Schengen visa red flags revealed: Officer drops truth bombs on fake docs, jobs, and ties
For tourists, flashy hotel bookings can backfire. “If you have USD 2000 in savings and book a hotel that costs $500 a night, it is counterproductive,” he warned.
- Jul 30, 2025,
- Updated Jul 30, 2025 6:57 AM IST
A Schengen visa officer has revealed the most common reasons applicants get rejected—and what actually strengthens a visa application—during a candid Reddit AMA session that’s drawing attention across global travel forums.
The officer, a seasoned diplomat handling up to 200 applications daily, didn’t mince words when asked what gets visas denied. “Lack of ties to your home country,” he wrote. “If I am not 100% sure that you will return to your country, I am unlikely to issue the visa.”
He pointed to key indicators that suggest strong ties: “Owning a property, secure and well-paid job, taking care of the family, owning a good running business.” For applicants lacking these, even holding a decent job might not be enough—unless supported by documentation from the employer.
When one user asked how to strengthen their application despite not owning a house, car, or business, the officer stressed: “A solid job is certainly a good foundation… present a letter from your employer that states exactly that. Depending on your country of origin, it might be enough or not.”
The AMA also busted myths about paperwork. Asked whether cover letters matter for Student Visa D applications, the officer dismissed them as “overrated” and often unread. However, he called the sponsorship letter “of utmost importance.” He added that most student visa applications are approved once a university accepts the applicant.
For tourists, flashy hotel bookings can backfire. “If you have USD 2000 in savings and book a hotel that costs $500 a night, it is counterproductive,” he warned. Booking budget lodgings while appearing wealthy also raises flags.
On multi-entry visas, the officer strictly follows the cascade regime—where those with two Schengen visas in three years may qualify for longer, multi-entry options. But having a clean visa record from the US, UK, or Australia helps. “If they were used correctly,” he said, “that’s a huge plus.”
He also clarified that while nationality can affect an application, religion does not.
A Schengen visa officer has revealed the most common reasons applicants get rejected—and what actually strengthens a visa application—during a candid Reddit AMA session that’s drawing attention across global travel forums.
The officer, a seasoned diplomat handling up to 200 applications daily, didn’t mince words when asked what gets visas denied. “Lack of ties to your home country,” he wrote. “If I am not 100% sure that you will return to your country, I am unlikely to issue the visa.”
He pointed to key indicators that suggest strong ties: “Owning a property, secure and well-paid job, taking care of the family, owning a good running business.” For applicants lacking these, even holding a decent job might not be enough—unless supported by documentation from the employer.
When one user asked how to strengthen their application despite not owning a house, car, or business, the officer stressed: “A solid job is certainly a good foundation… present a letter from your employer that states exactly that. Depending on your country of origin, it might be enough or not.”
The AMA also busted myths about paperwork. Asked whether cover letters matter for Student Visa D applications, the officer dismissed them as “overrated” and often unread. However, he called the sponsorship letter “of utmost importance.” He added that most student visa applications are approved once a university accepts the applicant.
For tourists, flashy hotel bookings can backfire. “If you have USD 2000 in savings and book a hotel that costs $500 a night, it is counterproductive,” he warned. Booking budget lodgings while appearing wealthy also raises flags.
On multi-entry visas, the officer strictly follows the cascade regime—where those with two Schengen visas in three years may qualify for longer, multi-entry options. But having a clean visa record from the US, UK, or Australia helps. “If they were used correctly,” he said, “that’s a huge plus.”
He also clarified that while nationality can affect an application, religion does not.