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9 Common mistakes to steer clear of when applying for a Schengen visa

by Sneha Shukla

Having your Schengen visa application rejected before your long-awaited trip can be a complete nightmare. The key to preventing rejection is to proceed with extreme caution throughout the entire process. Unfortunately, several individuals make common mistakes that ultimately result in disappointment. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 9 such mistakes to avoid when applying for a Schengen Visa. To ensure that your application doesn’t meet the same fate, make sure to avoid these common mistakes and don’t forget to obtain travel insurance for Schengen visa before you embark on your journey.

 Common Schengen visa application mistakes to watch out for

  • Failing to submit genuine travel documents and photo: Apart from having international travel insurance, make sure you do not submit any falsified travel documents when applying for a Schengen visa. This could lead to serious consequences. Additionally, it is important to comply with the Schengen visa photo standards which are as follows:

 

  • 2 identically coloured photos – 35*45 cm in size 
  • Having 70–80% of the head visible

  • Not clarifying your travel’s purpose: It is essential to accurately convey your reasons for travelling to a Schengen country, even if they may seem obvious to you. To do so, you can provide proof of your financial stability and current professional or work situation. You should also be clear and confident in describing the nature of your trip and intended stay in the Schengen region. When requesting a visa duration, be cautious and ensure that it aligns with your trip timeline and financial situation.

 

  • Lacking sufficient means of subsistence: You must have enough financial stability to cover your expenses during your stay in the Schengen countries, which are known for their high living expenses. Not demonstrating sufficient means of subsistence could lead to your visa application being rejected.

 

  • Failing to furnish a detailed travel itinerary: An incorrect travel itinerary is one of the most common reasons for the rejection of a visa application. Often, people are unclear about their itinerary or fail to plan thoroughly, which can result in errors with their flight, hotel reservations, accommodations, and more. It is important to ensure that your application is submitted to the correct Schengen Area Embassy, as many travellers are unable to provide precise travel information for every destination and night, they plan to spend in the Schengen region.

 

To avoid such mistakes, it is advised that you provide a copy of your reservations, including travel tickets purchased for other Schengen countries, along with your hotel and flight reservations. This will help ensure that your application is accurate and complete.

  • Failing to satisfy the requirement of travel insurance for a Schengen visa: International travel insurance is an obligatory necessity for the Schengen visa application procedure. Failing to provide evidence of adequate travel insurance coverage for your intended length of stay can result in the denial of your Schengen visa application.

 

It is important to confirm that your travel insurance for Schengen visa fulfils all requirements, such as a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage and validity throughout the entire Schengen region. Additionally, your travel insurance policy should include coverage for the entirety of your stay in the Schengen countries and extend to your return date in case of any emergencies.

    1. Using a damaged or invalid passport: Your visa application might get turned down if your passport is damaged, has missing pages, or has a torn cover. Check to see if your passport is still valid and has enough blank visa pages. Moreover, double-check to see that your passport is still valid for a minimum of 3-6 months after your scheduled return from the Schengen region. The same goes for passports that are more than 10 years old, which results in visa rejection. 

    2. History of criminal records: Applicants for a Schengen visa are more likely to be turned down if they have any prior convictions or active warrants. This is due to the possibility that you pose a threat to the government’s internal security and general welfare. 

  • Not providing proof of return: If your intention to leave their country beyond the specified period is unclear, several developed countries—not just Schengen nations—reject your visa application.

 

While applying for a Schengen visa, you must produce sufficient evidence demonstrating your intention to depart the Schengen region before your visa expires. Similarly, persons who overstay their visa later have trouble obtaining a visa for a subsequent visit. Make sure you present the necessary paperwork, such as a return or onward ticket as proof of return.

  1. Verify the validity of your reference letter: When applying for a Schengen visa, it’s important to remember that international travel insurance is a crucial component of your application. However, before even considering your insurance options, you must first ensure the validity of your letter of reference. Submitting an unauthentic letter or one without the proper details can result in your visa application being rejected. It’s essential to provide the letter within three months of your application and to include the issuer’s stamp and signature, along with their address and contact details.

 

Applying for a Schengen visa can be a tedious process, but it’s all worth it for the incredible experiences that await you in Europe. As you work on your application, it’s crucial not to forget about travel insurance for Schengen visa applicants. Choosing a wide coverage offering international travel insurance plan is essential to meet your application requirements and ensure your financial security during your trip. With the right preparation and protection, you can embark on your European adventure with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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