or “sponsorship” form. This depends on the country you are applying to, so it’s good to check which embassy you will be submitting to.
You only need hotel bookings if you do not have a host. If your host documentation is complete and consistent with your itinerary, it is fully acceptable and many applicants have been approved this way.