Schengen visa rejection guide: Here are 11 EU refusal reasons and how to prevent each one

145 million euros, that’s how much applicants lost on failed Schengen visa bids in 2024. According to SchengenVisaInfo statistics, European consulates rejected 1.7 million out of 11.7 million applications, marking a 14.56% refusal rate, the highest since travel fully reopened post-pandemic.

Each refusal was based on one of eleven official grounds listed in Article 32 of the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009), recorded on a standard form under Annex VI. The list forms the legal foundation for every rejection issued by consular officers across the Schengen Area.

Experts say that while knowing the legal clauses helps, the key lies in understanding how officers assess intent, authenticity, and documentation consistency. The following are the official refusal grounds — and how to avoid each.

1. False or forged documents

If an applicant submits a forged passport, altered bank statement, or fake employment letter, rejection is automatic under Article 32(1)(a)(i).

Fraud can also lead to five-year entry bans and even criminal penalties. Officers use document scanners and direct verification to detect tampering.

Avoid it: Never submit falsified paperwork; disclose weak spots truthfully and use only verifiable official documents.

2. Purpose and conditions not justified

Simply claiming “tourism” or “business” isn’t enough. Applicants must provide proof, like conference invitations or hotel bookings, that align with their profiles.

Avoid it: Provide a full set of documents tailored to your travel purpose, ensuring logical and financial consistency.

3. Insufficient financial means

This is one of the most common technical rejections. Consulates assess not just balances but income stability and authenticity of funds.

Avoid it: Submit six months of bank statements, employment or tax records, and ensure funds cover your trip plus a 20–30% buffer.

4. Overstaying the 90/180-day limit

Schengen short-stay visas allow 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. If exceeded, applications are automatically refused.

Avoid it: Use official Schengen stay calculators before applying and wait until days become available.

5. SIS alert (entry refusal)

If your name appears in the Schengen Information System (SIS), no visa can be granted, regardless of your documentation. Alerts stem from prior overstays, deportations, or legal issues.

Avoid it: Resolve past immigration issues and check your status under GDPR before reapplying.

6. Threat to public policy, security, or health

Applicants with criminal backgrounds, security risks, or communicable diseases may be denied.

Avoid it: Disclose past convictions honestly and provide certificates of good conduct or medical clearance if required.

7. No valid travel medical insurance

All Schengen travellers must hold insurance covering €30,000 in medical and repatriation costs across all member states.

Avoid it: Purchase EU-compliant coverage valid for the full travel duration.

8. Unreliable or inconsistent information

This applies when the documents are genuine but the information appears implausible — such as unrealistic itineraries or unverifiable invitations.

Avoid it: Ensure every document aligns dates, names, bookings, and financial data must be consistent.

9. Intention to return not proven

This is the most frequent reason for rejection. It applies when officers doubt that the applicant will leave the Schengen Area before visa expiry.

Avoid it: Demonstrate strong ties at home, long-term employment, family dependence, property ownership, or previous visa compliance.

10. Insufficient justification for border visa

Emergency visas issued at borders are rare and strictly for humanitarian or urgent business needs.

Avoid it: Always apply in advance through the embassy unless in an unavoidable emergency.

11. Voluntary revocation by visa holder

This isn’t a rejection but applies when applicants request cancellation of a visa due to changes in plans or medical reasons.