The rejection rate for African applicants seeking Schengen visas has gone up 12% in the last eight years, reaching a shocking 30%. This is according to an Africa Wealth Report by Henley and Partners which set out to compare the visa rejection rate of Africans versus the rest of the world.
While this might seem disheartening at first its good to know you can avoid getting rejected if you put in the hard work. In this guide, we break down how you can ensure your Schengen visa application is successful from the start.
Why are applications being rejected?
Understanding the reason applications are being denied will help ensure you don’t end up in the same boat. While the report indicated a strong correlation between rejection rates and the gross national income per capita of countries, as well as their ranking on the Henley Passport Index, several reasons contribute to a denied visa application.
This can include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, lack of comprehensive travel insurance, travel itinerary issues or previous visa violations. It can also help to identify areas in Schengen with high visa denial rates to avoid:
France, Italy and Spain – the high demand and volumes of applications that come with being a popular tourist destination lead to more rigorous security.
Germany – strict rules and thorough documentation requirements can be challenging for applicants who aren’t well-prepared or have complexities in their application.
Switzerland and the Netherlands – meticulous examination of the purpose and financial means behind a visit can hinder visa applications
Gather all information
Don’t submit an application without making sure you have all the information. There are three different types of Schengen visas travellers can apply for:
- Short-stay visa – ideal for tourism, business trips, or family visits, this visa allows you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Airport transit visa – necessary for some nationalities when transiting through airports.
- Limited territorial validity visa – specific to certain circumstances and limited to certain countries.
Each Schengen country may also have slightly different requirements. Applying at the wrong embassy could also lead to rejection. If you are only travelling to one Schengen country, you need to apply at the embassy or consulate for that country.
If you are travelling to more than one Schengen country, you need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country you will spend most of your time in. If you will be spending an equal amount of time in each Schengen country, you need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the first country you will be visiting.
Clearly state your plans and intentions
When filling in your visa application, make sure the documents you submit are clear and complete.
Make sure you provide the following documentation:
Passport – must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Purpose – must give a clearly defined reason for visit (tourism, business, visiting family or friends, etc).
Proof of accommodation – can be hotel bookings, invitation letter from a host or other forms of proof.
Plan of your trip – a detailed travel itinerary including entry and exit dates.
Schengen countries require comprehensive travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 of any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance should be valid throughout the Schengen Area and for the entire duration of the stay.
Make sure your policy is accepted by all the Schengen countries you are visiting and that your policy terms meet their requirements.
Timing is everything
Every country has a different turnaround time for processing a visa application. This process can also vary depending on peak travel seasons. Most countries accept applications up to 90 days prior to the date of travel. Applying for a visa well in advance allows enough time to deal with delays.
A Schengen visa can be issued for short stays or longer, depending on the purpose of your trip. However, travellers should heed the 90/180 rule, which says you can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This allows for flexibility in travel but requires careful planning to avoid overstaying – which could result in visa violations and can prevent you from going on future trips.
It’s never too late to try again
You can appeal a denied visa application by either reapplying for your visa or writing a letter appealing the decision made on your first application. A well-prepared and sincere appeal can significantly improve your chances of overturning a rejection.
Write a concise and persuasive appeal letter addressing each refusal reason with evidence. This appeal needs to adhere to the embassy’s appeal submission instructions. Maintain honesty throughout the process, especially when you are addressing previous violations.
Working with travel experts, like Flight Centre South Africa, can help you avoid the pitfalls that come with visa applications. Their expertise ensures that all your documents are in order, complete, and properly attested, reducing the risk of errors that could lead to rejection.
