schengen tourist visa rejection

Common Reasons Why Schengen Visa Gets Rejected for Indians & How to Avoid Them

Most Indian travellers wish to travel around Europe, from roaming Parisian streets to navigating Italian canals. The Schengen visa grants access to 29 European countries. However, despite the excitement, most Indian applications are rejected for basic errors.

This article states the top reasons why Schengen visa applications from Indians usually get
rejected; it also offers practical advice on how to prevent them. Whether it is about arranging a holiday for your family, travelling on a solo trip, or visiting for business deals/events, these tips will aid in preparing a more successful application.

Understanding How the Schengen Visa System Operates

A Schengen visa enables seamless travelling within the Schengen area, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, as well as several other countries. This type of visa is valid on a short-term basis (up to 90 days within 180 days) and requires the submission of authentic papers, proof of means, along with a proper statement of the intentions of the travel.

Since Schengen nations share a common visa policy; even small mistakes may adversely affect the approval chances. Knowing common mistakes allows travellers to avoid unnecessary delays.

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Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons

There can be many reasons for a Schengen visa rejection.

Its process is strict and complicated, and the result is unexpected. You might have provided everything to your best knowledge but it can still be rejected.

You can never predict what the country embassy you’re applying for your Schengen visa with has in store for you.

Some people believe that countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary have the highest approval chances, while others believe it’s France and Germany.

So, if you’re applying for one be very careful, and avoid the following Schengen visa rejection reasons.

But before I do that, I would like to share with you this helpful guide on how to apply for Schengen Visa from India. In this blog, I have shared a detailed step-by-step process — from writing the cover letter to buying travel insurance to making sure you get the visa.

Missing or Incomplete Documentation

Incomplete or misleading documentation has time and again turned out to be the biggest reason for Schengen visa rejections. Consulates heavily rely on documents to assess the sincerity of an application. Incomplete data can raise suspicions about intentions.

Some common issues that people face during this phase could be having a passport with less than six months’ validity. Some people also don’t have confirmed return flight bookings, or their application forms are left incomplete.

To avoid these issues, begin preparing the documents early. Make a checklist from the consulate’s official requirements and double-check each item. Double-check that application forms are error-free, signed, and uniform with other documents.

After all, documentation in detail displays seriousness as well as readiness of a person, increasing the chances of a smooth approval process.

If you do not have a required document, simply mention so in your cover letter and you can still be at the mercy of the visa officer. Providing false travel documents is a direct ticket to getting your visa rejected.

I remember the first I was planning a Europe trip from India and applied for a Schengen visa, it was back in 2017. I was planning for my 58-day self-sponsored backpacking trips across Europe and I provided every required document with my application. From booked hotels to a confirmed flight ticket to other things, my application had everything. The only thing that was missing was the proof of transportation inside Europe. And since I couldn’t provide that, I clearly mentioned so in the cover letter.

I wrote that I didn’t provide proof of transportation inside Europe because “I will be using interstate buses and trains and my plan will be spontaneous, based on whatever option will seem cheaper.”

Similarly, be clear about what you do or don’t have. Present your visa officer with nothing, but transparency. Failing to do so is one of the fatal mistakes and prominent Schengen visa rejection reasons.

Insufficient Financial Proof

Schengen nations want the assurance that one has the ability to fund the entire journey. Lack of financial evidence can show overstaying or illegal working.

Some common issues faced by people include a low bank balance, irregular payments, and no income tax returns.

To avoid these problems, one must maintain a consistent bank balance for a minimum of three months before the application. One must also provide salary slips, ITR copies, and sponsorship letters in case another individual is covering the journey. Strong financial evidence demonstrates autonomy and reliability — both essential for approval.

Poor or Insufficient Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory against medical emergencies. A large number of applicants underestimate this point, which leads to ultimate rejection.

To steer clear of such issues, one must choose an insurance policy covering medical emergencies, hospitalisation, repatriation, and accident costs throughout the trip.

Digital-first insurers and platforms like Acko (and there are many others) offer efficient travel insurance policies. They are changing the way policies are bought and owned; they have already shown the way a tech-first approach makes the insurance process more efficient in India.

Without a doubt, a good policy not only fulfils visa requirements but also provides peace of mind when travelling.

Vague Travel Purpose

Visa authorities need to know the purpose of one’s visit. A vague or partial reply raises suspicions. Having no cover letter, no proof of hotel bookings/event registrations, or no itinerary information can become major setbacks.

To deal with this, one can write a comprehensive cover letter specifying the dates, destinations, and reasons for the visit. Support it with hotel bookings, tour bookings, or business invitations. Specificity of purpose strengthens one’s case and shows foresight in travel planning.

Weak Employment or Leave Proof

Embassies require one to ensure that one returns to India. Evidence of employment is evidence of close associations.

Common issues faced during travel may materialise in the form of not having filed a no-objection certificate (NOC), not having a sanctioned formal leave, or having weak evidence of self-employed applicants.

