From a Visa Officer's Perspective: Most Wondered About the Schengen Visa

1. What Is the Most Common Reason for Visa Rejections?

Question: What is the primary reason applications are rejected?

Answer: The most common reason is weak ties to the applicant’s home country. If I am not 100% convinced that you will return to your country, it is very unlikely that I will issue a visa.

2. How Can You Get a Long-Term, Multiple-Entry Visa?

Question: What is the secret to getting a multi-year, multiple-entry visa?

Answer: I personally apply the “Cascade” (step-by-step) visa regime very strictly. I usually issue a visa only for the planned travel duration. However, if you plan multiple trips within one year, I may move to a one-year visa. If you have used your previous visas correctly, I gradually increase the duration.

3. Are Cover Letters Actually Read?

Question: Do you really read the cover letters we write?

Answer: To be honest, I barely read them. I usually skim. They rarely influence my decision. However, if the visa officer is undecided, a cover letter can play a role. Still, do not exaggerate. Your visa history over the last three years and whether you complied with the rules matter much more than what you write in a letter.

4. What If I Do Not Own a House or a Car?

Question: I do not have property or a vehicle in my name, but I have a good job. What are my chances?

Answer: A solid job is definitely a good foundation, and an employer letter supports it. However, proving your roots, meaning your ties to the country, is the hardest part. Especially if you do not own property or a business, it becomes harder for us to be convinced that you will return. Property ownership is important to us.

5. Does the Choice of Hotel Affect the Decision?

Question: Does booking a luxury hotel increase my chances?

Answer: Not really. What matters is consistency. For example, if you only have USD 2,000 in savings but present a hotel costing USD 500 per night, that is risky and suspicious to me. Conversely, if you are very wealthy but book a shared hostel room, that is also suspicious. Your financial situation must match your travel plan.

6. Are “Fake” or Temporary Flight Reservations Accepted?

Question: What do you think about unpaid or temporary flight reservations (dummy tickets)?

Answer: I do not accept fake flights or unverifiable reservations. Some embassies specifically check these, and this can be a direct reason for refusal. Refundable or flexible tickets are always the best option.

7. How Much Time Do You Spend on One File?

Question: How long do you spend reviewing a visa application?

Answer: It varies by country and by file, but I usually spend between 2 and 15 minutes on a single application. Remember, the file is also pre-checked before it reaches me.

8. Does “Visa Shopping” Cause Problems?

Question: What happens if I get a visa from country X but stay longer in country Y?

Answer: The visa must be obtained from the country where you will spend the most days. If the number of days is equal, you must apply through the country of first entry. If you never go to the country that issued your visa, or if you spend more time in another country, this may cause problems in your next application.

9. What Is a “Green Flag” for Student Visas?

Question: What do you pay attention to in student visa applications?

Answer:

1. Your family owning real estate, which shows your roots.

2. A sincere motivation letter explaining why you chose that school or program.

3. Choosing a field of study related to your background. An unrelated program raises suspicion.

10. Does Having a US or UK Visa Help?

Question: Does having a long-term US or UK visa create a positive impression?

Answer: Yes, it helps. Especially if you have obtained and used these visas properly, meaning you traveled and returned. This shows a reliable travel history.

11. What If I Cancel My Hotel After Applying?

Question: What happens if I cancel my hotel reservation after applying or while the process is ongoing?

Answer: If I see that your hotel reservation has been canceled while I am reviewing your application, I will reject it. This is a very risky move.

12. What About Retirees or Unemployed Applicants?

Question: How are non-working but wealthy applicants evaluated?

Answer: Age itself does not matter, but not working is a disadvantage in terms of “intent to return.” These profiles must convince us they will return by showing property ownership or

very strong financial resources.

13. Do Religion or Nationality Affect the Decision?

Question: Does an applicant’s religion or nationality influence the visa decision?

Answer: Religion is completely irrelevant. However, nationality and the strength of your passport clearly matter. Assessment is based on the country’s migration risk potential.

