Getting your Schengen visa rejected after spending so much time on your application can be frustrating, so it is essential to understand the reasons for rejection before starting a new application. This article outlines the most common reasons for visa rejection and provides tips on how to avoid them.
Understanding the Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection and How to Avoid Them
Some of the most common reasons for visa rejections are:
- Incomplete or incorrect application
- Insufficient travel health insurance
- Lack of proof of financial means
- Invalid or insufficient purpose of travel
- Doubtful accommodation and travel itinerary
- Passport issues (e.g., expired, insufficient blank pages, inadequate validity)
- Prior visa violations or overstays
- Insufficient or inconsistent documentation
- Criminal record or security concerns
After you have spent so much time on your application, you are most likely intrigued to know why your visa application got rejected. If you want to re-apply understanding the reasons for Schengen visa rejection is the first step.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
One of the most common reasons for visa application refusal is incomplete and incorrect applications. When filling in your visa application form, you must make sure to go through every question carefully and answer accordingly. Mandatory questions are usually marked with an asterisk (*), so you cannot skip those questions. If any question does not apply to you, you may write down N/A (not applicable/no answer). Immigration officials might ask you to submit additional supporting documents in case they find your application form to be incomplete. Or they will ask you for clarification if certain questions are not clear. However, this will result in delays. Your visa might take more time to process if it’s deemed to be incomplete or incorrect. Nevertheless, you do not want to risk getting your visa rejected.
Before you begin with your application, you can go through our guide on how to fill in a Schengen visa application form . When filling out your application, remember to:
- Read each question carefully and fill in all entry fields. Do not skip any questions unless they do not apply to you.
- Take your time. Do not hurry, hesitate to ask questions, or wait until the last minute. This might only result in your visa being rejected.
- Review your application form. Do not submit your application before you have gone through every question and answer a couple of times.
Insufficient Travel Health Insurance
When applying for a Schengen visa, you are required to provide proof that you possess travel medical insurance which follows Schengen guidelines. If you do not have Schengen insurance or the insurance policy you purchased does not meet Schengen rules, it can lead to visa rejection. Travel insurance must be valid throughout the entire territory of the Member States of the Schengen area. The minimum coverage in all of the Schengen states is 30,000 euros.
Categories who are exempt from the requirement to obtain travel health insurance include:
- Seafarers (who are already covered by travel health insurance since they partake in professional activities)
- Holders of diplomatic passports.
Lack of Proof of Financial Means
Having sufficient financial means is mandatory for all travelers who plan to enter any country in the Schengen Area. You must present proof that you can cover your own expenses while you are in a Schengen State. The exact amount depends on the country: for example, for Germany you need 45€/day. If you do not submit proof you have the necessary financial means, your visa will be rejected.
Make sure you know exactly what is considered as ‘proof of financial means’ and that you submit the right documentation. For example, a simple bank confirmation that lacks bank statements from the last three (3) months is not enough proof. Therefore, you risk being rejected for your visa.
Invalid or Insufficient Purpose of Travel
In order to be issued a visa, you must be able to explain the reason why you want to enter the country you are applying for a visa. If your purpose of travel is not clearly clarified, you may be denied entry. Moreover, the stated purpose of travel must meet the requirements of the Member State’s immigration laws. When attaching your documents about your purpose of travel to the visa application, remember to:
- Be as clear as possible. To simply state that you wish to enter your destination country for tourism purposes is not considered sufficient proof. You must provide specific details about your travel plans, for example a trip itinerary, letter of invitation, letter of acceptance or attendance in some sort of program, etc.
- Attach evidence for your purpose of travel. For example, if you will be traveling to a Member State for research purposes, present proof of your research idea, previous research work (if applicable) etc.
- Be consistent with your information. You must attach documentation that aligns with your purpose of travel. For example, you have stated that you wish to travel for tourism but you attach an invitation letter for business, etc. This automatically disregards your visa application.
Take your time and attach the appropriate documentation which supports your purpose of travel to increase your chances of being approved for a visa.
