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Applying for a Schengen visa is an important step for anyone planning to visit Europe for tourism, business, study or to meet family. However, every year millions of applicants face disappointment when their visas are refused. Recent statistics show that Schengen consulates reject around 14 to 15 percent of applications, which means more than 1.7 million refusals in a year.
The good news is that many refusals are avoidable. They often happen because of incomplete documents, unclear travel plans or weak proof that the applicant will return home on time. In this guide, we explain the most common Schengen visa rejection reasons, how the decision is made and what you can do to improve your chances of success, especially if you are applying from Pakistan.
All Schengen embassies and consulates follow the same rules laid down in the EU Visa Code, particularly Article 32, which lists official grounds for refusing a visa.
When you submit your application, the visa officer checks:
If one or more of these conditions are not satisfied, the visa can be refused, and the refusal letter will show which article and reason was used. Understanding these reasons helps you prepare a stronger, more convincing application.
Below are some of the main grounds on which Schengen visas are frequently refused, based on official rules and recent practice by consulates.
One of the most common rejection reasons is missing, incomplete or wrongly prepared documents. Examples include:
Carefully follow the document checklist of the embassy you are applying to and double check every form, date and spelling before submission.
You must prove that you can finance your entire trip, including travel, accommodation, food and other expenses, without working illegally in Europe. If your bank balance seems low, if there are unexplained large deposits or if your income is not stable, the consulate may doubt your financial capacity.
If your purpose of visit is not clearly shown, the visa officer may suspect that your real intention is different, such as working or staying longer than allowed. Typical issues include:
Schengen embassies want to be sure that you will return home before your visa expires. If they feel you might overstay, your application is at high risk of refusal. Weak ties may include:
Schengen rules require travel medical insurance that:
If your insurance does not meet these conditions, your visa can be refused.
If you have previously overstayed a visa, been deported, or violated immigration laws in any country, this can seriously hurt your chances. Likewise, if you ignored conditions of a previous Schengen visa, the consulate may refuse a new one.
Submitting fake reservations or suspicious documents is a serious issue. Consulates often verify bookings with airlines and hotels, and if they cannot confirm them, they may consider the entire application unreliable.
Your passport must meet Schengen requirements. Rejections can happen if:
Visa officers compare the details in your application form, supporting documents and any interview statements. Inconsistencies, such as different employment details, mismatched dates or conflicting travel plans, create suspicion of dishonesty or poor preparation.
If the applicant is considered a security risk, has certain criminal records or appears on international warning lists, the visa will normally be refused under Article 32 of the Visa Code.
For most ordinary travellers, this is not an issue, but the embassy will still run necessary checks.
Sometimes applications are rejected because they were submitted to the wrong Schengen country or under the wrong visa type. For example, applying for a tourist visa while your real purpose is study or work.
Use these guidelines to make your case stronger and reduce the risk of refusal:
Apply at least fifteen days before travel and up to six months in advance, so you have time to correct any issues if needed.
Each consulate publishes a document checklist for different visa types. Always download the latest version from the official website and follow it exactly.
Avoid overly packed or unrealistic plans that look artificial. A simple but detailed itinerary is better than something confusing.
Consulates want to see that you are settled in your home country. Consistent job or business history, regular income and responsible banking make a good impression.
A short one to two page cover letter can tie your application together. It should explain your purpose of travel, travel dates, itinerary, funding and your commitment to return.
Any attempt to hide facts or submit fake documents can easily lead to a long term loss of credibility and repeated refusals. Always be truthful, even if your situation is not perfect.
Applicants from Pakistan are often asked for extra clarity about finances, ties to home country and travel purpose. Consulates may look closely at:
If these are weak, the risk of refusal increases. A carefully prepared file with clear financial and family ties to Pakistan can significantly improve your chances.
Preparing a complete and convincing Schengen visa file can be stressful, especially if it is your first time or if you have faced a refusal before. With more than thirty five years of experience in travel and visa support, Malik Express Travel and Tours can guide you at every step.
Here is how Malik Express can assist you:
By working with a professional team, you reduce the risk of simple mistakes and present a clearer, stronger application to the embassy.
A Schengen visa rejection can be disappointing, but it is not the end of your European travel dreams. Most refusals are based on clear, understandable reasons linked to documentation, financial proof, travel purpose or doubts about return. Once you know these issues, you can correct them and submit a more solid application next time.
If you are planning to apply for a Schengen visa from Pakistan and want expert help with documents, itinerary, insurance and bookings, reach out to Malik Express Travel and Tours. Their experienced team can help you avoid common mistakes and give your file the professional polish it deserves before it reaches the embassy desk.