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PLANNING to apply for a Schengen visa for a holiday to Europe? Every year the 27 countries in the Schengen area receive millions of applications and not all of them are granted. France, Estonia and Malta are among the Schengen countries that reject the majority of such visa applications.
Reporting from schengenvisum.info, a Schengen visa is a visa that allows a person to legally travel to and within the Schengen zone for a stay of up to 90 days. Countries included in the Schengen zone include Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Greece, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Croatia.
There are many factors that play an important role in getting a Schengen visa. VFS Global, a company that works closely with embassies, said the process must be carried out carefully. “It is important to bring all required documentation, including printed checklists, to submit along with a properly filled out application form. People applying should also check the validity of their passports,” they said, as reported by Travel + Leisure Asia.
The following are mistakes that can result in a Schengen visa application being rejected:
1. Handing over passport without checking its validity
Many people forget to check the validity of their passport before applying for a Schengen visa. The passport must be issued within the last ten years and have a minimum validity period of three months after the date you wish to leave the Schengen area.
Additionally, according to the VFS Global website, in certain emergency situations, consulates may be able to deviate from these rules.
2. Travel insurance is not appropriate
Traveling to Europe requires travel insurance that has a minimum coverage of EUR30,000 (approximately IDR496,935,888). Booking a package with less coverage or choosing a policy that does not cover the entire Schengen area for the duration of the stay may be a reason for rejection of this visa application. Travel insurance should also cover other emergency medical care, as well as costs that may arise during repatriation.
3. Incomplete job details
Make sure to attach a letter of employment to your Schengen visa application that has been issued within three months from the date of application. Employment letters must be printed on company letterhead and must clearly include the full address and contact details. Furthermore, the letter must be stamped and signed by the employer.
4. Incomplete travel details
The country where you spend the maximum number of days or the country of entry must be the place to apply for a Schengen visa. Share details about travel plans to the country or city where you will spend most of the day and the activities you will do each day, from travel at the destination to accommodation. Also mention details such as car rental or travel via flight or train.
5. Not having enough funds for living expenses while there
In each country, there are minimum fund requirements that tourists must have in their bank accounts. This amount serves as proof of financial capability or livelihood. For example, to visit Austria, tourists need a minimum of EUR100 per day (approximately INR1.6 million), Germany requires EUR45 (approximately INR4,003) per day and France asks to keep EUR65 (IDR745 thousand).
Carefully research the requirements of the country where you are applying and submit stamped bank statements (do not submit bank statements online), credit card statements, and pay stubs to support your application.
Another possible reason why a visa is rejected is if you do not maintain your bank balance. After calculating the amount of money needed in the bank, make sure you keep enough money for six months and avoid third-party transfers immediately before applying.
6. Flight reservations and accommodation do not match
The embassy requires a confirmed flight ticket along with proof of accommodation. The officer who verifies the documents carries out a thorough inspection. If the booking is not confirmed, there is a possibility that the Schengen visa application will be rejected. So, when placing an order on a third-party website, make sure that the order is confirmed.
7. Not booking return flight tickets
Attaching a return flight ticket is a must. With a confirmed return ticket, this means tourists will not extend their visit.
8. Sharing incomplete sponsor details
Full details of the sponsor in the Schengen visa application form must also be clear, if at all. If a family or company sponsors the stay, travelers will need to provide a sponsorship letter along with their financial statement. Additionally, supporting documents such as an invitation letter and proof of accommodation are required if the sponsor lives in Europe. [sources/photo special]
