Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Invitation Letter for Tourist Visas

An invitation letter is one of the most requested supporting documents when applying for a tourist visa, especially if you’re staying with a friend or family member abroad. While not every country requires it, having one can strengthen your application and increase your chances of approval.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting one—step-by-step.

1. Understand If You Need an Invitation Letter

Not all embassies require an invitation letter for tourist visas, but many encourage it when:

You’ll be staying with someone (not in a hotel)
You’re visiting friends or family
You’re traveling for personal reasons (e.g. weddings, birthdays)

Countries that commonly ask for it:

Canada
UK
USA
Schengen countries (e.g. Germany, France)
Australia
South Africa

Always check the specific embassy’s website before applying.

2. Who Can Send the Invitation Letter?

The person inviting you must:

Be a legal resident or citizen of the country
Know you personally (friend, partner, family member)
Be willing to provide documents proving they live there
Not be on government assistance (for some countries)

3. Information the Invitation Letter Must Include

A strong letter should include:

From the Host (Inviter):

Full name
Date of birth
Full address and contact number
Immigration status (citizen, permanent resident, etc.)
Job/occupation
Relationship to the applicant
Purpose of the visit
Duration and dates of stay
A statement confirming they will accommodate (and sometimes financially support) the visitor

About You (the Visitor):

Full name
Date of birth
Passport number
Purpose of visit
Intended travel dates
Address where you’ll stay (host’s home)

4. Sample Structure of the Letter

[Host’s Address]
[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is [Full Name], residing at [Full Address]. I am a [citizen/permanent resident] of [Country], currently employed as a [Job Title] at [Company Name].

I am writing to invite my [friend/sister/father], [Visitor’s Full Name], who resides at [Visitor’s Address] and holds passport number [Passport Number], to visit me in [City/Country] from [Start Date] to [End Date].

[Visitor’s Name] will be staying with me at my home for the duration of their visit, and I will ensure their accommodation and daily needs are met.

I assure you that [Visitor’s Name] will return to their home country before their visa expires.

Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

5. Documents to Attach With the Letter

The inviter should include:

Passport or national ID copy
Proof of legal status (visa, PR card, citizenship certificate, etc.)
Utility bill or lease to prove residence
Employment letter or pay stubs (optional, but helpful)
Travel itinerary if available

6. Should It Be Notarized?

In some countries, yes. Notarization adds legal weight.

USA: Often required
Canada: Optional but recommended
UK/Schengen: Not always necessary unless explicitly requested

Check the visa guidelines for your destination country.

7. Submit With Your Visa Application

Once you have the invitation letter:

Print it (if submitted physically)
Attach it to your other supporting documents
Mention it in your visa cover letter as part of your evidence

Final Tips

Honesty is key—don’t exaggerate or include false info.
Give your host enough time to prepare the letter and supporting docs.
Use a professional tone—this isn’t a casual letter.
Keep names, dates, and details consistent with your visa form and travel plans.

Conclusion

An invitation letter isn’t just a formality—it’s a powerful piece of evidence that shows you have ties and support in the destination country. With the right details and documents, it can give your visa application a solid boost.