14. Are Social Media Accounts Checked?

Question: I have an Instagram or TikTok account with many followers where I share my travels. Should I mention it, and do you check it?

Answer: If you mention it in your application, it may be checked. However, the chance that someone will thoroughly examine your social media and make a decision based on it is very low. Still, if you include it to prove that you are an influencer, adding screenshots to your file is safer.

15. Are US or Other Country Refusals Visible in the System?

Question: If I was refused a US visa, do you see that in your system?

Answer: No. We only see refusals from other Schengen countries. US or UK refusals do not appear on our screens. However, a refusal from another Schengen country plays a major role in our decision-making process.

16. Are AI-Generated Travel Plans Detectable?

Question: Are travel plans written by AI tools like ChatGPT or purchased tour packages more effective?

Answer: We immediately recognize plans copied from ChatGPT. Instead, presenting a genuinely paid tour package shows that you have realistic plans and is a plus for us.

17. Does Buying Long-Term Insurance Extend the Visa Duration?

Question: If I purchase two years of travel health insurance, will I get a two-year visa?

Answer: No. The duration of the insurance does not determine the visa duration. The visa length depends entirely on your past visa usage and compliance with the Cascade system.

18. Are Trips to Japan or the Gulf Countries Important?

Question: Does having traveled to Japan or to Gulf countries like Qatar or Dubai help?

Answer: Yes, absolutely. Travel to Japan or GCC countries catches our attention. It shows that you are a genuine tourist with a valued travel history.

19. Are Intercity Transportation Tickets Required?

Question: Are flight and hotel bookings enough, or should I also submit train or bus tickets?

Answer: If you are traveling between multiple countries or cities, it is reasonable and expected to show how you will move between them, such as train tickets or car rental documents.

20. What to Consider in Sponsored Trips

Question: I am a student and my partner or family is covering my expenses. Should I still submit my own bank statements?

Answer: Even if everything is sponsored, I strongly recommend that the applicant also submit their own bank statements. Additionally, a sponsorship letter is very valuable for student visas.

21. Applying From a Country Other Than Your Country of Residence

Question: Can I apply from a country other than the one I am a citizen of?

Answer: If you have legal residence in that country, this is an advantage and you can apply. However, applying for a Schengen visa from another country where you are only a tourist is usually a reason for refusal.

22. For Retirees, Cash Flow or Savings?

Question: I am retired, my monthly pension is low, but I have savings. Which matters more?

Answer: For retirees or non-working applicants, sufficient savings are more important than monthly cash flow.

23. Is a Friend’s Invitation a Red Flag?

Question: Is having a friend in the destination country and obtaining an invitation letter a red flag?

Answer: No. On the contrary, visiting a friend is a great reason to travel, and an invitation letter definitely helps the process.

24. Can Submitting Too Many Documents Backfire?

Question: If I submit far more documents than required to be safe, could the officer get annoyed and reject my application?

Answer: I cannot speak for others, but in my opinion, the more documents, the better. I have never heard of a case being rejected because it created “too much work.” Visa application centers are quite good at organizing documents.

25. What If the Appointment Date Is After the Travel Date?

Question: I could not find a visa appointment, and my appointment date is after my flight date. Will I be rejected?

Answer: Yes, this is a problem. The first thing to do is check whether the dates match. If the travel date has passed, I strongly recommend rescheduling your tickets and reservations to a later date before attending the appointment.

26. What About Wanting to Stay Three Months on the First Application?

Question: I am planning a three-month trip on my first application. Is that acceptable?

Answer: First visas are usually issued for the duration of the trip. However, if you plan to stay for as long as three months, you must submit a return flight ticket. You should also expect questions about how you obtained leave from work or school. A letter from your employer or university confirming this is essential.

27. Are Past Overstays Forgiven?

Question: I overstayed my visa by three days when I was younger. Will this follow me forever?

Answer: Mention it honestly in your cover letter and explain the reason. If you have obtained and correctly used other visas since then, it should no longer be a problem.

