How to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejections?

Schengen countries are a group of 27 European countries which together cover an area of approximately 4 million square kilometres. People can travel between the Schengen countries without going through border controls. You need a special Schengen visa to travel to any of these countries.

To avoid a Schengen visa rejection, it is essential first to understand why your Schengen visa may get rejected in the first place.

• Criminal record: The consular officer will closely study your past and present actions when issuing a Schengen visa. People with a record of addiction, child abuse, drug abuse, terrorism, or such serious offenses may find it challenging to get a Schengen visa.
• False travel documents: People who submit false travel documents and misinterpret their identity to get a Schengen visa will be denied a visa along with other consequences.
• Unexplained purpose of visit: Your Schengen visa may get rejected if you cannot provide a valid, logical, and verifiable reason for your visit and stay.
• Damaged or invalid passport: If there are detached or missing pages in your passport or its cover is missing,. Additionally, your visa application will be rejected if your passport is unacceptable to the Embassy or Consulate for a Schengen visa.
• Lack of proof of travel itinerary: There needs to be more than having a valid reason to visit a Schengen country. A visa applicant must submit sufficient proof of his travel itinerary, such as proof of accommodation, air tickets, etc.
• Unauthenticated letter of reference: Schengen visa applicants must submit a valid and authenticated letter of reference, failing which their visa application will be rejected.
• Insufficient means of existence: You need to submit sufficient proof of means of existence during your stay and for your return to India along with your visa application. Insufficient means of subsistence may lead to a visa application rejection.
• Unacceptable certificates: Your Schengen visa may get rejected if you fail to provide valid birth and marriage certificates acceptable to the Embassy or Consulate.
• Lack of travel insurance: A travel insurance policy is a mandatory document you need to travel to a Schengen country. Lack of sufficient travel insurance covering your travel and stay will lead to visa rejection.

Now that we know the main Schengen visa rejection reasons let us see how we can avoid facing rejection for our visa application to a Schengen country:

• Provide valid travel documents and photos: Your documents and photographs are duly verified at the time of a visa application. Do not submit fake travel documents or photographs, as it is counted as a misrepresentation of information and forgery. Moreover, you may be banned from applying for a Schengen visa ever in the future. Therefore, submit valid and authentic documents along with your visa application form.
• Under the Schengen visa photograph requirement, you must submit 2 coloured identical photographs, 35*45 cm in size, occupying 70-80% head and shoulder in the photograph.
• Furnish an accurate travel itinerary: Plan your trip in detail so that you can furnish accurate details about your flight bookings, accommodation, hotel reservations, etc., for every destination and night of stay in any of the Schengen countries.
• Provide a genuine purpose of travel: It may happen that you have enough clarity on your purpose of travel but fail to communicate it properly. Therefore, ensure you provide a clear and accurate purpose of travel to increase your chances of visa approval.
• You can do so by giving proof of income stability and current status of employment. In addition, you can provide an unchanging declaration of your travel purpose. Moreover, apply for a visa duration that supports your travel itinerary and purpose to the Schengen zone.
• Establish your intention of returning: Along with Schengen countries, several other countries these days reject a visa if the applicant fails to show a clear intent and means to return to his home country after the determined period. Onward or return tickets from the Schengen country after your stay duration is over are valid proof of your intent to return. Some countries also require the applicants to establish a strong tie to their home country, which can be a strong reason for their return.
• Provide valid proof of accommodation: If a friend or family member has invited you to stay with them in a Schengen country, provide proof of sponsorship along with your visa application. Additionally, your travel company or hotels where you make a reservation will provide you with booking receipts which you can present as proof of accommodation.
• Present a valid letter of reference: Your letter of reference should be authentic and presented on official letterhead. Submit this letter within 3 months from the date of application. It should include crucial details, such as the address, contact details, signature, and stamp of the issuer.
• Present a proper passport: A passport is an essential official document for a visa. Keep your passport safe and ensure it has no torn or damaged pages. Additionally, ensure there are sufficient blank pages, and the passport is valid for at least 6 months post your return date. Note that passports older than 10 years have lost their validity and must be renewed.
• Have ample means of subsistence: Provide your latest financial statements to prove that you have enough funds to cover your stay in the Schengen countries. These countries have a high cost of living. Therefore, you are expected to have sufficient financial resources to compensate for your travel, stay, and return comfortably.
• Have sufficient travel insurance coverage: As discussed, a travel insurance policy is a mandatory document to get a Schengen visa. Therefore, ensure that you have a travel insurance plan with a minimum coverage of €30,000 to avoid a Schengen visa rejection.

Honestly, you have a fair chance of getting a Schengen Visa after rejection if the rejection was not for factors such as a criminal record. You can file an appeal within 60 days of the visa denial. You can check the official consulate website to understand the reason for visa rejection and rectify your mistake.

The Schengen visa application process is stringent, and you must be careful to furnish authentic details and documents along with your application form. Additionally, a travel insurance plan keeps you financially covered in a foreign land. You can claim a travel insurance policy if an unfortunate or unexpected event occurs during your trip to a Schengen country.

Information last updated June 23. While this information is sourced reliably, visa requirements can change. For the most current visa details, visit the official Consulate/Embassy website.