10 reasons why your Schengen visa application can get rejected

This makes it important to be aware of the common reasons why your visa application could be denied.

Let’s take a look at 10 primary reasons why a Schengen visa application can get rejected and what you should do to ensure all your documentation is in place.

1. Insufficient or incorrect documentation: The visa application is frequently rejected because of missing or inaccurate documents. Ensure all required documents are submitted and the information is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Invalid or expired passport: Your application for a Schengen visa may not be approved if you submit it with a passport that is invalid or damaged. Please note that your application will not be approved if any pages are missing or ripped. The application may be denied if the passport is more than 10 years old and its validity date is less than three months from the expiration date. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.

3. Inadequate travel insurance: The visa application could be rejected in case of failure to provide proper travel insurance coverage for the entire period of the stay. Rejection may also occur for other reasons, such as inadequate travel insurance coverage, insufficient coverage for hospital stays, or insufficient coverage for repatriation to the home country during the visit. Ensure your insurance covers medical and hospital expenses and should be valid for the entire Schengen area.

4. Insufficient or incorrect documentation: The visa application is frequently rejected because of missing or inaccurate documents. Ensure all required documents are submitted and the information is accurate and up-to-date.

5. Insufficient funds: This can be one of the main reasons behind denial of a Schengen visa application. Provide sufficient information about the funds your have to support yourself during your stay.

6. Unclear purpose of travel: The application can be rejected if your purpose of travel isn’t clear. Clearly state the purpose of your travel and provide supporting documentation.

7. Lack of travel history: Although not applicable across many countires, some visa applications can get rejected if you have never travelled abroad prior to your current visit. You can build a history by travelling to nearby countries or consulting with a qualified visa consultant.

8. Criminal record: A visa application can also be refused in cases of past or current criminal record. It will be refused if the visa officials think you are visiting the country for suspicious reasons or if you have a history of fraud. Applicants who have previously been accused of terrorism, drug trafficking, child abuse, addiction, or other major offences find it challenging to obtain a Schengen visa.

9. Unfavourable Schengen visa situation: This means your visa application can be rejected if you have overstayed on a previous one. Additionally, you will not be provided with another visa and will have to wait for at least six months to submit a fresh application if you have already spent over three months in a Schengen State.

10. No proof of travel itinerary and accommodation: A visa application can be rejected due to a lack of proof of flight bookings, accommodation bookings, or the itinerary of your visit to Schengen countries. Your application can also be denied if you do not include an accurate schedule of your travel. You will need to provide all details related to your accommodation, flight tickets, and travel tickets for each destination.