28. Is “Pay at the Property” Considered a Fake Reservation?

Question: Does choosing “pay at the property” instead of “pay now” for hotel bookings look like a fake reservation?

Answer: No. Pay-at-property reservations are not considered fake and are accepted.

29. Is Using a Dummy Ticket Risky?

Question: Refundable tickets are expensive. Is it risky to use a dummy ticket?

Answer: In my view, a fake ticket is one that is booked and canceled within 24 hours. A valid flight reservation or PNR can be acceptable. However, if I am suspicious of a profile and see that the reservation was immediately canceled, that is a reason for refusal.

30. Can I Travel to a Different Country Than the One That Issued My Visa?

Question: For example, I got a Norwegian visa, but my plans changed. Can I go directly to Finland without ever visiting Norway?

Answer: Technically, it is allowed because it is a Schengen visa. However, in your next application, you must have a valid reason for not using the visa correctly for the issuing country. Otherwise, you may face problems.

31. Is Transit Through Another Country a Problem?

Question: I have a Spanish visa but my flight transits through Germany. Is it a problem if my passport is stamped by Germany?

Answer: No, this is not a problem. What matters is that your main destination is the country that issued the visa. Author’s note: With digital tracking systems, the length of stay and even background train or flight bookings can be seen in risky cases.

32. Can I Change Countries With a Single-Entry Visa?

Question: I have a single-entry visa. Can I enter through the Netherlands and then go to Spain?

Answer: Yes. “Single entry” means entering the Schengen area once. It does not mean you are restricted to a single country. As long as you do not leave the Schengen area, visiting multiple countries is fine.

33. Do Unpaid Small Fines Abroad Affect the Visa?

Question: I received a small fine in Italy for not buying a bus ticket and did not pay it. Does this affect my record?

Answer: The likelihood is very low, and such a small amount should not be an issue. Author’s note: Fines recorded in state systems may pose a risk. Paying your debts before leaving the country is recommended.

34. Can Someone Who Did Visa Shopping Get a Visa Again?

Question: Would you issue another visa to someone who previously got a Spanish visa but never went there?

Answer: I would definitely be suspicious. Without a logical, credible, and valid reason, this would most likely result in a refusal.

35. In What Order Are Applications Reviewed?

Question: Are files reviewed by travel date or on a first-come, first-served basis?

Answer: Generally, we follow a first-come, first-served approach. However, we may prioritize files with very close travel dates.

36. Does Emailing the Consulate Speed Things Up?

Question: My travel date is approaching. Would emailing the embassy help?

Answer: Yes, sending an email can help speed up the process.

37. Is an Employer Letter Enough Proof of Return?

Question: Does a letter proving that I have a good job show that I will return to my country?

Answer: It depends on the nature of the job. If it is a government position or a very high-paying job that would be difficult to replace abroad, it is strong proof. However, if you have a low-paying job despite your qualifications, it may be seen as risky since you could more easily find work abroad.

38. Which Country Should I Apply Through When Visiting Multiple Countries?

Question: I am visiting multiple countries. Should I apply through the country of first entry or the one where I will stay the longest?

Answer: You must apply through the country where you will spend the most nights. If you only show your first flights, you may receive a visa only for that limited period.

39. Is There Priority for Airline Employees?

Question: Do employees of major airlines like Emirates or Turkish Airlines receive visa facilitation?

Answer: There is no official priority. However, having a job at a prestigious company such as Emirates is always a big plus for your application.

40. Do Past Visas, Including US or Canada, Help?

Question: Do visas from three or four years ago, or US or Canadian visas in my passport, help?

Answer: Absolutely. Every visa you have obtained and used correctly, especially from countries like the US, Canada, or Australia, shows that you are trustworthy.

41. Are Refusals From One Country Visible to Others?

Question: If one country refuses my visa, do other countries see this?

Answer: Yes. We can see all visa refusals from other Schengen countries, and unfortunately, this plays a major role in the decision-making process.

Note: These answers were compiled from the Reddit posts of a visa officer working for a medium-sized European country within the Schengen area.