Top 20 Reasons For Schengen Visa Rejection

Getting a Schengen visa is a very difficult task. It is really frustrating when you keep on applying for a Schengen visa and it frequently gets rejected. So it’s essential to understand the reasons behind your Schengen visa rejection before you start with the new application. Here we are going to share with you the most common reasons behind visa rejection and tips on avoiding them.

Filling incomplete or incorrect visa applications is one of the most common reasons behind the Schengen. Not filling in compulsory questions and not marking as N/A those questions that do not apply to you will result in visa rejection.

Do not hurry while filling out the application. Check your visa application carefully before submitting it. Do not skip any questions, get help from Schengen visa consultants if you are not clear.

Must Read: Schengen visa requirements for UAE residents

2. Insufficient travel health insurance

Travel insurance that follows Schengen guidelines is required as proof while applying for a Schengen visa. Failing to which your visa will be rejected. Schengen travel insurance should be valid throughout the entire Schengen area in Europe

3. Lack of proof of financial means

Proof of financial means is a document that represents visa officials that you can cover your own expenses for your stay during a visit to any Schengen state. For this, you are required to present the last 3 to 6 months bank statements, Employment documents, or sponsorship. Failing to which your visa will be rejected. Confirm this proof of financial means with your visa consultant to reduce the possibility of rejection.

4. Invalid or insufficient purpose of travel

You need to present the document that clearly shows the purpose of your travel i.e. whether it is for tourism purposes, a business visit, or a visit visa at the time of applying for a Schengen visa. If your purpose of travel is not specified clearly your visa application will be denied. Take plenty of time and attach the proper documents that support your purpose of travel to increase your chances of being approved for a Schengen visa.

5. Doubtful accommodation and travel itinerary

If your trip plan is not clear there are high chances that it will get refused. Confirm your hotel booking, and make sure you have enough time to see each country you plan to visit. If you have multiple countries in your trip itinerary for a shorter period of time it will be doubtful for immigration authorities. A more detailed itinerary will increase the chances of high approval.

Suggested Read: Best places to explore in Europe for your first time visit from UAE

6. Passport is expired

Before applying for a Schengen visa you should check if it is not expired. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six (6) months. Also, check if your passport has enough blank pages. Many countries require you to have a certain number of passport pages for visa stamping purposes

7. Prior visa violations or overstays

Previous visa violations such as working while on a tourist visa, and overstaying may interfere when it comes to new visa applications. If you have a poor travel history then you should try to present the reasons behind it to the immigration officials along with supporting documents and commitment that you will stick to visa rules in the future.

8. Insufficient or inconsistent documentation

Insufficient documentation, such as employment letters, travel itineraries, hotel reservations, proof of financial means, etc., will be a reason for Schengen visa rejection. Have a checklist of documents required to apply for a Schengen visa with you and cross-check it with the documents attached before submitting your visa application.

Suggested Read: How to get fastest Schengen visa from Dubai

9. Criminal record

If you have a criminal record your visa will get rejected. Also if you have a negative entry in the Central Register of Foreigners, your visa will automatically be rejected. Still, if you want your visa to get approved you should present proper documents that clearly disclose your criminal history.

10. False Travel Document

Someone trying to get a visa presenting a fake identity to the embassy or consulate should never expect that your visa will be approved. Fake travel documents will result in absolute visa rejection.

11. Damaged Passport

If your passport is damaged means it’s not in good condition then it will be a high reason for visa rejection. Passport damages may include detached passport pages, missing passport pages or cover of the passport, and so on.

12. Invalid Letter of Reference

An employment letter is usually not needed but in some rare cases like if you applied for your spouse then it is required. An employment letter is an official letter that confirms your employer and position and provides the Schengen country with a reference contact in case they need one. If you present a fake or invalid reference letter then authorities will reject your visa.

13. Insufficient Proof of Existence

If you have insufficient proof of means of existence for the duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, and not for the return to your home country can also be a reason for visa rejection. Some scenarios may include having low funds in a bank account, presenting a traveler’s cheque with no candidate name

14. Birth Or Marriage Certificate are not authenticated

If your birth or marriage certificates are not authenticated by the embassy or consulate your visa application will be rejected. Certain scenarios may include a marriage or birth certificate not in the English language, a birth certificate not having the names of both parents, a legal adoption document in case of an adopted child, etc.

15. Not starting visa application on time

Schengen visa processing time may take 15-30 days. It depends on what Schengen country you are applying for. Many countries also allow starting visa applications 90 days before the departure date. If the visa processing time crosses the travel date, the visa will automatically be rejected. So, it is always good to start your application 30-45 days before your travel date.

16. Know Your Documents

It is necessary to know what documents you have attached to your application. Study your itinerary and other supporting documents well, the interviewer may ask you about your whole plan of journey to Europe, or many other small things related to your supporting documents. If you hesitate at some point it can be doubtful in the eyes of immigration authorities. So study well about your application and then go for an interview.

Must Read: Expert tips for successful Schengen visa interview

17. Weak Ties to Home Country

Schengen visa applicants need to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as family, employment letter, property document, or other commitments, to assure the authorities that they will return after their Schengen visit. Failure to establish these ties can result in visa rejection.

18. Previous Visa Rejections

If you have had several visa rejections in the past within a short timeframe, then it can potentially raise doubts about your intentions and credibility, potentially. Which eventually will result in another rejection.

19. Incorrect NOC Format

Incorrect No Objection Certificate (NOC) format will be another reason for your Schengen visa rejection. With the NOC letter, you will have an obligation at work that you will return to. The letter will also confirm that you are in a financial position to afford your trip to the Schengen Area. If this NOC is by mistake filled in incorrect format there is a possibility of your visa rejection.

20. Not Attaching Trip Itinerary

If you forget to attach a trip itinerary to your visa application then your intent to visit Schengen country will be doubtful to immigration authorities which will result in visa rejection.

Conclusion:

Now you are familiar with different types of reasons behind Schengen visa rejection. You can also keep and refer to a checklist of documents required to apply for a Schengen visa before submitting your application. It is always recommended to take advice from an expert visa consultant who can guide you throughout your visa application process. Contact us at Travnook and we have an expert team of visa consultants who will guide you at each step of your visa process to ensure hassle-free visa processing. Let us take visa stress off your shoulders!

Frequently Asked Questions about Schengen Visa Rejection:

Q: Can I reapply after my Schengen visa is rejected?

A: Yes, you can reapply after the Schengen visa rejection, just check out with reasons for past visa rejections, and make sure not to repeat them before submitting a new application.

Q: How do I check the reasons for my visa rejection?

A: You will receive a letter from the consular office stating the reasons behind your visa rejection. Which will help you check the reasons for your visa rejection.

Q: How long should I wait to reapply for a Schengen visa after rejection?

A: There is no specific rule on how long you should wait before reapplying for a new visa. However, it is recommended that before submitting the new visa application, you should check the reasons for the previous rejection and rectify your mistakes.

Q: What is the difference between visa refusal and visa rejection?

A: Visa refusal means your entry into a particular country is denied by rejecting your visa application. Visa rejection means an applicant fails to prove his eligibility, submits missing documents, and has to resubmit their paperwork