Why Schengen visas keep getting refused

Schengen Visas are a lottery to millions of people who hope to visit Europe.

You collect endless paperwork and wait for weeks before a decision is made. Then you cross your fingers. But for many, the answer is still ‘no’.

In 2024, almost 1.7 million Schengen visa applications were rejected across Europe – out of a total of 11.7 million. One in seven applicants was denied entry. Between application fees, document costs and travel to embassies, those refusals added up to an eye-watering €145 million lost – money that will never be refunded.

Why do so many people get rejected? The answer is in Article 32 of the EU Visa CodeDocument that lists 11 reasons why a visa may be denied. They might sound technical, but when you break them down, most are surprisingly simple – and avoidable.

This article will explain the real reasons why people are denied and what you should do next time.

1. Fake or forged documents

Let’s begin with the obvious. Submitting fake or altered documents – even something as small as an edited payslip or a made-up invitation letter – will kill your chances immediately. If a consulate discovers fraud in your application, it will not only refuse it but also flag your name. In some cases this can mean a five-year entry ban to the Schengen Area.

Consular officers can verify documents by checking them against government, bank, and employer databases. The officers see hundreds of applications every day and can easily spot anything that is not right.

Never risk it. Explain honestly if you are missing something. It is much better to be honest than to give anything fake.

2. Unclear travel purpose

Simply saying ‘tourism’ or ‘business’ isn’t enough. Officers want to see proof of what you’re actually planning to do – hotel bookings, a conference registration, an invitation letter, or tickets that make sense with your itinerary.

They assume the story they read is not authentic if it seems vague or incomplete.

Give your trip structure. Be clear about your itinerary, where you will be staying, and what you plan to do. The phrase “visiting Paris and Lyon for one week with confirmed accommodations” is very clear. ‘Tourism’ on its own is not.

3. There is not enough money

People underestimate the attention officers give to your financial status. It’s not just about having money – it’s about having stable, traceable income.

Each country determines a minimum daily allowance. In most cases it’s around €40–€60 per day, but Spain is stricter, demanding at least €113 per day. Rejections are often caused by sudden large deposits, unclear funds or new accounts.

You can fix this by providing at least six month’s bank statements showing your regular income. Include tax records or payslips. Add proof of income from the person paying for your trip and a sponsorship letter signed by them.

4. You have already used 90 days

One of the easiest things to forget is the 90/180-day rule. Schengen visitors are only allowed to stay 90 days within a 180-day time frame. Your next visa application will be automatically refused if you have already spent the time allowed in the Schengen zone.

Use an official Schengen stay calculator Before applying. Consider a national long-stay visa rather than a short-stay one if you plan to stay for longer.

5. Schengen alert: you’re now on the list

This one is tougher. Schengen Information System is a database that all Schengen member states share. It lists people who have been refused entry before – usually because of overstays, deportations, or criminal issues. If your name is listed there, you will automatically be denied entry, regardless of whether your paperwork is perfect.

You can fix it by requesting access to your data, as per EU privacy law. After the issue has been resolved, you will be able to remove the alert.

6. Health or security risks

Your visa may be refused if the authorities think you pose a risk to public security, safety or health. It can include those with a serious criminal record or who suffer from certain infectious diseases as listed by the EU public health regulations.

It’s important to be honest about any previous convictions. Include a certificate or record of your good conduct that shows you have completed your sentence. Documents that confirm your fitness to travel are required if you have a medical condition.

7. Travel Insurance Not Valid

This small detail is the reason for many refusals. Every Schengen visa requires travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation – valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay.

Solution: Purchase a recognized travel insurance plan and match the start and ending dates to your trip.

8. Inconsistent Information

Your documents may tell a different tale. You may find that your flight dates do not match up with your hotel reservations, your salary does not match your bank deposit, or you have changed your job title.

It doesn’t always mean fraud – sometimes it’s just sloppiness – but to an officer, it looks unreliable.

Fix: Before you submit, carefully read all documents. Be sure that the dates, names, numbers, and other information are all in sync on each document.

9. Doubts that you will return home

The most common reason for refusals is this. If the consulate believes you might overstay, they’ll say no – even if your documents are flawless.

Your job, your family, your property or your ongoing studies are all considered. They’ll assume that if they don’t find enough evidence of your ties to your home country, you may not be able to leave.

The fix: show you have something to come back to – a work contract, rent or mortgage, business ownership papers, or proof of dependents. You can use old visas to prove that you’ve been abroad and returned in a timely manner.

10. No border visa eligibility

Border visas are only for exceptional emergencies – things like a sudden funeral, medical emergency, or urgent business travel when there’s no time to apply in advance. If you apply for a border visa without a valid excuse, it will be denied.

Fix: If it is not an emergency, apply for a visa at the appropriate embassy or centre before you travel.

11. Withdrawal of visa on request

Sometimes travellers cancel their own visas – perhaps due to illness or a change of plans. The record will show “revocation at the holder’s request”. The mark is not black, but it appears on the file.

What happens if you refuse?

The embassy will have to explain why you were refused. You can use this guide the next time.

In most cases, reapplying and providing better evidence will be faster and more effective. If you were denied due to lack of funds, provide more consistent proofs of income. Add more details if the purpose was unclear.

Visa officers aren’t trying to catch people out – they’re following strict EU rules. They do take note of genuine applications that are clear and consistent.

The statistics from the past year show that too many travellers make mistakes which are easily avoidable. Schengen is a bureaucratic and slow process, but that doesn’t mean it is random. You’ll have better chances to succeed if you plan well, present a consistent narrative, and demonstrate your commitment to returning home.

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