Doubtful Accommodation and Travel Itinerary
To be issued a visa, you must have a clear plan for your trip and provide a detailed arrangement for your accommodation. If not, you may be denied a visa. To avoid this, make sure to:
- Verify before you book. Make sure that the hotel booking can be verified. This allows for the Immigration officers to confirm your accommodation.
- Be consistent with your travel plans. Your travel plans must be consistent and logical. Make sure that you have enough time to see every city you plan to visit. If not, the immigration authorities will doubt that you can accomplish all of your travel plans. For example, if you include multiple places in your itinerary and you are only visiting for a short period of time, it will seem ingenuine.
- Provide all the information you can. The more, the merrier. A detailed itinerary will make your visa application seem more genuine.
Passport Issues (e.g., Expired, Insufficient Blank Pages, Inadequate Validity)
One of the first requirements for a visa application is to have a valid passport. Your passport must meet certain requirements, otherwise, you will be denied entry. If your passport does not meet the requirements of the Member State you are applying for, your application will be considered invalid. Before you apply, make sure you check that your passport is not expired or damaged.
- Check your passport’s expiration date. If your passport is set to expire soon, you need to renew your passport. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six (6) months.
- Check if your passport is damaged. You may not be able to apply for a visa application if your passport is damaged.
- Check if your passport has enough blank pages. Many countries require you to have a certain number of passport pages for visa stamping purposes.
Prior Visa Violations or Overstays
A poor travel history and visa violations puts you at a disadvantage when it comes to visa applications. Whereas the proper use of Schengen visas in the past raises your chances of being granted a Schengen visa. Immigration officials usually examine your intention of leaving the territory of the Member States before your visa expires, so you must not breach this rule. A poor travel history includes:
- Overstaying. If you have previously overstayed in a country, Immigration officials may believe you will be overstaying in the country you are applying for a visa as well.
- Violating the terms of a previous visa. Visa violations significantly lower your chances of being issued a visa. For example, you should not work on a Tourist Visa.
- Traveling to high-risk countries. This can raise concerns about your security and intentions in the country you are visiting.
In case you have a poor travel record, you should be as transparent as possible. Try to explain any previous issues and provide documents to support your visa application, and show commitment to the visa’s rules and regulations.
Insufficient or Inconsistent Documentation
All visa applications require certain documents. Failure to provide all supporting documents can lead to the rejection of your visa application. The lack of documentation, such as employment letters, hotel reservations, proof of financial means, etc, make your visa application seem ingenuine and incomplete. Therefore, make sure to:
- Attach all documents. Go through your application several times and ensure you have attached all necessary documents.
- Be consistent with your documentation. Consistency is key. For example, differing dates of birth or travel history can make your application seem suspicious.
- Double-check your application. Before you submit your application, double-check if you have filled out the entire form and attached documents to support your application.
Criminal Record or Security Concerns
If you have a criminal record, or if any Member State considers you to be a threat to public policy, you are at risk of being rejected for your visa. Moreover, if you have a negative entry in the Central Register of Foreigners, your visa will automatically be rejected. In case you have a criminal record and are worried that you won’t be issued a visa, you can:
- Disclose your criminal history. You will face more severe consequences if you do not disclose that you have a criminal history. Therefore, remember to be honest.
- Provide supporting documents. You can provide supporting documents, so immigration officials can understand the nature of the offense.
- Consult an immigration attorney. You may, as well, consult an immigration attorney according to the severity of the case. They will help you to submit a strong application.
In sum, provide accurate and complete information no matter the circumstances.
What to Do After a Schengen Visa Rejection?
If your visa has been rejected, there are a few steps you can take.
- Review the reasons for your visa’s rejection. Before you try to re-apply, try to understand the reason why your visa got rejected. This way, you will know what to do differently this time.
- Re-apply for your visa. If you think you can address the reason for your visa application’s rejection, you may re-apply. Provide additional documents to support your application and correct any mistakes from your past application.
- Appeal the decision. If you believe your visa application was not assessed correctly, you can submit an appeal letter and provide documents to support your application.