To avoid these, one can file a signed NOC from the employer with the designation, salary, and leave periods stated. In case of being self-employed, furnish GST certificates, business accounts, and tax returns.

Criminal Record or Security Issues

Having a criminal history is a cause for concern. Schengen countries value security and safety. To avoid this, one needs to be honest about previous records at all times. Small crimes might not impact the application, but dishonesty will.

Previous Visa Breaches

If one has overstayed, violated conditions, or worked illegally on a previous visa, future applications invite stricter screening.

Be careful always to follow visa rules and respect time limits. Maintain proper documentation of past visits. A clean travel history makes one a stronger candidate for future applications.

8. Issues Related to Returning to India

The officials worry about overstaying or working illegally by applicants. Loose ties to India usually lead to rejection.

To avoid facing any issues, one can show strong professional, financial, or family ties in India. Documentation such as property ownership, education admissions, or regular EMIs will also benefit in dodging problems with the approval of the visa. This proves that one doesn’t intend on staying back.

Inconsistency in Information Provided

Even minor differences — like spelling a name wrong — are bound to incite suspicion. To avoid this, one has to be consistent across all important documents such as passports, tickets, insurance, and application forms. This proves your attention to detail, which, in turn, makes the application stronger.

Failing To Explain The Purpose Of Travel

Your Schengen Visa cover letter helps the visa officer learn What, When, Where and How you are planning to travel in the Schengen state. Write 2 pages or 4, it doesn’t matter, make sure you convince the visa officer about the purpose of your travel.

I’ve three Schengen visas in my passport so far. Other than the first time (when it was a self-planned trip) During the second and third trip was a media trip to where I was invited by a tourism board. And since my trip was sponsored by them, I did not have much problem obtaining the visa (read: how to contact tourism boards as a blogger).

But when I applied for my Schengen travel visa for the first time, my case was rather unusual. Though I mentioned in the cover letter that I work as an independent travel blogger, technically I had no job and no regular source of income. But I mentioned it all very clearly in my cover letter.

I wrote, “I’ve recently started travel blogging after quitting my job and so far I have been working as a freelance writer. But since my bank account has enough funds to cover my cost of living for the total duration of my travel in Europe, I should be fine to handle my travel costs”.

Moreover, I had a return flight ticket and pre-booked accommodation throughout my intended stay in the Schengen territory, which assured the visa officer that my sole purpose for visiting Schengen states was travelling.

So be very clear about why you are travelling and what all places are, and back them up with as many documents as you can — from transportation to hotels to everything else in between. Your inability to offer declarations about the purpose of travel and stay is among the biggest Schengen visa rejection reasons.

Inability To Impress The VISA Officer

Since the definition of What Makes A Schengen Visa application successful is so broad, your application’s outcome depends on the visa consulate’s mood (and of course, how transparent your purpose of travel is). I know it sounds funny, but it’s true. And that’s the problem with the Schengen visa!

I’ve seen people having their visas rejected, despite already having two Schengen stamps on their passports. If your visa officer isn’t convinced that your original intent to visit Europe is travelling only, you are not going to get a positive response.

So provide pre-booked accommodation for each destination and each night you’re going to spend in the Schengen Area. Provide a (confirmed) return flight ticket. Buy valid travel insurance that covers your entire stay in Schengen countries, covering at least 350,000 Euros. Provide travel tickets for each destination within the Schengen area.

And if anything is left, make sure you mention that on your cover.

Again, be very clear. Do everything very neatly. Predicting Schengen tourist visa rejection reasons is always very hard.

Documents For Schengen Tourist Visa

You can check for the updated list of required Schengen visa documents on the VFS website, or your respective embassy’s website. In most cases, however, these are the required documents for your Schengen Tourist Visa:

  • A cover letter (stating your intention to travel)
  • Confirmed return flight tickets
  • Confirmed hotel bookings
  • Previous ITR record
  • Original Passport
  • 2 Passport size photos
  • Photocopies of your Passport (front & back page)
  • Travel Insurance (with a minimum coverage set by the Visa Consulate)
  • Proof of employment & holiday from your employer | Proof of business if self-employed

Not being able to provide any of the documents and failing to mention so in your cover letter is one of the common Schengen visa rejection reasons.

Conclusion

As long as you’re being honest in your application and providing all necessary documents, no one can stop you from getting a Schengen visa. And I am a living example.

I mean if you look at my case… I had no source of income, no employer and I was travelling for 2 months, straight. Yet I got my Schengen Visa. I was clear about my intention to travel and my visa application looked honest.

Similarly, be honest, be clear and you will be all fine!

Again, predicting the reasons for Schengen visa rejection is hard. All you can do is be honest and clear with your application. Still, if you are unsure about what and what not to do, various companies help with your Schengen visa application. So if you’re unsure about the visa rules, use one such service.

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