It might be challenging to apply for a Schengen visa because of the stringent standards and common Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons that lead to denial. In 2023, 1.6 million visa applications, roughly 16 per cent of all applications, were denied by Schengen states. In 2022 and 2021, the Schengen visa refusal rate was 17.9 per cent and 13.4 per cent, respectively. The Schengen visa rejection rate has been rising since 2014, with increases in recent years.
Find out the common reasons for Schengen visa rejections, how to respond to a notice of refusal, and if you should file an appeal or submit a new application.
What are Schengen Countries?
The Schengen Area comprises several European nations that have decided to permit their citizens to travel freely inside it as though they were one nation. Travel will be quicker and simpler due to the lack of passport procedures at its shared borders. About 420 million people live in the 29 nations that make up the Schengen region, which is more than 4 million square kilometers in size. Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, Iceland, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Slovakia, Austria, Estonia, Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Malta, Finland, Latvia, France, Slovenia, Romania, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Norway, and Sweden are among the nations.
It is interesting to note that Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area through their membership in the European Free Trade Association.
Common Reasons Why Schengen Visa Get Rejected
1) Not Having Enough Financial Proof
When you visit a foreign country, the expenses do go up. Nevertheless, it differs by nation. Candidates must prove they have enough money to sustain themselves while visiting the Schengen region. As per the Schengen visa requirements, the applicant must have a minimum balance of INR 3,00,000 by submitting the last three months salary slips, the last six months signed and stamped bank statements, and the ITR-V for the last two years.
2) Missing Travel Insurance
A Schengen visa requires a minimum of thirty thousand euros in travel insurance coverage for evacuation, medical crises, and repatriation. The insurance will be effective over the Schengen area. Since inadequate insurance would lead to rejection, the policy must meet specific requirements and cover all Schengen countries. It should cover the duration of the planned transit or stay of the applicant within the Schengen Area.
3) Possessing an Invalid Passport
If your passport does not fulfil the following standards when you apply for a visa, your application may be denied.
a) It is necessary that your passport is valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen Area.
b) At least two of the pages should be blank.
c) It is issued during the previous ten years.
4) Previous Visa Violations
Current applications are impacted by prior visa violations, such as overstaying or not adhering to the rules. It is the most common Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons. This damages your reputation and makes the consulates believe that you may violate the established visa regulations once more. Rejection might result from small offences, such as leaving late from an earlier trip.
5) Providing Incorrect or Insufficient documentation
One of the most frequent grounds for a Schengen visa refusal is giving false information. Inconsistencies in your name, missing signatures, birthdates, trip dates, or passport information between your application form and accompanying documentation are examples of this. Every document needs to be accurate and follow the guidelines set by the consulate.
6) Having a Criminal Record
Schengen visa rules and regulations suggest that you must not have a criminal history. Previous offenses have a significant impact on how your immigration application is processed. Your visa may be refused if you have a history of criminal activity, child abuse, drug abuse, uncontrollable addiction, or other problems.
7) Possessing Weak Ties to the Home Country
Candidates who wish to return must demonstrate strong ties to their native country, such as family, work, or property ownership. Inadequate proof of this may result in rejection.
8) Rejections of Schengen Visas in the Past
Consulates may view repeated applications as high-risk. You can increase your chances of getting a visa approved by addressing the causes of prior rejections. For this, you must avoid hasty reapplications without resolving old problems.
9) Unclear Purpose of Travel
The reason for your travel to the Schengen area must be clear. Inaccurate, vague, or absent information about why you are traveling creates doubt. Even when you are applying for an Italy visit visa, see that your travel purpose is clearly stated.
10) Insufficient Evidence of Accommodation
You must provide evidence of accommodations, such as hotel reservations. Invalid accommodation arrangements could result in a denial.
Tips on How Applicants Can Avoid Schengen Visa Rejection
1) Make sure to renew your passport before you submit your application.
2) Examine the Italy visa documents requirements before you apply for the visa.
3) Include important information in your cover letter, such as your travel dates, location, activities, lodging, and contact information.
4) Verify that every document is current and corresponds to the data on your application. Translate any documents that are not in the required language.
5) You must avoid submitting fake documents.
6) Consult a trustworthy visa advisor if you have questions.
FAQ’s About Schengen Visa Rejection
You can reapply immediately for a Schengen Visa after it is denied. It is best to address the reasons for rejection. It can be disheartening to be denied a Schengen visa. You can either reapply or appeal the decision. Lithuania has the greatest approval rate of 98.7 per cent. Fraudulent document submissions may be rejected immediately or result in a permanent prohibition from applying for Schengen visas in future.
What happens if a passport is not valid for a Schengen visa?
A passport is likely to be rejected if it is damaged. It contains less than two blank pages. It expires within three months of the day you intend to leave the Schengen area.
Is it possible to reapply immediately after a Schengen visa rejection?
What to Do After a Schengen Visa Rejection?
Which nation has the greatest approval rate for Schengen visas?
Will submitting fake or changed documents result in a permanent rejection?