Are you planning a trip to Europe and feeling overwhelmed by the Schengen Visa application process? You’re not alone. The process can indeed be stressful, with a lengthy list of required documents and the looming fear of rejection. But don’t worry, we’rehere to help. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Schengen Visa and what to do if your application is rejected.

Why is the Schengen Visa Rejection Rate Increasing?

The Schengen Visa allows you to travel across 27 European countries. However, obtaining this visa has become increasingly challenging. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rejection rate was around 9.9%. The Schengen Visa rejection rate had slightly decreased to 16% in 2023 as compared to year 2022 numbers. As of 2024, the common mistakes to avoid when applying for a Schengen Visa can be many and we will discuss in further sections of this blog. Also important to note as of June 11, 2024, the Schengen visa fee has increased from €80 to €90. 

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Schengen Visa?

To increase your chances of approval, it’s crucial to understand the common mistakes made during the application process. Here are ten mistakes you should avoid:

1. Incorrectly Filled Visa Form: The visa form is extensive, and some information is mandatory while others are not. Ensure you fill in all the mandatory information correctly and review it thoroughly before submission.
2. Invalid Travel Insurance: Your travel insurance must cover the entire European region, be of a minimum of 30k Euros, and cover the full duration of your journey.
3. Lack of Financial Proof: Each European country has a minimum budget requirement for visitors. Ensure your bank statement matches this minimum budget and includes the source of income.
4. Invalid Purpose of Travel: Clearly state the purpose of your visit and provide a detailed itinerary. Make sure your flight and hotel booking dates match your itinerary.
5. Inability to Show Booked Accommodation: Provide proof of your booked accommodation for the entire duration of your stay.
6. No Proof to Show Intent to Return to Home Country: Provide proof that you intend to return to your home country after your visit. This could be in the form of salary proofs, employment letters, school/university joining or leave letters, or property papers.
7. Inability to Provide Return Tickets: Provide valid return flight tickets along with your itinerary.
8. Prior Visa Problems or Overstaying: Be careful about any prior visa problems or instances of overstaying. Always read the important information mentioned in the Schengen visa documents.
9. Passport Not in Good Condition: Ensure your passport is in good condition before you apply for the visa.
10. Inconsistent Documentation: All your documents should be in sync. The dates of your flights, hotels, and office leaves should match, and the name on your passport, salary slip, and hotel booking should be consistent.

What to Do If Your Schengen Visa is Rejected?

If your Schengen Visa application is rejected, you have two options:

1. Appeal the Decision: You can appeal the decision to the embassy or the visa office that rejected your visa. However, ensure you have sufficient time for the appeal process.
2. Reapply for the Visa: You can reapply for the visa by doing everything from scratch. However, do not submit the same documents. Think about some extra documents you can submit to make it more consistent.

Conclusion

Applying for a Schengen Visa can be a daunting process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can increase your chances of approval. Remember, even if your visa application is rejected, it’s not the end of the road. You can appeal the decision or reapply. Safe travels!