How to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejections

Planning a trip to Europe is a time-consuming affair. Each step requires a lot of money and time, from getting travel insurance and booking flights and accommodation to applying for a Schengen visa.

Getting your Schengen visa rejected after spending so much time planning the trip can frustrate any traveller.

If you are looking for ways to avoid Schengen visa rejections, you have come to the right place. This blog delves into some common reasons for Schengen visa rejections and some effective tips for overcoming them.

Reasons for Refusal of Schengen Visa and How You Can Avoid Them

Incorrect or Incomplete Application

One of the most common reasons for refusal of a Schengen visa is incorrect or incomplete application. Therefore, carefully read each question and fill in all entry fields while filling out your visa application.

Do not skip any questions (except when the question does not apply to you). Give adequate time to this step; do not wait until the last moment to fill out the application form, as it can result in Schengen visa rejections.

Lastly, thoroughly review your completed application form before submitting it.

Inadequate Travel Health Insurance

While applying for a Schengen visa, you will be required to provide proof that you have Schengen travel insurance.

You can be denied a Schengen visa if you do not have Schengen travel insurance or if the insurance plan you bought does not meet the Schengen rules.

Therefore, ensure your travel insurance is valid throughout the entire Schengen area. The minimum insurance coverage required in all of the Schengen states is €30,000.

Lack of Proof of Sufficient Financial Means

Having adequate financial means is mandatory for all travellers who want to enter any country within the Schengen area. You must provide proof that while in a Schengen state, you can cover all your expenses.

The amount required varies depending on the country. For instance, you need €45 per day for Germany. If you fail to submit proof of adequate financial means,  your visa might get rejected.

Ensure you are aware of what exactly is considered “proof of financial means” and that you submit the correct documentation. For instance, a bank confirmation without bank statements from the last three months might not be enough proof.

Insufficient or Invalid Purpose of Travel

To issue a visa,  you must explain why you want to enter the country you are applying for. If your purpose of travel is not clarified clearly or if your travel purpose does not meet the immigration laws of the member state, you may be denied entry.

Therefore, while applying for a visa, provide specific details about your trip, such as a letter of attendance or acceptance in some sort of program, trip itinerary, letter of invitation, etc.

Additionally, ensure you are consistent with your information and attach documents aligning with your travel purpose.

To Wrap It Up

After the refusal of a Schengen visa, apply again at any time, as there are no specified rules on how long you have to wait before applying for a new visa.

However, it is recommended that before a Schengen visa application after refusal, you must understand the reason for the denied Schengen visa to avoid it getting rejected again.

If any of the reasons mentioned above fit your rejected Schengen visa, you can use the tips to avoid having it rejected again.