Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons

Schengen visa rejection is common for Indian applicants. Around 14–15% of visa applications from India are refused due to missing documents, low bank balance proof, or not meeting basic visa rules. India is one of the top three countries applying for Schengen visas, so applications are checked very strictly. Understanding rejection reasons can help you avoid refusal or file an appeal for Schengen visa refusal

About Schengen visa

Schengen visa is issued to a non-European citizen for short term stay. The Schengen area encompasses 29 countries as member state without any border controls among them. You can stay for a short period of 90 days within a 180-day period using this visa.

Schengen visa rejection reasons

You can find 10 common reasons for Schengen Visa rejection. They are as follows:

1. Incomplete Visa Application form: People fill up wrong or inadequate details or leave blanks while filling up a visa application. This leads to Schengen visa rejection.
2. Inadequate or wrong documentation: A sure-shot reason for Schengen Visa refusal may mean any of the following
   • Submission of wrong documents 
   • Not providing mandatory documents for Schengen visa
   • Submission of forged or tampered documents, like false bank account statements.
   • Inability or delay in submission of additional documents when required.
3. Insufficient Financial resources for the trip: It simply means you don’t have sufficient bank balance to fund your trip to the Schengen nations. People with a minimum bank balance for Schengen visa or a sponsor are eligible for Schengen Visa.
4. No Travel Insurance Coverage: Another necessary requirement to apply for a Schengen visa is a valid travel insurance that covers your medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to your home country. The travel insurance must be valid for all Schengen countries and shall cover your length of the trip.
5. Unclear Proof of Accommodation: If you don’t provide your hotel bookings, reservations or the invitation letter of your host in the Schengen country you be travelling, it may be one of the reasons for Schengen visa rejection.
6. Criminal record: Any individual with a criminal history are deterred for visa issuance. The Visa officer will believe from your record that you must be a threat to the public or internal security of their country, your Schengen visa will be refused.
7. Dubious Travel Purpose: It is common interview question that why are you travelling to a Schengen country? You have to clearly state the purpose of your visit. If you provide an uncertain, unclear answer, the officer may reject your visa.
8. Visa Violations: A person with a history of visa violations or overstaying will have significantly higher chances for Schengen visa rejection.
9. Past Visa rejections: A person with a history of visa rejections will have significantly higher chances for Schengen visa rejection. Such rejections raise questions against your credibility and intentions.
10. Invalid Passport: A valid passport whose expiry date is not less than 6 months from your arrival in the Schengen area is a must-have requirement to avoid Schengen visa rejection.

Schengen visa rejection rate for Indians 

It is important to note that India has an 14 – 15% rejection rate from Schengen countries. A news report indicated that  1.65 lakh Schengen visa applications have been rejected for Indian travelers in 2025. The rejection rate may vary over time and depend on a person’s intentions and present circumstances.

The most common factors leading to Schengen Visa rejection in India are:

1. Large number of visa application.
2. The use of forged or fake documents
3. Fear of overstaying by the applicant.
4. Socio-economic differences

Among the Schengen Countries, France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Netherlands has the highest visa rejection rate. Possible reasons might be strict visa requirements and screening of applicants.

Schengen visa rejection appeal procedure

Your appeal letter to the Embassy or the Consulate must have three paragraphs. It must mention the following details:

1. Full name.
2. Date of birth.
3. Place of birth.
4. Passport number.
5. Full address.
6. Email.
7. Phone Number.

You must state the reason for writing the appeal letter and the dates when you submitted your visa application. You should plead to the authorities as to why they should review the visa application. Your tone must be polite, formal and persuasive.

How to avoid Schengen Visa refusal?

You can easily avoid Schengen Visa rejection. Just be careful about the following points:

1. Plan ahead of your trip: Planning your trip well in advance requires you to do the following
   • Submit your visa application long before your intended travel date to avoid last minute rush.
   • Research the type and requirements of the visa you want to apply for.
   • Be patient and understand peak times, delays and seasonal fluctuations.
2. Gather and sort all documents: Gathering all documents means:
   • Gathering all mandatory documents before visa application
   • Not providing fake, tampered, forged documents to the consular section.
   • Providing duly filled up visa application and adhere to all visa requirements
   • Review the visa requirements and ensure that your documents are up-to-date and align as per the visa requirements.
3. Show strong financial proof: You must clearly prove that you can afford your trip. This includes bank statements, salary slips, or proof of assets. If someone is sponsoring your trip, provide a valid invitation letter and their financial documents.
4. Provide clear travel purpose and itinerary: Your reason for travel should be honest and clear. Submit a realistic travel itinerary with entry and exit dates, places to visit, hotel bookings, and transport details.
5. Maintain Consistency: Maintaining Consistency is the key across all aspects of your Schengen visa application. From your travel itinerary to your bank statements, ensure that the information you provide is uniform and accurate. Any discrepancies or conflicting details can jeopardize your chances of Schengen visa approval.
6. Clean Criminal Record: Clean criminal record is important for visa approval. If required, submit a police clearance certificate as per the rules of the Schengen country you are applying to.
7. Be honest: Always provide correct and genuine information. Giving false details can lead to visa rejection and may affect your future Schengen visa applications.

Schengen Visa processing time in India

Cost for Schengen visa from India

Schengen Visa Photo Requirements

FAQs

What is the main reason for Schengen visa rejection?

The most common reasons for Schengen visa rejection are incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or failure to meet basic visa requirements set by the embassy or consulate.

Who has the most rejected Schengen visa?

Many Indian applicants faced Schengen visa rejection. France rejected the highest number of visa applications from India. Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands also rejected a large number of Indian applications. France alone rejected more than 31,000 Indian visa applications.

How to know visa rejection reasons?

When your Schengen visa is rejected, the embassy gives you refusal letter that explain main reason for Schengen visa refusal. This letter lists specific issues like missing documents or insufficient proof of funds. Read that refusal letter to know exact reason and use it to prepare stronger application or appeal.