There is nothing more heartbreaking than spending hours on paperwork for your visa application just to get rejected! Especially with something like a Schengen Visa, since entry to many countries is possible the chance of rejection is also high.
If you are a resident of Dubai or any other place in the UAE and want to take a trip to the Schengen countries in Europe, it is highly recommended to apply through a trusted travel agency like Arooha.
We are ready to assist you through your application process of the Schengen Visa for UAE residents. If you have faced rejection before and want to know some of the reasons this might have happened, keep reading to find out more and how to avoid these mistakes.
This is an automatic rejection especially if you have not disclosed your criminal history. If any Schengen country considers you to be a threat to public policy or wealth, you won't be given a visa.
Some examples of crimes where you will not be allowed entry is terrorism, drug dealing or abuse and any other serious violation of the law.
However this does not mean you can't get a Schengen visa at all if you have a criminal background, sometimes it can depend on the crime committed and as they say honesty is the best policy! Keep reading to find out how you can get through this obstacle.
Although it does not seem like an obvious cause at first glance, invalid travel insurance is a common reason for rejection of visa.
So before you start the application process, make sure to get an insurance that is valid for the duration of your trip and covers many expenses such as medical and repatriation. Furthermore, it should be able to cover at least 30,000 Euros in healthcare bills and be valid in all the Schengen countries you will be visiting.
There are some people who are exempt from this requirement, which are seafarers with travel health insurance and diplomatic visa holders.
The most important aspect of any visa application is your passport! So make sure it follows all the guidelines or you will get an automatic rejection.
Some causes of visa denial can be an expired passport, having insufficient blank pages for stamping or if it is not in good condition. Yes a damaged passport can be a factor for rejection so make sure to check everything before starting your application.
Inconsistencies related to the documents you have submitted will have the Consulates think twice before approving your application, most of the time it will be an outright rejection.
Failing to handover authentic paperwork is considered document fraud and not just refusal but you might face legal action as well. These acts consist of forged or altered photographs, passports, employment letters or any other required documentation.
Don't stress yourself out when filling in your visa application or if you would like a helping hand, contact Arooha, our skilled team will help you go through the application process with ease. If the form is incorrectly filled or some information is missing then your visa can be disapproved.
This part applies not just to Schengen Visa but when trying to obtain permits for any country. Always have a valid reason for entering the country you are applying for. If the Member States feel your purpose of travel is not clear and suspect you might overstay, you will be denied entry.
Not just for the sake of getting a visa but for your overall well being, it is important to have sufficient funds before you enter any country.
If you cannot provide enough proof of your financial resources that cover all the expenses during your stay in a Schengen state then your visa faces denial.
You should also try to get an understanding of what proof of sufficient funds means before submission. A basic bank confirmation without the last three months' worth of bank statements, for instance, is insufficient evidence.
Another important detail many overlook is proof of employment. If you cannot prove you have a valid source of income, the officers might find your financial status questionable or worse think you are or will engage in an illegal job.
Although this might not be an issue to everyone if you are married or have adopted children, presenting authenticated certificates is of utmost importance.
In terms of marriage verification, only a civil certificate is allowed, no religious documentation. If it is in a foreign language, they need to be translated by the authorized translator.
Regarding birth certificates, documentation has to be shown for legal adoption and sole custody orders (single parent).
Showcasing a clear plan for your visit is key to obtaining a z Schengen Visa, this includes where you will be staying.
If you do not provide sufficient proof for your accommodation, your application might be rejected. You need to show a detailed arrangement that includes hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host if you are staying with friends or family.
It is a prerequisite that you show proof of having a place to stay during your time in any of the Schengen countries to prevent visa denial if your travel plans display inconsistencies.
One factor many travellers overlook when applying is making sure to show a good travel itinerary. If they are not logical, like having multiple travel plans arranged for a short period of time, it can come off as ingenuine and suspicious.
Failure to present a travel itinerary at all will lead to immediate rejection. Immigration officials want to see a clear plan on when you are planning to enter and exit the country and what you will be doing during your time there.
This can have a major impact on your application as the consulates might assume there is a high chance of you being a second time offender if granted visa again.
To prevent outright rejection make sure you haven't overstayed during your previous trips to Europe as the Schengen states have easy access to your travel history.
The same condition applies for visa violations which can be illegal employment to visa related fraud. If you have followed the Schengen travel rules before without any problems, you don't have to worry about rejection from the embassy representatives.
Now that you have an idea on why your visa might have been or can be rejected, let's see how to prevent these problems:
If you made it till the end, great job! You can now confidently navigate your way into obtaining a Schengen Visa! Unless you have a serious criminal record or are a culprit for previously having overstayed, getting a visa is a walk in the park if you follow the tips given above.
The key point is to make sure all your documents are valid with enough money to fund your trip so you can show the immigration officers you will not dwell after your intended stay or do any illegal activities before or after entry.
