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Europe Visa Check

Schengen Visa Denied

What to do if your application is rejected

Quick Facts

If your Schengen Visa is denied, you have the right to appeal. The most common reasons for rejection are insufficient funds, missing documents, and unclear travel purpose.

Appeal Right Yes
Common Reason Insufficient funds
Reapply Immediately
Refund No

Understanding a Visa Refusal

Thousands of applications are rejected each year, but a denial doesn't mean you can never visit Europe. You can appeal the decision or reapply with a stronger application.

Understanding why you were denied is the first step toward success.

Common Reasons for Denial

  • Insufficient proof of funds: Bank statements didn't show enough money to support your stay
  • Weak ties to home country: Embassy wasn't convinced you would return home
  • Incomplete documentation: Missing or incorrect documents in your application
  • Unclear purpose of travel: Your itinerary or reason for visiting wasn't convincing
  • Previous visa violations: Overstays or violations in Schengen or other countries
  • Inconsistent information: Discrepancies between your form and supporting documents
  • Inadequate travel insurance: Policy didn't meet the €30,000 minimum requirement
  • False or fraudulent documents: Any document suspected to be fake results in automatic denial

Check Your Refusal Letter

The embassy must provide a written refusal explaining why your visa was denied. This letter references specific reasons (usually numbered codes). Understanding these reasons is essential before deciding whether to appeal or reapply.

What to Do After a Denial

  1. 1

    Read the refusal letter carefully

    The letter explains exactly why your visa was denied. Each reason has a code number. Understand what went wrong before taking any action.

  2. 2

    Decide: appeal or reapply?

    If you believe the decision was wrong (you had all documents, they misunderstood something), appeal. If your application was genuinely weak, it's usually better to reapply with improvements.

  3. 3

    Gather additional evidence

    For appeals, prepare documents that counter the refusal reasons. For reapplication, strengthen the weak areas — more financial proof, stronger ties to home, clearer itinerary.

  4. 4

    Submit appeal or new application

    Appeals have strict deadlines (usually 30-60 days). New applications can be submitted immediately but require paying the fee again.

Appeal vs Reapplication

You have two options after a visa denial:

Appeal: Challenge the decision if made in error. Free but has strict deadlines and may take months. Best when documents were complete but misinterpreted.

Reapply: Submit a new application addressing weaknesses. Requires paying €80 again. Best when your application was genuinely lacking.

Appeal vs Reapply Comparison

📝
Appeal Free No additional fee
💶
Reapply €80 Full fee required
⏰
Appeal deadline 30-60 days Varies by country
🔄
Reapply Any time No waiting period

No Refund for Denied Applications

The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. The fee covers processing costs, not the visa itself. This is why it's important to submit a strong application the first time.

How to Improve Your Next Application

Address the specific weaknesses in your refusal letter:

  • Insufficient funds: More bank statements, consistent income, salary slips
  • Weak home ties: Property ownership, family, stable employment
  • Unclear itinerary: Detailed day-by-day plan with confirmed bookings
  • Missing documents: Use the official checklist, double-check everything

Consider applying to a different destination country — some embassies have higher approval rates.

Next Steps

Appeal Process

How to challenge a refusal

Documents Checklist

Ensure nothing is missing

Bank Statement Guide

Prove sufficient funds

Denial FAQs

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The €80 covers the cost of processing your application, not the visa itself.
How soon can I reapply after a denial?
There's no mandatory waiting period. You can reapply immediately with a new application and fee. However, it's wise to address the reasons for denial first — submitting the same application will likely result in the same outcome.
Will a visa denial affect future applications?
Previous denials are recorded and will be visible to consular officers in future applications. However, a denial doesn't blacklist you — many people are approved after previous rejections. What matters is addressing the issues that caused the first denial.
Should I apply to a different country after being denied?
You can, but be aware that all Schengen countries share visa information. They'll see your previous denial. That said, some embassies are more lenient than others, and applying to your true main destination with stronger documents often works.
Can I travel to other countries while my appeal is pending?
You can travel to non-Schengen countries. However, if you applied to another Schengen country while an appeal is pending, it may complicate your case. Focus on resolving the appeal first.

Related Information

ETIAS Denied Schengen Area Guide UK Travel Requirements Check Your Requirements

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