6 common mistakes Indians make when applying for a Schengen visa — and how to avoid them

Planning a Eurotrip? Avoid these common Schengen visa mistakes to ensure your dream European getaway isn’t stopped at the consulate door.

For many Indians, Europe isn’t just a travel destination — it’s a dream. Whether it’s strolling through Parisian boulevards, cruising along Amsterdam’s canals, or sipping espresso in a sunlit Italian piazza, the continent’s charm is irresistible. But before any of this magic begins, one crucial step can make or break your plans — getting your Schengen visa approved.

Unlike country-specific tourist visas such as those for the UK or Thailand, the Schengen visa covers 29 European nations, allowing travellers to move freely across most of the continent with a single permit. However, this unmatched convenience comes with stricter scrutiny — even small errors in your application can lead to rejection.

The Schengen system follows standardised checks across all member countries, meaning one oversight can derail your plans. A rejection doesn’t just cost you time and money — it can also affect your chances of future approvals. That’s why preparation, accuracy, and documentation are everything.

If you’re planning a Eurotrip in 2025, here’s what you must know about the process — and six common mistakes to avoid.

One of the most common reasons for Schengen visa rejection is missing paperwork. Applicants often forget to include recent bank statements, employment letters, or proof of accommodation. Even a small mismatch in details — such as inconsistent dates between your itinerary and flight bookings — can trigger suspicion.

Many travellers make the mistake of applying through the wrong country’s embassy. For instance, if you’re entering Europe via Germany but plan to spend most of your trip in Italy, your application should go to the Italian embassy, not Germany’s.

European embassies want assurance that visitors can financially support themselves during their stay. Submitting bank statements with low balances, unclear income sources, or sudden large deposits often raises red flags.

Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applications, yet many overlook the policy’s coverage amount or duration. The insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid across all Schengen states.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date, with two blank pages for stamping. Torn, damaged, or expired passports are instant rejection triggers.

Consulates look for strong reasons to believe you’ll return to India after your trip — such as a stable job, family, or property ownership. A history of overstaying or visa violations in any country can severely impact approval chances.

A Schengen visa is your gateway to Europe’s dream destinations — from the Alps of Switzerland to the beaches of Greece. But with rejection rates hovering around 20–25% for first-time applicants, careful planning is essential.

Double-check your documents, choose the right embassy, and avoid these common mistakes to make your European adventure stress-free from the very first step. After all, your dream of exploring Europe shouldn’t end at the visa counter.